Deepmore Tribe

The Witches of Fogmere Hollow

"Within these pages, I aim to present a clearer vision of Bittermarsh. Yet, 'tis true, I harbor another purpose. Even within our own marsh, the Deepmore tribe is oft misunderstood. The legacy of Krotta Deepmore, whom the tongues of scorn have branded 'the demonic whore of Bittermarsh', has painted us in shades darker than the deepest parts of the swamp.
I cannot help but offer a chuckle at such folly. Fear us? No more than you'd fear the night for its darkness. Our witchcraft is a mere tool, much like a farmer's plow or a smith's hammer, crafted from what the marsh provides, honed by necessity and respect. We wield it not with malice, but with the care of those who understand its true nature. We also brew a marvellously good tea too."

— From: "Grolly's Almanac of Bittermarsh - Vol. 1" by Grollpleff 'Grolly' Bitterberry

In the wilderness of Bittermarsh, the Deepmore, or 'Zuqthiri', distinguish themselves through a matriarchal power structure and a deep veneration of witchcraft. Alongside their fellow Bittermarsh tribes – the nature-guarding Thornwatch, the proud Siltriders, and the progressive Willowbend – the Deepmore carve out a unique identity - one steeped in the history of the dark arts itself.
At the helm of their society stands the Mudmother, a powerful witch who is not only a leader but a spiritual guide who maintains the tribe's connection to the mystical forces of the marsh. To the Deepmore, spellcasters — or "Qiqzari" — are viewed as sages, who oversee a lore that reaches back to the earliest days of their tribe, and keepers of the tribe’s united knowledge.
The arcane practices developed within the depths of Bittermarsh by the Deepmore are believed to have laid the groundwork for the more structured forms of witchcraft that later emerged in the Witchrealm of Morvathia. Their brand of magic and distinct life style continues to influence the mystical arts across the region to this day.

A Deepmore's Way of Life

The Deepmore view magic not just as a tool but as an expression of their bond with the natural and supernatural worlds. In this way, every member of the tribe, regardless of their role, is expected to possesses a fundamental understanding of magical practices. The Deepmore society values the acquisition of arcane knowledge above all, with the most skilled witches holding positions of respect and authority.
From a young age, Deepmore children are initiated into these teachings, regardless if they show an affinity for witchcraft or not. Those that do, however, are mentored by the Mudmother to become the next generation of Zuqthiri witches. The 'Night of Whispers' is a rite of passage for young witches, where they spend a night alone in the depths of Fogmere Hollow, tasked with listening to the voices of their gurdian spirits and their ancestors. This experience is meant to heighten their magical intuition and forge a personal connection with the arcane forces that permeate their homeland.

The Mudmother and the Daughters of Krotta

The Deepmore tribe is governed by a matriarchal hierarchy deeply rooted in their cultural and spiritual traditions. At the pinnacle of this structure is the Mudmother, a figure of immense reverence who serves as the spiritual and administrative leader of the tribe. She is seen as the direct successor to Krotta Deepmore, the progenitor of their lineage and the first of the Zuqthiri witches. The Mudmother's authority is absolute, yet she governs with the wisdom and guidance of her closest confidants, the Daughters of Krotta.
The Daughters of Krotta, a cadre of the tribe's most esteemed witches, form the inner circle of leadership. Their roles extend beyond mere advisors; they are the voice of the Mudmother in her absence, executing her will and ensuring the tribe's adherence to its ancient customs and laws.
Historically, the circle of the Daughters of Krotta has been kept deliberately small, comprising only eight to twelve members at any given time. This exclusivity ensures that each Daughter is capable of shouldering the heavy responsibilities that come with the title. When a Zuqthiri witch demonstrates exceptional skill, wisdom, and devotion, she may be summoned by the Mudmother to join this elite group. Such an invitation is a profound honor, signifying the witch's ascent to the highest echelons of their society.
Membership in the Daughters of Krotta grants access to the tribe's most sacred knowledge and sites. These privileged few are the keepers of the tribe's most revered tomes and the guardians of its holiest places, entrusted with secrets that have been passed down through generations. Their role is not only to preserve this ancient wisdom but also to interpret and apply it, guiding the Deepmore through the challenges of the present and into the future.

