Nizlek's Nest
Abandoned Hoard of Nizlek the Black
Dark shadows and clouds obscure the ground, warning against the chaos that lies in the swamps of the north. From the glowing shores of the Torterrim's home, the blackness stands stalwart, warding against those that might find curiosity in their fear. Few would dare to wander the darkness, stumbling in swamps and around cragged rocks. Untold horrors wait beneath the darkness, waiting for those unlucky enough, or maybe even dumb enough, to enter the realm of monsters.
The swamps of the north hold many secrets, from the existence of the Orcs and where they came from, untold horrors that have nothing to do with the Eldritch War, and the hoard of a once great Dragon. Each of these alone would make the Moorlands an unsavory place for anyone to travel, but all the secrets make the swamps a place to never travel for fear of immediate death. The powers at be have created an interesting hierarchy that even fearsome creatures do not disturb.
For centuries, these swamps were under the reign of Nizlek the Black, a powerful Black Dragon that dared claim his territory in the realm of Metallic Dragons. The Orcs and other monstrous creatures were granted sanctuary for their subservience, creating a land of horrors tucked between two rivers and the Spine of Kallex. The reign of Nizlek the Black would continue for millennia, but once the Black Dragon disappeared, few trusted that he was truly gone. They refused to reclaim the landscape, treating the abandoned nest as a sort of holy shrine to the great Dragon.
History
Nizlek the Black
Nizlek the Black
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Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang
Once the ruler of the Moorlands, Nizlek the Black has seemingly disappeared in recent years, leaving his hoard and land to the Orcs and others that had once served him.
Nizlek was the first to claim the area at the base of the Spine of Kallex between the Feyline and the Wilderrun closest to Lake Idryl as his own. Once similar to the Fairy King's Wood, this land was full of magic and greenery, but the Dragon chose to turn the land to his whim. Using a ritual, Nizlek turned the area into mire and bog, slowly cursing the area as his power grew.
Throughout the years, his power as a Sorcerer continued to grow and Nizlek established a stronghold that would become known as his nest. Here he kept his great hoard, comprised of all manner of things that the Dragon had collected over the years. This stronghold was built on one of the only natural swamps in the area, heightening the magic that had been cast over the area.
The Orcs were invited into Nizlek's homeland when they were a young and impressionable race. Their duty was to serve the great Dragon, but no one was to set foot inside the nest for fear of death or even worse at Nizlek's hands. This hearty fear would prove helpful when the Dragon eventually disappeared.
It is said that Nizlek the Black is one of the monsters slain by the Paladin of Dreadfall but few believe that this actually took place. A monster as powerful as he would not be slain by the likes of a simple Paladin. Even so, the nest has been left abandoned for years, without a trace of a Dragon entering or leaving. Those that call the Moorlands home treat the nest with reverence, worshipping the stronghold piled high with blackened bones like a holy shrine. Only a select few of the Orcs are allowed near to place offerings and lament the loss of their once great god.
Nizleks Nest
Nizlek's Nest
by
Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang
While abandoned, the entrance to Nizlek's Nest is revered by monsters and creatures alike as a holy location, one to be viewed from afar and to be left alone. It is believed that the great Black Dragon will return some day to claim his hoard and no one wishes to draw the ire of such a monster.
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Author's Notes
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