Gnatmarsh: Difference between revisions
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==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
The Gnatmarsh stretches along the east bank of the [[Nesser River]] from the [[Celadon Forest]] to below the joining of the [[Duntide River]], which feeds into it.<ref>[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]], pp.51 & 54</ref> | The Gnatmarsh stretches along the east bank of the [[Nesser River]] from the [[Celadon Forest]] to below the joining of the [[Duntide River]], which feeds into it.<ref>[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]], pp.51 & 54</ref> | ||
The Nesser River would be the preferred means of travel between the Nyr Dyv and Sea of Gearnat if not for the Gnatmarsh, as it is navigable for its whole length even to deep-draft seafaring ships<ref>[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]], p.152</ref>. It is still well traveled except in the summer when insect swarms are horrific. | The Nesser River would be the preferred means of travel between the Nyr Dyv and Sea of Gearnat if not for the Gnatmarsh, as it is navigable for its whole length even to deep-draft seafaring ships<ref>[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]], p.152</ref>. It is still well traveled except in the [[summer]] when insect swarms are horrific. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
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==Ecology== | ==Ecology== | ||
These bogs are home to many ghastly creatures and spawn myriad of biting insects during the summer months.<ref>[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]], p.51</ref> The swamp is a source of disease as a result.<ref>[[The Marklands]], p.70</ref> | These bogs are home to many ghastly creatures and spawn myriad of biting insects during the [[summer]] months.<ref>[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]], p.51</ref> The swamp is a source of disease as a result.<ref>[[The Marklands]], p.70</ref> | ||
Nearby [[Callistor]] is a market for produce harvested by locals, including swamp hay, trapped animals and birds, and the great eels to be found there.<ref>[[The Marklands]], p.70</ref> | Nearby [[Callistor]] is a market for produce harvested by locals, including swamp hay, trapped animals and birds, and the great eels to be found there.<ref>[[The Marklands]], p.70</ref> | ||
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==Features and settlements== | ==Features and settlements== | ||
While there are presumably small settlements of bandits, humans and other humanoids | While there are presumably small settlements of bandits, humans and other humanoids within the Gnatmarsh, none are known or of note. | ||
Notable features and locations include: | Notable features and locations include: | ||
* The sunken tower of the Weird of Gnatmarsh. | * The sunken tower of the Weird of Gnatmarsh. | ||
* The village of [[Grimalkinsham]] (see below). | |||
* The village of [[Paducah]], on the western side of the Duntide River (see below). | |||
==Gord the Rogue's Greyhawk== | ==Gord the Rogue's Greyhawk== | ||
The [[Gord the Rogue]] novel of short stories ''[[Night Arrant]]'' featured ''A Revel in Rel Mord'', set in Nyrond and King Archbold III in (presumably) the 580s CY. This novel was after [[Gary Gygax]]'s departure from [[TSR]], and therefore cannot be regarded as officially published content. However, it does provide some details from Gygax's version of Greyhawk or the Flanaess. | The [[Gord the Rogue]] novel of short stories ''[[Night Arrant]]'' featured ''A Revel in Rel Mord'', set in Nyrond and King Archbold III in (presumably) the [[580s CY]]. This novel was after [[Gary Gygax]]'s departure from [[TSR]], and therefore cannot be regarded as officially published content. However, it does provide some details from Gygax's version of Greyhawk or the Flanaess. | ||
The story featured Gord and Chert traveling to the Gnatmarsh as a quest under ''geas'' in punishment to retrieve the pommel-stone of the [[Sword of Dunstan]]. The story featured a group of bandits, originally from the Gnatmarsh, lead by Cob the Crazed, the survivors of which were recruited by Gord and Chert. | The story featured Gord and Chert traveling to the Gnatmarsh as a quest under ''geas'' in punishment to retrieve the pommel-stone of the [[Sword of Dunstan]]. The story featured a group of bandits, originally from the Gnatmarsh, lead by Cob the Crazed, the survivors of which were recruited by Gord and Chert. | ||
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The Gnatmarsh was said to feature [[catolblepas]]. It featured [[troll]]s, witches, green hags, shellycoats, night hags and annis. | The Gnatmarsh was said to feature [[catolblepas]]. It featured [[troll]]s, witches, green hags, shellycoats, night hags and annis. | ||
== | == In ''Living Greyhawk''== | ||
{{LGsection}} | |||
The Gnatmarsh featured in a number of Nyrond regional adventures, which introduced the village of [[Paducah]] on the western side of the Duntide River in the Gnatmarsh. | The Gnatmarsh featured in a number of Nyrond regional adventures, which introduced the village of [[Paducah]] on the western side of the Duntide River in the Gnatmarsh. | ||
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==Maps== | ==Maps== | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
{{External link disclaimer}} | |||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080511171120/http://www.nyrond.org/turbine/page/nyr/gazetteer/brackenmoor/ Gnatmarsh] page on Nyrond Living Greyhawk Triad web site via Way Back Machine | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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===Bibliography=== | ===Bibliography=== | ||
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983 (ISBN 0-88038-344-5). | *[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983 (ISBN 0-88038-344-5). | ||
:———. ''[[Night Arrant]]''. Delevan, WI: New Infinities, 1987. | |||
* [[Sargent, Carl]]. ''The Marklands''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. | * [[Sargent, Carl]]. ''The Marklands''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. | ||
* [[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. | * [[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. | ||
Latest revision as of 17:35, 24 January 2025
The Gnatmarsh is an extensive area of very treacherous wetlands on the western border of Nyrond.
