The Hidden Swamp (Tarkus)

90 rooms · levels 41–53

Transport Pentagram

There is a huge pentagram on the floor, formed by continuous sparks of electricity bursting out of the floor. It appears to be some kind of magical portal. There is no other way out of this room.

Inside a large tent

This is the tent of a leader. A vast collection of weapons is fixed on the floor, side by side. A large cauldron holds some liquid mixture at one side, and in the center a small desk is covered with herbs, potions and all sorts of magical components. The flap opens north onto the campsite.

Scary Trail

Through the dark, dense forest a narrow trail of mud and rocks runs south, away from the road to the north. The trees lean in close over it, and the light fails a few steps in. A small wooden sign is fixed in the mud beside the trail.

Scary trail

The trail turns here: it comes down from the road to the north and bends west. Eastward and southward the forest is an impenetrable wall of trunks and thorn. Sounds of moving creatures come out of the depths of the woods.

Scary trail

The trail turns south, and the undergrowth grows denser at each side, almost impossible to push through. To the south, the trail opens into a narrow intersection; back to the east it bends toward the road. Sounds of creatures moving come from the depths of the forest.

Intersection on the trail

You have reached an intersection in the trail. To the west a path leads into a living forest, where the sounds of creatures and voices carry between the trees. To the east a narrow trail runs toward the far sound of an axe. To the south the ground turns damp and a carpet of mist rises from it. The trail back to the road runs north.

A trail in the forest

You have found a small, narrow trail through the deep, dark forest. It leads on to the east, and the intersection is back to the west. The sounds of creatures stalking through the woods come from all around.

The mystical gate

This room is quite large. A metallic gate in the west wall is surrounded by an energy field that hums and crackles. The air is very humid. A door leads back north.

A bend in the trail

The trail takes a turn to the south. The remains of chopped trees lie along its sides, stumps cut clean and branches stacked for hauling. The trail back to the intersection runs west.

A trail in the forest

The trail runs north and west from here. The sound of wood being chopped comes through the trees, and to the south stands a row of bushes, well kept and cut, with chopped trees piled behind them.

The living forest

The forest is dense and dark, so dense that the sky cannot be seen and it always seems to be night. The trees sway as if with an inner life. The forest goes on to the west, and the trail lies back to the east.

The living forest

The forest is dense and dark, and the trees sway as if with an inner life. The roof of a small hut shows through the trees to the northwest, and a small shrine lies just south. The forest goes on east and west.

The living forest

The forest is dense and dark; it always seems to be night here. To the north a small path leads to a wooden hut. A large tent stands against the western edge of the clearing, and the camp spreads south. The forest goes on to the east.

A merchant's place

The small cottage has shelves of every kind of adventuring armor: boots, helmets, leggings, breastplates. This is a place where any kind of armor can be traded. A wide wooden counter stands at the center of the cottage, and the door out is to the south.

Before a small hut

You stand before a small wooden hut. Its door, to the north, is about six feet high, with strange magical writing carved on it. The hut has a roof of straw and wood and a small window in its eastern wall. Logs have been left on the ground, ready for a campfire. Magic can be felt in the air, growing stronger toward the hut. The forest lies back to the south.

The living forest

The path leads deeper into the forest. Night sounds fill your ears, and whispering voices come from nearby, as if the trees were talking. Tribesmen walk about doing their duties. A small cottage stands to the north, and the tents of the camp lie to the south. The forest goes on east and west.

The living forest

A small tribe has mounted its tents around campfires in this part of the forest. Tribesmen walk about doing their duties. A large tent, different from the others, stands at the southern edge. The camp goes on east, and the forest lies north.

The living forest

Tents and small huts are spread through the forest, and working tribesmen carry goods from one to another and build new lodgings. At the center of the campsite stands a large tent, different from the others. A shrine lies to the east, and more tents to the west; the forest is to the north.

