100 rooms · levels 7–15
The trees become quite dense as this path continues northwards, forming a foreboding canopy over the swamp through which minimal light filters between the branches and foliage. Natural gases bubble up from the many thick pools of muck dotting the faint trail, rising in odorous clouds of fumes. A crow caws every so often in the distance, interrupting the constant backdrop of chirping insects. Many tiny footprints, as well as a few large and clawed ones, are imprinted in the still wet mud, forming a heavily traveled path which runs north between the thick, moldy trunks of the trees.
The trail continues north and south, the trees blocking any passage east or west through the swamp at this point. A thick layer of muck coats the ground, generating a muffled slurp with each step taken. Tiny gnats thrive in this area, swarming in small clouds around anything living, their collective bites more than a nuisance. Many oddly shaped and colored plants grow at the base of the trees, nice refuges for the small animals that make this swamp their home. Grunts and growls can be heard from somewhere beyond, and the sucking of mud echos all around as something walks nearby.
As the trail goes deeper into the swamp, the ground becomes less and less solid, making travel slow and taxing. The trees become impenetrable north of here, while they open to provide a path between them east and south. A large tree to the west has been hollowed, and through a hole in its trunk another path can be seen beginning west. Numerous odd plants line the sides of the trail, glistening with a thin coat of oily slime. Lichen grows all along the trunks of the trees, providing food for the herbivorous denizens of the swamp, the plants themselves remaining untouched. A thin coat of the same oily substance covers the ground as well, reflecting a myriad of colors as faint light seeps through the canopy of foliage above.
The dense trees thriving in the rich swamp soil clear a bit along this end of the trail, allowing passage northward into the swamp. The muddy path slurps with each step, as the imprinted footsteps are slowly filled with mucky black water. A few areas along the path appear quite unstable, and in fact natural fumes bubble up from these spots, diluting into the air and creating a noxious mixture. Hundreds of insects make their homes among the ochre plants lining the trail, their chirping songs disguising the sounds of any other swamp dweller which might be nearby. A small path breaks from the main trail off to the south, where the ground seems to rise a bit, while a serene pool lies east. The swampy trail continues north and west, each slurping step tiring and heavy.
A pool of clear water lies inexplicably in the middle of the swamp, the result of a stony depression rising too high above ground. Lichen and fungi grow along the sides of the crater, but the crystalline water held within remains untouched and pure, collected during the rainfall. Tiny and delicate birds perch on the side of the basin, ruffling their colorful feathers as they bathe. Green swamp grass forms a soft carpet about the pool, inviting, and the mingled aroma of the swamp flowers has a lethargic effect. Swampy paths leave this peaceful oasis north and west.
The relatively even path through the swamp ends here, but rough trails can be seen going west, south, and north. A large tree has been hollowed to the east, and through a hole in its trunk the even path can be seen to continue. Snakes slither through the muck, as turtles traverse the ground between pools of water. The air is heavy with the putrid smell of rotting vegetation, and the sounds of life are all around, impossible to pinpoint against the backdrop of chirping insects and the honking of a lone goose. Splashing can be heard from the north and south, while the trail west leads into the darkness between the thick trunks of the mold covered trees.
The mushy ground of the swamp gives easily with each step, the imprints quickly being filled as black water seeps in from the surrounding mud. Ugly, brown and black plants of undiscernable species thrive in this bug infested haven, their thorns and toxic nature allowing them to remain untouched by the animals. Large trees covered with lichen and mold grow sporadically from the vegetation hiding the moist resin, gnarly branches reaching for the sky. The mating songs of the cicadas fill the air, and splashes can be heard from beyond the overgrown bushes along the south of the trail. A clearing can be seen off to the north, albeit the water level there rises significantly.
Nestled between the ochre plants of the swamp, a large pool of fetid black water has accumulated in a crater. The smooth surface ripples slightly as something below swims too near the water's surface, and concentric waves travel to the pool's edge as a black fish jumps out of the water to gulp down one of the many large dragonflies which flew too near. Slitted, cold reptilian eyes gaze from within the brush, and are quickly gone. A slight breeze comes in from a clearing north of here, carrying with it the smell of rotting vegetation.
The coarse brown shrubs of the swamp give way here to reveal an area where the dreadfully smelling swamp water has risen to about waist high for a troll, or to a human's chest. The inky depths of the black waters are impenetrable, as sleek and scaly forms break the water's surface every so often only to dive back again. Suddenly, a small lizard emerges from hiding within one of the many plants along the pool's edges, barely rippling the opaque surface as it treads. A dark shadow appears below the lizard, and in the blink of an eye the lizard is gone, tiny bubbles rising from somewhere below. A relatively unused trail can be seen through the shrubbery north of the pool, the chirping of insects increasing in that direction.
The ground rises noticeably here, well above water level. A fine layer of dust covers the entire mound, completely dry except for what's left of the most recent rainfall, which is itself being quickly absorbed by the earth. Claw tracks mill about the area, recent ones mixing with older ones, indicating that this is a regular habitat for something. In fact, an uncovered hole is revealed in the dirt, with fragments of shells broken all about it, as if this were some type of nesting area. Small dry mushrooms and fungi grow from the nutrient rich soil, and even a few bushes with clusters of colorful berries grow undisturbed. A swampy path lies north.
A variety of footprints cross paths here, belonging to both beasts as well as humanoids. The trees thin out a bit here, allowing a fair view of the sky above as dark shadows soar by. A comfortable breeze blows by, lessening the humidity and dispelling the natural gases which bubble up from nearby mudpuddles and threaten to accumulate. A gray, scaly form slithers through the brush, hissing at the intrusion. Colorful berry clusters grow from the bushes, and a crude basket woven of dried bark rests unattended on the path, half full of berries and roots. The north-south trail through the swamp intersects with another path heading west, and lumbering shuffles can be heard from that direction.
The muddy trail curves here, heading either north or east into the dark swamp. Oddly shaped and colored plants line the path, with clusters of colorful wild swamp berries dotting their branches. Portions of the muck which make up the ground are less solid than others, and gases bubble up from these pools of goop in noxious clouds. Insects buzz loudly along the path, and crickets chirp from somewhere in the brush. The sucking of mud as something - or someone - walks can be heard nearby.