Geography
The Gnatmarsh stretches along the east bank of the Nesser River from the Celadon Forest to below the joining of the Duntide River, which feeds into it.[1] The Nesser River would be the preferred means of travel between the Nyr Dyv and Sea of Gearnat if not for the Gnatmarsh, as it is navigable for its whole length even to deep-draft seafaring ships[2]. It is still well traveled except in the summer when insect swarms are horrific.
History
The area was previously the lair of the Weird of Gnatmarsh, the leader of a witches coven, until defeated by Warnes Starcoat and companions in 575 CY.
Following the Greyhawk Wars and the general breakdown of the economy and administration in Nyrond in the years following, soldiers and militia means to patrol the northern margins of the Gnatmarsh from Callistor and along the Nesser and Duntide rivers did not, allowing monsters to emerge from the swamp and attack locals and ships.[3]
In 591 CY rumors arose that an illegitimate son of King Lynwerd had surfaced among the witches of the Gnatmarsh.[4]
Ecology
These bogs are home to many ghastly creatures and spawn myriad of biting insects during the summer months.[5] The swamp is a source of disease as a result.[6]
Nearby Callistor is a market for produce harvested by locals, including swamp hay, trapped animals and birds, and the great eels to be found there.[7]
Inhabitants
The infestation of monsters discourages heavier use of the Nesser River as a trade route.[8]
Local swamp-folk pole about on flat-bottomed boats, fishing and trapping in their small, often untrustworthy punts with sharpened wooden spears, snares and few real weapons. [9]
Inhabitants include[10]:
- Lizardfolk.
- Troglodytes.
- Alligators.
- Otyughs.
- Giant eels.
- Human bandits.
Rumoured inhabitants in 585 CY included[11]:
Features and settlements
While there are presumably small settlements of bandits, humans and other humanoids within the Gnatmarsh, none are known or of note.
Notable features and locations include:
- The sunken tower of the Weird of Gnatmarsh.
- The village of Grimalkinsham (see below).
- The village of Paducah, on the western side of the Duntide River (see below).
Gord the Rogue's Greyhawk
The Gord the Rogue novel of short stories Night Arrant featured A Revel in Rel Mord, set in Nyrond and King Archbold III in (presumably) the 580s CY. This novel was after Gary Gygax's departure from TSR, and therefore cannot be regarded as officially published content. However, it does provide some details from Gygax's version of Greyhawk or the Flanaess.
The story featured Gord and Chert traveling to the Gnatmarsh as a quest under geas in punishment to retrieve the pommel-stone of the Sword of Dunstan. The story featured a group of bandits, originally from the Gnatmarsh, lead by Cob the Crazed, the survivors of which were recruited by Gord and Chert.
The Gnatmarsh featured swarms of hungry insects, and hazards of trekking through the "mire" and "morass". Gord considered making a league a day (mounted) exceptional time given the miserable mud. However, the bandits were able to direct them to a causeway through the marsh that allowed much faster travel (several miles an hour), and brought them to the village of Grimalkinsham, or Grimalkin. The causeway was a relatively dry track that snaked through the marsh. Using the causeway avoided bottomless pools, willow thickets, and mud.
The Gnatmarsh was said to feature catolblepas. It featured trolls, witches, green hags, shellycoats, night hags and annis.
In Living Greyhawk
 | This section contains content from the Living Greyhawk organized-play campaign. |
The Gnatmarsh featured in a number of Nyrond regional adventures, which introduced the village of Paducah on the western side of the Duntide River in the Gnatmarsh.
Gallery
Maps
External links
Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.
- Gnatmarsh page on Nyrond Living Greyhawk Triad web site via Way Back Machine
References
Citations
- ↑ World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting, pp.51 & 54
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, p.152
- ↑ The Marklands, pp.61-62, 70
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, p.79
- ↑ World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting, p.51
- ↑ The Marklands, p.70
- ↑ The Marklands, p.70
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, p.153
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, p.154
- ↑ The Marklands, p.70
- ↑ The Marklands, p.71
Bibliography
- Gygax, Gary. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983 (ISBN 0-88038-344-5).
- ———. Night Arrant. Delevan, WI: New Infinities, 1987.
- Sargent, Carl. The Marklands. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 51, 54, 56 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 19 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Dragon magazine #191 | 66 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 61, 63 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | From the Ashes: References Card | #12 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Greyhawk Adventures | 74 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 79, 153 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Living Greyhawk Journal #0 | 11 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 29 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Night Arrant | 122, 129, 147, 149 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Oerth Journal #08 | 36 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Oerth Journal #31 | 17,18,19 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 9, 40 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Return of the Eight | 59 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | Saga of Old City | 7, 288 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | The Adventure Begins | 54 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | WG6 Isle of the Ape | 27 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) | 21, 23, 25 |
| Gnatmarsh | Geographical feature | Marsh, | WGR4 The Marklands | 61, 62, 69, 70 |
| Staff of Gnatmarsh | Item | Encyclopedia Magica - Volume IV | 1281 | |
| Staff of Gnatmarsh | Item | Greyhawk Adventures | 74 | |
| Weird of Gnatmarsh | Non-player character | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 153 | |
| Weird of Gnatmarsh | Non-player character | Living Greyhawk Journal #0 | 11 | |
| Weird of Gnatmarsh | Non-player character | Return of the Eight | 59 | |
| Weird of Gnatmarsh | Non-player character | WG6 Isle of the Ape | 27 |