Area - Bogland
The "Marost", commonly referred to as the Bogland in the common tongue, is a sprawling expanse of swampy marshes and damp, shadowed forests in eastern Ardechia. Stretching along the grand River Staya and its many tributaries, the region is a mosaic of wetland landscapes that seem to ooze mystery and danger.
Geography and Settlements
The Bogland is a mix of murky swamps and dense, dark forests, interwoven with countless small rivers and streams that flood the flat terrain. Here and there, small hillocks rise above the mire, their firmer ground hosting denser woodlands and scattered settlements. These hillocks serve as the main hubs of habitation, with villages and hamlets nestled at their feet or perched on their slopes. In the deeper swamplands, however, a handful of isolated communities persist, their homes raised on elevated platforms to escape the ever-present dampness below. The swamp-dwellers, known as "Marostaryi", have earned a reputation for their superstitious nature, peculiar customs, and perceived backwardness. Tales abound that the foggy air of the swamp clouds their minds, leading to their supposed dimwittedness. Though often the subject of ridicule, the Marostaryi are deeply attuned to the rhythms of their perilous environment, knowing its secrets and dangers better than any outsider.Mysteries and Dangers
The Marost is infamous for its eerie and otherworldly reputation. Shrouded in thick fog, the swamps are said to be haunted by beasties and terrors that stalk the unwary. Among these, the elusive Nightstalker, the malevolent Witches of the Wood, and the ghastly Pale Hag are whispered about in fearful tones. The swampland’s natural dangers - quicksand, hidden sinkholes, and venomous creatures - only add to its ominous allure. In some areas, ill-planned attempts at settlement have resulted in partially sunken shacks and cottages, as naive settlers underestimated the softness of the marshy ground. To this day, these failed villages stand as eerie reminders of the swamp’s unforgiving nature, their skeletal remains half-buried in the muck. The northern reaches of the Marost are especially treacherous, plagued by bandits who harass locals and ambush merchants traveling the few navigable roads. The bog’s labyrinthine waterways and dense vegetation make it a haven for such outlaws, and a perfect place to hide anything, be it a treasure hoard or a villain’s lair. However, it is just as easy to lose something (or oneself) in the twisting, fog-shrouded expanse.Law and Order
Maintaining security in the Marost is a near-impossible task for the local authorities. The bog’s unpredictable terrain, coupled with its maze-like waterways, makes patrolling a logistical nightmare. Citizens and travelers alike are advised to stick to the settlements and main roads, for venturing too far into the depths of the swamp invites peril. Despite these warnings, the allure of the Marost’s secrets continues to draw the bold and the foolhardy into its shadowy embrace.
Alternative Name(s)
Marost
Type
Wetland / Swamp
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Related Myths
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