The creature from the swamplands is said to be afflicted by a curse that has plagued it for centuries. This curse has transformed it into a grotesque and terrifying being, causing fear and destruction wherever it goes. Legends speak of a powerful witch who cast the curse upon the creature as punishment for its wicked deeds. The curse causes the creature to hunger for human flesh, driving it to roam the swamps at night in search of its next victim. Those unfortunate enough to cross paths with the creature often meet a gruesome fate, torn apart by its immense strength and sharp claws. The curse has also given the creature an unnaturally long lifespan, ensuring that it continues to spread terror for years to come.
The curse has also given the creature an unnaturally long lifespan, ensuring that it continues to spread terror for years to come. Many have tried to break the curse and free the creature from its torment, but all have failed. It is said that only an act of true love and selflessness can break the curse and restore the creature to its original form.
Mummy, Swamp
Clad in the shreds of its original garments, this withered and leathery corpse has dark, empty eye sockets.
Swamp Mummy CR 4
LE Medium undead
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +12
Aura drowning (30 ft., DC 15), unnatural aura (30 ft.)
AC 17 touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 natural)
hp 52 (7d8+21 HD)
Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +7
DR 5/—; Immune undead traits
Speed 20 ft.
Melee 2 slams +10 (1d8+5 plus bog rot)
Str 20, Dex 12, Con —, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 15
Base Atk +5; CMB +10; CMD 21
Skills Perception +12, Stealth +11
Languages Common
Environment any swamps
Organization solitary, warden squad (2-6), or guardian detail (7-12)
Treasure standard
Bog Rot (Su) Curse and disease—slam; save Fort DC 15; onset 1 minute; frequency 1/day; effect 1d6 Con and 1d6 Dex; cure —. Bog rot is both a curse and disease, and can be cured only if the curse is first removed, at which point the disease can be magically removed. Even after the curse element of bog rot is lifted, a creature suffering from it cannot recover naturally over time. Anyone casting a conjuration (healing) spell on the afflicted creature must succeed on a DC 20 caster level check or the spell is wasted and the healing has no effect. Anyone who dies from bog rot melts into a noisome sludge and cannot be raised without a resurrection spell or greater magic. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Drowning Aura (Su) All creatures within a 30-foot radius of a swamp mummy must succeed at a DC 15 Will save or be unable to speak or breathe. A creature can still hold its breath, and creatures that don't breathe air are unaffected. Whether or not the save is successful, that creature cannot be affected again by the same swamp mummy's drowning ability for 24 hours. This is a mind-affecting affect. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Strangled into unlife in the filth and muck of the deep mire, swamp mummies haunt the festering depths of isolated, desolate fenlands.
Some swamp mummies are cursed by dark powers to return to unlife, while others are the victims of sacrifices or criminal executions in which the bodies were thrown into a peat bog. The nature of the death and the emotional power of the victim are both contributing factors as to whether or not the victim crawls from its swampy grave as a swamp mummy.
Swamp mummies—also often called bog or peat mummies—rarely, if ever, leave their marshy realms. Those that do most often venture forth from the swamp to take revenge on their slayers. While most swamp mummies are motivated by vengeance, many fulfill these dark yearnings in a more general sense. Filled with wrath and hatred for the living, they mercilessly attack any living creatures that dare to venture into their dismal domains. Their agonized moans echo over their putrid homes, driving away the natural animals dwelling therein and often alerting travelers to the relentless danger.
Swamp mummies delight in infecting living foes with bog rot, believing that adding their victims' essence to their gloomy domains expands their power. After battle, they carry away the bodies of their fallen victims to sink them in deep, isolated pools. Thus, even enemies that escape the bog rot become one with the swamp mummy's home.
Most swamp mummies are Medium humanoids, typically arising from the submerged corpses of human, lizardfolk, or elven victims—though instances of swamp mummies arising from the corpses of other races is not unknown.
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Speed 20 ft.
Until then, the creature from the swamplands will remain a feared and cursed being, forever haunted by its dark past..
Reviews for "Haunted by the curse: Inside the creature's tortured existence"
- Mary - 2/5 stars - I found "The curse afflicting the creature from the swamplands" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that detracted from the main plot. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them or care about what happened to them. Additionally, the pacing was off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and wouldn't recommend this book.
- John - 1/5 stars - I regret wasting my time on "The curse afflicting the creature from the swamplands". The writing style was choppy and poorly executed, filled with awkward sentences and jarring transitions. The dialogue felt unnatural and forced, making it difficult to believe or become invested in the characters' interactions. Furthermore, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with more questions than answers. Ultimately, I felt disconnected from the story and couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.
- Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The curse afflicting the creature from the swamplands", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot had potential, but it was overshadowed by inconsistent pacing and a lack of proper development. The author introduced interesting ideas and concepts but failed to fully explore them, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. Additionally, the writing was average at best, lacking the descriptive language and evocative imagery that could have brought the story to life. While not entirely terrible, this book didn't live up to the hype for me.