"A lake the size of a country and the depth of an abyss lies before you, its waters tremulous and insubstantial, like a veil waiting to be pulled back."[1]
The Drowned Forest, also called the Drowning Forests, is a vast alpine forest that has been entirely submerged[2] under a lake of breathable water.[3] The forest is dotted with Swiss castles,[4] and old Fingerkings sleep amidst its treetops.[5]
The Forest serves as a great hatchery of the Fingerkings, who lay their eggs at the bottom of the lake; some speculate that they originated here.[6] Many years ago, the Viscount of the Viric Jungle invaded the Forest with the Viscountess and their feline armies, aiming to strike at the dream-snakes' heart. Finding themselves outnumbered, the Viscount chose to stay behind and keep watch while the others escaped, so that he could provide a warning if any new Fingerkings hatched.[7] The water transformed him[8] into a part of the castle he remained in,[9] allowing him to remain eternally vigilant.[8]
↑Enter the Drowned Forest, Fallen London"Draped in the treetops like Christmas decorations are a few vivid coils: old Fingerkings, the Viscountess tells you. Pay them no heed, lest they wake."
↑Ask what became of him, Fallen London"We breached the Drowning Forests [...] The spawning ground of the Fingerkings. A thousand fortresses drowned in a lake, at the bottom of which they lay their eggs. It may even be where they originated, but Parabola is treacherous."
↑Ask what became of him, Fallen London"We were too few to achieve victory. My love sounded the retreat – but did not himself fall back. He meant to stay behind, hidden. He intended to stand sentinel in the Castle and maintain watch over the enemy. Should our enemy ever rise in force, he would give us warning."
↑ 8.08.1Listen to the Viscount, Fallen London"It was inevitable. The water is alchemic in its method, capricious in its nature. [...] I had to change to stay. But it is better this way. I still watch them. In case of spawning. In case they return for their children."
↑Approach the Sentinel's Redoubt, Fallen London"What you had taken for a gargoyle opens its mouth. Its eyes are pearl, its jaw hung with weeds. Its flesh is coral and stone. But its face is unmistakably feline. The Viscount."