A small shrine

A huge oval stone, with runes all over it, dominates the center of the shrine. A stone altar stands against one wall, mostly covered with blood and magical components, and a rattling sound comes out of a black cauldron beside it. Collars and amulets made of bones, small skulls and human fingers hang from the walls. The forest lies to the north, and the camp to the west.

A bend in the trail

The trail turns south here and looks more worked along this stretch. A small wooden fence lines it on each side, and stepping stones lead on to the south. The trail back runs east.

A trail in the forest

The trail turns east. The sound of chopping wood is louder than ever, and a small wooden cabin can be seen just to the east. The fenced trail runs back north.

A small wooden cabin

You have reached a small wooden cabin. Its wooden door is to the east, beside a small window, and black smoke rises from a brick chimney on its roof. A heap of logs lies against the cabin wall. To the north grows a row of bushes, well kept and cut. The trail runs back west, and a small sign is fixed in the ground.

Inside the cabin

This small wooden cabin is made of hundreds of logs. A stone fireplace fills the far wall, and numerous axes hang from nails above it. A small wooden cabinet rests beneath a window. The door out is to the west.

Temple of the Darkened Oracle

This is the eastern far side of the temple. A wide stone table, which is used to make sacrifices, sits at the center of this part of the temple. Seven candlesticks stand around the table, forming a circle. The temple continues to the west.

Scary trail

The undergrowth thins as the trail goes on, and the ground grows ever more damp. The air is humid, and a carpet of mist rises from the mud. To the south the fog grows thick enough to swallow the trail; the intersection is back to the north.

In the mist..

A huge carpet of mist rises from the ground and hides every way on; only the trail back north can still be made out. The ground is unsteady and wet, and strange sounds come from inside the mist. It stirs around you, as if it means to carry you off.

Deep in the mist

The mist has dragged you away. Cold and wet, it hides every way out, and glowing eyes move inside it. The atmosphere is humid and cold. Wandering here would be very confusing, and the mist does not leave anyone in one place for long.

Swamp of sorrow

The mists have dragged you into a dark and muggy swamp. Cold water rises to the knees and chills to the bone. To the west a huge, decaying tree looms over the water; the swamp spreads east and south. Distant sounds of animals come from all around.

Swamp of sorrow

The air is humid and damp, and creatures move under the water. Weeds and swamp plants chafe at every step. To the north a wall of mist rolls down to the water's edge, the way back toward the forest for anyone willing to be lost in it. The swamp goes on east and west.

Swamp of sorrow

A thick carpet of mist covers this vast stretch of swampland and makes it hard to keep a course. From within the darkness comes the dragging sound of stalking swamp creatures. Mangrove trees rise to the south; the swamp goes on east and west.

A decaying tree

A huge and imposing decaying tree blocks the swamp here. It must be hundreds of years old, and now it is food and home for countless animals and insects. There is no way past it; the swamp goes on only to the east and south.

Beside the mangrove trees

A stand of mangrove trees grows out of the swamp here. Their bark is moist and muggy, covered with moss and fungus, and they rise until they disappear into the fog. The swampland goes on to the north and south.

The mangrove trees

Huge mangrove trees stand close together here, their roots arching out of the water. The fog is denser and colder in this part of the swamp, and the smell of rotting, dead animals comes from the south. Scurrying animals rustle among the roots. The swamp goes on north, east and south.

Swamp of sorrow

The vast swampland goes on north and south. Mangroves stand to the west, and the smell of rotting, dead animals wafts in from the south. The water here churns with life.

Deeper in the swamp

Rotting flesh and animal and human bones hang from the branches. The smell of putrid flesh makes it almost impossible to breathe. The mangroves are so thick that no light of moon or sun gets through. Something keeps its larder here. The swamp goes on north and east.

Inside a small hut

The hut has wooden walls, a straw roof and a stone floor. A brick fireplace stands against the northern wall, with logs burning inside it. A small chair stands beside a large rectangular wooden table, where black, white and red candles burn around a crystal ball. Incense smoke rises from an ashtray beneath the ball. The door is to the south.

