The Leechdens

On the surface most land is taken up by dense vegetation, leaving little room for travelers to traverse or set up camp on. The main culprit behind this are the trees that provide much of the structure to the swamp, in some regions they grow so thick it appears as an impassable wall of trees. The trees also form a dense canopy, casting darkness across stretches of the swamp and providing shade for those who live on land. But amongst these are also various bushes, vines, ferns, and grasses.
On the surface travelers can expect to hear more than they see, with most animals choosing to remain hidden in the shade and out of the sun. Travelers should take precautions to deal with the numerous insects that dwell in the swamps. For these carry with them numerous virulent diseases, and if unprepared these can quickly wipe out a traveling party. It’s advised that if a group is exiting the Leechdens and one of their members has fallen ill to an insect borne disease they abandon them in the swamp to prevent the disease from spreading.
Deep in the swamps travelers may encounter a tree on which a bountiful harvest of fruit grows. These fruits are to be avoided at all costs. Any creature that consumes the flesh of this fruit will soon find itself growing drowsy and weak, falling to the ground near the foot of the tree. Soon after they have fallen victim to the fruit the Orchard Keeper will approach. This large water bird feasts upon any creature while they are asleep and defenseless. The flesh and spilled blood of their prey goes on to nourish the plant, allowing it to keep growing the fruit that lures in the Orchard Keeper’s prey.

Geography

The waters in the Leechdens are far deeper than usually expected of a swamp, reaching depths of 15-20 feet in some areas. In fact many travelers have stepped into the waters only to quickly sink to the bottom, far from the reaching hands of their companions.
On the surface most land is taken up by dense vegetation, leaving little room for travelers to traverse or set up camp on. The main culprit behind this are the trees that provide much of the structure to the swamp, in some regions they grow so thick it appears as an impassable wall of trees. The trees also form a dense canopy, casting darkness across stretches of the swamp and providing shade for those who live on land. But amongst these are also various bushes, vines, ferns, and grasses.

Climate

The Leechdens are humid year round with an oppressive heat. There is little to no winds in the deep swamp due to the thick vegetation blocking most of it. The thick vegetation also blocks any cool air coming from the ocean from reaching into the swamp.

Fauna & Flora

• Crocodiles
• Alligators
• Giant leeches
• Piranhas
• Orchard Keepers
• Sleeper Trees

Alternative Name(s)

Zul Guror

Location under

Agartha

Related Ethnicities

• Leechmen

Inhabiting Species

• The Orchard Keeper