The Black Swamp

Currently in the process of a page rework use the Swamps in the forgotten realms as a good starting point

**The Black Swamp** was an vast area of swampland in southern region of the East Ridings, that lay between the South Ridings to its south and most of the civilised parts of the East Ridings to its North. The Caravan Road cuts through it's most western parts, with Yellowfield Farms being the closest bit of civilisation near by to the north. It was widely thought of as the most dangerous stretch of wilderness in the land. Ignored by surrounding nations, it had no proper name; "**the Black Swamp**" appears to be a nickname that stuck thought to come from the dragonborn clan that resides there.

## Flora & Fauna

Around the fringes of the swamp grew blueleafs and oak, typically gnarled and stunted. As one ventured further in, copses of more tangled trees grew more common and finally became predominant. A variety of trees grew in the heart of the flooded forest: black gum, cypress, water ash, water birch, gall oak, and willow and weeping willow. These trees invariably choked the region, their trunks were twisted and dark, and were draped in moss. There were even carnivorous trees that could be hazardous, like the black willow and thornslinger.

Other plants found growing in **the Black Swamp** were common marsh reeds, swamp grass, and cattail. Meanwhile, duckweed floated on the waters. There were also a number of rare species of water lily; a few of these served as components for spells and potions, like healing potions.

Even the ordinary animals were unnatural in aspect and behavior. They were highly aggressive, fighting each other for food or space. They also had no fear of humanoids, being ready to attack with great ferocity. There were foxes, otters, raccoons, rodents such as black squirrels, poisonous snakes (an ever-present threat), and even lynxes and swamp panthers. Many of these creatures were diseased, carrying rabies, swamp fever, and the like. Creepy-crawlies to watch out for were leeches and centipedes. Bullfrogs were also heard to croak here. A High population of other amphibians were to be found here.

Monstrous beasts included dire boars, giant crocodiles, and giant constrictor snakes, as well as giant frogs, giant leeches, monstrous centipedes and froghemoths.

## History

* Go through certain points of development in the area such as when the Scaled King (Blue Dragon ran by Ross Burton back in 2021) tried to take over the swamp and was fought off by members of the Guild.
* Look up other notable things for the swamp like the recent meteorite

## Notable Locations

### Fort Adaar

Set deep within **the Black Swamp** a stronghold resides aside a huge cavern, strongly built walls also hold huge charred oaks carved with all sorts of designs. The Black dragonborn clan Daarden call it home. All are welcome and many a dragonborn have flocked here as a safe haven. It’s estimated around three hundred residing within the stronghold.

### Ancient Crypts

A series of old tombs and crypts now filled with small kobold clans waging a guerilla war on the dragonborn. At least two tombs have been cleared out, but several kobolds survived, leaving the remainder on high alert for attacks. Recently, they have been stealing diplomatic mail on its way between Fort Adaar and Otha's Rest.

### The Pit

Known to the dragonborn as 'Draco Mine', this is a huge closed cast mine with 5 large entry tunnels from ground level into a huge chamber. A well-organised kobold army has been seen massing inside, consisting of at least 700 Kobold of differing colours, and captured beasts including at least 2 hydra.

### Camp Bullywug

A ramshackled collection of tents, surrounded by a wall of wooden stakes and presided over by High Chief Flurgirglgurg, the Most Mighty. Recently, the camp gained a protector in the form of a giant Froghemoth who is revered by the Bullywugs. In return the Froghemoth acts as a guardian. Although not keen on outsiders, the Guild did manage to capture the Froghemoth for the Bullywugs so they are somewhat grateful. The bullywug clan is not on friendly terms with anyone else in the swamp and particularly dislike the kobolds.

### Myconid Caves

Recently, the Myconid have been chased from their caves by Ankheg. Following guild intervention, relations are cordial but they expect to be helped to drive them out.

## Inhabitants

**The Black Swamp** was known to be heavily populated by tribes of Dragonborn, Kobolds, lizardfolk, goblins and other goblinoids, orcs, and trolls. Tribes of Grung were also reputed to dwell here, but this was unconfirmed. There were also reports of catoblepas, a few black dragons (mostly small), one or two insane beholders, occasionally hydras, and even grell, as well as stories of even stranger monsters, like undead and mind flayers.

Will-o'-wisps were also found there, and were often sighted from the Caravan Road luring travelers to their untimely ends.

Meazels were widespread in **the Black Swamp**. They lived out of crude shelters in the deep swamp and regularly preyed upon kobolds and goblins and even orcs that they could catch alone. Although not populous enough to serious affect local ecology or society, the goblins, and kobolds, and orcs saw the meazels as magical spirits who kidnapped humanoids to devour. In efforts to ward them off, lone orcs and goblins carried charms and fetishes, while kobolds tried to appease them by leaving their own kind, bound but alive, as sacrifices. The meazels took these offerings, and still hunted the kobolds.

All kinds of restless undead were reported in **the Black Swamp**, including revenants and mummies. Mummies were normally a product of arid climes; these were in fact bog mummies. Leading to rumours of Necromancers living in the swamp.

Water nagas, digesters, medusae, manticores, and chuul, might possibly also be found there, as well as plant creatures like assassin vines, shambling mounds, and tendriculoses.

### Dragonborn

#### Clan Daarden

Clan Daarden were a tribe of Dragonborn dwelling within Fort Adaar in **the Black Swamp**. They were mostly made up of black scaled dragonborn but due to welcoming others of their kind have a odd few other colours in their tribe. They were the biggest civilisation within **the Black Swamp** and often had people brave the swamp to solely see them.
### Lizardfolk

#### Manytooth Tribe

A vicious tribe lizardfolk that are needlessly cruel when it comes to their hunting and sometimes will kill for fun rather than a need to hunt like most lizardfolk. Late AOR 554 they had increased their actives and had started to take people from the Caravan Road for unknown purpose.

### The Scaled King

An adult blue dragon and leader of the army. He once had influence at least over the postal system in Fort Adaar and possibly many more traitors and outcasts. They attempted to cut off Fort Adaar from Guild assistance by laying a trap for the adventurers, but it back-fired because the Guild now know of him. He has machinations to destroy Fort Adaar but is currently not active after his earlier schemes were foiled and his informants in the Stronghold were found out and banished or killed.
## Rumors and Legends

* Rumours of Necromancers stealing people off the Caravan Road to bring back as undead to use for their evil deeds.

## Appendix

### Appearances

Adventures
It Came From the Swamp • Meteor-Rites of Passage • Scaly Nuisance: A Pain in the Wagon • Comet Me, Bro! • Scaly Nuisance: Frogging Hell, How Is This Still A Problem? •

### Mentions

Adventures
Eye Spy With My Beholder's Eye • Insert session name here •