Dokunuma Hunter by Axlwisp on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

The sluglam province of Oujounuma covers many miles of swampland in the south portion of MCworld's central continent. Though most outsiders refer to the area as one massive swamp, the sluglam have divided their territory into several different patches of swamp, using the term Oujounuma to refer only to their capital city which lies in the middle. Sluglam hunters and gatherers are acutely aware that each part of the swamp differs in atmosphere and wildlife. For instance, Akichinuma is bright, fertile, open, and even suited for farming, while Kaijunuma is known for its deadly wildlife. Among all these swamps though, none are more notorious than Dokunuma: the toxic swamp.

The very air in Dokunuma is filled with acidic vapour which blinds the eyes and corrodes the lungs of even the most poison-resistant sluglam. While the toxic swamp is too miasmic for most animals, it is home to a unique species of will-o-wisp which, while harmless, produces incredibly vivid and undying light. In addition, the hardy plant life in Dokunuma has developed intense resistance to toxins, and is prized by sluglam botanists.

Thus, although Dokunuma is a deadly place, sluglam hunters often venture forth to gather ingredients, trapping will-o-wisps for lighting and harvesting enough plant life to bring back and sell for a profit. Over centuries, the sluglam have used their racial connection with nature magic to design head wear which can protect them from the swamp's deadly fumes. These 'Doku-Lanterns' as they are called, are typical farmers' hats equipped with paper curtains that can be pulled tight around the neck. They are enchanted with a barrier of nature magic which filters poison out of the air as it slips through the paper, allowing the sheltered sluglam to breathe normally. A well placed will-o-wisp lantern projects light into the thick miasma, outlining solid objects and ensuring enough pseudo-vision to make up for that which the Doku-Lantern restricts, and a hybrid walking stick/ spear ensures that the hunter can retain sure 'footing' even when vision is lacking.

I was inspired to do some world building for MCworld, so I scribbled this up before I lost interest again. I know it's not my usual fair, but I hope it's interesting all the same~