Primordis Swamp (Pree-more-diss swamp)
Near the centre of Expin, the primordis swamp remains eternally present, a dark and dingy landscape that the sun barely touches. In many ways, the swamp is unique on Expin; it was made as a refuge for the Mitari rather than being intended as a testing grounds, it has the greatest magical presence keeping the environment temperate even as the seasons change, and it's the most inhospitable location on the continent.
The ever-looming darkness that hangs over the area only ever lets the smallest fractions of light through, which is briefly soaked up by the black nocturne trees that Domitari found on their travels; a gnarled, rotten-looking breed that can sustain itself off such a small fraction of light. The perpetual gloom obscures the many deadly critters that reside just out of sight throughout the area, for only the creatures with the wiliest camouflage and toughest constitutions can survive in its environment. Dark algae coats the turgid waters of the swamp in a manner that makes every step a danger, being near-indistinguishable in the darkness from the sludgy, muddy ground, made doubly dangerous by the unfathomable beasts below.
Each of these stacking hazards provide an environment so hostile to outside entities that most sane individuals steer clear of it completely, leaving only the daring and the desperate to attempt to brave the blackened blot the swamp fills on a map. Most don't make it far before succumbing to the hazards or fleeing in fear. Fewer still make it out unscathed. Traversing the swamp isn't impossible, however; outside of the Mitari who reside there being able to guide people, such as those seeking the elusive wilted bloom roses, there are a few maps made by those who took the time to properly prepare, kept their wits sharp and their reactions sharper that can guide the wary safely through with relative safety, as well as those aided by magic who can bypass a large number of the hindrances one would otherwise face. And whilst the dangers are immense and constant, the treasures contained within are equally great; both those of fallen travellers and some of the effects of the rare and volatile wildlife can produce.
Regardless, the Primordis swamp serves its purpose; the area is far too hostile for most to visit, let alone settle, allowing the Mitari to remain undisturbed by outsiders who they haven't expressly offered their support to. With their unique ability among Eltari to slip into shadows, they can safely traverse the swamp without concern of the physical dangers that are omnipresent in the swamp. The only other group to reside within the swamp is a small coven of hermit necromancers, for there is never a shortage of bodies within the bogs.
The ever-looming darkness that hangs over the area only ever lets the smallest fractions of light through, which is briefly soaked up by the black nocturne trees that Domitari found on their travels; a gnarled, rotten-looking breed that can sustain itself off such a small fraction of light. The perpetual gloom obscures the many deadly critters that reside just out of sight throughout the area, for only the creatures with the wiliest camouflage and toughest constitutions can survive in its environment. Dark algae coats the turgid waters of the swamp in a manner that makes every step a danger, being near-indistinguishable in the darkness from the sludgy, muddy ground, made doubly dangerous by the unfathomable beasts below.
Each of these stacking hazards provide an environment so hostile to outside entities that most sane individuals steer clear of it completely, leaving only the daring and the desperate to attempt to brave the blackened blot the swamp fills on a map. Most don't make it far before succumbing to the hazards or fleeing in fear. Fewer still make it out unscathed. Traversing the swamp isn't impossible, however; outside of the Mitari who reside there being able to guide people, such as those seeking the elusive wilted bloom roses, there are a few maps made by those who took the time to properly prepare, kept their wits sharp and their reactions sharper that can guide the wary safely through with relative safety, as well as those aided by magic who can bypass a large number of the hindrances one would otherwise face. And whilst the dangers are immense and constant, the treasures contained within are equally great; both those of fallen travellers and some of the effects of the rare and volatile wildlife can produce.
Regardless, the Primordis swamp serves its purpose; the area is far too hostile for most to visit, let alone settle, allowing the Mitari to remain undisturbed by outsiders who they haven't expressly offered their support to. With their unique ability among Eltari to slip into shadows, they can safely traverse the swamp without concern of the physical dangers that are omnipresent in the swamp. The only other group to reside within the swamp is a small coven of hermit necromancers, for there is never a shortage of bodies within the bogs.
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