The Desert Empire of Khar'Zan

Once a radiant jewel nestled in the blazing heart of the Sunweaver Wastes, the empire of Khar'Zan stood as a beacon of enlightenment, elemental mastery, and flourishing trade. Born from the union of Earth and Air Genasi, this civilization was carved into the very bones of the desert. Their cities were hidden beneath the sand, cloaked in powerful illusions crafted in collaboration with the enigmatic Githzerai, who ensured that what seemed to be endless dunes were in fact sprawling metropolises of stone and magic.
The people of Khar'Zan mastered both the sun’s relentless energy and the elemental forces that shaped the world. Their sandstone structures shimmered under the heat, and their oases thrived through ancient rituals and elemental harmony. They built temples, academies, and sanctuaries that glowed with enchanted crystals, resonating with the life of the desert itself. Among their most revered achievements was the Balance of Scales, an ancient temple said to embody the perfect harmony between the elemental planes. Deep within its chambers lies the legendary Crown of Equilibris, an artifact forged by the Genasi to unify the primal forces of fire, water, earth, and air. The crown was said to respond only to one whose soul was in true balance, and legend speaks of its power to command the elements with a single thought.
Equally shrouded in mystery is the Birthplace of Humanity, a monumental city built around a radiant portal nestled in the cliffs of the Duskridge Basin. According to sacred lore, this portal marks the place where the first mortals stepped into the world, emerging from another realm touched by stars and spirit. The city surrounding the portal is vast and solemn, constructed with reverence and timeless artistry. Every ten years, the nomadic tribes of the desert return here to pay homage.
Though time and sand have buried much of Khar'Zan beneath the dunes, traces of its glory endure. The Golden Scale Summit, once the empire’s crowning jewel, is now a wind-swept wasteland watched over by ancient, mummified guardians and whispered legends. The empire of Khar'Zan remains one of the great mysteries of the desert. Its relics lie hidden, its magic still hums beneath the surface, and its myths continue to inspire those who dare to seek it. But as the sun scorches the sands and the winds carry forgotten voices, one question remains.
Were the Githzerai illusions purely protective, or did they conceal darker truths about Khar’Zan’s rulers?

“When the desert’s final breath draws near, look for us, four ravens on the horizon. Our silent wings will carry your soul beyond the burning sands, guiding you to the cool waters of the next life.”
— Arwahgarr, as the Sangani Nomads name the Four Spirit Ravens