Ashen Wastes

The Ashen Wastes are an expansive desert characterized by endless plains of fine grey ash and crumbled stone. This region was once home to massive resource extraction facilities, but centuries of over-exploitation have turned it into a barren wasteland. Sandstorms and ash clouds frequently sweep across the landscape, obscuring vision and making travel perilous.


The Ashen Wastes are mostly uninhabitable, but there are rumors of hidden caches of rare minerals beneath the surface, left untouched by the long-abandoned mining operations. Occasionally, scavengers or illegal miners set up temporary camps in the wastes, but the unpredictable storms and dangerous conditions make these ventures highly risky.

Geography

The Ashen Wastes are a vast, desolate expanse located south of Blackreach. Once a thriving industrial zone, the landscape has been transformed into a barren wasteland due to over-exploitation and environmental degradation. The terrain is mostly flat, with endless plains of fine, grey ash covering the ground, creating a bleak and unwelcoming atmosphere. Scattered across the region are crumbling industrial structures, abandoned mines, and deep craters left behind by long-abandoned mining operations.
The Wastes have no significant bodies of water, and any rivers that once flowed through the region have dried up or been contaminated by pollutants. The only trace of water that remains is found in shallow, toxic pools that dot the landscape, but these are undrinkable and highly corrosive. There is no access to fresh water, and the land is largely inhospitable to life. The region is entirely landlocked, with no connection to any seas or oceans, and is surrounded by rocky outcroppings that give way to the more industrialized areas of Acheron Prime .

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of the Ashen Wastes is incredibly sparse, with only the hardiest and most resilient organisms able to survive in such an extreme environment. The Wastes are defined by their lifeless, grey landscape, where the ash and dust create a choking blanket that smothers most forms of plant and animal life.

• Flora: There is little vegetation in the Ashen Wastes, though a few hardy plant species have adapted to survive in the nutrient-poor soil. These plants, mostly scrubby, low-growing shrubs and tough grasses, have deep root systems that allow them to tap into the minimal moisture found far below the surface. Some plants have developed thick, waxy coatings to prevent moisture loss in the dry air.
• Fauna: The animal life in the Wastes is scarce and consists mostly of scavengers and highly specialized species. Insect-like creatures known as ash mites feed on the few scraps of organic matter they can find, burrowing into the dust to avoid the harsh surface conditions. Small rodent-like animals, covered in thick, dust-resistant fur, make their homes in burrows beneath the ground, coming out at night to scavenge for food. Predators are rare, but a few larger, mutated creatures, twisted by exposure to pollutants, roam the region in search of prey.

Ecosystem Cycles

The Ashen Wastes do not experience traditional seasonal cycles, as the region's ecosystem is more influenced by environmental and industrial factors than natural seasons. However, there are still fluctuations in the environment that affect the small, fragile ecosystem that exists there.

• Ash Storms: The most significant environmental cycle in the Ashen Wastes is the periodic ash storms that sweep across the region. These storms can last for days, reducing visibility to near zero and covering the landscape in even thicker layers of ash. During these storms, most of the fauna in the Wastes retreat underground, entering a state of dormancy until conditions improve. The storms also disrupt plant growth, temporarily choking off their access to sunlight.
• Heat and Cold Cycles: The temperature in the Wastes fluctuates wildly between day and night. During the day, the surface can become unbearably hot as the ash absorbs and radiates heat. At night, temperatures plummet, forcing any surviving organisms to seek shelter to avoid freezing. The few animals that live in the Wastes have adapted to these extreme temperature swings by becoming nocturnal or burrowing deep underground.

Localized Phenomena

The Ashen Wastes are known for several dangerous and unique localized phenomena that make the region particularly hazardous to explore.

• Ash Quakes: The Wastes experience frequent ash quakes, minor seismic events caused by the collapse of old mining tunnels and the unstable ground beneath the surface. These quakes can trigger landslides or create sinkholes, making travel through the Wastes treacherous.
• Toxic Gas Vents: Certain areas of the Wastes are dotted with toxic gas vents, where poisonous gases escape from deep within the earth. These gases, left over from industrial processes or natural geological activity, can suffocate or poison anyone who gets too close. The vents are often invisible until it is too late, making them a constant danger.
• Radioactive Hotspots: Some regions of the Ashen Wastes are radioactive, a result of ancient industrial accidents or the use of nuclear-powered mining equipment. These hotspots are highly dangerous, and prolonged exposure can cause severe radiation sickness. Certain mutated creatures in these areas have adapted to the radiation, but they pose an additional threat to any humans who venture too close.

