Hangman's Swamp

I've done my job. All is well as long as long as I turn my gaze. For the faces of the dead stare blankly back through the shallow water. Their faces lined in pain from the hangman's noose. You can almost feel their malevolent soul still haunting this place. Waiting to seek their vengeance on the world. I would not dare enter deeper within. Not even for a 1,000 Golden suns.

— Jorvik, Hangman of Ivarsdale

History

Hangman's swamp was given its name by the nearby villages and towns of the area. Near the edge of the swamp a large tree grew on a hill with branches that men could walk upon. These branches grew out over a a large area of water and were used by the hangmen for their ghastly work. Though still used in this way the Magocracy has largely tried to put a stop to the process. As the bodies decayed the remnants fell into the water where they were preserved. Due to the preservation of the bodies of the dead, the village folk soon became convinced that the spirits of those dead were preserved as well and still haunt the earth. Most shy away from the area as much as they can. As the people stayed away it made it a perfect place for bandits, goblins, and other nasty creatures to hide away in.

Geography

Hangman's Swamp is a large freshwater swamp that lies in a small depression on the eastern edge of lake Aether in the southern region of Westreach. The area is warm and wet nearly all year round but does have some seasonal changes with regards to the water levels of the swamp due to the flooding of the nearby Somber river.

Fauna & Flora

There are numerous species of plants and animals that live within this swamp. Most have not been identified as a proper survey of the area has not been completed. The swamp is known for its twisted and gnarled trees and that grow so close together traversing through the region is difficult. It is said that a rare species of freshwater shark lives within the area as well as numerous unidentified species of fish.
The most famous beast from the swamp is actually mythological. the Hangman's Shadow is said to make its home within the swamp but none have actually proven its existence.

Natural Resources

Hangman's swamp is full of untapped potential with regards to its natural resources. Its location and reputation keep most ventures away. Despite this the swamp has an abundance of unique flora and fauna that have many medicinal uses. As most of the illness that can be cured from these plants could also be cured with magic, the Magocracy has banned any large scale ventures for extracting these resources from the swamp so that the natural environment might not be harmed. The plants still do find uses though. Especially for the nearby villages and towns where such magic might not be available.

Alternative Name(s)

Hangman's Bog

Type

Wetland / Swamp

Location under

Goldenknock

Related Myths

• The Hangman's Shadow