Tanglebriar

The Witchbole is the heart of the Tanglebriar.

The Tanglebriar is a vast swamp in southern Kyonin, wedged between the Fierani Forest to the north and the Five Kings Range to the south. Although technically within the borders of Kyonin, it has become the largely uncontested domain of the nascent demon lord Treerazer since he was driven there by the Aiudeen elves returning from Sovyrian. The realm grows ever more in appearance like Treerazer's lost Abyssal home.

History

The elves' retreat to Sovyrian may have safeguarded their people, but this exodus left their ancestral lands in a state of decay and desolation. During their absence, the emerging demon lord known as Treerazer laid claim to significant portions of Kyonin, corrupting and distorting the once-sylvan beauty of the Fierani Forest beginning in 2497 AR. This culminated in a sinister endeavor to pervert the Sovyrian Stone itself into a permanent gateway to the Outer Rifts. Fortunately, this final malevolent act was discovered before it could come to fruition, prompting the elves to launch a concerted counteroffensive and return to Golarion in force in 2632 AR. Over the subsequent centuries, elven armies successfully drove the emerging demon lord from the heart of their realm, confining him to an extensive swamp in southern Kyonin they named Tanglebriar.

The elves of Kyonin have worked for two millennia to contain the spreading taint of the Tanglebriar, and have, for now, succeeded at the task. Since the closure of the Worldwound in 4718 AR, holy warriors have left Mendev for Kyonin to offer their demon-fighting expertise to the elves, which has given them renewed hope that Treerazer may finally be defeated.

Flora & Fauna

The Tanglebriar is a dark and twisted swamp, haunted by demons and creatures corrupted by centuries of the demon lord's foul influences. Trees block out the sun and plants have taken on a decidedly hostile appearance and nature. True to its name, thick patches of nettles and prickly briers cover the land, interspersed with poisonous fungi and mold.

In addition to the ubiquitous demons (primarily hezrou, glabrezu, babaus, and nalfeshnee) that roam the Tanglebriar individually or in small gangs looking for their next victim, the region is also home to other sinister creatures. These include dark fey, fiendish vermin grown to alarming size, evil cultists from all over who bring supplies and news of the outside world to Treerazer, and carnivorous fungi (ascomoids, basidironds, violet fungi, and phycomids).

The presence of dangerous fungal creatures has given the defenders of Kyonin pause, as Treerazer is the offspring of the demon lord of fungi and parasites, Cyth-V'sug, although their relationship is fraught with discord. Recent diminishment of Cyth-V'sug's influence in Fangwood Forest and the Worldwound has sparked concerns that these two demons might reconcile. If united, their combined might could pose a severe threat, potentially enabling them to launch an offensive campaign aimed at seizing control not only of Kyonin but also extending their dominion further. Even more dire, either demon lord could forge an alliance with Tar-Baphon, a prospect that keeps scouts and skirmishers in a perpetual state of vigilance.

The Tanglebriar is also home to several small tribes of orcs who devoutly worship Treerazer. These orcs compensate for their comparative lack of numbers and the lesser status of their chosen god by being exceptionally violent and vicious, even by orc standards.

Demons of note

The glabrezu demon Mokravud is one of Treerazer's lieutenants, and unusually for his type, practices great patience and subtlety when targeting his victims. He has served the Lord of the Blasted Tarn for centuries, and prefers going after select elven officers, rather than decimating entire platoons.

Places of interest

• Arabrecht: Site of an ancient magical accident.
• Shevaroth: Abandoned elven city now home to cultists of Rovagug.
• Thorn's End: Hidden fortress of the Winter Council.
• The Witchbole: A gigantic thorn tree that serves as Treerazer's palace.

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.