
The Dormont Forest is said to have emerged over ten thousand years ago, formed during a time of great magical upheaval when the earth itself was in a state of transformation. Ancient texts suggest that primordial forces of nature infused the land with life, giving rise to towering trees, winding streams, and diverse wildlife. Tribes of early humans revered the forest as sacred, believing it to be a dwelling place for the gods, where every rustling leaf and babbling brook told a story.
As millennia passed, the forest became home to the enigmatic figure, the Woman of the Wood. Initially a beloved protector of the forest, she was celebrated for her wisdom and connection to nature. However, driven by loneliness and a desire for power, she made a fateful pact with dark forces, sacrificing her identity to gain immense magical abilities. This choice transformed her into a fearsome witch, shunned by the people she once aided. Her appearance became hideous, and she fled deeper into the woods, cursed and haunted by her past.
The curse of the Woman of the Wood cast a long shadow over the Dormont Forest. Over time, tales of her dark magic permeated the folklore of the towns of Bromsgrove, Easthedge, and Woodfell. Woodsmen whispered about shadows dancing at the forest’s edge, while farmers recounted encounters with ghostly figures in the moonlight. Tensions rose as each generation grappled with her legacy, often blaming Ursool for poor harvests or misfortunes.
Despite the haunting tales, the townsfolk of Bromsgrove, Easthedge, and Woodfell persevered, cultivating their land and establishing a close-knit community. Each town developed its own customs and traditions, with festivals held in honor of the life-giving spirit of the forest, even as some elders warned of the mysterious presence lurking within. The townsfolk relied on the forest’s resources, living in harmony with nature while remaining vigilant against its secrets.
As the centuries passed, lore about Ursool evolved, transforming her from a malevolent witch to a misunderstood figure representing the balance of nature and the consequences of unchecked desire. The townsfolk began to recognize the importance of respecting the forest and its ancient magic. Stories of healing herbs and protective charms grew alongside cautionary tales, creating a multifaceted narrative woven into the very fabric of Dormont’s culture.
In the present day, the Dormont Forest is thriving, yet it still holds the weight of its past. Visitors and scholars come to explore its depths, intrigued by the complex relationship between the woodland towns and the Woman of the Wood. While many now seek to harness the forest’s magic for good, some seek to confront the legends, questioning the curse’s validity and whether the Woman of the Wood might still reside among the trees as a guardian waiting for redemption or a spirit forever lost.