The Dragons of Wyrmwood

Are there dragons in the jungles? I cannot say that I have ever seen one. Nor have I ever seen any evidence of them. But I will say that jungle is creepy, and I for one do not like spending time in there. If you go far enough from the port you start to feel like you're being watched. And it is true that every now and again some poor fool will attempt to explore the island and will vanish into the mists. Something's out there, something large moving about in the interior of the island. But is it dragons? I doubt it.

Reef Varian, Scoundrel and Pirate

Summary

The Wyrmwood Islands are home to a number of strange beasts and are, for the most part, largely unexplored. There are tales of cannibals, three headed cats, and strange mists that lead explorers astray. But the most popular legend, and the one for which the isles are named, is that of dragons hiding in the jungles. It is said that these dragons will hunt and eat travelers who go astray, and that they cannot be bargained or reasoned with, and will not be seen until it is too late. Denizens of the islands typically stay near shore, avoiding the jungles for fear of these dragons.

Historical Basis

No one in recorded history has actually seen one of these dragons, barring a few, extremely suspect, accounts from natives terrified out of their wits. A few tales tell of giant footprints and claw marks found deep in the jungle, and a couple of mangled animal corpses have been found by parties ranging into the interior. These corpses, which appear to have been mauled by some large beast, are well documented, but inconclusive evidence so far as the dragons are concerned. Strange sounds can also be heard coming from the jungle, especially at night, but that is no strange occurrence, and most dismiss them as typical jungle beasts.

Spread

The tale is common knowledge among sailors who berth at Wyrmwood, but is practically unheard of on any mainland.

In Art

The aboriginal art belonging to a few of the island tribes appears to show several variations of a lizard like being eating animals and travelers in the center of the islands.

Related Locations

• Wyrmwood Islands