Fens of Tor
The Fens of Tor is a sprawling, foreboding swamp that separates the eastern Viscounty of Verbobonc from the dense Gnarley Forest. With its winding waterways, ancient secrets, and lurking dangers, the Fens hold a vital role in regional trade, ecological diversity, and dark prophecies tied to the rise of ancient powers. At its heart lies the Imeryd's Run , a navigable river that threads through the swamp, drawing merchants, pirates, and adventurers alike.
Lizardfolk Village
Amidst the misty expanse of the Fens of Tor, the lizardfolk village of Dawnmarsh serves as a beacon of survival, neutrality, and trade. The teachings of Semuanya, the lizardfolk god of survival and propagation, shape the culture and spiritual life of the settlement. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly peaceful village, a shadow grows as tensions between the tribe’s traditionalist leader, Lightkeeper Kassarin the Wise, and the ambitious shaman, Ssarkosh, threaten to engulf Dawnmarsh in chaos.Geography and Ecology
The Fens of Tor are an expansive, low-lying wetland shaped by seasonal flooding and the meandering flow of the Imeryds Run.- Imeryd's Run: This vital tributary flows north from the Velverdyva River, cutting through the swamp and feeding its labyrinth of pools, bogs, and streams.
- Borders: The swamp sprawls between Verbobonc’s fertile farmlands to the west and the shadowy Gnarley Forest to the east.
Ecological Features
- Flora: The swamp teems with bald cypress, tupelo trees, swamp grasses, and creeping vines like trumpetvine and honeysuckle. Parasitic plants such as mistletoe add to its ominous beauty.
- Fauna: Amphibians, reptiles, and fish thrive in its waters, while predatory creatures—both natural and monstrous—lurk in its shadows.
Dawnmarsh: The Lizardfolk Trade Village
Dawnmarsh is an enigmatic lizardfolk settlement nestled among the swamp’s islands. Unlike most hostile lizardfolk tribes, Dawnmarsh is a rare bastion of trade and cautious diplomacy, though tensions simmer beneath its stilted houses.Features of Dawnmarsh
Trade Goods- Regenerative Elixirs: Mysterious potions brewed from swamp herbs, said to accelerate healing.
- Riding Lizards: Techniques for taming these agile mounts are offered to trusted outsiders.
- Poisons and Guides: Extracted from the swamp’s deadly flora and fauna, these are valuable tools for navigation or combat.
- Culture Clash: Foreign traders spark tension, as young lizardfolk question the old ways while warmongers scheme to dominate.
Points of Interest
- Inn of the Emerald Scale: Run by a friendly lizardfolk innkeeper, this gathering place is where adventurers can glean useful information.
- Visionary of Qalnossk: An elderly prophet warns of the prophesied return of Rasskarth, the Devourer the Great Lizard King and his connection to the ancient holy place of Zyssaneth.
- Tensions of Faith: Young lizardfolk, enamored with dreams of power, plot to transform Dawnmarsh from a sanctuary into a warlike cult under Rasskarth and the Fens’ Black Dragon Vorthlyxx.
Merchant Trade and Illicit Activity
Navigating the Imeryds Run
The Imeryds Run is a lifeline for regional commerce and criminal enterprises alike.Legitimate Trade
- Merchants transport timber, grains, and textiles from Verbobonc and Dyvers to Nulb.
- Barges loaded with crafted goods and exotic wares often stop in Nulb or Dawnmarsh before continuing southward.
Illicit Activity
- Piracy: The Fens are a haven for river pirates, who prey on poorly defended vessels.
- Smuggling: Contraband, including stolen goods and slaves, is ferried covertly to the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Fens of Tor by 3orcs
Lightkeeper Kassarin the Wise
- Appearance: A tall, aged lizardfolk woman with weathered scales and bright orange-fringed robes. She carries a staff adorned with sun symbols.
- Personality: Wise and patient, Kassarin is a diplomat at heart, though her age and exhaustion sometimes leave her vulnerable to the village’s growing tensions.
- Leader of Dawnmarsh: Kassarin has guided the village for over six decades, mediating disputes and expanding trade with human merchants in Ashton.
- Reluctant Reformer: While Kassarin values Dawnmarsh’s neutrality and traditions, she has made compromises—such as restricting cannibalistic funerals—to maintain good relations with outsiders.
Type
Wetland / Swamp
Included Locations
Included Organizations
Related Plots
Imerydy Run in the Fens of Tor by 3orcs
Comments