So I took my time reviewing this one since I knew it was gonna be big. I'd enjoyed following along with your process on the server, but my word seeing all those little pieces come together to form this faction is such a payoff.
I love thematics so much, but you've emphasized them USING preexisting lore. For example local guides requiring a card because quite literally the card represents a denizen OF the clearing you're in (fox etc.). Little details like that stack up, and this faction seems airtight with them!
The artwork is for sure amazing, but you've captured the specific feeling of WONDER in each character... Down to the meeples. Looks like they're so excited to be there.
And come on, the scoring mechanism of doing sightseeing is cute, fits the woodland, and even leads to a really sweet mechanic! And they seem surprisingly balanced on first look as well! It makes me wanna theorycraft how to get a token on its own, though I'm sure that would def be matchup dependent. (Imagine it with VB, birds, lizards... Dang)
I do think there should be a lil spot to put souvenirs. Doesn't need to be there, just would be sooo sweet! You've def left yourself with the mechanics to support more design space, and even more importantly... Given the faction an engine that lets em make impactful and varying decisions each turn.
Fantastic work, and a favourite of mine