The western border between Enymu and Nektuna is marked by one of Alaria's great mysteries: an entire forest transformed into stone.
Every tree stands petrified in perfect detail—bark, branches, leaves, all gray stone. Animals caught in the transformation remain frozen: birds mid-flight, deer mid-leap, a bear eternally rising on its hind legs. The forest is silent except for wind through stone branches.
The Forbidden Zone: Entry to the Stone Forest is forbidden by ancient pact between Enymu and Nektuna. No one remembers exactly when the pact was made or why. Everyone knows the rule: stay out.
The Titan Crystals: In the roots of the stone trees grow crystalline formations that ring at a frequency only titans can hear. If disturbed by sentient touch, these crystals might wake the Hykravones—slumbering titans buried deep beneath the earth.
The Wardens: Enymu's Stone Wardens patrol the forest's borders, turning away anyone who approaches. They don't enter the forest themselves. They just make sure no one else does.
The Pressure: Scholars from Tarkhetan want access. They call the pact "superstition." High Warden Gellert and Lord Councillor Beren have refused. But King Selron has been pressuring King Aldric, and Aldric trusts Selron...