Wetland (range)
Wetlands are areas of land near freshwater lakes, rivers or other bodies of water where the soil is saturated with water, creating a unique ecosystem. Similar areas adjacent to saltwater are referred to as intertidal lands. Wetlands include portions of a water body covered by shallow water — typically up to about 15 feet deep — where enough sunlight penetrates to support the growth of common aquatic plants.
"Foreshore" describes land that becomes inundated during floods and is exposed during dry seasons. This includes areas typically within ¼ mile of open water, where aquatic creatures often venture to forage. The specific characteristics of wetlands vary depending on local climate, geology and water distribution, both above and below ground. Wetlands serve as transitional zones between aquatic and terrestrial environments, making them ecologically vital.
Wetlands may range in size from narrow strips only a few feet wide to extensive expanses stretching miles from the main water source. The land may be waterlogged or completely submerged. Types of wetlands vary widely:
- Marshes and bayous are wetlands dominated by dense trees and shrubs.
- Fens and bogs are wetlands surrounded by shrubs, tall grass or low vegetation, often associated with taiga and tundra biomes, where they are referred to as muskeg.
- Standing water in wetlands can range from pure, clear water fed by aquifers to brackish water, depending on the water source and local conditions.
Wetlands are vital for the abundance of life they sustain, serving as havens for amphibians, birds, fish and insects that thrive in their damp and waterlogged conditions. These areas are rich in natural resources, offering plentiful hunting for game birds, amphibians and other creatures that dwell in the mud and water. Fisherfolk may find shallow pools teeming with fish, though the challenge lies in navigating the thick, clinging mud or the dense vegetation that often encroaches on the water. Adventurers crossing wetlands will frequently encounter swarms of biting insects, treacherous ground that may give way underfoot, and hidden pools that threaten to swallow wagons, mounts or travelers whole.
Wetlands are generally inhospitable to human and demi-human settlement. Houses built in these areas must be elevated above the waterline, typically requiring stilts or platforms to avoid the persistent damp and the rising water during floods. Roads, when they exist, are often narrow wooden causeways or rough stone paths, which are prone to being overtaken by the mire. For this reason, travel through wetlands is slow and arduous, and small paths or animal trails are often the best means of navigation. Bandits, escaped prisoners, and other outlaws are known to use wetlands as hideouts, as the terrain provides excellent natural defenses and discourages pursuit. A wetland's value as a barrier can be both a blessing and a curse for adventurers — while it may provide cover from enemies, it can also conceal dangerous creatures, such as giant amphibians or lurking predators, waiting just below the surface. In rural environments, they are typically treated as hinterlands, supporting limited human activity while preserving their natural functions.
Conditions
Travel through marshy wetlands will be onerous and unpleasant. Deep water must be traversed by longboat, driven with a pole or a single paddle. Vegetation doesn't favour rowboats, as dense reeds, submerged logs, and tangled grasses make oars impractical. Crossing a wetland on foot involves tramping or wading through mires, muds, low and deep water, and high grass; travellers will suffer leeches, flies, small predators, and the risk of their feet sinking into unseen holes or soft patches of mud that might trap them.
The odour of rot is pervasive in both tropical and subtropical climes, arising from decaying plant matter and stagnant water. Humidity clings to the skin, making armour uncomfortable and sapping energy. In a dense swamp, there is no movement of air, leaving even the smallest fire to struggle for oxygen. Vegetation and water provide cover for dangerous creatures, which may leap out at any time, including snakes, crocodilians or larger predators. The sounds of rustling plants, sudden splashes or the eerie croak of unseen amphibians heighten the tension with every step.
Contrariwise, areas of lake shore, with open beaches and fresh, clear water, provide great opportunities for fishing and hunting. These regions often host plentiful wildlife, including waterfowl, deer and fish that thrive near the edges of the wetland. A keen observer might spot game trails or nests in the softer soil, providing bountiful rewards for a day's effort. The scenery in these areas, with shimmering waters and the distant cries of birds, can offer a refreshing reprieve from the dense, oppressive conditions of deeper marshlands. However, even these open shores are not without risk — hidden sinkholes and predators drawn by the same game can still present dangers.
Common Features
Below is a list of elements and features that are common to wetland ranges:
Wetland Creatures
The following monsters are common to wetland ranges:
Temperate
- Crayfish (giant)
- Electric Eel
- Frog (giant)
- Hippocampus
- Lamprey
- Megalania Lizard
- Water Beetle (giant)
Tropical
See List of Ranges