The vegetation becomes quite dense as this path continues, but fortunately the high-reaching trees are less abundant than the low brown bushes. Thin pools of black water cover the muddy ground, the remains of the last rainfall. The plants are still damp from the rain, and the scent of fresh swamp flowers mingles - not unpleasantly - with the smells native to the swamp, the rotting of plants, and natural gases. Above the high bushes, foreboding mountain peaks can be seen not so far to the northeast, while a trail branches off from here and heads deeper into the dark swamp west, dense under the cover of the trees. The path runs north and south.
A lush ochre carpet of tall grass grows here, swaying in the eastward breeze. The trail cuts through the vegetation, the mushy ground sucking with each step making travel taxing, each print imprinted in the muck for a few moments before the black waters seep in and fill it. The eastward breeze carries with it the smells of the swamp, and the sounds of swamp life. Many birds of prey hover above, sending the local animal life running for the cover of the grasses.
This portion of the path is overgrown with tall swamp weeds, rising far above head and blocking vision in all directions. A path has been trampled through the overgrowth running north to a clearing and south to a serene glade-like area in the swamp. Crows caw above, their forms mere shadows against the sky. Something hisses a warning nearby, only to disappear in the overgrowth, leaving a path of disturbed weeds in its wake. The tall plants sway as the gentle eastward breeze blows by, carrying the smell of rotting vegetation and natural fumes with it.
Thick trunks covered in lichen and mold rise all about, their branches forming a thick canopy above which effectively blocks the sun and traps the moisture near the ground. The muddy trail weaves its way through the swamp between the imposing trees, as small animals scurry along the branches and across the path as they go about their lives. A shell drops from somewhere above, and a branch shakes slightly as something runs into hiding among the foliage. The air is stale and humid, no breeze managing its way between the trees' barriers. The path through the swamp continues its way west and south, while the darkness grows thicker north of here, the only sounds heard from that direction being ominous hissings.
The moist ground is riddled with large clawprints, and a small nest has been dug off to one side of the trail, surrounded by many odd plants. One plant in particular glistens with an oily secretion which oozes from its leaves and runs down the length of its stem to accumulate in the water at its base. The oily concentration shimmers rainbow hues in the faint light as the film quickly dilutes into the surrounding water. The plants sway gently in the odorous breeze which wafts in from the south and west, and the shuffling of animals is all about, barely audible above the chirping of the insects.
This clearing was formed when the water level of the swamp rose and drowned the waist-high plants. A few of the taller plants still survive, their tips poking above the water, bright red swamp berries clustering on each limb. The lack of overbrush provides a clear view of the sky, but also feeds the mucky trail with each downpour of rain. There are exits in every direction.
The water level becomes dangerously high here as the path slopes downwards, continuing its descent north. No vegetation has been able to grow above the black water's surface, only the trees managing to keep themselves from being completely submerged as they form a natural wall along the south and west. Something beneath the water swims near and tugs on the gear as it nibbles on the unusually shiny objects. The trail rises to more secure levels east, while a trail of glistening slime floats on the water's surface, leading north where the water level rises higher than the tallest troll or half giant.
This small clearing in the swamp has become completely submerged as black forms swim nearby against an even blacker background. Strange plants which appear to be a cross between seaweed and odd land plants flourish as they sway back and forth from the currents created by the swimming creatures. The water has an odd consistency to it, being thicker than normal as the slime which is secreted by the creatures mixes with the water, clinging to everything. To the south, the waters become shallow, eventually giving way to land.
The trail between the trees and plants bends here as it delves deeper into the swamp. Fresh berries cluster along many of the plants' branches and leaves, their bright reds, greens, and purples looking quite inviting. A crude, handwoven basket of dried bark hangs from the lowest branch of a nearby tree, nearly filled with varieties of berries and uprooted vegetables native to the swamps. A clear path continues east and south into the swamp, while the plants towards the north lie broken and trampled, as if something large decided to make its own path in that direction.
The mating songs of the cicadas rise in volume here, as hundreds of the shelled insects hide within the ochre plants lining the beaten trail. The soothing chirping disguises the dangerous nature of the marshes, and it is only the incessant hissing all about which acts as a reminder that one false step can mean death. Slitted, reptilian eyes leer from the brush, peeking between the colorful clusters of swamp berries, and are gone as suddenly as they appeared. The trail splits here, as a path leads east to an area overgrown with thick plants, while the ground along the north path becomes increasingly moist as it delves deeper into the swamp. A third path branches west, which leads to a mushy clearing in the swamp.
The swampy floor takes on a thick muddy consistency here, squishing with each step as the imprint is quickly filled with the black water which permeates the muck. Half buried plants sprout their brave leaves through the goop, eager to absorb any sunlight they can while entombed in the black mud. Tiny prints crisscross in the mud, marking a heavily trafficked path running north and south, while a third group of prints lead east into the swamp.
The muddy path continues its meandering route through the swamp, thick vegetation growing along the trail. Large trees, trunk covered with lichen and fungi, rise high to the east and west of the path, blocking passage in either of those directions. Through the foliage, an immense mountain range can be seen to the northeast, ominous black clouds concealing their peaks. The well traveled trail continues north and south, the fresh prints almost filled by the black muck permeating the muddy ground.
Thick trees rise like mold covered columns west and east of this path, their gnarly branches outstretched as they crisscross high above. The natural cover provided by the leaves has prevented the rain from soaking the dirt path, which has remained relatively dry and solid compared to the rest of the swamp. An unidentifiable furry rodent scurries across the dirt path as it takes cover in the brush, and the leaves rustle slightly as a dark feathered bird lands atop one of the nearby branches. A twig breaks somewhere nearby, as something - or someone - travels the swampy paths. The trail leads south, where the ground becomes muck, or north towards an intersection.
