The Fissures

A place where the land itself seems to bleed fire, the Fissures is a broken, jagged black expanse split apart by molten veins that glow like rivers of lava. Stretching across the southern reaches of the Great Western Corridor, this region is both mesmerizing and deadly—a testament to the planet's raw, unrelenting power. It is a place that demands respect from those who traverse it, as the dangers of heat, desolation, and treacherous terrain have claimed more than a few lives.

Geography and Climate

The Fissures stretches like a jagged scar across the western expanse of Dendralis, a region torn apart by the violent upheaval of the Separation. Blackened, uneven rock dominates the landscape, broken by deep, glowing chasms that stretch for hundreds of feet in length. These fissures, ranging from 15 to over 50 feet wide and up to 20 feet deep, expose the molten lava flowing beneath the surface. The terrain is sharp and unyielding, with razor-like stones making each step a calculated risk.
The heat radiating from the lava creates a shimmering mirage-like effect in the air, warping the landscape and disorienting even seasoned travelers. Summers bring scorching dry winds, baking the rocks until they seem to radiate heat themselves. Rainfall is rare, and when it does occur, it evaporates before ever touching the ground. Winters, while cooler, bring an oppressive humidity that amplifies the sulfuric stench that permeates the region. Face coverings are essential for anyone attempting to survive here.

Ecosystem and Wildlife

Life clings stubbornly to The Fissures, eking out an existence in an environment that seems determined to erase it. Sparse patches of wiry grasses and gnarled shrubs dot the landscape, their roots burrowing into the thin, nutrient-poor soil. These hardy plants provide minimal sustenance for the region’s small but resilient fauna.
Insects buzz around the vegetation, and small lizards, their scales shimmering in the heat, can often be seen basking on the rocks. No large predators roam here; the lack of food and shelter makes The Fissures inhospitable to all but the hardiest creatures. Even the air itself seems hostile, suffused with the acrid tang of sulfur and the constant hiss of escaping gases. Yet, for all its scarcity, the ecosystem of The Fissures is a testament to nature’s ability to endure in the most extreme conditions.

Legends and Folklore

The Fissures is a place of natural dangers, but its true reputation lies in its supernatural lore. Among the most chilling tales are those of the Ashwalkers—phantom-like figures said to roam the region, forever tied to the molten depths. These restless spirits are believed to be the souls of travelers who perished in the lava, cursed to wander the desolate terrain for eternity.
Travelers report strange phenomena: heat mirages that take on human shapes, whispers carried on the wind, and shadows that flicker where no light should cast them. While no definitive proof of the Ashwalkers exists, the legends persist, fueled by the unease that seems to hang over the region. For locals, these tales are more than idle gossip—they are warnings, passed down through generations to dissuade the curious from venturing too far.

Hazards

The Fissures is not a place for the faint-hearted. The blistering heat is the first challenge, sapping energy and forcing even the most seasoned explorers to slow their pace. What should be a two-day trek across the region can stretch to ten days or more, as the heat leaves travelers exhausted and dangerously short on rations.
The sulfuric air poses another danger, its stinging odor a constant reminder of the region’s volcanic activity. Without proper face coverings, travelers risk nausea, headaches, and respiratory distress. Then, there are the fissures themselves—jagged cracks that can appear deceptively shallow but plunge into fiery depths. The ground is treacherous, with loose rocks and unstable footing threatening to send the unwary tumbling into the lava below.
Adding to the unease are the whispered stories of Ashwalkers and other supernatural phenomena. Whether real or imagined, these tales have a way of unnerving even the most rational explorers, leading to costly mistakes in a land where one wrong step can mean death.

Natural Resources

For all its dangers, The Fissures is a land of immense potential. The black volcanic rock that makes up the region is prized for its combination of high strength and low density, making it ideal for specific construction needs and sculpting. Blackrock Reach, the dwarven mining town at the region’s edge, thrives on these resources, carving out a prosperous existence in an otherwise inhospitable place.
There are whispers among scholars and adventurers that the lava itself could hold untapped potential as a source of energy or rare materials. However, no one has yet dared to harness this volatile resource, leaving its secrets—and its dangers—untouched. The stone and minerals of The Fissures may bring wealth, but only at great risk to those who seek them.

History

The Fissures owes its existence to The Separation, a cataclysmic event that tore through Dendralis and reshaped the continent. As the land split apart, molten rock surged to the surface, carving the jagged chasms that define the region today. For centuries, The Fissures was a no-man’s-land, feared and avoided by all but the desperate.
Blackrock Reach changed that, with dwarven settlers braving the region to mine its valuable stone. The town’s fortified position at the intersection of The Fissures, the Badlands, and the Emerald Shores has allowed it to withstand occasional raids from orcish bands in the nearby badlands, though the natural defenses of the terrain provide an additional layer of security. Today, The Fissures stands as both a reminder of the earth’s destructive power and a testament to the resilience of those who dare to tame it.

Tourism

Few visit The Fissures for leisure, and for good reason. The region’s dangers far outweigh its allure for most. However, adventurers, treasure hunters, and scholars occasionally brave the harsh conditions, drawn by rumors of rare stones or artifacts buried in the molten depths. Guides from Blackrock Reach occasionally lead expeditions, but they do so reluctantly, knowing all too well the risks involved.
The haunting beauty of The Fissures also attracts the occasional artist or storyteller, seeking inspiration from its otherworldly landscape. Yet even they rarely linger; the searing heat, sulfur-laden air, and eerie atmosphere are enough to send most fleeing back to safer ground. The Fissures is a land that demands respect, and it shows little mercy to those who underestimate it.

Type

Badlands

Location under

Great Western Corridor