Can you tell us a bit about Lesser Faydark?
Morticus: Well, Lesser Fay or LFay as it's called by some – is the smaller extension of the Faydark forest in the continent of Faydwer. Much has changed to the forest over the last four to five hundred years, which is easily noticeable with a quick look around. The first thing you will notice is that the zone is pretty much devoid of trees, but is now filled with huge towering mushrooms, twisted overgrowing vines and gigantic flowers. I really think it gives the zone a great sense of magic and wonder, especially over the traditional coniferous forests you find in most fantasy games. Tunare hasn't forgotten her followers that reside within the Lesser Fay either, which is evident by the Great Tree that grows within her grove in the Northern part of the zone. Some say that the Great Tree sprouted from a seed taken from Tunare's home within the Plane of Growth.
Lesser Faydark features ravenous plant growth. Can you explain the events that lead to all this incredible growth?
Morticus: Oh yeah, the Loa'Sur river that flows from the Emerald Halls is to blame. The water that runs through and permeates the forest of the Lesser Fay is rich in life and growth, all due to the influence caused by the Bloom of Growth Wuoshi is guarding in the Emerald Halls. At the beginning of the Age of Cataclysms during the Rending, a tremor cracked open the lair in which Wuoshi and the Bloom of Growth had been hiding. This fissure within the mountains allowed for light to shine upon the Bloom and water to flow into the Lesser Faydark. Before Tunare left her plane with the gods, she wanted to be sure that she left something behind in her absence… Wary of trusting her beloved Elves due to their invasion of her plane and attacks on the inhabitants there, she deemed them unworthy and sought another. (Bad bad adventurers!) She noticed Wuoshi, a dragon well learned in druidic magics and felt she could entrust him enough to guard the Bloom in her absence. She bade Wuoshi to hide it deep within the mountains and agreeing to guard it with his life, Tunare endowed him with some of her power, thus making Wuoshi the Guardian of Growth.
Can you describe the population in Lesser Faydark and what it's significance is in EQ2?
Morticus: The magical nature of the creatures there has allowed them to survive through the Rending and the overpowering nature of the Bloom. Lots of our old favorites are still there in Lesser Faydark… Brownies, Unicorns, Fae Drakes, Fairies, Wisps and the like, have all managed to survive there for hundreds of years… It's even been said by travelers passing through the Shadowed Grove that Equestrielle the Corrupted can be seen from time to time, yet no one at any of the taverns has managed to prove they've seen her…
The Court of the Fae is an extension of Queen Amree and the peoples that resides within the city of Kelethin. They are there to maintain a hold on the Lesser Faydark from the Void creatures that have been passing through into the region. The Nybright Family are the descendants and various criminal types that have chosen to align themselves with the family and their bandit like ways. The followers of Wu that exist in the Northwestern portion of the Lesser Faydark are those loyal to Wu the Enlightened and continue to meditate on his teachings and those of Zan Fi from ages past. The Satyr of the Fugutr Tribe are devout followers of Tunare and exist to help protect the Emerald Halls from those wishing to cause harm to the Bloom of Growth or obtain it for their own use. The Thexians that exist within the region have returned after many years of absence and have been ramping up their efforts in the region. They have been sent by Prince Talvus Thex to obtain an ancient artifact hidden somewhere within the Wu Encampment and are on strict orders not to return empty handed…
