Volcanic Badlands (Unique Biome Type)

Condensed pyromancy (fire element) magic has turned active volcanoes into endless mountains of flame. This same magic has allowed creatures to adapt to the lava and fire; some creatures are able to survive almost solely on heat, using the power of flame to power their organic systems.

Geography

Entire mountain ranges are made up of volcanoes, with steady streams of magma pouring out. Rivers and lakes of lava pool at the base of these mountains, burning through the earth and returning to the underground veins they came from, only to be pushed back out of the volcanoes. This cycle of eruption causes all of the land within close proximity to the volcanoes to be black, made up of hardened lava. However, because of the rich nutrients, the land surrounding these badlands often flourish. The terrain is uneven, rocky and twisted, and the ground is consistently hot. The mountain ranges are tall, rough, and dotted with streams of fire. Ash clouds block out the sun, but fall and feed the soil. Life thrives on the edge of death. There are many natural gas geysers that expel the heat trapped beneath the surface.

Fauna & Flora

Many creatures have adapted to the lava in different ways. Mushrooms live in the natural gas vents, allowing their spores to be lifted up and spewed across the lands. Ferns and shrubbery sprout from the black earth, and birds and reptiles scramble over the rock. Many insects and plants have learned how to survive by withstanding the heat and pulling nutrients from the soil, and subsequently feed the larger creatures. Within the volcanoes, ecosystems of fiery beasts live, swimming beneath the lava.

Natural Resources

The richness of volcanic soil is in and of itself a highly sought after export, but there are also unique plants imbued with fire magic, the hides of salamander dragons, and other such spoils from pyromantic beasts.

Alternative Name(s)

Sun Canyons

Type

Badlands