The Noxmarsh

Short for the the Noxious Marsh, Noxmarsh is a long stretch of poisonous, corrupted landscape to the east of Isilsolar and north of the ruins of Nephus. This marsh has existed as far back as it was discovered after the Fall. Some horrible evil slipped into the world after the Fall and made its home among the reeds and watery ground of this place.

Not much is known for certain about Noxmarsh. The water itself is poisonous to most forms of life. Only creatures with substantial immunities to poison can swim unaffected here. The taint is in the plants, the animals, and even patches of air are rumored to have been turned into toxic clouds. Stories say that every single creature and plant has poisonous fangs, barbs, or claws.

Beyond the Noxmarsh is Zaul'dur, as it is known in Deep Speech. In common, it is called Agony's Mark. It is a great fortress inhabited by an evil wizard named Cedric Carn. Legend says he once attempted to exterminate all life. Others say he helped Apolis write the Chaos Scripture. Carn possesses great power, but is considered a ghost story. Record alleges he was slain by the Paladin Gabriel in 457 A.F. A paladin of Isilsolar, Gabriel slew the wizard, but died to to hazards of the Noxmarsh on the return journey.

Any explorers attempting to enter have been met by a staunch defense. Ethereal guardians watch pathways from other planes. Massive iron golems and gargoyles watch from the stony battlements. Carn's greatest guardian is a Dracolich named Murktide. Formerly a black dragon, Carn helped him acquire Lichdom and allowed him access to his libraries in exchange for his eternal guardianship.

None have made it beyond the gates to see what Carn left to his souless guardians before his death.