Selene - Al'Khezam - Falzame - Blackvalor - Nidus (currently Little Point)
Nidus, The Bay of Drowned Honor
Many years ago two good friends had an argument that they had decided could only be resolved by blood. One accused the other of cheating in a game of cards, and thus stealing some of his fortune. The other, eager to defend his name, claimed his friend was lying to hide the shame of his defeat. They rowed a boat out onto the island to duel. Both men died that day and their bodies were placed side by side on a boat and pushed out into the water, in memory of their once good friendship turned bitter by a war of words.
As the tale spread it became almost tradition for people to travel here to settle disputes and arguments that could only be settled with the crossing of blades. People came far and wide and a settlement built up to accommodate them with an inn for each sides supporters and a tavern where loved ones could celebrate or mourn alike. The duels became a spectacle for the type of deviants who enjoyed bloodshed, intoxication and gambling their nights away in the den of iniquity that became known as The Scorpion and The Frog.
The settlement was in a prime location for trade. The waterways upon which it rested stretched right into the neighbouring biome making it easy to transport the rare resources of the swamps to those who did not have access. It also became a basecamp for people who wanted to explore, providing supplies and guides for those who wanted to see the dangers of the swamps up close. This business brought more settlers and the island went from being an idyllic spot of tranquility to a bustling town with a flurry of fishing boats and barges traveling the waters around it.
Just like the nature of the settlement changed over time, so did the nature of the duels that happened there. They lost the bitterness and became a sport to be celebrated. A roster of trained warriors battled each other week after week, healers honed their skills keeping them alive and entertainers wowed the crowds between fights. The military capitalized on this and began to station troops here, having them compete in the combat to keep their skills sharp.
Now an arena has been built on the exact location of the original duel that night. A tribute to the poor wordplay that leads to the great swordplay. Nidus has become a place where fighters gather to exchange fighting styles, regale stories in the tavern and battle each other in the arena. A sanctuary for diplomats and warriors alike at a gateway into the swamps.
