Aalen Lake and Stream (Grove Water)

By Aerallyn Zelpher

Aalen Forest, my heart and home. This is where I have bonded with forest, the physical manifestation of my vow as a Sylvan. My imprinted grove is in the forest south of a lake. The small freshwater Aalen Lake and stream, deep in the Aalen forest, is my chosen “Grove Water”. This lake is just north of my grove.


The Aalen Stream originates from the Vashnar Mountains that surrounds and hides the Aalen forest. A small waterfall, cascades down into a small pool flanked by a pair of flawlessly symmetrical giant redwoods. From this pool, the Aalen Stream flows south of the Tsol’aa Village, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna in the forest. The stream finally terminates in the Aalen Lake. This body of water is the lifeblood of the Aalen Forest.

The stream and lake provides water for many of the plants and animals in the Aalen. Most notably, the growth of the giant redwood trees that is unique to the Aalen would not be possible without the purity and special properties of the water. Even the normally malodorous skunk cabbages that grow along the banks have a far more pleasant odour. The curious property in the water has nullified the unpleasant stench quite effectively. Along the banks, grass and ferns grows with unmatched lushness and vibrancy. The lake banks provide open skies and more sunlight to penetrate to the lower strata of the forest. The smaller plants, such as grass and ferns, grow bigger and thicker, with unmatched lushness and vibrancy. And the animals can be found basking in the warm sun. In the water, kelp grows in abundance, providing shelter and food for the fishes.

On the water and along the banks, one can find rabbits, foxes, grizzly bears, tiny winged fairies, the feared forest basilisks and two unique species of butterfly, the funeral duskywing and the morning cloak. Their tracks can be found at the edge of the water, where they have come down to drink. In the small lake, there live miniature freshwater fish, yellow perch, blue eel, striped shad, rock bass, catfish, marble carp, giant chubsucker, eastern mooneye, pike and sturgeon. The stream yields river fish, such as longnose darter, bearded pikefish, black crappie, walleye, trout and giant salmon.

The Tsol’aa Village lies north of the stream. They make their homes in the treetops of living giant redwood trees of the Aalen Forest. The Tsol’aa in the Aalen lives in the traditional way of life, studying and furthering their knowledge of both magic and nature. The village depends on the Aalen stream and lake in many ways. Firstly, the lake and stream provides water for the villagers: water for drinking and cooking, water for the redwood trees that form their homes, guardhouses and shops in the village, water for their gardens and everyday activities. Besides that, the lake and stream provides water for the animals in the forest. The animals, in turn, provide food and clothing for the inhabitants. Tremayn, the Tsol’aa forager, is often seen foraging near the banks, looking for anything that may be needed by his people.

Due to their closeness and studies in nature, the Tsol’aa take special care of the lake and stream, keeping the water clean and unpolluted. It is unclear but not impossible that the magical properties of the water may have shaped the Tsol’aa studies in magic or that the Tsol’aas magic may have caused the magical properties in the water.

The Aalen stream and lake is intricately linked to the plants, animals and people that lives in the Aalen forest. If the purity of the water is affected in anyway, the life that depends on it will be adversely affected as well.