Climate

The climate of the Ashen Wastes is harsh and unforgiving, shaped by the desolate nature of the landscape and the remnants of industrial pollution that hang in the air.

• Extreme Temperatures: The Ashen Wastes experience extreme temperature fluctuations, with blistering heat during the day and freezing cold at night. The lack of vegetation and atmospheric moisture exacerbates these temperature swings, making it difficult for any life to thrive.
• Persistent Dust and Ash: The air in the Wastes is filled with fine particles of dust and ash, which reduce visibility and make breathing difficult. Without protective gear, travelers can easily succumb to the choking, suffocating atmosphere. Ash storms can make conditions even worse, turning the air into a dense cloud of choking particles.
• Acid Rain: Occasionally, the Ashen Wastes experience bouts of acid rain, a remnant of the region’s industrial past. This rain is highly corrosive and can damage equipment and structures, as well as harm any living creatures caught in the downpour. The acid rain also accelerates the decay of the few remaining industrial ruins scattered across the Wastes.

Fauna & Flora

Despite the extreme conditions, the Ashen Wastes are home to a few resilient species of flora and fauna that have adapted to the harsh environment.

• Ash Shrubs: These hardy, low-growing plants have adapted to survive in the nutrient-poor soil and harsh conditions of the Wastes. They are drought-resistant and can thrive with minimal water, relying on deep root systems to access underground moisture. Their leaves are coated in a waxy substance that helps prevent water loss.
• Dust Mites: Small, insect-like creatures known as dust mites scavenge for food in the ash-covered terrain. They feed on organic material, including dead plants and the remains of other animals. Dust mites are resilient and can survive long periods without food by entering a dormant state.
• Burrowing Rodents: A species of rodent-like creatures has evolved to burrow deep into the ground to escape the extreme surface conditions. These rodents are nocturnal, emerging only at night to scavenge for food. They have thick fur to protect them from the ash and dust, and their burrows serve as protection from predators and temperature extremes.
• Ash Drakes: The most dangerous creatures in the Ashen Wastes are the Ash Drakes, large, reptilian predators that have mutated over time due to the toxic environment. These creatures have armored hides and are known to hunt at night, using their keen senses to locate prey in the dark, ash-covered landscape.

Natural Resources

Though largely barren, the Ashen Wastes still contain a few valuable natural resources, which have attracted prospectors and scavengers over the years.

• Rare Minerals: Buried beneath the ash and dust are deposits of rare minerals, left behind from ancient mining operations. While most of the easily accessible resources have been exhausted, there are still hidden veins of valuable ores that attract prospectors.
• Scrap Metal: The Wastes are littered with the remnants of long-abandoned industrial equipment and mining facilities. Scavengers often venture into the region to collect scrap metal and other salvageable materials, which can be sold to traders in nearby settlements.
• Geothermal Energy: Certain areas of the Wastes are rich in geothermal energy, though the unstable ground makes it difficult to harness. Corporate interests have occasionally explored the possibility of tapping into these energy sources, though the danger of ash quakes and sinkholes has limited these efforts.

History

The history of the Ashen Wastes is one of exploitation and abandonment. Once a thriving industrial region, the Wastes were home to massive mining operations and resource extraction facilities. These operations pushed the environment to its breaking point, draining the land of its natural resources and leaving behind a barren, polluted landscape.

As the resources in the region became scarce, the mining corporations that once dominated the area pulled out, abandoning the Ashen Wastes to decay. Over time, the ash from industrial processes and the collapse of the environment buried the land, creating the vast, lifeless plains that exist today.

Tourism

Tourism in the Ashen Wastes is almost nonexistent, as the region’s hostile environment deters most visitors. However, there are a few reasons that people might venture into the Wastes:

• Prospectors and Scavengers: The Wastes attract a small number of prospectors and scavengers looking to find hidden caches of valuable minerals or salvageable materials. These individuals typically set up temporary camps on the outskirts of the Wastes, venturing into the dangerous terrain in search of profit.
• Adventurers and Explorers: A few thrill-seekers and explorers are drawn to the Ashen Wastes, hoping to uncover the lost history of the region or discover ancient relics buried beneath the ash. These adventurers often travel in small, well-equipped teams, as the dangers of the Wastes are immense.
• Corporate Interests: Occasionally, corporate teams are sent into the Wastes to survey the land for valuable resources or potential energy sources. These expeditions are heavily guarded and rely on advanced technology to navigate the hazardous environment.

Type

Wasteland

Location under

Hestia

Included Locations

• Dusthaven
• Forgotten City

Included Organizations

• Ash Lords