Swamp of sorrow

The swamp ends here against a wall of mangrove roots too tangled to pass. The atmosphere is humid, and things move under the water. Weeds and scum chafe at every step, and the only way on is back west.

Swamp of sorrow

The smell of rotting, dead animals is stronger here. You sink deeper into the water of the swamp, and walking through the weeds and scum on its surface is very hard. The fog is so dense you can barely see your hands. The swamp goes on north, east and west.

Deeper in the swamp

The water grows deeper here, and a slow, strong current runs through it, tugging westward. Rotting animal remains hang from mangrove branches, as if left by some predator. The swamp goes on east and west.

Deeper in the swamp

The fog is denser than ever here. The ground is soft and slick, and creatures move under the water around your legs. The further you go, the more confusing it gets. The mangroves stand to the north; the swamp goes on east and west.

The quicksand

The cold mist hides everything, and glowing eyes move inside it. The air is warm here, and a deep pit somewhere below gives off burning fumes. A tree stump has been cleanly sliced off, as if bitten through by giant jaws. The ground sucks at your feet like a living thing. The only firm ground is back to the west.

Temple of the Darkened Oracle

This is the western side of the temple. Several columns much like those surrounding the altar support this ceiling here. A black marble table sits at the center of this portion of the temple, surrounded by various black wooden chairs. The temple extends to the east.

Demolition Pit

This huge pit has animal bodies and bones scattered all over the ground. The stench of putrefied flesh and scum is so strong as to make it near impossible to breathe. The walls of the pit are mostly covered with moss due to the high humidity. There are a few large boulders in some areas of the pit, but other than that there seems to be no way out of here.

Under the water of the swamp!

The ground sinks completely, as you fail to avoid the quicksand whirlpool. The water is unsteady, making it difficult to move around. Some mangrove roots entangle up your feet and arms, making it more difficult to move.

Inside a large tent

This large tent smells of smoke and blood. Weapons stand in racks along its sides, and a cauldron bubbles over a low fire. A desk is scattered with herbs, bones and strange powders, and charms hang from the tent poles. The flap opens north onto the camp.

Pool of Darkness

You are floating over a huge circular marble pool. The pool contains a soft dark blue membrane, in which in no time your feet start to sink into it until...

Pool of Darkness

You are floating over a huge circular marble pool. The pool contains a soft dark blue membrane, in which in no time your feet start to sink into it until...

Hall of the Darkened

A thick carpet of mist covers the Hall's floor. The walls are made of dark, carved rock and various torches emitting dark blue fire hang. There are two, almost identical stone gates, one to the east and one west. There is an exit south, leading to the Hall of Lightning.

Hall of Lightning

The Hall's ceiling is supported by four huge, white marble pillars. These pillars are located at each corner of the Hall, each surrounded by continuous sparks of lightning. There is a wide gate, surrounded by an energy field, at the northern area of the Hall. The Hall exits south to the Hall of Fire.

Hall of Fire

The walls have torches hanging from them, lit with magical fire. There is a stone door in the northern wall, with strings of fire surrounding its edges. At the center of the Hall, there is a circle engraved on the floor, with a pentagram in its center. The circle is bursting with flames.

Chamber of time

This darkened chamber has walls of black mithril, carved all over with runes and magical writings. A dark portal floats at the center of the chamber, waiting for you to enter it. The fireplace of the hut is above.

The air above the swamp

Having climbed the mangrove, you find yourself floating in the fog above the swamp. The atmosphere is very humid and cold. The crowns of the mangroves are below you, and the fog drifts on to the east, hiding what lies beyond.

The air above the swamp

The fog extends in all directions, and the air is humid and cold. Floating through it gives the sensation of moving in circles. To the east, what seems to be the structure of a large ship can barely be seen; the mangroves are back to the west.

Sea of Madness

Up on the surface of the Sea, the dark waters seem endless, black with the reflection of the dark skies above them. The rotting hull of the galleon rises out of the water beside you, but its sides are sheer and offer no hold. The Sea extends in every direction as far as the eye can see.

