Vain

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One of the most unique and treacherous regions of Kenshi, Vain is defined by its sprawling, swamp-like environment and dense vegetation. This region, located in the western part of the mainland is home to the Western Hive, a faction of Hivers that have adapted to the swampy and hazardous terrain. Vain is a region of beauty mixed with danger, where the overgrown, alien-like landscape offers both opportunity and peril for those who venture into its depths.

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Geography

Vain is a low-lying, swampy region, with the ground frequently flooded by shallow waters. The terrain is uneven, with dense patches of vegetation interspersed with muddy, bog-like areas. The landscape is dotted with towering mushroom-like trees, their massive canopies providing shade from the harsh sun, but also trapping humidity and making the air thick and heavy. The ground is often soft and waterlogged, making travel difficult outside of the Balik Road. The ever-present moisture makes the region prone to dangerous sinkholes, where travelers can easily get trapped in the mud. Paths are hard to find in the thick overgrowth, and the water levels of the Pengu River fluctuate depending on the season, often creating flooded marshes that hinder movement.

Notable Features

Cliffs and Plateaus: Surrounding the swamp are steep cliffs and rocky plateaus that form natural boundaries. These cliffs create isolated pockets of the swamp, where the Western Hive thrives, and also provide vantage points for scouting the murky landscape below.
Bioluminescent Vegetation: Some of the flora have developed bioluminescent properties, glowing a soft blue at night giving the landscape an eerie, otherworldly glow. Some parts of Vain can actually appear brighter at night than at day due to this glow.

Climate

The climate is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching stifling levels during the day. The humidity is nearly unbearable, especially in the dense parts of the swamp, where the air becomes thick and oppressive. The region also experiences frequent rainfall, which helps to keep the swamp alive but also creates more waterlogged areas and further fuels the overgrowth.
Vain is often shrouded in thick fog, especially in the early morning and late evening. The fog reduces visibility to just a few meters, making navigation treacherous and adding to the sense of mystery and danger. The fog also makes it easy for predators and bandits to ambush travelers, as visibility is often extremely limited.

Type

Wetland / Swamp

Owning Organization

Western Hive