Vokrazum (The Toxic Jungle) (updated 2007/06/29)

  Ahuizotl    Avathar Ruins    Goza    Vokrazum Lotus    Zogroth 

The remote southern land of Vôkrazum is a vast volcanic jungle, with many dangerous rivers and misty bogs. Far from the reach of civilization, this primordial area is inhabited mainly by tribes of Vôzen and insects of enormous size such as avian worms, ankheg, giant hornets, and the deadly, intelligent Kreen.

Also known as the Toxic Jungles, this rain forest is shunned by all as a place of sure death. There are large numbers of active volcanoes in this region which constantly exude clouds of toxic smoke and ash. The toxic fumes create an environment hostile to humans, but thousands of species of plants, fungi, insects and other creatures are unique to this area and completely undiscovered by humans. Many of the plants are poisonous, but fetch a high price on both the black market and to alchemists by those properly equipped to brave the jungles. Most such trade flows through the city Goza, on the edge of the jungles on the border of the Red Waste.

The Avathars originated from these jungles thousands of years ago within the Necroalchemical Empire of Arh'Tolth. Their alchemists discovered that the poisons are a natural byproduct of the volcanoes, and found many ways to protect themselves, and even use the deadly toxins for war. Some say that the toxins were made even more deadly by the vast amounts of dragonflame and Baal fire unleashed during the Necrodraconic Wars, many of which were fought within the jungles against Avathars and Kreen. If that is the case, then even Avathar alchemy may not be sufficient to protect foreigners from the toxins that permeate the air, soil, and water of the region.

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Ahuizotl (updated 2003/11/10)

The Ahuizotl are creatures in the legends of the Vozen. In appearance a Ahuizotl is half feline and half monkey, with a hand coming out of the end of its tail. The Ahuizotl are greatly feared as one of the only eaters of Vozen flesh, and they particularly like eyes. Being forest creatures, they use their tail hands to snatch Vozen swimming too close to the water's edge. Sometimes an Ahuizotl cries and when Vozen come near it to see what is wrong, it grabs them and pulls them out of the water.

Avathar Ruins (updated 2004/10/12)

The Toxic Jungles are often made impassible by thick foliage and broken terrain, but the trails can still be found where denizens of this place forced their way through the underbrush. Following these trails can often lead to more than the traveler has bargained for, as many beasts find watching the trails to be a convenient way to hunt.

Some of the trails are far, far older, and reveal evidence of an ancient civilization. Small stone markers point the way toward vine-clutched stones thrusting up beneath the toxic trees. Half-submerged pyramids and black ziggurats climb their way up from the root-tangled quagmire.

These ruins are thought to be the remnants of the Necroalchemical Empire of Arh'Tolth. If this is true, they contain an immeasurable wealth of jewels and lost knowledge. They would also hold untold dangers, for the Avathars of old never left their treasures unguarded. Some ruins have likely become the lairs of wild beasts, and some have defended themselves from the jungle and treasure hunters alik [ more... ]

Goza (updated 2007/06/29)

Goza is a large city where the Vokrazum Jungles end and the Red Waste begins. The city is an important source of exotic and rare treasures from the Toxic Jungles, particularly the highly sought after "Glass Swords" and varieties of magical Lotus. Caravans come from as far away as Aquila to trade. n addition, many magi journey to Goza to study with the many masters of Mthu Rygas who dwell in monasteries in and around Goza.

Goza is the chief (and perhaps only) city of the Vozen.

Vokrazum Lotus (updated 2005/07/26)

An astonishing variety of flora can be found in the Toxic Jungles of Vokrazum, amidst its equally astonishing perils. Most of the plants are deadly or poisonous in some way, although many have other more interesting properties. On occasion, an expedition will be made to the jungle edge to retrieve a few samples before risking too great an exposure to the jungle or awakening some horror within. Baal, Avathar, and Southmaren alchemists are usually most inclined to make such a journey and best-equipped to survive.

Several varieties of Vokrazum Lotus are highly sought after, for the incense smokes from their blossoms have potent rejuvenative properties. Burning "black lotus" is one of the few known ways to easily remove Kaeden Taint. The more rare "gray lotus" can bring upon mystical visions and restore diminished magic.

Once harvested, the blossoms can be dried whole or compacted into incense, and if treated with care can be preserved indefinitely. However, harvesting Vokrazum Lotus is not a simple task. Raw lotus blossoms are toxic and can cause madness or death if eaten or handled without care. Vokrazum Lotus flowers are actually blue in color, and the "black" and "gray" varieties are subtle differentiations of blue hues that only express themselves in rare circumstances. Common blue lotus is poisonous even when burned.

Legends: Blue Lotus

• Deadly poisonous +3
• Hallucinogenic +2 (if consumed)
• Common in the toxic jungles +2 [ more... ]

Zogroth

Zôgroth is a large collection of mud and log huts that float in the middle of a well-guarded lake, securely lashed in place by pilings and anchors driven deep into the mud. The floating town seems to be turned upside down much like a beaver lodge--the buildings are half-submerged with the streets, windows, and doors all underwater. The Vôzen of Zogroth prefer this arrangement, swimming between the buildings in the muddy water, safe from marauding beasts, fire, and the ash-choked air spewed forth from the ringing volcanoes.

Vôzen soldiers and hunters rigorously patrol this region, driving all beasts away and covering up tracks and other signs of organized life. The half-submerged town has a low profile that makes it difficult to see from a distance. Only a few well-disguised watchtowers break the horizon above the water, although some buildings extend far below the water's surface. The complete lack of fires and smokes that identify most cities make Zôgroth nearly impossible to find at night. Anyone wishing [ more... ]