Sea of Madness

You are underneath the waters of the Sea of Madness. Dark and cold water covers your body, and uncommon water creatures wander through the depths, inviting you to an unsafe riot. A faint glimmer above marks the surface; the keel of the galleon lies to the east.

Sea of Madness

You are underneath the waters of the Sea of Madness. Dark and cold water covers your body, and uncommon water creatures wander through the depths. Above you, the dark keel of the galleon blocks out what light there is, and a hatch is set in its hull. The water goes on to the west.

Deeper under the waters of the swamp

The whirlpool gets stronger, pulling you more into the depths of the swamp. There seems to be no way out of this nightmare. The only thing in your surroundings are mangrove roots and water.

Inside the galleon

This small room has ropes, chains, hooks, and harpoons hanging from the walls. A small spiral stairway leads down to the second floor. The stairway is in very bad shape, as most of the steps are loose. To the west is a wooden door, leading to the center deck.

Temple of the Darkened Oracle

Black, cylindrical marble columns form an oval around a black marble altar at the center of the temple. The columns are carved with runes and writings in a very ancient tongue. A huge black rock has been carved into an idol of the great warrior, Tarkus. The temple extends east and west, and behind the idol a narrow stair climbs up toward the forest.

A small chamber

This small chamber holds various wooden shelves. A rounded table at its center is spread with maps, with a chair beside it. There is a door to the north and a black door to the south.

Inside a cell

This dark and cold cell was once used to lock up prisoners. There is a small window, with iron bars on it, at the upper part of the door. A hard rectangular piece of wood, that hangs by two rusty chains attached to the ceiling and nailed to the wall at the other end, is used as bed There is a small table at one of the corners of the room, it has a chair by its side.

Inside a cell

This dark and cold cell was once used to lock up prisoners. There is a small window, with iron bars on it, at the upper part of the door. A hard rectangular piece of wood, that hangs by two rusty chains attached to the ceiling and nailed to the wall at the other end, is used as bed There is a small table at one of the corners of the room, it has a chair by its side.

The lower deck

The walls are cold and dark. A stairway in very bad shape climbs up, its steps covered with cobwebs, and very little light gets down here. A darkened passage runs west from the foot of the stairs.

Passage near the cells

This narrow passage leads to the galleon's cells. It has dark hardwood walls and floor, and a few bronze torches are lit to provide illumination. There is a door to the south, while the passage runs west and east.

Passage near the cells

The passage comes to an end. Two almost identical doors face each other, one to the north and one to the south. A rectangular hatch, large enough for a person to go through, is set in the floor. The passage runs back east.

A hidden chamber

This secret chamber was specially constructed to hide stolen valuable artifacts and to smuggle illegal goods without problems. There are some chests, wooden boxes, crates around all the floor of the chamber. Valuable artifacts can be safely stored here.

Treasure room

This room was specially made to store loads of gold, jewelry, and all kinds of valuable objects. On the walls, various shelves contain numerous precious stones and valuable artifacts. There are a few chests resting on the floor. The room exits south to a hallway.

Lost in the mist

The mist closes in completely. There is no telling up from down, and the cold, wet air drags you along with it. Glowing eyes move all around, and somewhere ahead water laps at roots.

Chamber of Despair

The door magically disappears. This darkened chamber is lit only by the radiance of a small crystal case, which holds a heart wrapped in magical red and dark blue flames. A throne made all of bone stands at the center of the chamber. The walls are dark, solid hardwood, and bones and human remains are piled in one corner. There is a metal door in the northern wall.

Below the second sail mast

This sail mast is 80 feet high and made of dark hardwood, with a small watch box at its top. Thick ropes that once held the sails hang down to the deck. Rotting bodies hang by their necks from the booms, with chains and ropes. The center deck is to the north and west, and a ladder climbs up to the front deck.

