Forest of Voices: History and Rumors

Entering the Forest of Voices from any direction seems safe enough. The trees are well spaced and the view clear at first. Within a few steps though, it becomes apparent that the forest isn't what it seems. Ridges curl blocking line of sight, the ground does not hold a footprint making backtracking difficult, and the trees all look remarkably the same. A sharp-eyed individual might notice ranger's marks on certain trees. Although, one who is truly lost has a good chance of being found by Zhistay, the gnomish woman who cares for the Forest of Voices. Her chin-length dark hair and sparkling deep brown eyes are often a welcome sight to those that inadvertently wander into the Forest of Voices. She has a wicked sense of humor, however, and isn't above playing harmless pranks on those passing through.

The Forest of Voices, near the base of the Spine Mountains, has weathered time, tsunamis, hurricanes, attempts at logging, even surviving Bloodstone's occupation. Why this little forest has shown such resilience has been asked more than once, and everyone has an opinion. One might say that it's far enough inland to avoid the worst destruction. Another might point out that the trees, while tall, have skinny trunks and make poor firewood, and the wood is too soft for building. Several will point out the Zhistay's staunch position on logging and hunting. And a large number of folks, especially those around Gi, will speak of the how'aki.

A legend of the forest since the first man set foot in it, the how'aki appear to be similar to the chindan monkeys according to those that claim to have seen them. It is said they are all slightly different, and each seems to be bound to a distinct tree. No investigation by any reputable scholar has turned up the slightest evidence of their existence, but eyewitness accounts (encounters are always when an individual is alone) are around the northern part of the Telish Throne. Typical recollections:

I thought it was a pretty little monkey at first, but then I looked closer. It was clinging to the tree, talking like the monkeys do, but it had gold fur and the white face didn't have any nose or mouth; just really big dark eyes that watched me as I walked. I could not see where the noises were coming from because like I said, it had no mouth...

Was tiny and smaller than a monkey. Was on a branch looking at me. Tail was long with a tuft at the end, monkeys don't got those. Big eyes all black and seemed deep somehow; like if you stared at it you'd get sucked in. Seemed to be chattering but didn't see any mouth on it. Weirdest thing. Told the wife; she thinks it was a chindan born wrong. But you had to see them eyes. Wasn't no monkey.

I was touched by a how'aki; just before I made this sword. I believe the spirit blessed me as I paid homage to its tree and picked branches shed by its tree for the forge. It came down the trunk and watched me. I prayed to Her Eyes for the health of the tree, and that it would give more of its body to the ground for us to use. And the little how'aki reached out and touched my hand with one finger. They only have three fingers on each hand. Then I came back and started this weapon, and it is my finest work.

Those who believe in the spirits revere them and believe killing one is akin to murder. Chopping down a tree that has a how'aki living with it, will also kill the little spirit according to stories. Even the wood-hungry Denshou passes on this forest for that reason'validity of the spirits or not. However, for every person that believes in the how'aki, there is one who insists people are seeing what they want to in the faces of the chindan monkeys. And while she is often asked, Guardian of the Forest of Voices, Zhistay will only murmur through an enigmatic smile that there is more in the forest than any man can imagine.