The Desolate Steppe
The vast desert highlands north of the Ever-Winter Peaks is a desolate place infested, in areas, with fire-breathing salamanders, gigantic insects, and burrowing monstrosities. The only civilized settlements are centered around the lucrative mines in the mountains and foothills. The only water available comes from snow born rivers that dry up before they reach the end of the steppe.
There are others who brave this hellish landscape who do not seek hidden ore. These are the "Firecatchers" or fools, as I like to refer to them, who hunt the large fire salamanders for their skins. These skins can fetch their weight in silver, not only because of their unique shimmering beauty, but because they can be turned into fire resistant clothing and armor. This is a dangerous game as the salamanders have allies of a more dangerous and cunning sort. If the land doesn't kill you first, and the salamanders don't burn you to a crisp, beware of the hellish beings that shephard these creatures.
To those who wander and seek a rest from the relentless sun and windblown sands, seek the Last Hope Canyon. There one can find a sparsely settled vail of (mostly) friendly folk.
Geography
Surrounded on the west and south by tall mountains, and the rest by a steep drop-off on the east and north. Two large and deep valleys cut across the northern plains. The more shallow of these, Last Hope Valley, is one of the greener areas of this wilderness. The larger and deeper one to the north, referred to only as "The Rift" is avoided altogether. Travelers will find only death in that valley. There are a few oases to be found by keeping to the mountain-born streams which might provide a traveler with the chance of game.
Natural Resources
The lethal hazards of this area mean the rich ores found in the mountain areas have yet to be heavily mined. Sturdy men-folk and Minotaurs of the Volinov Republic have used a pass in the mountains to gain access to the rich gold and even mithril ore fields.
Maps
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The Desolate Steppe
Map of the Desolate Steppe, as known to the civilized world.
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