Ogren's Deadlands
Ruinous Promise
Not a living soul can remember back to the kingdom of orcs, a powerful, brutal empire forged in blood. Standing as a reminder are the Deadlands, named after the very first orcish lord. The desolate and empty nature of the Deadlands drives a veritable arms race of evolution within its ecosystem. Vicious plants must either retain soil or find nutrition elsewhere. Thorn-covered vines creep into ancient ruins, while carnivorous plants swallow whatever poor animal wanders into their traps. The beasts of the land are just as raucous as the flora.
Red sand and stone barely distinguishable from blood overlay the southern half of the vast stretch of emptiness. This ruined kingdom is broken up by frail paths traveled only by the bravest, serving as lethal trade routes for those wishing to make the trip. Dotting the nooks and crannies are countless caves laden with traps and ambushes laid by orcs and monsters alike. The highest points are lonesome buttes, separated by oceans of flat, dried lake beds. One who dares to brave all of this may find one of the many castle ruins from an age forgotten by man and god alike. Few know what lies within these blackstone keeps, but the promise of glory, gold, and power is enough to draw adventurers and bandits alike.
