The Marsh Harrow

The Marsh Harrow is a gigantic monster which is reputed to dwell in the bogs and pools of the Unclaimed Marches in the realm of the Lost Retreat for time out of mind.
According to legend, the creature sleeps through the long years in a comatose dream of watery imagination, rotting wood, thick mossy thoughts and misty mystery. Anyone who crosses the marshes might catch half a glimpse of the creature's body in the unusual shape of a fallen tree, or a pale reflection in a stagnant pool at dusk but it is only at long, rare intervals that the Marsh Harrow awakes and tries to fulfil some ancient, yet somehow urgent destiny it can no longer properly remember.
Some of those very few patriots who love the Unclaimed Marches, believe that the Marsh Harrow will awaken to defend the watery land it calls home if ever it is threatened by invaders from the seas or from the highlands. In Singstones, they have a song of invocation, murmured between the wise and passed down from generation to generation, which it is said can summon the Marsh Harrow at need.

Arise, Marsh Harrow!

From the depths where shadows creep,
Where the blackened waters sleep,
In the fogs that twist and wind,
Arise, Marsh Harrow, fierce and blind!

With teeth like spears, your maw unbound,
With four strong arms, you break the ground,
The tides of war, they crash and roar,
Arise, arise, to the battle’s door!

Chorus:
Oh, Marsh Harrow, hear our cry!
Beneath the darkened, blood-red sky,
From the depths, come forth in might,
Defend our lands, arise and fight!

From the Marches, thick and deep,
Where no mortal dares to leap,
The invaders come with steel and flame,
But none shall leave who speak your name!

Your eyes aglow with ancient wrath,
Your claws tear through the warrior’s path,
A monstrous force, born of despair,
Arise, arise, O beast of air!

Chorus:
Oh, Marsh Harrow, hear our cry!
Beneath the darkened, blood-red sky,
From the depths, come forth in might,
Defend our lands, arise and fight!

The seas may churn, the winds may wail,
But none shall stand, and none prevail.
With every roar, you break the chains,
Of men who fall in swamp’s cold veins.

The Unclaimed Marches call your name,
Their guardian in storm and flame,
So rise again, our ancient friend,
And to our foes bring swift their end!

Chorus:
Oh, Marsh Harrow, hear our cry!
Beneath the darkened, blood-red sky,
From the depths, come forth in might,
Defend our lands, arise and fight!

Arise, arise, Marsh Harrow wild,
Unleash your wrath on every isle,
No foe shall tread where shadows sweep,
Arise, arise, from your endless sleep!

— Traditional