Grey Barrens Geographic Location in Arregeas | World Anvil
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Grey Barrens

Geography

The Grey Barrens are a mostly plain terrain at the foot of the Firey Mountains. In the west it borders the sea at River Bay amd in the north Mirkhar.

Ecosystem

There isn't really an ecosystem, as the Grey Barrens are a wasteland of rocks and rocks only. No living thing is said to be able to survive there.

Localized Phenomena

The Grey Barrens are a place devoid of magic. They're a magical dead spot so to speak, a vacuum that sucks all the magic out of the atmosphere. Entering the place would be detrimental and probably lethal.
The air is always bone dry and even the rain seems to avoid the area. Travellers who skirt around the Grey Barrens report feeling like they breathe in sand or dust whenever they are near the wasteland. They also report a burnt smell, almost like lightning had stricken the whole area.

Fauna & Flora

None, except for one single thorned shrub (according to legend).

Natural Resources

There are stones, but no one can enter the Grey Barrens so they can't be used for anything.

History

The Grey Barrens used to be a wetland after the ice of the third age had retreated. That is until towards the end of the fourth age, shortly before the Magic Wars broke out.
Then, legend has it, King Bermir the Terrible of Mirkhar was chased out of the mountains into the wetland by his furious subjects, trying to end his terror reign. His robe is said to have caught on one of the thorned shrubs, upon which he found his demise by the fire of the Dragon Stone released upon him.
However, since Bermir had been cursed to lose all his magic, it is believed the curse spread to the land and created the magical vacuum.
This account of events is highly disputed, and there is even the consensus that the origin of the Grey Barrens is a different one altogether, with speculations about imbalances of magic in the area or the looming Magic Wars being to blame somehow. Fact is, nobody knows what actually happened and it's basically impossible to investigate on the matter, since entering the Grey Barrens would be suicide.
For a more detailed view of the story surrounding King Bermir the Terrible see: The Curse of the Enthorned Tomb of Bermir the Terrible

Tourism

None. There are those who come close to the edge of the Grey Barrens to observe the wasteland from a safe distance, but there is no one entering it.

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