Just as the River Kingdoms are a patchwork of tiny nations, so too are they a tapestry of folklore and legend. Ever since a rash of unsubstantiated sightings from 4662–4664 ar in the village of Shimmerford around the East Sellen River, legends of a mysterious and frightening creature dubbed the “Mosquito Witch” have run rampant throughout the River Kingdoms and beyond. While the initial reaction of the people of Shimmerford was terror, as time passed without any overt signs of attacks, the panic faded—and after overcoming their initial fear, the villagers took note of the steady stream of monster hunters attracted by the legends, and chose to embrace
their growing notoriety.
For decades, thrill-seekers and cryptid-hunters alike traveled to Shimmerford in search of the alleged witch, to no avail. The village was all too happy to have them, taking the opportunity to sell Mosquito Witch dolls, peddle witchbread, hawk artisanal mosquito masks, and host an annual festival that attracted hundreds, bringing in a substantial amount of commerce that greatly improved the locals’ livelihoods.
But over the past year, these traditions have lost their frivolous allure. Bloodseekers, also known as stirges, have increasingly plagued Shimmerford and the surrounding woodlands. Not only have these enormous vermin occasionally attacked villagers, they’ve also killed livestock and driven wild animals into violent frenzies in the rush to escape the sucking proboscises. Several
independent adventuring groups have since traveled to Shimmerford to put a stop to the attacks, only to disappear in the woods or be found drained of blood and left as a warning. The infestation is becoming oppressive enough that some of the villagers have fled entirely, and several boats passing Shimmerford have seen their crews dive into the water to escape the pests.