Meam's Wood

To the south of the Cairn Hills, lays an area of thick wood and marsh known as Meam's Wood. It is a place that is avoided by common folk, since the place has a reputation that exceeds that of the Cairns in unpleasentness.

It is believed that Meam sought refuge here after he had been driven out by his father, and that the place picked up on his poisonous, hate filled thoughts and made them real. Most of the stories of strange beasts that dwell here now are just stories, but not all of them. The occasional beast is caught or killed on the edge of the region, but darker things are said to dwell in the deepest parts.

Geography

There is little in the way of a definite border to the north. The Cairn Hills become wooded in their southernmost extremities, and gradually drop down towards the marshes. At some point, the woods thicken enough for the fell beasts to be found hunting, but the exact point changes from year to year.

The marshland is not particularly deep or unpleseant - there are worse marshes to be found. They are however quite extensive, and the addition of the creatures that dwell there is what makes them notable. Most the the marshland is also wooded, though the woods are somewhat lighter than in the dryer parts of Meam's Wood.

Men of the Wood

Despite the hardships to be had living here, for those with disagreements with the Queen's Justice, it can be a better home than elsewhere. It is an accepted fact that anyone who dwells here is beyond the reach of the law, since few are willing to persue far into the place.

Because of this, there are a number of outlaw bands who have made a home here. They survive by hunting, raiding surrounding villages and caravans, or stealing from each other. There is little in the way of cooperation between any of the groups.