Deep in the forests of southern Cottenhorn, a hidden grove of Ursinians and Smallkin make their home among the trees. The grove is a commune that follows the Path. The people of the grove are not overly keen on outsiders, but tolerate those that show respect to their beliefs. About a hundred individuals live here, mostly in families of similar species.
Most inhabitants live in caves and in tree-top huts connected with branching walkways. The village is centered on a circle of upright stones surrounding a large Glowoak tree.
The grove is guarded by armed Ursinians on the ground, and Smallkin Treeguards scurry around the treetops wielding staff-slings. Some inhabitants also have druidic powers.
It is not known why the animals of this part of the forest awakened. Some of the more scholarly-minded ursinians have tried to uncover their origin, but have come up empty-handed so far.
Inhabitants
Quest, the Philosopher
(pandakin, TN): The closest thing the grove has to a leader, Quest is the village elder. Wields powerful druidic magic. He can usually be found strolling through the Sanctuary speaking with its people. Rarely seen without a stalk of bamboo in his paw.
Phoebe
(red pandakin, CG): An intelligent young woman who wants to see the world outside the grove. Ever tinkering with her inventions, she lives with her parents in a treetop hut, farming laceberries and bearnettle.
Ol' Paddy
(grizzlykin, NG): A heavy-set great ursinian who runs The Old Oak, a restaurant in a hollowed-out oak log that lies across a ravine. Inside creatures of all size can enjoy a well-cooked meal or some honey-mead.