The muddy ground is riddled with dozens of sets of small footprints, still fresh in that they have not yet been filled by the black waters of the swamp. This well used path lies along the southern rim of a large lake, numerous plants breaking the smooth surface of the black waters as they seek the life giving light of the sun. Every so often, a sleek black fish jumps out of the lake, concentric waves forming where it dives back in. Snakes as long as a troll is tall slither into and out of the waters, and the hissing of crocodiles can be heard from a nest nearby. The deadly waters block passage north, while the network of prints lead south to a dry area of the swamp, west along another well traveled path, or east, as the trail descends towards the foot of the large, ominous mountains.
A warm breeze blows through here, playing along the top of the ochre and brown plants which line the path, causing them to sway gently back and forth. Clusters of colorful swamp berries grow low from the branches, ripe and inviting - and a few possibly even toxic. A nearby tree has a hollow where once it had a limb, and closer inspection reveals that many random items have been stashed away inside, as if someone frequents and stays here regularly. The putrid scent of rotting vegetable and animal matter is carried upon the breeze from a clearing to the north, while the trail east meanders its way through the swamp towards a dark mountain range.
This area has been unnaturally cleared by the swamp's denizens, a thick layer of mud on the ground preventing any plants from growing here. Along the rim of the clearing, withering vegetation surrounds the dump, rusty and slimy leaves difficult to differentiate from the rotten vegetation which lies in heaps all about. Putrid liquid oozes from the trash piles, mixing with the rancid blood bleeding from the various animal carcasses which lie broken and half eaten. Large flies swarm about this feast of rot, their collective buzzing overshadowing even the incessant chirping of the insects which is everpresent throughout the rest of the swamps. A well traveled path leaves this clearing and heads south.
Unlike the rest of the swampy paths, this trail has been beaten solid by the traffic of hundreds of small feet. Trampled branches and even a few flowers lie broken along the edges of the trail, tossed aside to prevent injury of who ever lives further down. The dense trees become less frequent along this trail, and the sky is laid bare above. The outlines of large birds can be seen above, circling around some fresh kill, their caws echoing about the swamp. Off to the east, a black mountain range can be seen, the base of the nearest mountain dominating the view.
The trail leading out of the swamp bends here, passage east and south being impossible due to the huge black boulders which now dot the swampy path. The mushy, muddy ground weaves its way between the rocks, heading steadily west into a dark swamp blanketed in brown and green vegetation. The hissing of many reptiles and the chirping of insects come from within, and the strong smell of decay mingled with natural gases is carried upon the warm eastward breeze. To the north, the black stones of an ominous mountain range rise from the marsh, the peaks of the black mountains hidden by the clouds.
Massive, black boulders covered with brown and green lichen seed this open field. Above, dark clouds congregate around the black peaks of the Eastern Mountains, as large and birdlike shadows fly into dark niches and ravines hidden in the mountains. A well traveled path runs north-south between the large stones, the southern route seeming to lead into the dense swamp off to the southwest. Foreboding screams and hissings echo from the marshy darkness, hidden in the thick brown foliage of the trees and plants. The cracked mud of the trail is embedded with dozens of small footprints, molded into the mud as it dried since the last rain storm. Further along the northern trail, a dark opening can be seen in the mountains' base.
A narrow dirt path has been formed here by years of tiny humanoid feet treading the same route between the stone monoliths which dot the horizon, remnants of past avalanches. The worn path carefully runs along the base of an ominous mountain to the east, hugging the mountain's edge as it narrows precariously, barely large enough in some places for a large humanoid to squeeze through, but ideal for providing protection for the diminutive dwellers of this region. An opening in the mountains can be seen north of here, while the beaten trail runs southwest, ending at the edge of a black and ominous marsh enshrouded in foul smelling mist.
The dirt path ends in this niche at the base of the mountains. A shadowy opening has been tucked between two large boulders in the eastern wall, while the mountains rise to the north and west, blocking all passage in either of those directions. Odd sounds echo from within the cave, a strange mixture of hammering, grunts, and laughter. The shadows flicker on the stony surfaces as a lightsource nearby sways gently in a faint breeze. A muddy trail heads off south, into a field where large boulders lie strewn about the tall grass, remnants of past avalanches.
The rough walls of this narrow passage are coated with a fine layer of moisture, which glistens off the molds and fungi which grow along the cracks between the rocks. A crude torch is propped inside a crevice in the rocks, its flame flickering in the cool draft of the cave creating dancing shadows along the length of the walls. Crude weapons made of stone and rusty metal rest against the wall, in ready reach of the guards in case their home is ever invaded. The cave's entrance lies to the west, while the uneven tunnel burrows eastward into the mountain.
Two passages intersect here inside the mountain. Tiny vermin scurry along the length of the walls as they seek shelter from the flickering torch light. A cool draft comes in from the west, bringing with it the smells of damp leather, sweat, and unwashed bodies. Off to the west, a narrow passage eventually leads towards an opening to the outside, while the rough tunnel east descends deeper into the mountain. Dark alcoves lie to the north and south, and the echos of activity reverberate through-out the cold passages.
A dark alcove lies nestled in the caverns, just south of the main passage which runs east-west as it descends into the earth. Crude baskets woven of dried bark are piled against the damp walls, some still filled with clusters of colorful swamp berries. Rotting animal carcasses still impaled by the sharp skewers of the hunters hang from the ceiling as pools of dark blood collect below them. Clay jugs filled with fermented blood and other equally vile liquids rest randomly about the alcove.
A ring of stones has been built in the immediate center of this alcove, the fire contained within illuminating this alcove and heating it like an immense oven. A large lizard impaled on a spit roasts above the open flame, its skin shriveling in the heat. Strips of dried and salted meats hang all along the length of the alcove, their shadows flickering as droplets of fat ooze from the roast, intensifying the hissing flames. The main passage which runs east-west through the mountain can be reached south.
The narrow passage continues its descent as it delves deeper into the mountain's core. Varieties of fungi adaptable to the darkness of underground life bravely grow from between the cracks in the rocks, unhindered by the feet which trample them. Dark niches and ledges can barely be made out high above, hidden within the shadows where the torchlight cannot reach. The clicking of mandibles and shelled feet echo from within these niches, and beady eyes reflect the light as they peek out of the darkness. The bustle of activity echos east and west down the tunnels.
