Poisonous Swamps of Zherar

Poisonous Swamps

Where the region gets its larger title, the swamps are filled with different waters, some of which are either poisonous or highly corrosive, making it a gamble for most (aside from Anurans, who are naturally resistant to much of the dangers in the waters) to even think of setting foot inside. Antidotes have been made for some poisons, but it seems as if new strains appear every so often to counteract the antidotes.  

Marshes of Frozen Time

It is said that the marshes on the southern edge of Zherar hold a dangerous power. Stepping inside risks freezing ones perception of time, causing them to remain stationary as the water pulls them deeper inside and they drown or, in other cases, they starve to death, unaware that time has passed, stuck in a single instant. This is not a guaranteed event, but setting foot in the waters of this marsh has a chance to trigger this effect in someone, and if they are alone it is 100% lethal. If they are traveling in a group (unless all of them are unlucky enough to freeze), they can be carried away, fed, and kept safe until it wears off.   No one is entirely certain why this occurs, as it doesn't seem like something Izanagi would do, but only he has ever been capable of such a thing.  

Wretched Mountains

Nesting grounds for the Dragons, the Wretched Mountains serve as the border between Zherar and the rest of Udai. These mountains are all that separate the already volatile region from constant Orcish invasion, as most of the land beyond the mountains are settled by Orcs, who would conquer Zherer if the mountains and swamps didn't make it difficult to field an army there.   It is common across the region for Reoma to attack anyone he sees, as he believes all but a few followers of his (the Wretched Anurans) are trespassing on his land and deserve death for such an offense. He wants Zherar to himself, and part of that comes down to the Wretched Mountains, where his children, as well as other descendants and relatives, live. The Dragons there are generally not allowed past the mountains, or else they'd anger Reoma as well, but any attack on them is something Reoma takes personally. It is paradoxical, but that just means it's best to avoid the Wretched Mountains and, for that matter, avoid Zherar as much as possible.  

Lava Pockets

A volcano sits to the east of the Wretched Mountains, but some of that built-up lava has gone through what may be underground tunnels (they're filled with magma, so it's nearly impossible to go inside to find out if they are actually tunnels or not).   These are miniature volcanoes themselves, occasionally erupting, though the process seems tied not to the pockets themselves, but something within that differentiates them from traditional volcanoes. Still, one wants to avoid these as much as possible, for the lava is just as lethal as in a volcano.  

Grandstone and the Lizardfolk Cities

The Lizardfolk have a handful of cities and settlements in the region, making for the only permanent (albeit constantly under attack) residencies in the region. The largest and most well-known of these is the capital Grandstone, though there's also Scarde (a walled city carved into the Wretched Mountains), Mistholde (an underground city out of Reoma's sight), and more.   If one is seeking civilization like they'd find in the rest of the world, this is the closest they'd get, though even these cities are far from normal to any outsiders, and safety is never guaranteed anywhere in Zherar.  

Anuran Clusters

Anurans don't have cities like the Lizardfolk, but instead live alongside nature. One can find an Anuran almost anywhere in the wilderness of Zherar if they look hard enough, be it above the treetops or below the waters. One must be careful, however, for the Wretched Anurans look out for those who intrude and reveal their presence to Reoma in hopes of being noticed and rewarded.  

The Temple of Kadakalan

One of the major structures in Zherar, the Temple of the God of Survival is one of the only true safe havens in the region. No harm can come to anyone inside the Temple unless they are willing to face it themselves, and all natural elements that can bring harm are tamed by the God within the Temple's walls.   Here, one can learn how to survive in any environment, though he warns that when undergoing the tests they may succumb to the danger if they are not prepared or strong enough to handle it. Many have died trying to achieve immunity to the dangers of Zherar, of which only a small list has been assembled above. Also found in Zherar (and thus in the Temple) are a littany of animals like venomous snakes, giant alligators, flame ants, and more.