Kraal

Kraal, a dense and mysterious swamp located on the continent of Phantasia, is a environment shrouded in fog and teeming with hidden wonders. Its unique geography, from its winding rivers to its large lake and central stump, adds to its allure, while the presence of a government compound and underground ruins hint at a complex history and diverse inhabitants.

## Geography

Kraal is crisscrossed by several meandering rivers, their waters flowing through the thick vegetation and murky terrain. These rivers bring life to the swamp, sustaining a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna that thrives in the unique wetland environment. The largest of these waterways feeds into a sprawling lake, providing a central focal point within the expansive expanse of Kraal.

At the heart of the swamp, rising from the waterlogged ground, stands a massive stump. This enigmatic feature serves as a symbol of the swamp's ancient history, its gnarled and weathered surface a testament to the passage of time. Perched atop this stump, a large government compound stands proudly, serving as both a seat of power and an armory. It utilizing the natural defenses offered by the surrounding swamp and its formidable reputation.

Scattered throughout Kraal are humble huts, offering shelter to the people who call this enigmatic place home. These dwellings are nestled among the dense vegetation, their construction blending harmoniously with the swamp's natural surroundings. Life within the huts is intertwined with the ebb and flow of the swamp, as inhabitants rely on its resources for sustenance and inspiration.

### Underground Ruins

Beneath the surface of Kraal lie mysterious underground ruins, a labyrinth of forgotten chambers and corridors that speak of a bygone era. These ancient remnants, steeped in history and mystery, hold the secrets of civilizations long past. They are a testament to the enduring nature of Phantasia and the countless stories that echo through time.

## Population

The population of Kraal consists of a resilient community of people who have adapted to the unique challenges and resources of the swamp. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with the hunt and consumption of Ikra, dragon-like creatures that inhabit the toxic lakes and rivers of the region. This symbiotic relationship between the people and the Ikra shapes their beliefs, rituals, and sustenance.

The people of Kraal have honed their skills as hunters, venturing into the treacherous waters to hunt down newborn Ikra. These vulnerable creatures, propelled like bullets from the depths of the toxic lakes and rivers, provide easy prey for the inhabitants. The consumption of Ikra meat is a significant source of sustenance for the community, providing them with nourishment and strength. This unique hunting practice requires great skill, as the people must navigate the hazardous terrain and react swiftly to capture the newborn Ikra before they grow and become more formidable.

The people of Kraal hold a deep belief in a creation myth, a narrative that bestows upon them the power to control the Ikra and the ability to hunt them. They see themselves as stewards of the swamp and its inhabitants, entrusted with a sacred duty. To honor the deity responsible for granting them this power, the bones remaining after consuming Ikra are ritualistically thrown back into the neon green, fluorescent waters. This act serves as a token of gratitude and respect, acknowledging the circle of life and the intricate balance that exists between predator and prey.

In a similar vein, the remains of the deceased Kraal people are also disposed of in the rivers and lake, allowing their bodies to return to the embrace of the swamp that sustained them in life. This practice symbolizes a deep connection with their environment and a belief in the cyclical nature of existence.

The rituals and beliefs of the Kraal people are rooted in a profound respect for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. Their reliance on the Ikra for sustenance has shaped their culture, forging a symbiotic relationship that is both practical and spiritual. In the face of the swamp's challenges, the people of Kraal have found a delicate harmony with their environment, sustaining themselves while maintaining a deep reverence for the powers that govern their lives.

## The Awakening of Vetu-Kraal (Haos)

When Vetu-Kraal awoke, the stump was located where it's "shoulder" would be. The monstrosity does not have a head, instead, the toxic lake is where the neck is. Naturally, toxic fluids spill out when Vetu-Kraal awakens and moves.

Vetu-Kraal, who the swamp people call "Nikralios", is a massive Ikra consisting of the mass of bones in the waters. He has a few pairs of wings, limbs and tails.

The Ziz was directed to engage Vetu-Kraal in combat, and as a gamble, maneuvered lower than usual in attempt to quell the beast. Nikralios sustains heavy firepower, did end up going down. However, he actually manages to grab the Ziz, bringing it down with him. In the end, the landscape of Kraal wasn't much more different, except for the half buried airship, and the distribution of the bones that built Nikralios, along with the wastes and destruction the battle brought.