Two rough and uneven passages intersect at this point, one running north-south while the other runs east-west. Flickering shadows dance on the cool surfaces of the grey stone wall as the warm breeze from the west threatens to extinguish the crude torches which have been shoved between the rocks all along the tunnels' walls. The sweet aroma of cooking fat drifts in from the western passage, while the sounds of life reverberate throughout the dank caves. The southern tunnel appears slippery and wet, while the passage north opens a few yards away into a large cavern.
A large, relatively cozy cavern opens at this intersection. Skins and furs not so well cured hang along the length of the walls, a noteworthy attempt by the kobolds to enliven these dank tunnels. Small boulders ideal to sit on are arranged in various groupings about the cave, with small balls of hardened guano and clay jacks left unattended within a few as the kobolds abandoned the game seeking better entertainment. Nicely tended fungi grow from a treated patch in one corner, adding to the ambience. A shadowy cave lies immediately west, while a cramped tunnel exits east. another intersection of passages lies south, echos of activity carried along its stony length.
A shadowy cave, its only light coming from the weak flickering flame of a single torch propped on the far wall. Piles of dirty skins and furs lie in about a dozen piles throughout the cave, and aside from them, the cave is free of other ornamentation. In the shadowy crevices of the wall, the skittering of tiny feet can be heard as the cycle of life and death plays out in the shadowy world contained within the stone walls.
Mounds of rocks have been placed - not fallen - on either side of the tunnel, leaving little room to squeeze by to get through. A small measure of protection, albeit unnecessary this deep into the caverns, unless whoever lives on the far end of the tunnel is trying to keep the kobolds out. Even more odd are the sigils painted on the rocks and walls of this tunnel, crude in appearance but purposely so, the steady hand painting them aware of each minute detail. The drawings increase in number and complexity as the tunnel continues east, while the passage opens into a large cave west.
The tunnel proper comes to an end here, and the two caves which comprise the chieftess' private refuges lie to the north and east. Glyphs painted in a myriad of pigments grace the cold stone walls of the tunnel, the many curls, spikes, and convolutions crude yet complex as they wind about the cavern wall like one great pictograph, infinitely intricate. A guttural, rhythmic chanting reverberates throughout the intersection, and intense flashes of light come from the northern cave, momentarily bathing the tunnel in pale white light. A secluded alcove lies east.
An incredibly neat and tidy cave, no trace of dust or plants can be seen. The stone walls are completely dry and smooth, acting as a perfect canvas for even more of the odd pictoglyphs first seen west of here. A clean pile of white fur lies off to one side of the room, with more piles set about the cave neatly folded. Few other objects adorn the walls. NO male kobold of any kind is allowed in the chieftess' private caves, not even the kobold chief cares to brave the chieftess' wrath, if he were to trespass for an innocent yet unexpected intimacies with his wife.
This is the private working cave of the chieftess who also is the small tribe's shamaness. The air crackles with the mystical energies the small kobold seeks to tame and control. More of the intriguing pictoglyphs adorn the cave's walls, albeit more compact and close together. The colorful glyphs glow softly, some even emitting a faint hum. Many clay pots, barrels, and alien tools lie within reach in neat piles. Sticks have been shoved into the ground in a regular pattern, skulls propped atop them and glittering beads dangling from strips of leather, the soft light of the glyphs shadowing the skulls in odd places, painting grinning and leering faces where there is none. The shamaness must wield great power in the tribe to possess so many treasures, and no other kobold can be seen near her private caves for fear of retribution. The only exit is south.
Once a well used passage in the network of caves, the walls seem to have recently given out and collapsed, barely leaving enough room between the piles of debris to walk through. Small shovels and rusty picks have been momentarily set aside as the kobolds assigned to clear this rubble take a quick rest. A pebble near the top of the debris piles shifts slightly, dislodging the rocks underneath. Sounds of merriment echo through the rough passages, oblivious to - or simply not uncaring - the effect their revelries have on the already unstable tunnel. A large cavern opens east.
Furs and strings of beads hang from the walls of this large cavern, in an attempt to make it warmer in the cold winter season, as the grey rocks themselves provide no warmth of comfort. Primitive chests comprising little more than a bark basket with a lid rest against the walls, kept closed by simple twigs woven between the bark strips. Scattered about the cave are a variety of tools and weapons, although distinguishing between them is difficult at best. In an alcove along the northern wall rests the skull of a large beast of some kind, polished to perfection and proudly displayed as a testament of the tribe's prowess. Darkened caves lie to the south and east, while a tunnel littered with debris lies west.
Mounds of furs and dried grass are set about this darkened cave, as small figures huddle against each other for warmth. Tiny stashes of treasures rest in neat piles at the head of the make-shift beds, the strings of shiny and colorful beads and shards of mirrors being more valuable to some of the tiny cave dwellers than all else. The dark cave is clear of vegetation, and few critters can be seen out in the open, although that doesn't mean the cave is free of vermin. In fact, the collected body heat of the sleeping forms serves as a magnet attracting pests of all shapes and sizes. On second thought, maybe it is best that they aren't seen. A large cavern opens up to the west, and beyond it come the sounds of merriment and activity.
This passage has been converted into a make-shift sleeping area, as the kobold guards take turns napping between their watches. Separate from the areas where the other kobolds sleep, the guards afford themselves little in material comfort, as only a thin pile of dried grass serves as a bed for the tough guards. Skulls and bones, some still with remnants of skin hanging from them, are propped on ledges along the passage, individual trophies of the guards as they seek to outdo each other in bravery. The passage comes to a darkened end east of here, while it merges with a large cavern north.
The tunnel comes to a dead stop here, piles of debris blocking travel east. The north and south walls are riddled with hairline cracks, attesting to the precarious nature of this passage. Something dislodges some rocks from a ledge above as it scurries to seek shelter within the shadows, its shelled feet clicking against the cold stone. The damp walls glisten with moisture as mold and fungi grow atop the piles of rocks scattered about, unmolested for quite some time. The passage leads west to a sparsely furnished area before it turns north.
