South Marshes

The South Marshes are an expansive region of marshes, bogs, bayous and lakes that lay between the Gallis Highlands and Galladian Lowlands. The largest settlement, and only major city, in the region is South Marsh at the eastern edge of the marsh where the Ekips river enters the ocean. Small settlements can be found hidden among the willows and reeds of the marsh, but unknown threats hide just the same.

Geography

The South Marshes are created by a large topographical depression, and is one of the two drainage basins for the Gallis Highlands, as well as much of the southern Galladian lowlands. The region gently slopes away from the Gulf of Sibus and the Gallis Highlands to the Narrow Sea. The Ekips river, named for the large number of Ekipters that inhabit the areas around the northern shores, meanders through the region from the origin in the Spine. While small settlements have been built along the bayous, the only settlements of note is South Marsh, at the mouth of the Ekips river, where it empties into the Narrow Sea. Small hot springs can also be found bubbling up throughout the marsh, although some do release noxious gasses.

"A note to those travelling the King's Road through the South Marsh: the use of the word road is generous. Portions of the road can only be forded by boat, and others have no sign of a road at all. For this reason it is advised that you make way through the Coast Road." - Academy Travel Companion Vol. 13

Localized Phenomena

A thick mist hangs over much of the interior of the South Marshes, sometimes ebbing and flowing, like the tide, but never leaving. Some attribute this to the steam and gasses released by hot springs. Others say it is something more mysterious in nature.

Climate

Warm, wet air blows into the Gulf of Sibus from the Silver Ocean, dumping a significant amount of rain in the Gallis Highlands, with the remaining moisture making its way to the South Marshes. The region has a sub-tropical climate, with warm summers and mold winters. Large grasslands, give way to forests and then marshes.

Fauna & Flora

Above all, the most famous species believed to hail from this region is the Ekipter. These winged, horse-like creatures are thought to have originated from the northern shore of the Ekips river, but are now found across all of Gloratium
Beyond the Ekipters, a wide range of specialized plants and animals inhabit these marshes. These include various herbs, fungus, bugs, fishes and birds. Of note, Bark Owls live amongst the tall branches of the trees, as well as large herons and cranes, while Mindstingers swarm amongst the bogs. The bogs also host plentiful amounts of Mundi's Gift, an aquatic herb used in the prevention of Scurvy.

Natural Resources

Live Oak is the most important export of this region, prized for ship building, particularly in war ships. Beyond this, the South Marshes are famous for herbs and medicinal remedies, notably Mundi's Gift. Shrimp and other crustaceans are also caught in and around the swamps.

History

For centuries, the South Marsh was largely uninhabited, and largely acted as a buffer between the civilizations of the north and south. As a result, it often became a home for outcasts, vagabonds and rebels, as well as races shunned from larger society including goblins and orcs. Eventually smaller settlements arose along the shores of the Ekips River, but this was often seen as a ruff and rugged lifestyle.
However, during the wars of the Gift, South Marsh became a vital strategic location, as one of the few places where the South Marshes could be easily navigated. Many battles were fought on both banks of the Ekips river for control of the small town, with ownership contested even by the time the Forefathers arrived on the continent.

Tourism

The small port of South Marsh is known primarily for it's local scene, as opposed to the value of the trade passing through the docks. Undesirables, merchants, sailors and vagabonds all coalesce at the small taverns and inns that dot the shores of the Ekips. A limited formal government presence keeps South Marsh a location where any information or rumor can be gained, for the right price.

Owning Organization

New Kingdom of Galladia

Contested By

• Emerald Throne