Orc Fens, Nnugorvos
Pronunciation: nug-ORVOSS
Map Index: D-3
Location: Southwest Aorlan
Geography: The Orc Fens, known by the orcs as Nnugorvos is situated in the southwestern reaches of Aorlan. It presents a treacherous and unique landscape shaped by both geological upheaval and the passage of time. Flanked by the rugged Orrosi Hills to the north and the imposing Bentrock Hills to the south, the fens sprawl as a vast expanse of low-lying swamp and marshland, dissected by the meandering Orrosi River.
The landscape is a contrast of damp and dry. Higher areas rise as uneven hummocky islands covered by scraggly trees and twisted shrubs, all underlain by a thick bed of mosses. Surrounding these higher areas, large flat expanses of low ground form a network of bogs and marshes. In the area of the Orc Fens, the Orrosi River branches into a chaotic web of shallow channels, forming a bewildering network of water passages. With limited visibility, the unwary traveler can soon get lost in this virtual maze. The shallow depth of these waterways neccessitates the use of shallow draft boats to get around. Foot travel presents great hazzards due to the prevalence of quicksand in lower-lying areas. Clouds of biting insects thrive in the humid warmth, while the pervasive stench of the fetid waters makes the region's summers almost unbearable.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: None
Climate: The flora and fauna of the Orc Fens are equally menacing. Besides the swarms of insects, an array of carnivorous plants, some large enough to ensnare even human-sized creatures lurk within.
Wildlife: The wildlife population of this area has been mostly eliminated by over hunting and destruction of habitat by the swamp orcs. When short of food, the orcs will eat anything they can catch.
Humanoids: The most perilous inhabitants are the tribes of barbaric swamp orcs, after which the region is named. These green skinned orcs claim the marshy islands within the fens as their home. They construct rudimentary shelters from the resources the land provides and navigate the labyrinthine waters using reed boats and long poles. Outsiders are met with immediate hostility, facing unprovoked attacks from these fiercely territorial orcs.
A long-standing feud rages between the orc tribes and the Kharg dwarves of Aeongol, who reside in the Bentrock Hills south of the fens. This hostility has fueled centuries of skirmishes and intermittent warfare, with each side relentlessly pursuing dominance.
Monsters: On the northern fringes of the fens, near the Orrosi Mountains, small bands of trolls lurk, presenting another layer of danger. The orcs vigilantly avoid this troll-infested area, lest they become prey themselves.
History: This region's formation can be attributed to the Great Cataclysm which created major changes to the landscape of this area. As earthquakes wracked the area, the bedrock fractured, and the resulting faults created an uneven surface. The land also rapidly uplifted near the coast, blocking the natural drainage pattern along the lower course of the Orrosi River Valley. This backed up water into the valley and led to the creation of a maze of marshes and waterways.
Today: Throughout history, the Orc Fens have remained a realm of conflict, a perilous and unforgiving landscape where both natural hazards and fierce inhabitants deter all but the most daring from venturing into its murky depths.
Map Index: D-3
Location: Southwest Aorlan
Geography: The Orc Fens, known by the orcs as Nnugorvos is situated in the southwestern reaches of Aorlan. It presents a treacherous and unique landscape shaped by both geological upheaval and the passage of time. Flanked by the rugged Orrosi Hills to the north and the imposing Bentrock Hills to the south, the fens sprawl as a vast expanse of low-lying swamp and marshland, dissected by the meandering Orrosi River.
The landscape is a contrast of damp and dry. Higher areas rise as uneven hummocky islands covered by scraggly trees and twisted shrubs, all underlain by a thick bed of mosses. Surrounding these higher areas, large flat expanses of low ground form a network of bogs and marshes. In the area of the Orc Fens, the Orrosi River branches into a chaotic web of shallow channels, forming a bewildering network of water passages. With limited visibility, the unwary traveler can soon get lost in this virtual maze. The shallow depth of these waterways neccessitates the use of shallow draft boats to get around. Foot travel presents great hazzards due to the prevalence of quicksand in lower-lying areas. Clouds of biting insects thrive in the humid warmth, while the pervasive stench of the fetid waters makes the region's summers almost unbearable.
Primary Population: None
Secondary Population: None
Minor Population: None
Climate: The flora and fauna of the Orc Fens are equally menacing. Besides the swarms of insects, an array of carnivorous plants, some large enough to ensnare even human-sized creatures lurk within.
Wildlife: The wildlife population of this area has been mostly eliminated by over hunting and destruction of habitat by the swamp orcs. When short of food, the orcs will eat anything they can catch.
Humanoids: The most perilous inhabitants are the tribes of barbaric swamp orcs, after which the region is named. These green skinned orcs claim the marshy islands within the fens as their home. They construct rudimentary shelters from the resources the land provides and navigate the labyrinthine waters using reed boats and long poles. Outsiders are met with immediate hostility, facing unprovoked attacks from these fiercely territorial orcs.
A long-standing feud rages between the orc tribes and the Kharg dwarves of Aeongol, who reside in the Bentrock Hills south of the fens. This hostility has fueled centuries of skirmishes and intermittent warfare, with each side relentlessly pursuing dominance.
Monsters: On the northern fringes of the fens, near the Orrosi Mountains, small bands of trolls lurk, presenting another layer of danger. The orcs vigilantly avoid this troll-infested area, lest they become prey themselves.
History: This region's formation can be attributed to the Great Cataclysm which created major changes to the landscape of this area. As earthquakes wracked the area, the bedrock fractured, and the resulting faults created an uneven surface. The land also rapidly uplifted near the coast, blocking the natural drainage pattern along the lower course of the Orrosi River Valley. This backed up water into the valley and led to the creation of a maze of marshes and waterways.
Today: Throughout history, the Orc Fens have remained a realm of conflict, a perilous and unforgiving landscape where both natural hazards and fierce inhabitants deter all but the most daring from venturing into its murky depths.