Droplets of moisture drip from the uneven ceiling as the warm air comes into contact with the chill stone, condensing into water. The tunnel slopes downward as it heads east, providing for a dangerous slip if one were to take a single unsteady step. Slabs of rock jut out from the stone walls, providing convenient hand-holds, and if one uses their imagination, the rough cavern floor might even be said to have crude steps carved into it. The sounds of activity increase towards the light which shined from the east, while a dark alcove breaks from the tunnel west of here.
This alcove is nothing more than a depression in the cavern wall, its bowled floor serving as an ideal locale for the water running down the walls and dripping from the ceiling to collect. Apparently oblivious to the small pond which was forming, the kobolds nevertheless decided to use this place as storage. Drenched baskets of rotting fruits and roots float in the water, and the furs and strings of beads hanging from the walls and ceiling serve only to route the streams of water. This dark cave reeks of mildew, and the sound of the water dripping in the puddle is enervating.
The passage curves slightly here, and warm air blows in from the south. The gray stone walls are no longer cold, and the passage itself is actually quite dry compared to the rest of the cavern network. Colorful if crude drawings adorn the cavern walls, painted by some ambitious kobold to depict scenes of glory and battle as an exaggerated kobold-like figure guts a much larger figure in white, streaks of the paint being drawn away from the figure to represent its shining nature - armor perhaps? The rest of the walls are covered with equally garish representations. The passage leads to a well lit and warm cave south, or west to a damp intersection.
A huge fire dominates the center of the chamber, warming the large cave to an almost unbearable degree. The walls are covered with skulls and bone fragments which hang from strips of leather, beads dangling from the tips and sending colorful reflections on each other as the fire light plays on their smooth surfaces. Between the strips of bones and beads hang filthy pelts, seared and dried by their exposure to the open flames. Beneath the furs, primitive paintings can barely be made out, rendered in colorful pigments which belie the crass kobolds' imagination. A piece of a mushy plant covered in clay just oddly from the western wall, twisted, as if caught between something. A dark alcove can be reached east, while the passage exits north.
A cave claimed by the kobold chief to rest after a long day of grunting and eating, the walls are rough and dry, and thankfully free of molds and lichen. Furs and skins of numerous beasts are tossed into one corner of the room in a pile, making for comfortable bedding, better than any other sleeping arrangements in these caves. Skulls, some humanoid, have been reverently set along the ledges of the cave, between them resting objects not naturally kobold in design or usage. Mixed atop the ledges are a scattering of sparkling gems and an ornate jeweled dagger. A lone traveler must have run into this chief, and lost the battle.
After centuries in the swamp, the kobold tribe has accumulated quite a cache of gold from the corpses of defeated foes as well as of adventurous fools who thought to brave the swamp nearby. Little more than a small cubby, an ingenious - for a kobold - contraption has been placed separating this trove from the main PowWow room. While the outside of the door was carefully disguised to blend in with the wall, on this side its mechanisms of pullies and gears lie exposed. The mushy end of a clay covered plant is connected to a central cord, and looks as if it might activate the contraption if pulled. Grunts and the sounds of revelry creep into the alcove from the bright and warm cave to the east.
Once impenetrable swamp vegetation, something large decided to make its own path and trampled its way northward. A few branches have been broken off the trees along the path and lie in the moist ground. Every so often a branch cracks nearby as something steps on it, but vision is obscured by the tall and leafy plants. The dragging trail continues through the swamp north and south, while thick trees and plants block passage east and west.
Thick and leafy plants part here as some large beast dragged its way between the trees lumbering to some unknown destination. Several stems and branches lie broken in the thick mud of the ground, debris left in the beast's wake. A few small footprints can be made out between the leafy carpet covering the ground, and a scrap of rough brown cloth hangs from a reaching branch, ripped off in a hasty passage. An old, moldy boulder rests immediately to the north, causing the trail to veer west suddenly and continue in that direction through the swampy brush.
Brown and black plants line this trampled trail, and a thick layer of squished leaves and branches lies underfoot. Few trees dot the path, allowing a clear view of the sky above. Small puddles of ochre liquids bleed from the broken stems of the plants to collect in shallows along the trail. In the distance a crow caws, breaking the monotonous chirping of the insects hidden within the brush. Slurping footsteps echo all about, impossible to pinpoint due to the disorienting nature of the swamp. A grove of trees lies west, from which an overwhelming stench emanates, while the trail continues east where it appears to bend southwards.
A small grove of trees in the middle of the swamp, there is little room in here due to the mounds of waste all about. Piles of rotting vegetable matter, decomposing animal carcasses, and even a few manufactured items lie scattered about randomly. Fetid liquid oozes from the various piles, and everything here floats in a foot deep pool of filth. The trees rise high into the sky, their foliage creating a canopy over this dump. Sunlight rarely filters through the branches, and only the smallest breeze makes it through to ventilate the stagnant and stinky air. Swarms of flies and other carrion insects hover within this grove, their collective buzzing the only thing audible it is so loud. A path has been trampled leading eastward.
A relatively dry mound of land rises above the thin layer of black water which coats the swampy floor. Tufts of green grass brave the weeds and shade as they sprout from the highest point of the mound, while the native weeds and thick stalks of the swamp plants grow along the sides of the mounds. Clusters of colorful swamp berries grace the limbs of a few of the bushes, and small animals and insects hover around these treats. The trail continues along the mushy path north and south, and an ominous mountain range can be barely made out through the little holes in the foliage canopy to the northeast, their peaks hidden within the clouds.
Glowing fungi and molds grow along the sides of the slimy grey rocks scattered about the swamp, some nearly submerged where the mushy ground gives to swampy water. Thick trunks rise high all around, their intertwining branches blanketing the shadowy life of the swamp from the light of the sky. A well traveled path meanders its way between and through the trees and boulders as it curves east and south.
The canopy of tree branches becomes thick overhead, allowing little light to filter through the leaves. Even so, the swamp possesses its own illumination, provided by the many glowing fungi and specks of light which float lazily above the puddles of water which collect in shallows along the trail. A warm breeze blows in from the west, carrying with it the smells of the swamp, mingling with the aroma of the swamp flowers which bloom from the many ochre bushes along the path. There is a clearing of some type east, while the path continues west.
