Chlestea Lake

Water runoff from the neighboring Barrier Hills pours into two shallow lakes separated by a freshwater swamp overrun by shrubs and small trees. Although Chlestea Lake consists of two distinct bodies of water, locals refer to the entire water system as Chlestea Lake. Blood Clan gnolls from the Howling Fortress frequently hunt for game and potential sacrifices in the malodorous wetland alongside trolls, ogres, lizardmen, crocodiles, and other predatory animals. Pluff mud — otherwise known as quicksand — is a common feature in the swamp, especially in areas devoid of trees or tangled shrubs. Although only a few feet deep in most spots, Chlestea Lake is well stocked with an assortment of fish as well as crustaceans and aquatic insects. Even the hungriest beast avoids the lair of Helcraw, the ancient black dragon who lords over the area. This massive reptile dwells in an underwater cavern accessible only through a 200-foot-long submerged tunnel. The sadistic monster lines the walls of this passageway with grisly trophies from her past victims. Severed heads, dismembered limbs, and personal mementoes simultaneously function as dire warnings and macabre décor for Helcraw’s prospective visitors. Some travelers believe the wily dragon also uses the pluff mud to trap her prey or drag them into her lair. A growing belief in some circles is that the Blood Clan gnolls now worship the ancient black dragon as a deity.

Type

Lake