The Sulfur Springs

The area known as Sulfur Springs lies on the northern boundary of the Urine Woods and the southern boundary of the Marquisate of Clay. 
It is a unique, terrestrial hydrothermal system known for its unearthly colors and mineral patterns, and the very acidic fluids that discharge from its hydrothermal springs. Large yellow stalactite-like structures and mesas composed of sulfur mineral, as well as vapor clouds rising from the ground give the area a very distinctive appearance. At its northernmost border, the region merges into a small yellow sulfur mountain range. 
The geothermal field is home to a large, black, wingless species of sentient bat known as Sulfurimps. 
Due to their demonic appearance and mischiveous nature, this somewhat humanoid life form is considered "devils" and is fought against by the inhabitants of Grobianism in particular. 
Despite their bad reputation, the Sulfurimps are evolved naturally and non-demonic in origin, though some embrace the superstitions about them due to the deterrent effect they have on strangers.
Some "scholars" of Grobianism even suspect the gate to hell to be located in this inhospitable area, which of course is nonsense but might have a kernel of truth due to the large catacomb-like sulfur stalactite cave systems under the Springs.
The Sulfurimps bathe in the sulfuric acid pools, which are highly toxic to humans.
The corrosive minerals and high temperatures don't bother them much due to their thick, leathery and acid-resistant black skin. On the contrary, bathing in the springs and exposure to the Sulfur appears to have a medicinal and life-prolonging effect on the Imps. Outside of this region, the imps only reach a maximum age of 10 to 20 years. In the Sulfur Springs however they can outlive most people.
In addition to the sulfur pools, there are also some smaller pools of boiling tar on the geothermal field, which the imps also for bathing aswell and seem to have a similar effect on them as a peloid therapy has on humans.
The Imps have set up sulfur mines throughout the area, which emit industrial smoke in addition to the terrain's natural fumes.
What the imps do with the mined sulfur is mostly unknown, despite trading and exporting it, which adds to the conspirational murmurs about these creatures.
Although this is considered barbaric among the more faint-hearted denizens of Giantstep, gauntlets made from the peeled hide of Sulfurimps are very popular with alchemists for their fire-resistant and acid-repellent properties. Their horns, made of black ivory, are a popular material for ritual weapons and are ground into all kinds of ointments, powders and tinctures with varying degrees of effect.
The caves under the sulfur springs are said to be full of mineral resources such as oil, mercury and gold, which is why one or the other ruler has secretly cast an eye on the area already.
Category:Geographic location
Category:Giantstep