Khazig, Central Swamp

The central swamp of the nation and Imperial Province of Khazig is one of its most distinctive geographical features, and has been instrumental in protecting its coastal cities and capitol from inland invasion over the millennia. This huge and dynamic ecosystem stretches for over two hundred miles in its widest point, crosscut and subdivided by slow moving streams as well as sections of land improvement and roads allowing trade and Imperial troops to move effectively and efficiently through the region.
Most of the lands are divided up between the Duchies of Elkur in the northwest portion, Zecsin in the northeast, Ketibah in the southwest and Batona Trai in the southeast, with Batona Trai's claim the largest, reaching into and beyond the center of the swamp. Along the improved roads and many bridges over standing water, one can find a few trading posts, outdoor outfitters and a good amount of military camps, some permanent, many mobile. Few large settlements exist in the swamp, owing more to its marshy depths than its dangers, but there are some small villages, and a few dangerous creatures as well as bandits to be found.
Ghostwood trees, which live only in temperate swampy climates, are cultivated in the Duchy of Elkur and may be found singly by lucky travelers; a pair of the trees is enough cause for a small village to spring up as long as the wood remains, as it is worth more than its weight in platinum as an exquisite building material. Wise travelers will collect only fallen twigs or pruned branches, but the greed of travelers who claim the entire tree down to and including the roots are why the trees are so rare today.

A typical view in the central swamp of Khazig.

View of the edge of a stream, which appears more like a pool than a river in these low-lying areas.