The Entangled Lord

The Deepmore's bond with Bittermarsh, and especially Fogmere Hollow, is sacred. Central to their beliefs is the worship of the 'Entangled Lord', a guardian spirit they perceive as an ancient, powerful presence woven into the very fog and soil of their homeland. This entity is thought to communicate with the tribe, offering protection and guidance, embodying the collective wisdom and magic of the marsh itself.
The Entangled Lord is more than merely a deity in the traditional sense but a conduit through which the Deepmore connect with their lineage. The tribe holds that the spirits of their ancestors, rather than passing to an afterlife, are embraced by the Entangled Lord, becoming one with the land. Through him young witches can reach and connected with the voices of past Zuqthiri witches, asking them for guidance or knowledge.
This profound link to their ancestors through the Entangled Lord shapes many Deepmore traditions, particularly their burial rites. The ritual of returning the deceased to Fogmere Hollow's embrace is paramount, not just as a return to the earth but as a reunion with the collective spirit of the tribe. Should a Deepmore perish beyond the Hollow, the tribe will undertake significant efforts to retrieve the body, ensuring it can be interred within their sacred land.
Through these beliefs and traditions, the Deepmore cultivate a unique bond with their environment, viewing Fogmere Hollow not just as a place of residence but as a living, breathing entity that holds the essence of their past, present, and future. For this reason, a common saying among the Zuqthiri is: "The marsh remembers", which gives comfort to the living and reminds them to always contribute to the tribe.

Culinary Practices

The diet of the Deepmore is largely dictated by the bounty of the swamp and their adeptness in harnessing its resources. They forage for edible fungi and gather wild herbs known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The waters of Bittermarsh provide fish and other aquatic life, while small game hunted within the marsh's bounds offers variety. The Deepmore also practice a form of agriculture adapted to their environment, cultivating swamp-tolerant crops in small clearings. Their meals are often seasoned with unique spices derived from marsh plants, giving their cuisine a distinct flavor that can be earthy, flowery or spicy.
Among the staples of their diet are a variety of chowders, rich and creamy, laden with the day's catch of fish or crab, simmered with herbs and spices. Steamed fish, prepared with fresh herbs and wrapped in swamp leaves, and crab stews, thick and aromatic, are common fare, providing both nourishment and a connection to the waters that sustain them.
The cattail and mushroom stew stands out as a quintessential Deepmore delicacy, a harmonious blend of earthy flavors and textures, with the cattails providing a subtle, nutty base complemented by the richness of marsh mushrooms. Crispy fried swamp eels, another beloved dish, are often served with a spicy gravy.
In lieu of alcoholic beverages, the Deepmore have cultivated a sophisticated tea culture, drawing from the vast array of herbs, flowers, and even dried mushrooms at their disposal. Cold tea, particularly favored during travel or meals, serves as a refreshing respite from the swamp's humidity. The crafting of these teas is an art form, with recipes passed down through generations, each blend designed for a specific purpose. Some teas are crafted to invigorate and rejuvenate, while others are meant to soothe and calm, easing the mind and body after a day's toil. For sacred ceremonies, special brews with hallucinogenic properties are prepared, facilitating spiritual journeys and connections with the ancestral web that the Deepmore hold dear.

The Settlement of Grimmer

The central community of the Deepmore is Grimmer, a secluded hamlet within Fogmere Hollow built between the large gnarled trees of the marsh. Constructed from the resilient marshwood trees and insulated with peat, the buildings of Grimmer are uniquely designed to withstand the damp and decay of the swamp. The tribe's use of a secret herbal concoction prevents moisture damage, ensuring their homes remain sturdy and dry.
The typical Zuqthiri huts are partially buried, with their roofs covered in earth and undergrowth, making them blend with the surrounding landscape. The village is connected by moss-covered bridges, while a robust palisade encircles Grimmer, offering protection from the swamp's larger predators and other dangers. Light in Grimmer comes from the soft glow of bioluminescent mushrooms, used both for street lanterns and within homes, creating a serene, otherworldly ambiance.
At Grimmer's center stands the Thistlespire, a spiraled tower of interwoven roots and branches. It's the spiritual and magical hub, home to the Mudmother and the Daughters of Krotta, who safeguard the tribe's arcane traditions. The Thistlespire holds a trove of ancient wisdom, from books to mystical artifacts. Its lower levels are communal spaces for ceremonies and gatherings, while the upper sections are reserved for council meetings and the education of young witches.

