Matarat is a vast desert home to the Matarati people, as well as the enigmatic Zanji. The desert is a seemingly endless sea of dunes, untamed and unconquerable, created eons ago by a cataclysm that shook the foundation of the planet. The humans of Matarat are loosely organized, and have not developed into a nation with strictly defined borders. Most Matarati live in cities and towns built around desert oases, which serve as paradisaical reprieves from the blistering desert heat. Inside these cities, the typical Matarati takes the role of a farmer, hunter, or a trader, or any other role vital to life in the desert. Life in the desert is difficult, with ventures away from these oases often resulting in death; most often due to the harsh environment, or at the hands of hostile humans, Zanji, or desert-dwelling predators. The most prominent feature, to most humans at least, are the four Towers of Matarat. These towers are ancient monolithic strongholds towering thousands of feet into the sky, built by an unknown creator. They are entirely self-sufficient, and those privileged enough to live inside of one enjoy a life of carefree luxury. Those who aren’t so lucky must make their way in the desert, usually working as either a merchant transporting goods between Kessia and Matarat or a mercenary. Many have tried to conquer the towers of Matarat, but all attempts have failed without the inhabitants of the towers lifting a finger to defend themselves. At the base of the towers are small settlements consisting mainly of tents and crude buildings, home to those unfortunate enough to be denied entry. These settlements serve as trading posts for caravans and stops for weary travelers, and are also home to some of the lowest, most dangerous criminals the world has to offer.