The Wastes
The Wastes is a vast, desolate expanse in the northern reaches of Teros Major, spanning between the Rast Lowlands to the west and the Crimson Hills to the south. To the north, the River Resk and the town of Kerenna mark the border of this harsh landscape.
The Wastes form a natural barrier between these regions, cutting off easy passage and presenting a formidable challenge to those who traverse its barren lands. A key trade route, however, passes through the Wastes, connecting the southern trade hub of Benann with Kerenna and the north of Teros Major, making this perilous crossing unavoidable for many merchants.
The landscape of the Wastes is largely flat, with wide stretches of barren ground punctuated by the occasional rocky outcrop or isolated hill. The soil is dry and cracked, and vegetation is sparse, consisting mostly of hardy, thorny shrubs and small tufts of brittle grass. Water is extremely scarce, and many of the rivers that flow into the region during the wetter months dry up completely during the height of summer. Travellers passing through must carry their own provisions, as there is little to be found in this inhospitable land.
The Wastes are subject to frequent sandstorms, which can sweep across the plain with little warning, reducing visibility to near-zero and making travel dangerous. These storms often arise without warning, tearing across the landscape and further discouraging settlement. The desolation of the region has kept it largely uninhabited, save for the occasional wandering band of raiders or small groups of outlaws who seek refuge in the rugged outcrops of the Wastes.
The trade road that cuts through the Wastes from Benann to Kerenna is a vital artery for the transport of goods between the north and south of Teros Major. Merchants form large, well-armed caravans to protect themselves from the dangers of the region, both from the natural hazards and from potential raiders who lurk in the more remote areas. The ruins of Nintarral, a once-thriving trading post, now stand as a haunting reminder of the perils of the Wastes. It is said that Nintarral fell to a combination of drought and the relentless raids of desert marauders. The climate of the Wastes is arid and extreme, with hot days and cold nights. In the summer months, temperatures can soar to unbearable levels, making daytime travel almost impossible. In the cooler seasons, the temperatures drop sharply at night, and the wind howls across the empty plains. It is a land of stark contrasts, where survival depends on endurance and preparation.
Despite the harshness of the terrain, some wildlife does exist in the Wastes. Small, elusive animals like the golden fox and desert hare can sometimes be seen darting across the plains, while vultures and Sarnoss soar high overhead, waiting for any unfortunate creature that succumbs to the elements. Rhakkor, fearsome and territorial predators, are known to haunt the more isolated stretches of the Wastes, making any detours from the established trade route extremely dangerous. Though rare, these massive creatures are capable of overpowering even the most well-defended caravans, which is why many traders hire experienced guards for their journeys through this perilous region.
The Wastes are a place of isolation, danger, and resilience. Few choose to linger in this hostile environment, and those who do are often driven by necessity or desperation. For the merchants who brave its barren roads, the Wastes are a necessary evil, a desolate passage that must be crossed to reach the prosperous towns and cities of northern Teros. The White Gorrach caravanserai is a welcome stopping point on the road between Benann and Kerenna.
In this unforgiving landscape, several warlords and bandit leaders have carved out their territories, further complicating the challenges of survival. Notable figures include Lerva Londrin, an ambitious Kazlaa mage who employs her enchanting powers to maintain her rule over a loyal following; Horam the Golden, a greedy Makkun warlord who controls an abandoned mine, commanding a cadre of followers with a desire for riches; Mistress Bethsin, a ruthless bandit leader who resides in the ruins of a temple and uses her fearsome reputation to intimidate and control; Bora Greataxe, a brawling Boma veteran known for his terrifying fury and occasional generosity, who commands a fortified farmstead; the sneaky and cowardly Pontiss Berm; and the charismatic brothers Firnam and Jornam Kellustin, who lead a mounted band of warriors as they roam the lands, charming allies and enemies alike.
These warlords contribute to the chaotic nature of the Wastes, where the struggle for power and resources is a constant undercurrent, making this already perilous region all the more dangerous for those who venture into its depths.
Type
Wasteland
Location under
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