Heisong Forest

Heisong Forest is a region characterized by magnificent pine groves located in northern Lingshen. The region is the least fortified part of the militaristic country, but the local magic users and nature devotees make up for it. Invaders are repelled by the flora and fauna rising up to defend the cities.

Culture

The groves are home to communities of tengu and kitsune and others with a love of nature and craftsmanship. Art and nature are both held in high regard, leading to a blending of beautiful architecture and naturalism. Poetry, music, and painting are also popular.

Legends

Locals claim that Lingshen's tradition of calligraphy was born from Heisong. As the story goes, a local artist protested the planned building of a castle within a city's walls through a written argument with calligraphy so beautiful that the noble responsible immediately abandoned the plan.

Folk legends related to the Tian Xia zodiac state that the legendary hero Tian Shen championed the final challenge of the 12 Impossible Trials of the Zodiac in Anjing, a settlement in Heisong's southeast. The tales say he lost an archery challenge due to his opponent's aggressive taunting, leading him to spend months mastering and balancing his qi through the practice of qigong. Tian Shen won the rematch through his renewed focus by striking the bullseye with every shot, each perfectly splitting his previous arrow. The constellation of the Archer is said to depict this event.