The Deathlands
Supposedly caused by Vershen to the west the Deathlands are not claimed by any nations but small towns and outposts exist in this cursed place. It is said those who die here are cursed to never rest, their bodies rising as undead, or their spirits, within a month of their death. Vershen is known to have coastal outposts where their necromancy mage enclaves study the energies of the areas and collect powerful undead to either bind as servants or use for their spells.
Fauna & Flora
Shadevine
The Shadevine is a sinister and twisted plant that thrives in the cursed soil of the Deathlands. It is a vine-like species with thick, thorny tendrils that crawl along the ground and wrap themselves around decaying trees and structures. The plant's leaves are a deep shade of purplish-black, giving it an eerie appearance.
What sets the Shadevine apart is its ability to draw upon the necromantic energies permeating the Deathlands. It taps into the residual magic of the cursed land, absorbing it to fuel its growth and nourishment. As a result, the plant exhibits an unnatural resilience and can survive in the harshest conditions, even when other vegetation withers away.
The Shadevine is believed to have a symbiotic relationship with the undead that roam the Deathlands. It is said that the vine's roots extend deep into the cursed ground, connecting with the restless spirits and drawing power from them. Some even claim that the Shadevine can communicate with the undead, using them as protectors or extensions of its own will.
Wraithwing
The Wraithwing is a haunting and elusive creature that haunts the skies of the Deathlands. It appears as a large, bat-like creature with tattered wings and a spectral glow emanating from its body. Its eyes glow with an eerie blue light, and its screech sends chills down the spines of those who hear it.
The Wraithwing possesses a unique ability to sense the presence of death and necromantic energies. It is drawn to areas where the boundary between life and death is thin, making it a frequent inhabitant of the Deathlands. Legends say that the Wraithwing can sense the approach of death itself, often acting as an omen or harbinger of impending doom.
The creature feeds on the residual energies of the undead, absorbing the necromantic essence to sustain itself. It is capable of phasing through solid objects and possesses exceptional maneuverability in the air, making it difficult to catch or track. The Wraithwing's haunting presence serves as a constant reminder of the cursed nature of the Deathlands.
Natural Resources
Soulstone
Soulstone is a rare and mysterious mineral that can be found buried deep within the soil and rock of the Deathlands. It is a dark, obsidian-like stone infused with pulsating veins of ethereal energy. Soulstone is believed to be a manifestation of the lingering spirits and necromantic forces that permeate the cursed land.
When held or worn, Soulstone has the peculiar ability to attune itself to the life force of the individual. It absorbs traces of their essence, imprinting upon it a fragment of their spirit. Some believe that the stone has the power to trap the souls of the deceased, binding them within its depths forever.
The necromancy mage enclaves of Vershen are particularly interested in Soulstone. They seek to harness its potent magical properties, using it as a catalyst for their spells and rituals. It is said that the Soulstone's connection to the realm of the dead allows it to enhance the power of necromantic arts, amplifying the control over undead creatures or aiding in communing with restless spirits.
However, the use of Soulstone is not without its risks. The stone's connection to death and the afterlife can have profound effects on those who handle it, sometimes leading to madness or a gradual erosion of their own life force. As a result, Soulstone is both coveted and feared, representing the delicate balance between life and death in the Deathlands.
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