A narrow hallway

This narrow hallway leads to the west. Its walls are dark hardwood, hung with strange paintings. A small stairway leads up and down, and a metal door is set in the northern wall.

A narrow hallway

This narrow hallway leads east and west. The walls are cold, and the visibility is very poor. A small metal chandelier hangs from the hallways ceiling. The sound of cracking wood is heard, as you walk through the hallway.

The end of the hallway

The hallway has come to an end. The smell of putrid rotting flesh is stronger in this area of the hallway. Hundreds of cobwebs hang from the walls and from small chandelier hanging from the ceiling. There is a black wooden door at the western part of the hallway. The hallway continues to the north.

The end of the hallway

The hallway comes to an end. The sound of scurrying rodents comes from every corner, and loose planks squeak underfoot. The hallway continues to the east.

The bow of the galleon

This is the front end of the galleon. A long wooden pole, with a carved snake coiled around it, leads almost horizontally out over the water. The front deck is to the west.

The front deck

A long rusty telescope is mounted on a steel frame screwed to the floor of the deck. The second sail mast rises beside it, and a ladder leads down along it to the center deck. The front deck continues to the north.

The front deck

The front deck is surrounded by dark hardwood railing, with poles resembling snake figures. There are exits south to the front deck, down to the center deck, and east to the bow of the galleon.

A narrow hallway

This narrow hallway leads east, west and south. Every way is dark enough to make it easy to get lost. A painting of Count Ryma hangs on the northern wall.

A secret chamber

This small chamber is dark as the night. The purpose of this chamber must have been to hide goods or valuable objects. It appears to be no other way out of this chamber.

The center deck

The center deck continues west and south; to the south a long sail mast can be seen. A small stair climbs up to the front deck. Rotten bodies and bones are scattered over the floor. Under the stairs, to the east, a wooden door with a small round crystal window leads inside the galleon.

The center deck

The center deck continues north, and a long sail mast reaches for the sky to the east, with another to the west. Wooden balustrades of a strange design surround the edges of the deck.

The center deck

The center deck is made of a lighter hardwood. An insignia is carved in its floor: a shield with a tri-colored snake at its center. The center deck extends east and south, and the hull continues west. Sail masts are barely visible to the southeast and the southwest.

Below the first sail mast

This sail mast is 40 feet high and made of dark hardwood, with a small watch box at its top. Thick ropes that once held the sails hang down to the deck. The hull continues east, north and west.

The hull of the galleon

The floor is made of dark hardwood, almost black. A long sail mast is seen in the southern part of this area. The mast's boom has some bodies hanging from their necks with chains and ropes. To the east is the center deck, while the hull continues west and south.

The hull of the galleon

Heaps of bones, rusty chains and pieces of canvas that were once sails are scattered over the deck. A long sail mast stands to the east. Beyond the rail lies a huge swampland, mostly covered by fog. The hull continues north and east, and a stairway climbs up to the upper deck.

The hull of the galleon

The floor at this part of the hull is a dark hardwood, unlike the center of the deck. A wooden balustrade surrounds the deck, its poles each carved as a snake. A wide stairway climbs up to the stern. The hull continues south and east.

At the upper deck

You stand on the upper deck at the rear of the galleon. The floor is dark hardwood, polished to a mirror shine, and a small balustrade of antique design runs all around it. The stern is to the north, and a stairway leads down to the hull.

The stern

This is the stern, the rear part of the galleon. The name of the ship is carved on the outside of the rear wall: it reads "The Marauder". A wide stairway leads down to the hull, and the upper deck lies to the south. There is a steel case on the floor.

The air above the swamp

The fog is denser here, and small insects fly into your face. The dark hull of a large ship looms close through the fog, near enough to touch. The way back over the swamp is to the west.

Inside a large tent

This tent looks to be the one of a leader. Weapons are fixed on the floor, side by side, and a large cauldron with some liquid mixture stands at one side. In the center a small desk holds herbs, potions and magical components. The flap opens east onto the forest.