The Gray Fen

Streams flow from the Stoneheart Mountains and drain into a low-lying basin east of the mountain range to create the Gray Fen, a dank wetland teeming with stagnant ponds layered with striated moss and clusters of hardy trees. The moderately alkaline environment supports numerous species of wild berries, carnivorous plants, and a healthy population of moose. The hobgoblins and dwarves from the neighboring strongholds sometimes venture onto the soggy terrain in pursuit of these massive beasts, though the Gray Fen’s dangerous reputation dissuades many hunters from setting foot in this forsaken realm. Will-o’-wisps haunt these malodorous lands, feasting on the souls of the living who trespass into their territory. Marsh gas is also a constant menace along with mosquitoes and other insect pests who hound travelers at every turn in the Gray Fen. Humanoids who perish here often rise up from the muddy soil and assume an undead existence as partially mummified, waterlogged corpses.
The dwarves and hobgoblins alike believe many fugitives or conspirators fled into the watery morass to escape their pursuers and well-deserved justice. Rumors abound claiming these individuals founded a refuge within the fen for other individuals facing a similar predicament. Second- and thirdhand accounts describe the settlement reportedly known as Liberation as a wild, lawless mixed community of renegade dwarves, hobgoblins, and any other creatures seeking a new beginning far from civilization and the long arm of the law. Whether Liberation actually exists fuels heated debates in dwarven and hobgoblin circles, though no one has mustered enough courage to personally investigate the stories.

Type

Wetland / Swamp