17. Hingnora Pond

The still waters of the timid pond bejeweled with white and green water lilies, the trees rise tall and slender up from the grassy flower spangled turf, proudly stretching their leafy limbs towards the clear blur sky. A silvery flash and resulting splash alert you to the presence of fish in what must be the village’s stock pond. The reed-fringed pool seems abuzz with life. Jewel-like dragonflies zip over the water, a chorus of frogs sing from somewhere in the shallows, and the sun glimmers off its surface like shining gold. Something special about this fishing pond of swirling water and air bubbles drifting from the surface to collide with fireflies spawns the occasional water weird teasing fish to leap upwards splashing water at anyone close to the banks.

Nestled at the northern end of Ostverk, Hingnora Pond is a picturesque locale renowned for its serene beauty and the leisurely pastime it offers to the locals. This tranquil body of water serves as a focal point for the community's daily interactions and traditional activities, drawing both residents and visitors to its idyllic shores.

Geographical Description

• Location: Situated within walking distance from the bustling Ostverk Merchant Square.
• Features: The pond is bordered by wooden plank docks and is equipped with a rowboat that is commonly used by locals for fishing.
• Natural Beauty: Adorned with lush water lilies and encircled by tall, slender trees, Hingnora Pond presents a lush tableau vivant that captures the essence of Ostverk’s natural splendor.

Flora and Fauna

• Aquatic Life: Home to a variety of fish, the pond's clear waters teem with life, attracting jewel-like dragonflies and hosting a chorus of frogs.
• Vegetation: The banks are rich with wild mint and sweet clover, adding a fragrant dimension to the pastoral landscape.

Detailed Description of Fauna

• Fish: The pond is teeming with a variety of fish species, which play a crucial role in the aquatic food chain. These include common freshwater fishes that are also favored by local anglers.
• Amphibians: Frogs and toads are abundant around the pond, their choruses often heard echoing during mating seasons. They are crucial for controlling insect populations.
• Insects: A myriad of insects, such as dragonflies and water beetles, skim the surface of the pond. Dragonflies, in particular, are noted for their jewel-like appearance and are a common sight during the warmer months.
• Bird Life: The pond attracts numerous bird species, ranging from common ducks to rare migratory birds that stop to rest during their journeys. The presence of birds adds to the ecological diversity and helps maintain the balance of the pond's ecosystem by controlling insect and fish populations.

Cultural and Community Significance

• Recreational Hub: The pond is a beloved spot for fishing, a favorite leisure activity among the townsfolk, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Social Gatherings: It frequently serves as a venue for local gatherings and festivals, reinforcing its role as a community cornerstone.

Folklore and Mysticism

• The Pond Fairy, Sylthea Willowglimmer: Legends speak of Sylthea Willowglimmer, a gentle faery associated with the pond. Known to locals as a protector of the pond’s sanctity, she embodies the mystical allure of Hingnora.
• Mythical Interactions: Sylthea Willowglimmer, often appearing in the guise of a seal, is said to grant favor to those she deems worthy, enhancing the pond’s mystique.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

• Environmental Challenges: Despite its pastoral beauty, Hingnora Pond faces threats from nearby bandit activities and the encroachments of civilization that risk disrupting its ecological balance.
• Conservation Initiatives: Local efforts are increasingly focused on preserving the pond’s natural beauty and sustaining its role as a habitat for local wildlife.

Conclusion

Hingnora Pond is not just a body of water; it is a living tableau that reflects the history, culture, and spirit of Ostverk. As it continues to provide sustenance, recreation, and inspiration to the locals, it remains a cherished emblem of the community’s enduring bond with nature.

DMonly Quest

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Quest: Poisoned Waters of Hingnora Pond

Part 1: The New Guardian of Hingnora Pond

The Pond Fairy, now named Sylthea Willowglimmer, is a radiant faery spirit tied to the health and purity of Hingnora Pond. Revered by the villagers of Ostverk as the protector of the pond, Sylthea is a playful yet solemn figure who embodies the essence of the natural world. Her glowing turquoise eyes and flowing silver hair shimmer like moonlight on water, making her an enchanting and otherworldly presence.

Sylthea Willowglimmer’s Traits

• Role: Guardian of Hingnora Pond
• Personality: Playful and whimsical but fiercely protective of the pond and flora and fauna.
• Appearance: A petite, translucent figure with shimmering dragonfly wings, always surrounded by a faint, glowing mist
• Goal: To protect the pond from corruption and remains a sanctuary of natural beauty and magic

Part 2: The Poisoning of Hingnora Pond

One moonless night, a Blackthorn Orc shaman named Gorath Skulltide sneaks to Hingnora Pond under the cover of darkness. Gorath worships Gruumsh, the one-eyed god of orcs, and he carries out a vile ritual in an attempt to corrupt the sacred waters of the pond. His goal is to weaken the surrounding land, disrupt local agriculture, and force the village into chaos, paving the way for a larger Blackthorn Orc assault.

Gorath’s Ritual Details

• Ingredients: Gorath carries a cursed totem fashioned from a skull, thorny roots, and bones etched with unholy runes. He also uses a black vial of necrotic ichor blessed by Gruumsh.
• Process: At the water’s edge, Gorath chants in Orcish, invoking Gruumsh’s wrath as he plunges the totem into the pond. Dark tendrils of magic seep into the water, spreading rapidly. The water’s surface grows murky, and aquatic creatures float lifelessly.
• Outcome: The poisoned water sickens wildlife, wilts nearby vegetation, and spreads an acrid smell that alarms the villagers by dawn.

Part 3: The Call for Aid

Sylthea Willowglimmer senses the corruption immediately and manifests in the dreams of sensitive villagers, including Shandril, the druid of Beory. In her dreamlike plea, Sylthea warns of the pond’s desecration and begs for help. By morning, the villagers discover the signs of poison in the water.
Sylthea’s Dream Message

“The waters are tainted, my sanctuary defiled by shadows. Heroes, I beseech you: seek the darkness that lingers at my banks and cleanse this land of its blight. Only you can restore the balance and save the lives tied to this pond.”

Part 4: Investigating the Poisoning

The adventurers are tasked with uncovering the source of the corruption and stopping the shaman from completing further desecration. The investigation includes gathering clues, questioning locals, and potentially setting a trap to catch Gorath.

Clues and Evidence

• Corrupted Totem: A twisted, blackened object partially submerged near the shore. It radiates dark magic and bears symbols associated with Gruumsh.
• Tracks in the Mud: Large, heavy footprints (clearly orcish) lead away from the pond into the woods.
• Witness Accounts: A villager saw a shadowy figure moving toward the pond the previous night but dismissed it as a trick of the light.
• Sickened Wildlife: Frogs, fish, and other creatures exhibit signs of magical poisoning.

NPC Help

• Shandril: Offers healing and druidic spells to cleanse the land but insists the source of corruption must be destroyed to fully heal the pond.
• Baris Stone: Sends a few guards to patrol the pond, though their lack of magical knowledge may hinder their ability to assist directly.

Hingnora Pond by 3orcs

Type

Pond

Location under

Ostverk

Owner/Ruler

Corbin Deleveu

Owning Organization

House Deleveu

Sylthea Willowglimmer by 3orcs