The Hollow Down

Beneath the marshy grounds of Grimmer lies the Hollow Down, the most hallowed sanctuary of the Deepmore tribe. Shrouded in secrecy and accessible only to the Mudmother and the Daughters of Krotta, this underground catacomb is the final resting place for the tribe's departed. It is believed to be connected to the Swallowing Depth in some ways.
The burial rites of the Deepmore are a solemn affair, beginning with a public ceremony where the body of the deceased is meticulously preserved and mummified. This initial ritual allows the tribe to pay their respects and bid a personal farewell to the departed. Following this communal remembrance, the body is transported to the Hollow Down in a private ceremony. Only those closest to the Mudmother are privy to the final rites conducted within the catacombs, and the exact location where each Deepmore is laid to rest remains a closely guarded secret.
It is widely believed among the tribe that within the Hollow Down, the Entangled Lord embraces the deceased. This sacred embrace is thought to weave the spirit of the departed into the ancestral web, connecting them with the lineage of the Deepmore that stretches back through the ages.

The Saga of Krotta Deepmore

The Deepmore Tribe's origins are intricately tied to Krotta Deepmore, a quagglenox herbalist and alchemist whose defiance and ingenuity during the tumultuous times following the Age of Silence laid the foundation for what would become one of Bittermarsh's most enigmatic tribes. Krotta's story is one of resilience, unorthodox practices, and the transformative power of forbidden knowledge.

Exile and Rebellion

In an era when demonic forces threatened the very existence of many tribes within Netherdyn and only the deities from beyond the sea of night offered protection. Though, Krotta's own tribe clung desperately to the old ways, refusing the aid of those New Gods. But as their survival hung in the balance, Krotta sought a different path, turning not to the gods, but to the very essence of their adversaries. Her groundbreaking discovery that demon blood could amplify spellcasting and serve as a potent source of magic marked the beginning of a new chapter in the arcane arts.
This revelation, however, came at a personal cost: She was branded a traitor, a heretic, and a demonic whore by her tribe. Krotta soon was exiled for her controversial methods, leaving behind her people whose fate would soon fade into obscurity. Yet, in the solitude of her exile, Krotta's mastery of the dark arts only grew, attracting those who, like her, existed on the fringes of their societies. Together, they formed a new clan under Krotta's leadership, embracing the potent and perilous path she had forged. This collective, bound by their shared pursuit of arcane knowledge and survival, would come to be known as the Deepmore Tribe.
As the first Mudmother of her newly formed tribe, Krotta's influence and teachings became the cornerstone of the Deepmore's identity. Her profound understanding of demonic anatomy, gleaned from courageous study, has been passed down through generations and remains a crucial component of witchcraft and demonology education—far beyond the borders of Bittermarsh.
Krotta's journey didn't stop with the founding of her tribe; her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to the very the Netherhells itself. This daring expedition, undertaken at the height of her power, was driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of demonic realms and forces. Her extraordinary life and enduring impact on the magical world continues to resonate within her devoted tribe and witches across the realms.

