Paluster Marsh

"Paluster Marsh"

As we crested the final ridge over the jagged, snow covered rocks, I was thankful that “The Captain” insisted we bring our horse skin overcoats. The biting wind did little to dampen our amazement at the incredible view set before us. On those rocky heights, it seemed that we could see forever. Out before us, stretched the widest carpet of green I could ever imagine. I had never seen anything so pretty. The dry, dusty sand back home, exhome I suppose now, didn’t allow many plants to grow for long. Beige and brown and tan was our usual views.
“Now the hard part comes.” Said The Captain. I don’t even know why we call him “The Captain”, he doesn’t own a ship, there are no ships where we’re from. I’m not even sure if he’s even touched water before, judging by the wrinkled noses of anyone down wind of him. Marlon said that it was a hereditary title passed down through the generations, it isn’t even his real name. It’s easy enough to remember so we just go with it.
“It’s just down the mountain and through the greens?” I said. “We’ll be there pretty soon.”
“Those greens go on fer far longer than your desert home lassie. And they be even more deadly than they are pretty. Be warned, all of our party ain’t goin ta make it out. Don’t go straggling about, don’t go anywhere alone, and stay ta da center of the group, and ya just might make it through ta regret leavin that old sand pile.”
“That ought to brighten her day, Heral. Good job.” Scolded Samilla.
“Pipe down you two.” Ordered Dustin. “Once we descend to the bottom of the mountain, we’ll make camp for the night, and then strike out through the marsh. That’s when “The Captain” will really earn his money.”

— Midi Falco

Geography

Ages ago, before The Sundering, this land was a vast marsh fed by the meltwaters and runoff tributaries of the northern Serra Dens Mountains. It stretched from their base, south to the open steppe of what is now the territory of Cuska, in The Pythos Empire, and spreading out to the eastern wilderness.
Even after The Binding, this part of the world was cast askew and tilted, which caused this large marsh to spill out farther and farther every day. Currently it is 5 times its original size, engulfing many towns, cities, dwellings, and landscapes. Cuska now has much of its borders inundated with the swampy waters, the elves of the east are gone, many forests are now murky lands, the rivers and flood plains have darkened and widened, carrying the marsh all the way to the sea and along much of its coast.

Fauna & Flora

PLANTS
The first thing one sees when approaching the marsh from a distance is the enormous amount of green spreading out before them. This consists of a very wide variety of trees, shrubs, grasses, and the like. In the higher elevated parts of the marsh, a few species of trees can be found, mostly conifers and a few hardy deciduous trees, such as spruces, some oaks, and Swamp Cypress along the rivers. At medium elevation and along river banks are often a variety of water loving tree like the River Willow, Rainbow Willow, Moon Willow, Sun Willow, and Spiritberry bushes. At lower elevations are many species of fern, moss, skunk cabbage, cattails, and horsetails, with a variety of water lily floating in slow moving or pools of water. At the northeastern edge of the marsh where the water hits the sea, and the rivers leading to it, can be found Red Mangrove, White Mangrove, and Black Mangrove. In the more nutrient deficient areas are several reclusive species of pitcher plants, sundews, and fly traps.

INSECTS
The most numerous of any creature in the marsh is certainly the insects. From the hated mosquitoes, to bees and ants, dragonflies, moths, butterflies, beetles, and their larva caterpillars and grubs are found around every trees and over every body of water here. And suspended in between are the spiders, and underneath are the centipedes.

BIRDS
The most varied of the large organisms that frequent this marsh are the birds. Hundreds of species come here to nest, feed, or rest on their travels. Either in the treetops or floating in the waters can be seen ducks, geese, storks, herons, cranes, red-winged blackbirds, kingfishers, owls, hawks, and many more. Although some might not consider them birds, some stirges are also found tucked away in the back corners of the marsh.

MAMMALS
Many mammals call this place home. Muskrat, bobcat, cougar, jaguar, deer, boar, bear, nutria, beaver, marsh rats, and bats can all be found here.

REPTILES
While there are fewer species of reptiles in the marsh, those that do live here are usually the larger and more predaceous types, such as the Marsh Monitor, alligators, crocodiles, pythons, anacondas, boas, copperheads, and various other snakes, many turtles manage to thrive here as well.

AMPHIBIANS
As evening approaches in the marsh, the chorus of frogs, and toads sound out through the air signaling their presence as well as their more silent brethren, the salamanders who wander in search of food.

FISH
May varieties of fish, such as bass, sunfish, gar, carp, and river eels, live in the waters here, depending on whether it’s shallow pools, slow streams, deep rivers, or flooded landscapes.

INVERTEBRATES/WORMS
Often overlooked are the creatures below the muck and water, such as the Red-Striped Leech, crayfish, snails, worms, and mussels.

HUMANOIDS
Several confirmed humanoids dwell in the marsh as well. Wild and unpredictable Human Druids, and Marsh Elves should be approached with caution and strength of arms. The more neutral Newtonians will try to avoid you as best they can. The Lacertians, Kobolds, Goblins, and Gnolls should be avoided at all costs, as they seek to rob you at best and enslave, sacrifice, or murder you otherwise.

RUMORED ORGANISMS
In addition to the expected plants and animals living in the marsh, occasionally giant versions of each can be found there as well. There are also many rumored but unsubstantiated creatures hidden in the dark recesses. Tales of the Skunk Ape, Peryton, Harpy, Faerie, Will O’ Wisp, Displacer Beast, Hydra, and even a Black Dragon have been told around the campfire. Where there are marshes and swamps, there usually seems to be some undead as well.

Natural Resources

There are extensive natural resources available here for those who know where to look and how to harvest them.
The varied high and low parts of the marsh, lend itself to having many ingredients known for remedies, potions, and spells.
Lumber from various trees species is readily available as well as the hides, pelts, and meat from the hunting and fishing of various animals.
Skilled artisans can use Tortoiseshell strips to inlay and decorate many high end items. Toadstones are quite sought after by the nobles and hierarchy of the neighboring cities for their immunity qualities. Marsh Leather has become a very profitable industry as of late with the resurgence of the Marsh Monitor.
Peat is often harvested for fuel or roofing material. It is even rumored that the mysterious druids of the southern marsh have found a secret and mystical way to create a bog iron out of the very boggy parts of the marsh itself.
Remnants, artifacts, and ruins from waterlogged past civilizations can still be found here on occasion.
The Paluster Marsh holds many plant and animal species that offer unique opportunities for those willing to brave this expansive wetland.

Type

Wetland / Swamp

DANGERS
The marsh is very beautiful to behold and filled with many wonders, but very deadly to the uninitiated. Those that have passed through and lived, have reported on the many dangers of Paluster Marsh. From Quicksand, to Infectious Disease, Poisonous plants and animals, giant carnivores, magical creatures, and various races of humanoids.

DISEASES
The silent killer of the marsh is often the forgotten and overlooked infectious disease. There are many to watch out for in this environment, many die long after they leave the waters of the marsh due in part to Black Wash, Desmodeus, Dracunculus, Eyevitis, and Swamp Fever amongst others.