Mountains of Yarbrix

A region in north Laiqua long claimed by the dragon Yarbrix.

Geography

This region has tall mountains and wide plateaus. The run off from the incessant rainfall has turned several of the plateaus into bogs which house a variety of insects.

Pale arches made from the bones of whales cover the bogs, remains left from when Yarbrix dines on his favourite prey. The bogs also serve as Yarbrix's larder with different sections filled with fish, whale, and beast corpses. There is even a section devoted to those humanoids foolish enough to venture into the mountains uninvited.

Since Yarbrix has little interest in weapons or magical gear the bogs are littered with artefacts left by would-be dragon hunters.

Navigating the bogs is difficult at best. Some easier routes are marked by Yarbrix's servants, but they also create false trails. Venturing away from the marked paths is a recipe for disaster as a single incautious step can lead to being stuck in the foul smelling mud.
The mountains have several networks of tunnels which are home to Yarbrix's servants. One side of a mountain next to the sea resembles a giant pipe organ. On a whim Yarbrix commanded that it be made to play music. After a century of work the organ now creates an unsettling tune every time the wind blows (which is most of the time).

Climate

While the whole of Laiqua is known for it's frequent rainfall this area sees even more rain than the rest of the island. Temperatures tend to be a little cooler than most humanoids find comfortable, with a biting wind regularly blowing in from the sea.
During the summer it is not uncommon for low clouds to blanket the upper parts of the mountains, and in the winter a thick fog covers much of the region, seemingly immune to the wind.

Fauna & Flora

The only things you'll find are death, thorns, and insects.

— Letharan Silverbrook

Whether it is down to the climate, or the decayed remains that have rotted down over the centuries, this region has an abundance of plant life. Most of it with thorns. Many of the plants cover the few dryish paths through the bog, making passage difficult unless you know how which branch to move aside. The long sharp thorns on branches can tear flesh, cloth, and even thick leather.
Animals larger than than a mouse have been wiped out in the area due to hunting by Yarbrix's servants. Mice and other small rodents are hunted by the snakes that infest the area. It is widely believed that the snakes were brought over by Yarbrix or his servants as there ano other snakes to be found on Laiqua.
Clouds of insects roam the bogs, often appearing to be darker patches of fog to those unused to the area. Some are relatively harmless, feasting on the remains of Yarbrix's meals. Others are considerably more hazardous, especially in large swarms. The needle-blot is the most notorious as a swarm can drain an unwary person's blood in minutes. The blugs are known for their painful bites, and malicious pursuit of prey, but are only dangerous if bites are left untreated as the wounds are prone to infection.

Location under

Laiqua

Owner/Ruler

Yarbrix

Characters in Location

• Yarbrix

Disease and Infection

The bogs have some less obvious threats. The foul smelling mud in the swarm can cause a deadly infection if it gets into an open wound, making the thorns of the plants all the more dangerous.
Several of the insects also carry diseases with them, passing them on as they drain blood. Yarbrix's servants are the descendents of those who survived catching these diseases so while they may get sick from a bite, they are unlikely to perish. Anyone new to the area will suffer far more dangerous and potentially lethal symptions.