the forest and sons of the forest story connection (possible spoilers)

[Zoots]

I never got far in "the forests" story. I'm seeing references to the forest though in son of the forest. How much do I need to understand about hte previous game to understand this ones story? Or is it fairly self contained?

[mwperk0122]

as far as I know the games story is largely independent but some things might make more sense if you played the first game. For example the Cannibals and mutants have a different origin in this game.

[NickTwist]

I think there is one thing that sort of connects the games, it is something in the caves...