Redwood Forest

Somewhere secluded in the Redwood forest, one can find the Crystalmer Grove. Years and years of rain dissolved the chalk in the soil and created a cavity, which has collapsed and now forms an enormous cavern. Water still flows from the edge to the bottom and feeds the shallow lake underneath it. With the small beach on the shores, the Crystalmer Grove is a beloved location by many animals. Wolves come here to bathe and swim,to play or just to take a nap in the only place where the sunlight filters through the barrier of Redwood trees. Compared to the darkness of the forest, Crystalmer Grove is a place of light, love and peace.

At the edge of the forest, humans have built a settlement. The village consists of a few houses and meadows. At the edge, you can find an abandoned factory. Most animals stay away from the humans, given the extreme danger they pose. With their weapons, they are able to take out most animals with a few shots. Wolves who approach the human settlement are either too curious or desperate for food. The sheep and cows who graze in the meadows are easy prey, but the humans are fiercely protective of their cattle. The conflict between humans and wolves is an ancient and still ongoing strife between the two species, and it is unlikely that it will end soon.

Close to the settler's village, the humans established a few meadows for their cattle. The fences they used are not strong or high enough to keep out the wolves, and the sheep and cows are more than attractive to predators who are looking for an easy meal. Still, the fear of the weapons of the humans is enough to keep most animals far away. Many have fallen to their tricks and traps. If you are desperate enough to sneak up on the village, you better use the cover of darkness to hide your tracks. And always - always - be ready to run for your life.

All of the water in the area assembles in the river, which flows through the boreal forest. The many rapids and waterfalls make it a dangerous place to cross. Animals who fall in will meet certain death: the strong current pulls them under the surface until they drown, or they will break most of their bones on the rocks inside the river itself. There are three places where the river flows calmer and where the water shallow enough for one to survive the crossing. These highways are clusters of activity from all kinds of animals, so attractive to different predators.

The river plunges from the top of the mountain to the basin, hundreds of meter lower, with a force that can't be compared to anything else. A fall from that height is lethal without any doubt. Water vapour forms a thick fog that covers the lower parts of the river and animals will become wet even if they are not directly under the waterfall.The water flows a lot slower after the enormous drop, making it suitable to take a bath or to cross, before the river flows into the plains.