Gorlab Swamp

Description
Long before the Ophidians made Serpent Isle their home, a sorcerer named Rabindrinath swore to destroy the peaceful town of Gorlab when his efforts to take over the town council and rule its people failed, its people rejecting him. Furious, he swore he would make the people of Gorlab respect his powers. He became obsessed with Dream Crystals and gathered as many as he could find, buying them from any gypsy or hedge mage that passed. Because the nature of dream crystals is harmless, the people paid it little mind. Rabindranath soon gathered enough to form one large Dream Crystal. It’s unclear what Rabindranath’s original intentions for the Dream Crystal were, but the spell he cast upon it tore a rift in the fabric of the Dream Realm. The explosion pulled the essence of all the townspeople, including Rabindranath, into the realm. In the Dream Realm, Rabindranath pursued the souls of the people and tortured them until each slipped into madness. What was left of their tortured souls was being protected by the once town healer, Siranush, who attempted to hide them and herself from Rabindranath’s endless searching.

The enchantment on Gorlab swamp was broken when the Avatar confronted Rabindrinath using the Helm of Courage, the Crystal Rose of Beauty and the Mirror of Truth. Protected by these, s/he killed Rabindranath’s spirit and took the Dream Crystal to Siranush, who destroyed it and freed herself and her people to travel to whatever lies beyond death.

Lore
''This murky area keeps a very dark secret which the supernatural forces that contain it will not release. It is impossible to enter the swamp itself, for long before one can approach too near, powerful enchantments induce slumber. Many witnesses attest to the veracity of this rumor, but I must see for myself.'' ''Later note: It is truly amazing, but the stories are accurate! Mine own eyes have shown me, though I admit fear prevented me from experiencing this mysterious sleep first hand.''

- from "Beyond the Serpent Pillars", Ultima VII/2

Inhabitants

 * Rabindrinath
 * Siranush