A deep hole dominates this area, a slimy sheet of muck along its edges glistening dangerously, as one unsure step could equal a distasteful bath in the stinky mounds which accumulate in the hole. Rotting leaves and animal remains lie buried under mold and fallen foliage, as vile liquids ooze from the garbage to gather at the bottom of the pit and mix with the gases in an unpleasant combination. Trees and tall plants grow all about, their shadows darkening the area and allowing only a weak breeze through to provide some much needed ventilation. The swampy trail lies west.
A muddy trail between moldy trees and slippery rocks, little light can penetrate the thick canopy of branches and leaves above. The air is stale and heavy with natural fumes bubbling up from muddy pools all about the swamp. A few clusters of berries somehow manage to grow along this trail, even with the absence of light to nourish them. Large boulders covered with mold dot the area, nice spots to sit and rest. Slurping footprints can be heard from somewhere deep in the swamp, but impossible to locate due to the swamp's disorienting nature. The swampy path runs south and east from here, while a secluded clearing lies north.
The path ends here at an area clear of rocks and plants. A dark pool of water dominates the clearing, a fine blanket of mist resting just above the surface of its smooth black waters. Large dragonflies hover above the water, taunting the sleek black forms which live beneath the surface, mere shadows of black against black. A withered old tree grows near the edge of the pool, a branch reaching clear across the pool's length. Slippery vines hang from the tree's branches, dangling above the black pool, barely breaking the water and yet shifting slightly as something swims below it. The swampy trail can be reached south.
A pall of death enshrouds this darkened area of the marsh. No birds sing within the dark swampy forest, nor do insects chirp their happy calls. Gnarly trees become dense here, their twisted branches reaching out and the slimy vines draped across them sway gently in the warm breeze. The path is buried in foot deep black water, and black forms slither beneath the shallow surface. The path weaves its way between the old and moldy trees eastward, while a more inviting part of the swamp lies south. There is an overwhelming feeling of being watched, and something hisses nearby.
Several trails intersect here, the trees clearing enough for passage north, south, east, and west. Foot deep water hides the mucky ground of the swamp, and the swishing of treading feet can be heard all about, just beyond the trees, hidden by shadows. In certain places the water hides pits dug into the ground, so travel is slow and cautious lest someone trip. No light manages its way through the dense foliage above, so only molds and other parasitic plants thrive here, the plants present elsewhere in the swamp oddly absent. Exactly in the center point where the four trails cross a stake has been erected, atop which rests an unrecognizable polished skull, strips of leather dangling from drilled holes along its base. Patches of fur and skin are tied along the stake, and sway gently as the odorous breeze blows by. A clearing can be made out at the end of the southern trail, while a heavy mist blankets the trail north. A path runs east and west through the dark swamp, the incessant hissing of reptiles all about.
The trees part at the end of this trail, to reveal several large and slimy boulders arranged in an odd formation. Serpentine runes are drawn along the surfaces of the stones in a pigment oddly reminiscent of blood. The stones themselves are arranged in no particular pattern, some being stacked atop others, while a few are set in a circular formation. Black slime runs down the sides of the stone, and the water laps up against their edges as something swims next to them in the black waters hiding the floor. The only exit from the darkened clearing is north.
This path branches off the main trail to the south, and lies beneath a foot deep layer of black and stinky water. A coat of oily substances float on the surface of the water, weaving myriad colorful designs as the water below it ripples when something swims near. Tall, dark trees grow along either side of the path, the thick trunks covered with musky molds and fungi. Swirling mists form low along the trail, just above the surface of the black waters, undisturbed by breezes. The path heads north or south.
The watery path ends here, where piles of rotting plants and tree limbs lie half submerged in the water. Floral growth becomes more dense, blocking any travel north, east, or west, while a path begins here and heads south. The tall weeds and swamp grasses rustle as something nearby disturbs them, and cold slitted eyes gaze out before they are come. Reptilian hissing can be heard all about, the sources hidden within the shadowy swamp. Disgusting insects scurry across and within the rotting piles, causing the stuff to shift every so often, as if it were alive.
The mucky path intersects here with yet another trail, but unfortunately no footprints can be seen beneath the layer of black water to determine what kind of creatures live here, nor which path is most frequented. The swamp rests in shadows, the thick cover of the trees above allowing little light through, but the slimy vines draped across the branches sway in a mysterious wind. Either that, or something scurries along the branches above, hidden from view. There is an opening in the leafy cover south of here, and the ground seems to rise in that direction. To the west is more of the dark swamp, while the everpresent hissing grows louder to the north.
Thankfully, the thick cover above was interrupted when a tangle of rotting tree branches gave way and fell, leaving a massive hole. The smelly branches lie in a heap to one side of this area, already being devoured by termites and other critters that wish to use it as their nest. The ground rises gently, eventually forming a grassy mound clear of mud and the black waters which cover the rest of the swamp floor. Small bushes grow atop the mound, and a few tall stalks of swampgrass have also dug their roots here. The hole above is large enough that on a sunny day, the warm sunlight shines on the mound at all times, regardless of the position of the sun. By the many tracks and trampled grasses on the mound, it appears that the animal life of the swamp has discovered this, and rest atop the mound to bask in the sun. The path leaves north into the dark swamp.
Apparently, the ground level rises here, as the water covering the trail throughout the rest of the area gives way to only a coat of slimy mud here. Nevertheless, travel is still tiring as the muck sucks and slurps with each step. The tree cover overhead is still dense, the thick trunks of the ancient trees rising high all around, the muddy path weaving its way between them. A little light makes its way through the foliage, and an ominous mountain range can be made out north of here. The sounds of animal life increase as the path continues, crickets chirp in the bushes and birds sing from somewhere above. The swamp grows more ominous south, while east the trees become less dense and give way to open swamp.
