The Sunscorched Badlands
Geography
The Sunscorched Badlands is a vast and unforgiving nation, spanning across endless dunes and rocky outcroppings in the world's largest desert. At its heart lies a majestic forked river, known as The Lifeblood River, which cleaves through the arid landscape and nourishes the capital city, Mirage's End, and several smaller settlements along its banks. The river's presence is a lifeline, supporting a fragile ecosystem amidst the harsh desert environment. Sunstone Canyon carves out it's west central portion, standing majestic on the desert horizon.
The Sunscorched Badlands' geography is characterized by endless sand dunes, shifting with the winds, and rocky outcroppings worn by time and erosion. Scattered oases provide havens for travelers and wildlife, while devastating sandstorms, known as the "Devouring Winds," pose a constant threat. Temperatures are blistering during the day and freezing at night, making survival a daily challenge.
Mirage's End, the capital, is a lush oasis in the northern reaches, sheltered from the harsh desert environment. The city's architecture blends ancient and modern styles, with intricate canals, gardens, and towering spires. Other cities, such as Ruby Scarab, Golden Sands, & Palm Grove line the Lifeblood River, while lost cities like Eldora, Arkeia, and Khepri lie hidden, reclaimed by the desert.
The Sunscorched Badlands was once home to a powerful, ancient civilization revered for its monumental architecture and advanced knowledge. However, The Sundering, a cataclysmic event, ravaged the land, toppling colossal statues of pharaohs and gods and reducing once-great cities to ruins. Remnants of this civilization still dot the landscape, with crumbling statues and abandoned cities waiting to be rediscovered.
Despite the challenges, the people of the Sunscorched Badlands are resilient and resourceful, adapted to the harsh environment. They hold deep reverence for ancient traditions and knowledge, with nomadic tribes traversing the desert with ease. Raiders and sandstorms pose constant threats, but the promise of secrets, riches, and untold wonders amidst the shifting sands beckons adventurers, scholars, and treasure seekers.
National Flag
National Flower
Sunscorched Cactibloom
National Animal
Sandstrider Lizard
Unique to this nation
The Sunscorched Reaper
Found exclusively along the Lifeblood River in the Sunscorched Badlands, this elusive pepper thrives in the harsh, arid environment. Its deep black hue and twisted, gnarled shape evoke the Badlands' unforgiving spirit. The Sunscorched Reaper is highly prized for its smoky, slightly sweet flavor and intense, lingering heat.
Upon consumption, the pepper's potent properties ignite within, dealing 1d4 fire damage to the consumer. However, this fiery trial grants a commensurate reward: the consumer gains a strength bonus equal to the damage taken (1d4) for a full day (30 hours). This fleeting boon allows adventurers to tap into the Badlands' primal energy.
Locals fear and revere the Sunscorched Reaper, using it sparingly in spice blends for protection and vitality. Some seek its secrets for experimental potions, while others leverage its power in rituals to appease desert spirits.
Sandbliss Powder
Click HERE to read more about this item.
Desert Marauders
In the vast expanse of the Sunscorched Badlands, where shifting sands conceal ancient secrets and mirages dance on the horizon, Desert Marauders strike fear into the hearts of those who wander unprepared. Nomadic bandits, draped in tattered cloth and leathers to shield themselves from the searing sun, know every crevice and dune of the desert landscape. Marauders operate in small, tightly-knit bands, each led by a seasoned chieftain known as a Sandcaller, revered for their ability to manipulate the desert winds and guide their clan to safe havens.
Armed with wicked scimitars, spears and crossbows specially crafted to resist the sand’s corrosive effects, these marauders ambush unsuspecting travelers and caravans, seizing valuable supplies, water, and mystical artifacts. Their garb is often adorned with dried bone fragments and trinkets from their victims, signifying each victory and instilling terror in all who encounter them.
Beyond simple banditry, desert marauders follow an ancient desert code. They hold a mysterious allegiance to figures known as the desert wraiths—beings said to have gained immortality by binding their soul to the sands. It’s whispered that every marauder carries a shard of this binding within a crystal amulet, enabling the wraiths to summon their band from miles away.
