Eiserne Forest

The Eiserne Forest covers a large portion of Northern Ravenguard, at the northwest. Thought to be an ominous location thanks to its atmosphere, dangerous wildlife, and thick foliage; the depths of the forest are largely unexplored in person. The forest grows outward every year, gradually reducing the amount of Northern Ravenguard land that is usable by civilized society. The ironmarrow tree is the most common type of tree found within; its easy propagation and fast growth is the primary reason behind the Eiserne Forest's expansion. This also gives the forest an interesting makeup of many different tree species near the center, but almost exclusively ironmarrows near its edges.

Because the forest's size increases every year, an uninhabited buffer zone intended for the forest to grow into was created along its border. With the zone in place, citizens wouldn't be concerned about new tree growth potentially destroying their infrastructure for at least a century or so. The present day area of the buffer zone is less than half of its original size, so people living close to the edge of the zone will be seeing trees pop up near them within the next few decades. The Eiserne Forest's growth can certainly be slowed with logging and controlled burns, but never stopped entirely.

The forest is shrouded in fog for most days of the year, and the thick canopy in some areas reduces the amount of light that reaches the ground. A small sample of known animals that live in the Eiserne Forest include squirrels, wolves, feirrin, deer, foxes, mice, bears, silver-metal worms, elk, owls, feirric, snakes, lynxes, and rabbits. While the vast majority of the forest is considered hazardous and citizens are discouraged from entering it, a decent-sized area surrounding Zaergenzeral is considered safe, and contains numerous hiking trails and designated hunting grounds.

Only two Ichauri-irin settlements exist within the Eiserne Forest: Zaergenzeral and Hunter's Rest. The populations of these areas are far smaller than others of similar size, consisting only of those who are willing to risk living with the dangers coming out of the woods nearby.

Eiserne Lake

Near the center of the Eiserne Forest is Eiserne Lake, a body of water that has a unique deep red color, and has a layer of fog always floating above the water. The air near the lake has a metallic smell to it, but is not overpowering. The water is undrinkable, contaminated with microorganisms, debris, and gross fluids. It retains its red color when treated, but is safe to drink. Eiserne Lake is not used as a water source for the needs of citizens because of the water's color and the risks associated with constructing and maintaining a water treatment facility within Eiserne Forest's hazardous zone.

There is one river and multiple connected streams collectively known as Eiserne's Nerve branching out of the lake, sprawling out into nearby areas. Residents of Hunter's Rest will see parts of Eiserne's Nerve in their daily routines, since it runs around and through the settlement. Both the hunters and the animals must take care not to eat things that grow in or close to the water, lest they become ill. Eiserne's Nerve runs in proximity to Lake Miller, but as of now has not cross-contaminated it, to the relief of those who live in Hunter's Rest.

Eiserne Lake plays a major role in the ceremonies carried out by followers of Mestrious Flare. A dilapidated shed can be found near the easternmost end of the lake, used as a place of respite for Mestrious Flare that even the other two Eolin-fal are discouraged from entering. At the edge of the lake by that shed is a metal grate that extends over the lake's surface, dirtied and rusted from constantly making contact with the water. During his designated "holiday," Mestrious Flare sits on a stool that is placed on the grate, and orders his attending followers to pour the blood they've gathered prior directly into the lake, or over his armor. This ceremony, as well as the offerings Mestrious Flare's followers drop into the lake year-round, is certainly part of why the water is in its current state.

Hunter's Rest

A much smaller settlement than Zaergenzeral, Hunter's Rest is an area whose population consists mostly of—you guessed it—hunters. While not an official declaration, Hunter's Rest is often thought of as a part of Zaergenzeral due to their proximity and being the only communities within the Eiserne Forest. Beginning as a campground for courageous hunters, it became a permanent residential area led by an appointed sheriff for creatures looking for a mostly quiet and self-sufficient—but unsafe—life.

Hunter's Rest is composed of two parts: a square with a small number of family-owned shops and residences clustered together, and isolated residences scattered about within a several-mile radius. Those who live in the square have easier access to luxuries and resources due to neighbors living close by and paved roads that directly connect the square to Zaergenzeral gates. The isolated residences are best for those who wish to be left alone and are capable of taking care of themselves. Living in one of these homes is a lot less expensive than in the square, but at the costs of having less conveniences and greater risk of wildlife attacks. Both parts of Hunter's Rest have access to Lake Miller, a freshwater lake that is used as a primary water source and a recreational spot.

The population of Hunter's Rest is so small due to the settlement not having the same protections from the environmental dangers as Zaergenzeral. While Mestrious Flare occasionally comes to the area and culls the problem Etai-irin, the highest number of wild animal attacks in Chirua still occur here. Several other similarly sized villages or towns located within forests exist in the continent and do not have this severe a problem, seeming to be an issue unique to the Eiserne Forest. Occasionally, the reason why a property in Hunter's Rest is for sale is that its previous owners were mauled to death by predators. Despite the real risks and dangers, some people will find reason to live in such places.

What brings creatures to Hunter's Rest despite the hazards are factors such as seclusion and usage/collection of natural resources without requiring permits. The sheriff has confirmed that each resident will receive a monetary reward for every problem animal killed, which has no limit to help reduce problem animal populations and prevent them from encroaching on territory both inside and outside the Eiserne Forest. The costs of the properties in Hunter's Rest are also lower than the averages for nearby cities and towns, to add another lure for creatures that are willing to actively take care of the forest's problem, if only partially.