Bala Ged

Bala Ged is one of the seven continents of Zendikar.

General

Bala Ged is known for its dense jungles and deadly marshes. Hidden beneath the bogs is a network of limestone caves and tunnels that leads to catacombs, sacrificial altars, and rune-inscribed chambers. Bala Ged is a treacherous environment full of primordial monstrosities and deadly flora.

A giant marsh seperates Bala Ged from Guul Draz. Bala Ged also connects to Akoum through underground rivers, meaning the three continents form more or less one giant continent.

Inhabitants and Wildlife

Humanoids

Elves

The primary race that calls Bala Ged are the elves of the Joraga and Mul Daya Nations. The Joraga are a warlike nomadic tribe that hold high esteem for druidic power and physical prowess. They are mostly found in loose clans throughout the Tangled Vale. The Mul Daya on the other hand call the treetops of the jungle their home. Steeped in shamanic rituals and necromancy, these secretive elves are well practiced as rogues, spies, and shaman.

Goblins

At the edge of the Umung River is a small settlement of goblins known as the Grotag. A friendly sort of goblin, they will engage in trade with other species and often live amongst them. The Grotag are aspiring beastmasters, although their efforts are usually unsuccessful. The Grotag are well adapted to Bala Ged and most notably have managed to domesticate Lagac Lizards.

Surrakar

The only other notable "sentient" beings that call Bala Ged home are the reptilian Surrakar. They nest primarily in the Guum Wilds and act so ferociously that much of their true nature is unknown. It is debated amongst much of Zendikar just how much intelligence and culture these creatures secretly possess.

Flora

Bloodbriar

Bloodbriar patches are clusters of nettled carnivorous vines. The vines constrict around anything that moves nearby them; using its thorns to siphon blood from living victims into its root system. The Joraga elves cultivate the plants to act as a natural barrier against outside threats.

Cut Fungus

Similarly, Cut Fungus is a dangerous plant that lives in the jungles of Bala Ged. The seemingly mushroom-like fungus conceals a blade-like spine underneath its cap. Changes in temperature and motion will trigger it to unfurl and unleash a spray of its spines. The spines carry a powerful neruotoxin that leads to delirium, lethargy, and wartlike growths. Eventually the victim will die and the carcass will act as a host for a new cut fungus colony to grow.

Locations

Guum Wilds

The humid rain forest that covers most of Bala Ged is called the Guum Wilds. Bloodbriar and Cut Fungus are just some of the deadly flora that make up the vast jungle. Almost every inch of the Guum Wilds is covered in dense flora and the air is often heavy with fetid humidity.

Surrakar caves

Deep in the Guum Wilds lies a series of limestone outcroppings and hillocks that serve as the primary habitat for the vicious Surrakar. There is rumored to be a vast tunnel system underneath this portion of the Guum Wilds, but exploration is next to impossible due to the extreme territorial behavior of the Surrakar. Despite the cavernous nature, this region is primarily covered in a thick algae and marsh.

Bojuka Bay

Bojuka Bay is less a bay and more a giant marsh that developed inside the Guum Wilds. Initially an inlet, the prolific flora of the Guum Wilds overtook the water creating a vast swampy region. The Bojuka Bay serves as the mouth of the Umung River and is home to fearsome marsh trolls as well as the Grotag goblins.

Umung River

One of the only safe ways to traverse the Guum Wilds is along the Umung River. After passing through the dangerous Bojuka Bay, there are dotted settlements of humans and elves that were created to help travelers get past areas of rapids and waterfalls. Each waterfall step takes explorers even deeper into the heart of Bala Ged.

The Tangled Vale

The Tangled Vale is a series of interconnected jungle valleys that lie in the southern portion of Bala Ged. Joraga elves primarily call this home utilizing Bloodbriar patches to defend themselves against the beasts that call this portion home. The various hilltops that dot this region are rife with deadly fungus and well known to be Gomazoa feeding grounds.

Rise of the Eldrazi

Within two years of the release of the Eldrazi, the entire continent of Bala Ged was overrun and destroyed.

Source

• Magic Creative Team (September 30, 2009). "A Planeswalker's Guide to Zendikar: Bala Ged and Elves". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.