While many consider them ruthless, some villages at the Badlands’ fringes view the marauders as twisted protectors who safeguard ancient desert lore and uphold the old ways. Yet for any adventurer wandering too far into the desert, these marauders pose a deadly reminder that the Badlands are fiercely guarded by those who call its sands home.
Scorched Lemons
Scorched Lemons are a unique fruit native to the Sunscorched Badlands, thriving in the arid, unforgiving desert climate. These large, gnarled lemons grow on hardy trees with twisted branches, their rugged exteriors reflecting the resilience required to survive such harsh conditions. When cut open, their fiery red flesh reveals an intense, tangy citrus flavor with a hint of heat, making them a prized delicacy and a powerful symbol of the Badlands' unyielding spirit.
Highly sought after for both their flavor and mystical associations, Scorched Lemons are used in a variety of ways. Locals incorporate them into spicy sauces and tangy beverages, while alchemists prize their unique properties for crafting potent elixirs and heat-resistant potions. Legends say the lemons draw their vibrant color and strength from Solaria, the Sun Goddess, further elevating their status as a treasure of the desert. Rare and difficult to harvest, they remain a testament to the life that endures in even the harshest of lands.
Estimated Population: 976,000
Capital City: Mirage's End
Click the following links to read more about this capital.
Local Legends
Dust Witch’s Curse
In the Sunscorched Badlands, tales of the Dust Witch have traveled from oasis to ruin, passed in hushed whispers around campfires and carved into the shaded walls of canyon shrines. She was once a woman of fearsome beauty and unmatched magical power, a protector of the desert people, roaming freely beneath the burning sun and moonlit dunes.
Her name is long lost, but her legend endures.
It is said that a jealous Amir, threatened by her growing influence, conspired to end her reign. With honeyed words and false promises of peace, he lured her to his palace. There, his court mages betrayed her, binding her soul in an obsidian sarcophagus woven with curses and ancient wards. They buried her deep beneath the dunes, far from river or root, in a place forgotten by maps and feared by memory.
Before the lid closed, the Dust Witch cursed the sands themselves. Her wrath would stir with the wind, and any who disturbed her tomb—or dared to speak ill of her name—would suffer her vengeance.
Since that time, strange phenomena have plagued the Badlands. Sudden storms rise from still air, scouring flesh from bone. In the heart of these tempests, travelers report fleeting visions: a robed woman, face veiled in windblown silk, her eyes glowing like coals beneath the dunes. Some hear her voice—low, mournful, or furious—warning them to turn back.
Her tomb is said to lie beneath a field of glassed sand, where lightning once struck during a rainless storm. To break her curse, legend says one must find a desert rose, a rare flower that blooms only after the rarest of rains, and lay it upon her resting place in reverence.
But few dare search for her grave. Fewer return. And so, the Dust Witch endures—a silent guardian of the old desert, feared, forgotten, and never truly gone.
Hollow King and the Devouring Winds
Long ago, before even the al-Vaziri line rose to power, there was a king who ruled a now-lost city called Khepri, nestled in the heart of the Lifeblood’s fork. This king—Amon-Kur the Hollow—was said to have no soul, only an echo of ambition carved into a golden body. He craved immortality and struck a secret bargain with the Devouring Winds, spirits of the deep desert said to feed on breath, memory, and time.
In exchange for endless life, Amon-Kur opened the gates of Khepri during a sacred eclipse and let the winds inside. They howled through the streets, consuming not just the living, but their names, their stories—entire bloodlines wiped from history. The city vanished in a single night, buried under shifting dunes. Only Amon-Kur remained, cursed to wander the desert as a gilded husk, his footsteps summoning the winds that devoured his kingdom.
To this day, travelers speak of The Hollow One—a tall, robed figure glinting with gold in the distance. If you see him, you must hold your breath and offer your name to the sand, lest the winds find you next.
Points of Interest In this Nation:
Goliath Skull Oasis
Deep within the relentless expanse of the Sunscorched Badlands stands the awe-inspiring Goliath Skull Oasis, a colossal skull half-buried in the unforgiving sands. This towering sentinel overlooks a tranquil oasis, its crystal-clear waters providing a stark contrast to the harsh desert landscape.
