Quite welcoming, these folks...

Well, the sign says it all, these are the Swamp Territories. The land isn't any good to build large buildings (namely, homes) on, so the land was barren for a few centuries.

But then an unknown man thought it would be great for economy to just open a place where you can get all your shopping done in one area.

But where is the area big enough to open all of these battling businesses? One answer: the wide-open spaces of Swamp Territories.

Some shops have been occasionally swallowed by the bog, but most are fine, the ground supports their weight.

So now, business booms here, and you can practically get anything here, instead of making trips all across the kingdoms.

It's chief competitor being the Winding Road, the Shops always try to come up with a way to make customers want to come here more.

Aside from these fine establishments, the Courthouse has also made its home here.

Take a trip down the lane, only, watch out for the swells...they're gaseous pockets of methane and a mix of something else. The smell's gross, but it won't kill you. But the force of being hit in the face with boiling gases would.

They give off a ten second warning at any rate, so you should be fine.

Places to shop:

Dig's Excavation: Previously run by Dig, a Relic-born Mole man, there is no one here to run it--that's because Dig was a suspect in the murder of the former Clocktower Farmer, Iorek. Dig escaped the custody of the Courthouse Kether and hasn't been seen since...funny...there's a strange light coming from inside.

Golem's Forge: A sizeable stable, steam coming from every window, the temperatures run high here. A large gray man with a kind smile towers over an anvil, complete with hammer. This is Golem, blacksmith. If you need a weapon or metal-working of any kind, this is the place. You'll need to give the specifics of course, because no two things this artisan creates are ever alike. Price, of course, varies with design, but he is always fair.

Alchemist's Shop: A sign on the door reads 'Closed'. It has been this way since Lady Amber was emprisoned in amber by Queen Militia. Lady Amber has since been freed and will return to manage her shop after certain family issues are taken care of back home. Most of the items sold here can be found in Mysti Valley or at the Dragon's Den. If they cannot help you, you'll just have to await Lady Amber's return.

Leather-Wolf's Familiars: Even though the man at the counter--namely L.W. himself--is oily, this is the only place on the Isle where you are sure to come away with what you want...that or L.W. will give you a magic rat, free of charge--that's his guarentee. Many animals can be found in too-small cages within the shop. Others can be captured in near-by areas with L.W.'s immense skill.

Tsubo's Books and Scrolls: The script on the front door is neat, but peeling. This shop has been here forever. It is run by a little old man by the name of Mr. Tsubo. He sits behind a lecturn in the far back where the dust--and value--is at its peak. He pours over his beloved texts with eyes that are verging on uselessness. Though old-fashioned, and a bit of a cantankerous old man, Mr. Tsubo will always give the best price. Since he was injured badly when a rogue royal tried to steal items from his shop, Mr.Tsubo has invested in a Hell Hound. It is chained just out of the shop, so be careful. Click here for a list of items.

Birche's Dolmen: Trading Post extraordinaire, Birche is a willowy pale woman who procures the oddest of adornments from trash to treasure. Set in a cabin made of birch bark, the little hut seems to glow in the midst of such muddy surroundings like Swamp Alley. Not even a fair price is reliable here--it may be right, it may not be. Once in a while, however, there are great deals on oddments. Click here for a list of items.

The Courthouse: No better place to administer law then the area most-known for its unlawful activity. Judges Catherine, Andrew, and Tremalken are at the public's service. Statues of Truth, Freedom, and Equality adorn every niche of the Courthouse. If any of your rights have been trampled on, if there is someone you would like to take action against, hold a meeting with the Judges. See if your case warrants a Council Court, with all three Officials present. Lawyers are also available. A group of them from different firms lurk in the back alley, ready to jump at the chance to represent.

Crow's Appraisals: A little black-haired girl runs this shop. She is Crow, the fore-most authority on the going rate of anything and everything in Underworld. She always gives the fairest price, and all prices are up-to-date. If you would like to have an appraisal on items, property, etc.. that you own, it is 5gc for a public exhibition (where the price will be posted on the boards, where anyone can freely access it) or you can pay 10gc to have it privately exhibited (the true value will be disclosed to you and you alone via email).