Lizard Marsh

The Lizard Marsh was a large bayou in the delta of the Delimbiyr river meeting the Sea of Swords.

Description
The Delimbiyr river, also called the River Shining, plunged into the bogs and scattered waterways of the swamp delta. The Marsh was filled with cold and humid hanging moss-filled mangroves. The marshes did not freeze-over in the winter, instead turning into slush. Sages were not sure on the resons why that was the case. Some believed it was because of the sea water, while others suspected a magical phenomenon.

Fauna
A variety of monstrous creatures and voracious insects inhabited the Lizard Marsh, including the eponymous lizardfolk who pestered and menaced settlements with often raids. Lizard-men of the marsh traded looted goods and slaves with intelligent aquatic races of the Sea of Swords. A species of bipedal humanoid lizards - the muckdwellers, lived in the shadows of the lizardfolk of the Marsh. These creatures were intelligent rebought to use tools and build rafts but were not as advanced as the lizardmen that dominated the region.

Among other dangerous inhabitants of the marsh were giant spiders, dire spiders, wraith spiders, some also included bloated queen spiders of these species. Several species of giant beetle could also be encountered in the swamp, including giant bombardier beetles, stink beetles, and giant stag beetles. Among more mundane animals, wild dogs, badgers, and vicious piranha were a common occurrence. Rarer and deadlier creatures in the green muck included young black dragons and even younger wyrmlings, and even an occasional hungry bulette. Several species of small and medium-sized dinosaurs were known to inhabit the Lizard Marsh, many of whom were tamed by the lizardfolk of the region. A huge species of dinosaur known as the thunderbeasts were known to have inhabited the region or its adjacent lands at some point before the 14 century DR. By the late 14 century, their presence was only evident by sets of thunderhide armor favored by the wild druids who called the Lizard Marsh their home.

Flora
A species of giant gourds was staple of the area. These enormous edible fruits were hollowed out and dried by the lizardfolk of the Marsh, making them into oversized containers, often bigger than an adult human in size. These gourds were painted, decorated, and used to store various liquids, such as fresh water, fermented alcoholic libations, and small swimming snacks. One such gourd became a curio item known as the Castaway Gourd and was displayed in Torleth's Treasures of Gillian's Hill.

Government
Even though several tribes of lizardfolk dwelled in the marsh, many of them were united under the leadership of an ancient and cunning lizard-man known to others as Redeye. The leader was known to use magical powers to impress his followers.

History
In 302 DR, the settlement of Tavaray, that was located on the edge of the Lizard Marsh, was abandoned by its inhabitants and swallowed by the swamp's rising waters. That was one of the factors that contributed to the diminished influence of Illuskan on the Sword Coast south of the Sword Mountains.

Circa 1357 DR, a lizard man witch doctor named Redeye was attempting to unify the lizardfolk of the marshes. To this end, he was attempting to purchase metal weapons from nearby Daggerford's armory.

Many years before 1370 DR, a group of heroes ventures into the muck of the Lizard Marsh and slew the king of the lizardfolk known as Redeye. However, circa 1370 DR, a lizard man lich calling himself Redeye reemerged in the Marsh and took over the leadership once again. It was not known of that undead Redeye was indeed the same Redeye who was killed by adventurers, however many researchers and scholars were interested in the nature of that mysterious lich lizardfolk.

Notable Locations

 * Cromm's Hold, a stone keep owned by Duchess Wynne Cromm.
 * Tavaray, an abandoned settlement, reclaimed by the swamp in 302 DR.

Notable Inhabitants

 * Caustilancer, a black dragon who laired in the Marsh in the late 15 century DR.
 * Redeye, the ancient leader of the lizardfolk who returned to life as a lich after being slain by a gang of adventurers.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Under Illefarn &bull; Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle &bull; Storm King's Thunder
 * The Scrivener's Tale
 * Novels
 * Son of Thunder
 * Video Games
 * Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford
 * Video Games
 * Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford