Swamp of Reawakening: History and Rumors

Until recently, this place was avoided at all costs. The sky above the swamp always seems to be dark and cloudy, making navigation by stars almost impossible. Repetitive storms and heavy rain clouds alter the landscape as much as winds alter the shifting sands of the deserts. However, the land was not always as such. In the past, it was even more unstable and deadly.

It is recorded in the exploits of the druid Brisbane, that a group known as the Al'Noth's Tempest was directly responsible for the state of the swamp. An attempt to bind four powerful elementals for their own, unknown purpose backfired drastically, causing a serious imbalance in the surrounding land, which affected the nearby woods and the course of rivers.

Through Brisbane's efforts, and those of her companions, certain magical links which bound eight of the Al'Noth's Tempest's members to the land were removed. Once their influence was gone, a ritual eased the pain of the land and gave birth to the Grove of Slumber a few seasons later.

Tribes of trolls were once known to lurk the swamps, controlling much of its deepest parts. Most of these trolls had grown stronger than their cousins not residing in this swamp. It is not clear exactly what happened, but over time, the numbers of the troll tribes began to diminish, and they were seen less frequently by those few who roam the swamp's outskirts. At first, with the sightings less and less, more folks attempted the journey through the swamps to the Grove of Slumber for either religious or personal reasons. It was the demise of such people in the swamps though that gave an indication of new trouble brewing.

Something much worse had taken the place of the trolls. Dark-skinned elves began wandering the swamps. Reports began flooding into local towns and villages of the sightings of the dark elves, and more and more people began avoiding the swamps. Rumors abound as to what they are doing there and how they got there. Speculation gave way to a newly revealed entrance to the Deep somewhere in the swamp. Others believe a sect of them may have simply relocated to the swamp. Whatever the reason, with the presence of these dark elves, journeying to the swamps is considered way too hazardous to attempt.

Rare vegetation seems to thrive in the swamp's conditions; most notably, the rare mushroom known as White Lightning. Often sought out by alchemists and mages alike, this fungus is reputed to have some effects which allow one to see a soul; although, exactly how this effect works or how the mushroom is prepared is unknown.