Pact and the Purge

Yet, as revered as Krotta Deepmore's legacy is, it is not without its darker, more controversial aspects. Whispers and obscure historical documents suggest a more sinister side to her story. During her years of exile, Krotta is rumoured to have struck a dire pact with a greater demon for survival and power. This alliance is said to have had a tragic and malevolent outcome: the annihilation of her original clan. The tales speak of Krotta, fueled by vengeance and bitterness, orchestrating a demonic onslaught that eradicated her former kin, as an act of retribution.
The price of this power and revenge, as legend has it, was a promise to the demon lord to liberate him from his infernal bonds in one of the Netherhell's circles, known as 'the Gnarled Roots.' This demon, an outcast and traitor among his own kind, was condemned to eternal torment. In fulfilling her end of the bargain, Krotta is said to have unleashed him into the heart of Bittermarsh, where he merged with the land itself, particularly within Fogmere Hollow. Entwined with the soil and the roots of the marsh, the demon is said to exert a subtle but pervasive influence over the Deepmore witches, manipulating them as his agents to this very day.
The Deepmore tribe, however, views these tales with a mix of amusement and disdain, seeing them as exaggerated fabrications meant to discredit their esteemed progenitor. To them, Krotta remains a figure of immense respect and pride, and the derogatory epithet "the demonic whore of Bittermarsh" has been reclaimed as a badge of honor. They relish the fear and awe that their matriarch's story evokes. The legacy of Krotta Deepmore, whether marred or venerated, continues to loom large in Bittermarsh's history.

Relationship to Other Tribes

The Deepmore tribe's relationships with their neighboring tribes are nuanced and complex, shaped by a history of mutual suspicion, necessity, and evolving cultural dynamics.
The Thornwatch views the Deepmore with a cautious pragmatism. Recognizing the Deepmore's profound connection to the land and their pivotal role as custodians of ancient knowledge, the Thornwatch nonetheless harbors deep reservations about their practices of necromancy, witchcraft, and demonology. These "dark arts" are seen as a potential blight upon the purity of Bittermarsh, a corruption that could seep into the very roots of the land they vow to protect. Despite these misgivings, the Thornwatch has historically allied with the Deepmore when greater threats loom over Bittermarsh, valuing the common goal over ideological purity. Yet, this alliance is tinged with vigilance, as the Thornwatch remains wary of the Deepmore's influence, fearing the spread of Fogmere Hollow's dark legacy.
The Siltriders exhibit a more tolerant attitude towards the Deepmore. Their indifference to the practice of witchcraft stems from a pragmatic recognition of its power and utility rather than any deep-seated acceptance. However, the arcane rites, secretive nature, and complex customs of the Deepmore often leave the Siltriders bemused and cautious. The prevailing wisdom among the Siltriders is to maintain a respectful distance from Deepmore witches, acknowledging their potency and the potential for unforeseen consequences should one inadvertently provoke their ire.
The relationship between the Willowbend and the Deepmore is fraught with historical tension and contemporary contradictions. Traditionally, the Willowbend have been vocal critics of the Deepmore, denouncing their matriarch, Krotta Deepmore, with vitriolic epithets and rejecting their mystical practices as malevolent. However, the ascent of the Witchrealm of Morvathia, with its fusion of arcane and technological advancements, has precipitated a cultural dilemma for the Willowbend. Their gradual adoption of Morvathian innovations, while simultaneously denouncing similar practices within the Deepmore, has exposed them to accusations of hypocrisy and opportunism. This dichotomy has softened some Willowbend attitudes towards the Deepmore, yet the legacy of animosity lingers, leaving a residue of distrust on both sides.
Amidst the intricate web of alliances and animosities, the alchemical prowess of the Deepmore finds universal acclaim across Bittermarsh. Zuqthiri merchants, with their caravans of potions, balms, and remedies, traverse the marshlands, welcomed in settlements far and wide. The efficacy and quality of Deepmore concoctions transcend tribal rivalries. This begrudging respect for the Deepmore's alchemical skills highlights a common thread of pragmatism that runs through the tribes, uniting them in their appreciation for the tangible benefits these crafts bring to their daily lives, even in the face of deep-seated prejudices and historical grievances.

Type

Geopolitical, Tribe

Alternative Names

The Zuqthiri

Parent Organization

The Free Realm of Bittermarsh

Ruler
The Mudmother, The Daughters of Krotta
Founder
Krotta Deepmore
Spoken Languages
Murkmurmur
Currency
Mire Pearls, Vesperan Coinage
Calendar
Galdoric Calendar