The Boiling Swamps

Once a lively jungle home to the followers of Sha-nrah, it is now a poisonous tomb crawling with Hexers and ungodly amalgamations.

Demographics

Before the Years of Silver, natives to the jungle kept mostly to themselves and created a private, but dedicated culture surrounding Sha-nrah and his history on earth. After the mass immigration from Balbura, the inhabitants became somewhat divided by newcomers and acolytes, which caused issues only after the immediate necessity for protection became void. While much of the history of Sha-nrah and his followers was forever lost, most historians remark on them as being highly studied in poisons and apothecary, even supplying the old scholars of Balbura with new fauna and cures to diseases. They were respected and left to themselves, but it is up for debate whether or not the disinterest sprouted from fear. Now, the swamps are inhabited by Hexers looking to steal some of Sha-nrah's curse. They speak softly of deformed individuals still living within the deepest parts of the swamp.

Government

Sha-nrah was said to have kept the jungle alive and fresh with food. This obvious touch of divine power created a devout and ritualistic approach to life, Sha-nrah having a personal effect on each and every individual living within his small community. Becoming an acolyte was to be expected, and hardly anyone left the tribe upon reaching adulthood. Priests and priestesses were common among the tribe, most adults acquiring the title due to age instead of works. Sha-nrah, while apparently protective and informative, did not directly command his people of anything, and in return they devoted their lives to him happily with the understanding that it was their choice. Some philosophers claim that this form of free will was what created such a uniquely personal connection between Sha-nrah and his followers. Others claim that the small size of the community was the only thing keeping it from collapsing, thus explaining why it collapsed after immigrant magic users flooded the jungle. Being a recent event, it is still debated why this community was destroyed so violently and suddenly.

Defences

Sha-nrah was once the largest and only defense keeping outside territories from invading the jungle. With his passing, his curse acts much in the same way.

Infrastructure

The architecture of Sha-nrah's temple can still be seen deep within the swamp, though scholars say it will be eroded entirely within the next few years due to the heat and humidity caused by Sha-nrah's suicide. Before the explosion, the tribe created homes in the branches of the trees, allowing escape from large predators that stalked the forest floor at night.

History

Once home to the dominating Sha-nrah before his tragic demise, the Boiling Swamps were once an offshoot of Balburian territory and under their rule, however loosely. During the Years of Silver, many magic users fled East to escape the rise of religious regulations on magic under the old order of King Rogerin. Unbeknownst to them, a small community had already formed within the jungle dedicated to the god Sha-nrah, who allowed them occupancy in his territory so long as they did not bother his acolytes. This was a good trade, since many magic users had fled Balbura to escape persecution. Sha-nrah was perfectly fitted to protect them from King Rogerin while demanding no worship in return. King Rogerin, aware of Sha-nrah's presence within the jungle, instead built a towering wall bathed in silver to act as protection around the eastern border. After the death of King Rogerin, King Aelfrid opened up the borders and allowed magic users entrance back into the city when peace with the dragons seemed inevitable. Most magic users returned to their homes back in Balbura, but some stayed within the jungle and devoted themselves to Sha-nrah for his steadfast protection and mercy. This only lasted a few years before Sha-nrah led a mass suicide followed by his own death, corroding his body with his own poison and unleashing an unending curse into the jungle floor, flooding it and creating the Boiling Swamps.

Geography

Once a thriving jungle, it is now covered in broiling marshlands and tinted with a hue of red fog.

RUINED SETTLEMENT
A decade after the end of the Silver Years, in 738.

Alternative Name(s)

Balburian Jungle

Type

Village

Population

Hexers

Owner/Ruler

Person