The Scarlands

The Apocalypse is not ancient history. In The Scarlands, the Apocalypse is still ravaging the region and distorting the very fabric of magic. Upon the crimson sands and layered rock formations that dot The Scarlands, the boundary between realms grows dangerously close. Creatures of all kinds are able to pass through this rift and arrive on these desolated lands. Due to this realm-bending quirk, The Scarlands are known to be the stomping grounds for monster slayers. These deadly warriors are paid good coin for slaying and harvesting the most valuable parts from their kill.
There is no capital city in The Scarlands; there are numerous settlements that are bound to the oases they rely upon. Water is a highly valuable resource on this rocky landscape. In order to sustain the populations that live here, water elementals are slain and harvested. On extremely rare occasions, an Ancient Blue Dragon is found and killed. The soul of this dragon may be so powerful as to warp the area around it, spawning an eternal storm where its corpse resides.

Geography

The Scarlands are a product of deposition and erosion. Over the eons of time, rock and sediment build into distinct layers and are then shaped by the ever-harsh winds and sandblasts. The result is a jagged and cracked landscape. Fissures in the ground appear forming vast valleys and canyons. This is not caused by streams and rivers flowing through. Some theorize it is the instability of magic that is stretching and warping the rocks itself.
The harsh rock formations that seem to jut out of the ground itself are composed of several different rock types. Sandstones, siltstones, volcanic ash, and shale are often found in the layers of this mesa-strewn environment. On rare occasions, limestone is found on smaller formations. The locals believe this is caused by ancient underground lakes sweeping the minerals to the surface.

Resources

Although water is quite scarce in The Scarlands, the region is surprisingly resource-rich. Monster slaying is a profitable business as all manner of creatures step through the dimensional rifts. These monster parts fetch a high price in markets outside of The Scarlands, lending itself to becoming a trade good. Archaeologists, scavengers, and treasure hunters alike have a key interest on these lands. Ancient Bygone ruins are found buried in the sands and contain a resource unique to their civilization: orichalcum. This metal is one that cannot be forged anymore. It is valued all over Eos for being light, strong, and conductive.
The most plentiful resource in the Scarlands is the sand itself. It is named "The Crimson Wastes," for the sand's dark red appearance. This sand is rich in iron and can be refined and sold. This yields a nearly limitless supply of iron, as long as the harvesters are protected from the dangers that are present in this region.

Politics

Without a capital city or any uniform code of law, The Scarlands are known to be a nebulous political environment. Mercenary companies are quite common as they are able to offer protection for the settlements they own. This causes a tribal-like atmosphere where the borders between companies are hazy and disputed. Different mercenary companies often battle each other over control of an oasis. These small water reservoirs are key to controlling a settlement and building new ones.
Mercenary companies also have an influence outside of The Scarlands. These warriors are known to be unaligned to other political powers. Their loyalty lies with the those who pay them coin, making them ideal hired help. Additionally, there is a constant struggle to become the most powerful and feared mercenary company since that will drive more business and contracts their way.

Type

Badlands