The ground here is a bit dryer and not so muddy as the rest of the swamp. Tall trees grow along the edges of the well traveled path, and it looks like a few birds have decided to try to nest in the dark branches above. Broken egg shells lie in clusters below some of the nests, left over from when the baby birds hatched - or when the slithering black snakes decided to snack. A colorful variety of feathers are mixed with the dull ochre leaves of the trees, and a few have even drifted to the muddy floor to mix with twigs and pebbles on the ground. The songs of the birds and the echoes of other creatures can be heard in all directions.
The expanse of the open sky stretches above, providing a relatively clear view of the region. A field of tall reeds grows here, chest high, rippling gently as the warm swamp winds blow through. The moist ground bubbles in certain areas between the reeds, as natural gases rise from within the ground. Dark and foreboding mountains rise nearby to the north, ominous clouds hiding their peaks. A well traveled path has been trampled through the reeds, leading west where dense trees shadow the swamp, or east, where far away the tops of mud huts can be seen above the reeds.
The trail through the reeds continues east and west, the dark mountains rising north, while impenetrable marshes are to the south. The chest high stalks ripple like a green ocean all around as the warm swamp wind blows from the west, carrying with it the smell of sulfur, rot, and animal waste. An eerie whisper emanates from the reeds as the wind blows through them, soothing and not so unpleasant against the backdrop of animals and the hissing of the inhabitants of this area. The moist muddy floor adds its own music to the harmony of the swamp bubbling now and again as natural fumes entrapped in the earth rise in odorous clouds. The trampled path runs west into a dark and shadowy portion of the swamp, or east to a cluster of mud huts, and the hissing of activity.
The tall reed stalks have been chopped down here, and the ground packed solid with dry mud. A few bushes grow through the cracked mud of the floor, with semi-ripe berries growing in clusters along the thin branches. The dark outlines of birds fly above, their caws echoing and then dying down as they seek prey. Dragonflies and fireflies flitter through the reeds growing along the perimeter, their buzzing a nice change from the sibilant hissing here, which can almost be said to resemble some type of reptilian language. The dark mountain range rises high to the north, while to the east lies more of the packed mud of the village. A second path branches south from here, while the reeds can be returned to west.
Compact dried mud coats the ground of the village, with a few blades of swamp grass and bushes growing between the cracks. The backs of crude mud huts surround this area, the sounds of daily life and hissing conversations being audible through the mud and grass walls of the huts. The village is surprisingly clear of waste and other garbage, lending insight into the communal habits of the inhabitants. Above the tops of the mud huts, dark mountains dominate the northern horizon, stretching as far east as the eye can see. The trail between the huts continues east, while the perimeter of the village lies west.
The back of the grass and mud huts lie north, south, and east of here, with this small alley continuing west. Dried mud coats the ground of the village, with blades of swamp grass sprouting from between the cracks that inevitably form when mud dries. The mud walls of the huts are reinforced with sturdy reeds of grass, and even a few small rocks, ensuring that the huts won't collapse in case of a strong storm, or leak every time it rains. Bone fragments and beads have been molded into the walls in strange patterns in each of the mud huts, serving as some kind of ward. Apparently, the inhabitants are very spiritual and prone to superstitious fancies. The bustle of activity and hissing conversation is audible through the walls.
The expanse of the open sky stretches above, providing a relatively clear view of the surrounding region. A field of tall reeds grows here, chest high, rippling gently as the warm breeze blows by. The moist ground bubbles in certain areas between the reeds, as natural gases rise from their entrapment in the ground. A well trampled path runs east-west through the swamp, with the trees becoming more dense towards the west.
A well traveled path through the swamp reeds, this trail runs east and west through the swamp. Something disturbs the plants nearby as it scurries out of hiding, and an ominous hissing can be heard all about. Dark shapes fly above, their caws sending the swampy inhabitants scurrying in near panic. Not too far north of here, a dark mountain rises from the swamp, its peak hidden by the clouds, while beyond the tall reeds east of here, the tops of mud huts cluster into a village. A path breaks off and heads north, where the reeds seem to clear a bit.
The tall stalks of the reeds become less dense here, allowing other vegetation to thrive in this well tended patch. A variety of native swamp plants and mosses are cultivated here, growing in orderly patterns on the trunks of rotten wood. This grove seems well cared for, contradicting the notion that lizardfolk eat only meat. A path exits the garden south, merging with a trampled path through the swamp.
A thick layer of mud makes up the ground here, each step mushy and taxing as the muck sucks and slurps. Tall stalks grow all around, with ochre colored bushes growing sparingly through the slime. A path has been trampled through the swamp, running east-west, while a second path branches off north. The muck covers everything, and flies buzz contentedly between the reeds. An eerie and melodic whisper emanates from the reeds as the warm eastward wind blows over and through them.
A trail has been trampled through the tall reeds which grow here, leading south and east through the swamp. A layer of water covers the floor, black forms swimming beneath its even blacker surface. Something jumps out of the water nearby, only to dive back in with a loud splash. Toads and frogs croak in harmony with the chirping insects, and dragonflies buzz as they hover between the stalks, just above the black water's surface. A dark mountain range rises above the swampy marsh to the north, its peaks hidden by thick dark clouds. The perimeter of a village begins to the east, the trail being paved with dry mud, while the trampled path leads south between the chest high reed stalks.
This path between huts is paved with solid mud, allowing for easy travel for the village's inhabitants. Impassable boulders lie north of here, eventually giving way to the base of a large mountain, its peak hidden by the dense and ominous cloud cover. The mountain range runs east as far as the eye can see, dominating the horizon, the village resting within the everpresent shadows of the mountains. The muddy trail heads south between the huts, while a mushy path breaks from it and travels west into the marsh. A massive tree rises immediately east, a woven grass door covering a hole in its hollowed trunk.
The interior of this hollowed tree trunk is dank and musty, the molds which grow on the outside of the tree having managed to find their way inside as well. The barren interior is furnished only by a carpet of dried swamp grass and a pile of skins in one corner which serve as bedding. Primitive yet well crafted weapons rest propped against the wood walls, or hang from niches cut into the bark. Other than a few metal trinkets, nothing else of value can be seen here. A door of woven grass is set in the western wall, leading outside.