Ancient travelers once revered the Goliath as a guiding light, steering weary caravans toward the oasis's life-giving waters. Over generations, storytellers have woven intricate tales of its origins, from fallen giants to ancient kings whose mighty civilizations once flourished under its watchful gaze.
Today, adventurers and treasure seekers flock to the Goliath Skull Oasis, seeking secrets hidden within its cavernous interior. Some claim to hear whispers in the wind, hinting at hidden riches or forgotten knowledge. Visitors can explore guided tours, indulge in treasure hunting or simply bask in the serene atmosphere of the oasis.
Goliath of Arda
Deep within the Sunscorched Badlands lies the eerie and fascinating goliath skull called The Goliath of Arda. This natural wonder is centered around a colossal, ancient skull, half-buried in the sand, its origins shrouded in mystery. The skull's massive proportions, estimated to be over 100 feet in length, have led many to speculate about the long-lost civilization that created it. Some believe it to be a relic of the ancient giant pantheon worshipped by the Cult of the Colossals.
The site has become a sacred destination for various factions, including the Cult of the Colossals, treasure hunters, and scholars seeking to unravel the secrets of the ancient world.
Rumors persist about hidden chambers within the skull, containing ancient artifacts and forbidden knowledge. Others whisper of supernatural energies emanating from the site, granting visions and insights to those who dare to approach. The Goliath of Arda remains an enigma, beckoning brave adventurers and curious minds to uncover its secrets.
The Bone Garden
Deep within the Sunscorched Badlands lies the eerie and foreboding Bone Garden, a vast, arid expanse that was once a massive lake. Now, it's a desiccated graveyard, strewn with the skeletal remains of ancient, gargantuan creatures. The bones of long-forgotten monsters, some stretching over a hundred feet in length, litter the dusty floor, their fossilized limbs reaching towards the sky like macabre sculptures.
The Bone Garden's true horror lies not in its grim appearance, but in its mesmerizing allure. Travelers lost in the desert often report seeing a mirage-like oasis on the horizon, promising salvation. Unwary adventurers, drawn by the promise of refuge, stumble into the Bone Garden, only to become trapped by its otherworldly allure.
Once within the Bone Garden's boundaries, visitors become lost in an endless labyrinth of bones, unable to escape. The landscape shifts and distorts, making navigation impossible. Compasses spin wildly, stars disappear, and the sun seems to orbit the garden, casting an eternal, disorienting glare.
Some say the Bone Garden is a nexus, a crossing point between dimensions, drawing in the unwary. Others believe it's a realm of the damned, where lost souls relive their final moments. The truth remains shrouded, but one fact is certain: those who enter the Bone Garden never return.
The Jagged Scar
The Jagged Scar is a colossal, 150-mile-wide chasm that cuts across the Sunscorched Badlands like a gaping wound. This massive rift tears through the desert landscape, plunging depths of over a mile into darkness. Its sheer scale and abrupt formation suggest a cataclysmic event, as if the earth itself had been torn asunder. The Scar's walls are a testament to the region's turbulent history, with exposed rock layers revealing ancient fossils, volcanic ash, and sedimentary deposits.
The Jagged Scar creates a unique microclimate, with scorching heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Violent sandstorms are funneled through the chasm, making navigation treacherous. Despite these harsh conditions, the Scar is home to subterranean creatures adapted to darkness, hardened nomads exploiting its resources, and rumored cults seeking ancient secrets within its depths.
The chasm's floor is a maze of twisted canyons, jagged outcroppings, and hidden caverns. Treacherous terrain, prone to rockslides and avalanches, poses a constant threat. Toxic gases seep from underground deposits, and marauding beasts lurk in shadows. Legends speak of an ancient civilization swallowed by the Scar, lost cities hidden within its depths, and a gateway to the Underworld guarded by malevolent entities.
Crossing the Jagged Scar is a perilous endeavor. Treacherous bridges span narrow sections, while perilous descents into the chasm's depths require expertise and bravery. Rumored hidden paths, known only to select tribes, offer alternative routes. Those who dare to traverse the Scar must be prepared for perils ranging from pernicious sand worms to ruthless raiders.
