Festermere
The Festermere is a large swamp in the north of Teros Major. As numerous rivers cascade from the Clouded Crags, these coalesce into thousands of lakes, pools, and mires. Known for its treacherous bogs, murky waterways, and tangled thickets of reeds, the Festermere is one of the most inhospitable regions of the island, infamous for its deadly predators and unpredictable terrain.
The swamp is home to the tribes of the Bulgiss, a species of frog-like humanoids. The Bulgiss live in tribal communities scattered throughout the Festermere, although many now live on the fringes of the city of Persothan where the swamp meets the coast. Bulgiss villages are hidden deep within the swamp, protected by natural barriers and the dangerous wildlife that deters most outsiders. The villagers live off the swamp's abundant resources, fishing, hunting, and gathering the unique plants and herbs that grow in this harsh environment.
The swamp is dominated by slow-moving, brackish waters that form a labyrinth of marshes, stagnant pools, and deep channels. Thick layers of moss, fungi, and waterlogged vegetation cover much of the ground, making it difficult to traverse without becoming mired in the mud. Towering trees, draped in hanging moss, rise from the swamp’s scattered dry patches, creating an eerie, shadowy canopy. Reeds, cattails, and water lilies thrive in the shallows, while gnarled roots twist through the muck, providing shelter for countless creatures.
Despite its forbidding nature, the Festermere is teeming with life. Amphibians, reptiles, and insects thrive in the humid environment, and the swamp is home to a variety of predators that rule its murky waters and foggy air. Among these, the Surlokkar — massive, amphibious hunters — are the most feared. They lurk in the deeper channels, camouflaged by the muddy waters, ambushing anything that ventures too close. The Banda Worm, a subterranean menace, burrows beneath the swamp, creating sinkholes and tunnels that can swallow the unwary.
Other creatures include the Krethgorr, colossal crustaceans that scavenge the swamp’s depths, and the Blackwing Moth, a nocturnal predator with large, dark wings that silently hunts in the shadows. The smaller but deadly Thalkar swims through the swamp's waterways, hunting in packs, while Kressarass, aggressive crayfish, dominate the muddy shallows. Glaren lizards, though harmless, are common throughout the swamp, darting among the undergrowth as they hunt for insects.
The most feared creature in the Festermere is Braltak, a grotesque, bloated monster who lurks in the swamp’s deepest, darkest pools. Braltak is said to rise only when the moon is hidden, his presence signalled by the bubbling of the water and a stench of decay. This corpulent being delights in ambushing and drowning his victims, dragging them into the fetid depths where they meet a grim fate. His hideous form and insatiable hunger make him a creature of nightmares, and the Bulgiss tell stories of Braltak’s wrath to keep their young from wandering too far into the dark. Even the Surlokkar, massive amphibious predators that stalk the swamp, give Braltak’s domain a wide berth, leaving the grotesque monster unchallenged in his lair.
The climate of the Festermere is hot and humid, with frequent rainfall and dense mists that rise from the stagnant waters. The swamp is subject to sudden floods during the rainy season, and the thick, muggy air can make it difficult to breathe. Swarms of biting insects fill the air, and travelers must take care to avoid the many hazards of the swamp, from quicksand and hidden sinkholes to the creatures that lie in wait beneath the surface.
Navigating the Festermere is treacherous and requires careful preparation. The few passable routes through the swamp are narrow and winding, often disappearing beneath the water during floods. Even the Bulgiss, who know the swamp well, must be cautious. For outsiders, the Festermere is a place of danger and mystery, best avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Type
Wetland / Swamp
Location under
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