Elmtia Moss Swamp

Place

Place Name:

Elmtia Moss Swamp

Biome:

Moss Swamp

Size:

Unknown

Continent:

Unknown

Subcontinent

Unknown

Geography

Elmtia Moss Swamp is a leveled area of land (50,000 square meters) made up of 50% mud, 25% quicksand, 15% dry land, and 10% water bodies. There are very few hills scattered about, and flat ground is visible from a distance. The ground is made up of soft, muddy soil and can be very slippery, leading to various accidents and deaths. Elmtia is surrounded by so many herbs and shrubs but very few tall trees, all of which are of the coniferous (soft wood) nature, the highest tree being 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.  The climate of this region is mostly extreme and divided into two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. It is safe to say that even in the dry season of the Elmtia area, its grounds are still slippery.

During the dry season, many Elmtia animals hibernate, laying for months in small enclaves and holes that hold cool air and moisture. Plants shrivel in size, and the locally grown "Brite" (a yellowish grain used for making staple food) stops growing for some time, as it thrives in an extremely cold climate and soft, wet soil. The only plant that survives this season is the Pte'phy, which stores water in its roots during the wet season in preparation for the dry. The temperature is usually between 50°C and 67°C. In the wet season, mud fish can be seen in every part of the swamp. Plants and animals in the moss swamp become more active and develop better during this season.

The temperature is usually between -10°C and 5°C, fluctuating only during major climate changes.  The swamp is cut across from the northern and eastern regions by two rivers, both of which become frozen during the wet season. The rivers Tulga and Breim are known for their coldness. Fishing is primarily done in the River Breim, which contains some of the best fish for preparing tarpon delicacies. It also houses fearsome amphibians like the fidali'le and the tropamus, hence the movement of people in groups. During the wet season, these amphibians live on land in caves that are close to the river, as the river freezes.  The River Tulga is known for its beautiful scenery, being surrounded by 10% of the little dry land found in Elmtia.

It is located to the north of Elmtia and cuts across the Thumb Boreal Rockland. It is a large river along which people can camp in the dry seasons. Like the River Breim, it becomes frozen during the wet season. 

Plants

Most plants in this region are shorter than 2 feet and provide more medicinal uses to the people of Taerel than commercial uses. Here is a list of Elmtia's native plants:

Yriat: This is a short, spindly plant with strong stems and tiny leaves. It produces a crimson-colored flower and grows up to 3 feet in the wet season, but shrinks in height during the dry season. Its leaves are used in making the right concoction to cure weakness among the Taerel old. It can be seen very close to the bank of the River Tulga. At night, the yriat gives off a small glow that warns off dangerous animals. 

Pte'phy is a commonly known plant used in the making of creoles. It is a malleable form of wood with long branches and stems that store enough water to be used for 3 months. It is the tallest plant in the Elmtia region, with a yellow-colored fruit shaped like a small pearl. The pte'phy fruit is crushed into a fine powder and used by the Zuaan women of Orildaugh City in beautifying their faces. It is applied on the eyelids of brides and coated with a little bit of oil to last longer on their faces. 

Curspet: A brown shrub that grows up to 1 foot, 3 inches tall and covers the major part of the Elmtia region, the curspet is an herb that is used to induce labor in pregnant women who have difficulty giving birth. It has a tap root system, short branches, and very small needle-like leaves. These leaves are washed and boiled before they are served with milk to the pregnant women. It also reduces pain during menstruation in women.   

Grodif'er: A green-colored algae that grows on the yriat tree. It feeds off the nutrients of the tree but also gives off light at night that can be seen from a far distance, illuminating the Yriat tree. The grodif'er is used in making poisons and strong potions. It can also be used on farmlands to scare away rodents because it has a peculiar smell.

Animals

The carnivorous animals of the Elmtia region have one thing in common: thick fur and claws. The climatic conditions of the region are nearly impossible to survive in, but with these body characteristics, these animals have been able to survive. Some of these animals include;

Sucrel'a: The largest animal in Elmtia at about 3 feet high, the sucrel'a has a long, sensitive nose and feeds on smaller animals. It has thick brown fur, sharp claws, and very sharp teeth. During the dry season, it lives in small, cold caves, as it cannot fully survive hot weather and lives only in wet conditions. The sucrela is hunted by men from various cities during special occasions, as its meat is succulent and hunting it down is very difficult. Various tribes that surround the swamp hunt it during the celebration of someone in high authority. They go in two groups of five men, all properly covered in fur skins and warm clothing. The hunting usually lasts for two days or more, depending on how skilled the hunters are.

Htafy: This is the most common fish in the Breim River. With a blue and pink striped body, small dorsal fins, and a short tail, the Htafy is very hard to miss. It is preyed on by the Fidali'le, which pounces on a school of Htafy and grabs four or more at a time. The htafy is an endangered species, as even zu'aan who fish, fish with it in mind. 

Fidali'le: This is a small crocodile with short, stubby legs and claws to grip the ground. It has a thick tail and blue scales. Its round eyes rotate 360 degrees, as it can see behind them as well. It feeds on small fish and survives both on land and in water. The fidali'le is feared by children because of its scary looks and is used to caution disobedient children with lines like "Disobey me once again and I will feed you to the fidali'le."

Tropamus: The largest sea creature, this amphibian moves between water and land. It is 2 feet high, with a white colored coat, a trumpet for a nose, and flappy ears. It is mostly referred to as the "Trumpety" in children's folklore and is associated with clumsiness. The tropamus is commonly found sleeping very close to water bodies and feeds on shrubs and plants at river banks and in the water. 

Algrat: The algrat is a bird of prey that flies on its own. Unlike other birds of the Elmtia region, it doesn't fly in flocks but instead is seen in the skies above the region searching for smaller birds and fish to eat on the ground. The algrat has a giant beak, large wings, and strong claws with which it grabs its prey. It can be found on the top of the Pte'phy tree. 

Historical Timeline of Ages

Age Name	Dates	Controller
Stone Age	Before 1E 0	Unknown
Copper Age	1E 1–1E 2200	Unknown
Bronze Age	1E 2200–1E 4400	Unknown
Iron Age	2E 0–2E 700	Unknown
Ancient Age	2E 700–2E 2200	Unknown
Middle Age	3E 0–3E 2050	Unknown
Early Modern Age	3E 2050–3E 2600	Unknown
Industrial Age	3E 2600–3E 2700	Unknown
Machine Age	3E 2700–3E 2800	Unknown
Atomic Age	3E 2800–3E 2850	Unknown
Space Age	3E 2850–3E 2875	Unknown
Information Age	3E 2875–3E 2900	Unknown
Genetic Age	3E 2950–3E 3000	Unknown
Awakening Age	3E 3000–3E 3415	Unknown
Twilight Age	4E 0–4E 500	Orildaugh City Zu'aan

This article is written by Dvirus#9463. Copyright 2026 Dvirus#9463. All rights reserved.