There have been multiple sightings of an Adult Green Dragon soaring over the forest canopies. Where it makes its lair and accounts on its size are varied, but all are in agreement that it would be best to leave it alone.
The Taisan Khanate and the Shaneier Elves are locked in an ongoing skirmish along the western border. Trying to cross the western border in this region will be crossing an active battlefield area. The Shaneier Elves hold the eastern forest areas, and the Taisan Khanate hold the western plains areas.
In the forests east of the Heartwood Vale, there is an ancient staff with significant ties to elemental power. Unfortunately, it also has a mind of its own and is sentient. The staff is difficult to locate because it moves around quite a bit by floating through the air at quick speeds. But most people seem to think that anyone that can catch it, and convince it to play nice, would have a power staff at their disposal.