Carrion Swamp

These stagnant swamps in northern Terra Nova are home to the Iuste Therians, and a great deal of toxic plantlife and silent predators that lie in wait.

The Carrion Swamp can be found on the northeastern coast of Terra Nova. It is an eerie place, sitting stangnant and silent, with dangers within that are not readily apparent at first glance. The Carrion Swamp is the home of the Iuste Therians, and despite their peoples' many setbacks, they press on with grim determination.
Despite its apparent quiet, the Carrion Swamp teems with life. Home to countless varieties of insects, fish, and ambush predators, the wildlife has grown resilient and dangerous. The Zoaklix dwell here, buzzing maddeningly, ready to swarm over the unwary. Until recently, violent war bands of Dredkar could also be found here, their blood hungry rituals taking a terrible toll on the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. The defeat of their overlord at the hands of the adventurers of Port Harmony scattered them, and now the Dred'kar seem to have nearly dissapeared entirely. Also seen travelling amonst the various marshes and coasts of the Carrion Swamp are the Wata, who trade with travellers, and a font of stories and information while on the move.
The Iuste Therians have their primary settlement here, with several tiny outposts dotting the perimeter of the Carrion Swamp. They have had to deal with generations of hardship, from their near subjugation at the hands of the Dred'kar, the predation of the Zoaklix, and the undead hordes of the Janja. It is a testament to their determination and their skill that they even survived long enough against such odds to meet the visitors from Erolan. With their alliance with the Chieftess Viata, the High Druid of Stalk and undisputed leader of the Iuste, they and the adventurers of Port Harmony were able to isolate and push back the Dred'kar, and return the region to Iuste control. In return, the Iuste Therians aided Port Harmony in their campaign against the Janja. Iuste War Packs were instrumental in the destruction of several probing attacks by the undead, and blunted a secret assualt from a horde of plague zombies that made its way across the shallows north of the Moonglow Jungle, in an attempt to surround Port Harmony from the north, at great cost to the remaining forces of the Iuste.
Currently, Chieftess Viata has allowed her people to travel afar, to once again learn of what has happened in the wider world outside their sphere of influence. Many flock to Port Harmony, to trade and learn, and to test the diplomatic waters between the Iuste and the kingdoms of Erolan. Now, with the rest of Terra Nova, they step into an uncertain future.
In the early weeks of the Spring of 1024, reports from the Iuste of the Carrion Swamp seem largely normal, apart from a new sentiment that seems to be fermenting amongst some of the Iuste people. Many Iuste have grown more militant over the winter, and claim to seek the strength to defend themselves and their people, after generations of mistreatment and subjugation. The leaders that form amongst these small groups lead their fellows away from the local tribes, and are attempting to form their own enclaves, who shun outsiders and refuse to bend to the will of their previous chieftains. Witnesses report that the change in personality of their previous friends and neighbors seemed sudden, and barely recognized those militants before they left for the enclaves.
9/1024 - The Iuste tribes of the northern swamps continue to deal with their splinter enclaves that have been forming. Militaristic Iuste form small insular groups out in remote areas of the swamp, intent on strengthening themselves against other monstrous creatures found in those dangerous areas. While this is to the dislike of the family members of those who are left behind and the elder’s who warn against these reckless actions, this animosity has not yet spilled into any kind of open conflict.

Cultural Dress
The Iuste of the region dress in tighter fitting hides, leathers, and furs. Having little access to cloth in recent times, they have had only at hand what they can hunt and carry, unable to settle en masse or farm due to the predation of the Dred'kar. They keep their clothes muted, avoiding bright displays out of necessity, as their ability to remain unseen has been instrumental in their survival for generations. No doubt their tastes in clothes will evolve with their exposure to new cultures from Erolan.

Kingdom Skills
Survival Instincts: Once per day, become Hidden, and move heal-toe for 30 seconds