This is the northwestern edge of the village, the mud paved path ending west of here, but continuing north and east between the cluster of mud and grass huts. Trails of smoke rise from covered holes at the top of some of the huts, as their inhabitants feed well contained flames for warmth. Cicadas chirp their soothing mating calls from within the tall reeds west, and fireflies hover above the stalks like so many earthbound stars. Another intersection can be seen between the huts to the north, and the hissing of conversation can be heard through the walls.
Mud huts reinforced with thick reed stalks surround this trail paved in solidified mud. Cracks crisscross the muddy path, thin blades of grass sprouting between them. A few bushes grow at the base of some of the huts, colorful swamp berries clustering on the branches. Reptilian hissing can be heard all about the village, and the treading of clawed feet comes from somewhere nearby. The trail continues east and west.
The paved mud path continues its way between the mud and grass huts of the lizardfolk. The hissing of conversation and the sounds of everyday activity can be heard through the mud walls and throughout the village. A warm breeze blows in from the west, and an impenetrable swamp of reed and muck lies to the east. Mountains rise to the north, above the tops of the huts, stretching as far east as the eye can see. A rounded opening leads to the large hut to the south, while the trail heads west as it meanders its way between the clustered dwellings.
This large hut has been built around a deep pool of mud, bubbles rising from the mud to release the steam which accumulated within it. A faint mist hovers just above the warm pool, and more solid ground circumvents the edges of the puddle. Skins and furs drape from the mud and grass walls of this communal bath, and small smoothed rocks rest on wooden shelves built into the walls. Rounded openings north and south exit to the paved trail through the village.
The paved muddy path curves north and west here as it weaves its way between the many mud huts which cluster all about. The clearing of the village ends to the east, giving way to the fields of tall swamp reeds and puddles of mucky waters. Large birds fly above in search of the prey they know to be hiding within the confines of the swamp east of here. A black mountain range rises off to the north, dark clouds hiding their peaks. A large mud hut opens to the north, while the path runs west.
The path continues east and west between the mud huts. Recent rain has softened the mud paving the trail, making it mushy and easily impressionable. A few patches of swamp grass sprout from the path, braving the trampling feet of the village's inhabitants. Huts made of reed stalks and mud lie to the north and south of the trail in tight clusters, indicating that the lizardfolk are a close-knit community. A dark mountain range rises to the north above the huts, dominating the horizon. The grass door of one of the southern huts rests slightly open.
The interior of this hut is round and cozy, the muddy floor being covered with a carpet of grass. Off to one side of the hut a pile of furs and skins serves as bedding, while a pit surrounded by rocks has been dug into the floor in the center of the hut. A warm fire burns within the pit, the stones keeping it from spreading to the grass. A covered hole in the ceiling allows the faint smoke to escape the hut, a plate propped on sticks preventing the rain from falling through the hole. Tanned leather stretches along the length of one of the walls, and small piles of tools and trinkets rest against the walls. A grass door exits the hut to the north.
Crude huts built of reed stalks, rocks, and mud lie to the north and south of the path. Dried and cracked mud paves the trail, and numerous clawed prints can predictably be made out on the ground. Colorful rocks and beads are imbedded in the huts' walls in strange and sinewy patterns, their exact purpose impossible to determine. It is obvious that the village's inhabitants lead a healthy spiritual life. To the south, a large hut with even more intricate patterns molded into its walls can be reached, a curtain of beads and pieces of bones covering the round opening. On either side of the opening stakes have been erected, propped atop each is a polished skull of some large reptile, probably once a crocodile or equally dangerous beast. Sibilant chanting echoes from the hut. The paved path runs east-west through the village.
The domed walls of this large mud hut are covered with furs and skins, crude pictures painted on them in deep reds, not unlike blood. Scenes of bloodshed and glory grace the skins, where detailed lizardmen warriors bravely guard their homes against marauding forces of vile giants, obscene trolls, and even caricatures of humans. Wooden planks have been crafted into the reed and mud walls, serving as shelves atop which rest the many odds and ends the shaman uses for his enchantments and conjurations. Teeth and fingerbones, as well as equally savory items rest in crude clay baskets on the floor. A deep pit has been dug into the center of the hut, encircled by stones. A large clay cauldron is propped above the fire, and a noxious mixture boils within. The hut's sole exit is north.
This path runs along the perimeter of the village, this being the village's southwestern corner. The area has been cleared of the tall reed stalks which grow to the west, and a hard coat of solid mud paves the path, grass and even a few bushes growing between the cracks. Grass and mud huts have been built to the north and east, while a smelly path of rotting vegetation breaks from the village and leads south. The trail runs east and north through the cluster of mud huts, and the sounds of life and hissing conversation come from within the huts.
This trail breaks from the paved trail north which runs along the edges of the village. Rotting vegetation stagnates along the sides of the path, their combined stink almost overwhelming. Shriveled fruits hang from gnarly limbs of slimy bushes, and a carpet of dead leaves covers the mud of the ground. A few trees, equally rotten and withered, grow here, covered in fungi and mold. Animal waste has been dumped here, as well as the garbage of everyday living. The rotting plants become almost unpassable to the south, while the village can be reached north.
The rotten plants are thick here, and a layer of the oily slime of decay coats everything. The eastward breeze does little to alleviate the stench here, instead it carries the noxious odor throughout the rest of the area. Pieces of bones mix with twigs and pebbles in the mud, and slimy vines drape across withered and sharp branches which reach across the path from mold covered trunks. Animal and bodily wastes have been dumped here, and lie in heaps to the south, while more of the same lies north. The sense of death and decay is all around, the area devoid of the sounds of life.
Navigating over and around piles of waste and decay, the path ends here at a small clearing. Mounds of garbage, decaying corpses, and rotting vegetation accumulate everywhere, oozing filthy liquid and blood which collects in the foot deep water covering the muddy ground. This part of the swamp is ominously devoid of the sounds of life, no animals can be heard, and even the hissing of the reptiles is gone. Death and decay reign here amongst the heaps of garbage and gnarly trees. Not even the light from the open sky above can dispel the pall of death and rot. One of the mounds shifts with unnatural life. The only exit is north.