The Jagged Scar remains an enigma, beckoning explorers, treasure hunters, and scholars. Will you brave its dangers and uncover its secrets?
The Shifting Sands
The Shifting Sands, a 50-mile-wide circle of treacherous dunes, lies deep within the Sunscorched Badlands. This mesmerizing landscape appears to shift and swirl, defying cartographers and travelers alike. Beneath its golden surface, hidden from the scorching sun, lies the fabled Lost City of Aridan, a metropolis of untold riches. The sands' constant movement conceals hidden caverns, underground tunnels, and ancient fault lines, making exploration a perilous endeavor.
Legend has it that Aridan, the Golden City, was forged by an ancient civilization of unparalleled wealth and knowledge. Its walls were lined with gold and precious gems, towers reached for the heavens, and streets were paved with silver. The city's downfall remains shrouded in mystery, with whispers of a powerful curse, catastrophic event, or gradual decline into obscurity. Some believe Aridan was swallowed by the sands, lost to the annals of time.
Many have attempted to uncover Aridan's secrets, but expeditions have been lost to the shifting sands, treasures glimpsed only to vanish, and whispers of hidden entrances remain unverified. Rumors persist about ancient artifacts hidden within the city, golden statues guarding hidden chambers, and ancient texts holding secrets of the city's downfall. Those who dare to explore the Shifting Sands must contend with deadly creatures lurking beneath the surface, hidden crevices swallowing unwary travelers, and the ever-present threat of being buried alive by the shifting sands.
Despite these dangers, the allure of Aridan's riches and secrets continues to beckon adventurers, treasure hunters, and scholars. Conquering the Shifting Sands requires expert navigators, ancient knowledge, and unyielding determination. Will you brave the treacherous dunes and uncover the secrets of the Lost City of Aridan?
Some say that on quiet nights, when the winds die down, the whispers of Aridan's ancient inhabitants can still be heard, echoing through the shifting sands. Others claim to have seen glimpses of the city's golden spires, shining like beacons in the desert darkness.
Standing Stones
The Forgotten Circle, a mystical site hidden amidst the shifting dunes of the northern desert, once boasted 27 ancient stones forming a majestic circle. However, the relentless passage of time and eons of sandstorms have taken their toll, leaving only a fractip standing, most fallen and buried.
The remaining stones, ranging from six to 12 feet tall, are roughly hewn from local sandstone and bear faint petroglyphs on their weathered surfaces. Geometric patterns, animal depictions, and abstract symbols adorn the stones, whispering secrets of the ancient Naridian culture that created this enigmatic site. The circle's diameter stretches approximately 100 feet, inviting speculation about its original purpose.
Estimated to be 4,000 to 5,000 years old, the Forgotten Circle's history remains shrouded in mystery. Attributed to the Naridian culture, its purpose may have been ceremonial, astronomical, or spiritual. Local legends suggest that the site held ancient power and that spirits of the land reside within the stones. Some believe the petroglyphs hold secrets of the desert's creation.
The Forgotten Circle lies amidst unforgiving terrain, with shifting sand dunes and rocky outcroppings nearby. A distant oasis, five miles east, offers the only respite from the harsh desert environment. Sandstorms pose a constant threat, endangering the site's integrity and challenging explorers who dare to uncover its secrets.
Despite these challenges, the Forgotten Circle beckons adventurers, scholars, and treasure hunters. Opportunities await to uncover lost stones, decipher petroglyph meanings, reconstruct the circle's original layout, and unravel the Naridian culture's secrets.
Westward Eyot
Westward Eyot, situated off the western fork of the Liveblood River, stands as a testament to a forgotten era of conflict and wonder. This ancient eyot bears witness to the clashes between the Sunscorched Badlands' ancient precursors, the Naridians, and the primordial giants of the Wyldlands.
The Giant Wars, a series of cataclysmic conflicts, erupted as the Naridians attempted to expand their territories across the Starfall Expanse, into the Wyldlands, sparking the wrath of the Goliath Giants. These towering beings, said to be born from the land itself, roamed the Wyldlands, shaping the terrain with their colossal strength. The wars raged on, with Westward Eyot at the forefront of the conflict.
The Battle of Westward Eyot marked the pinnacle of the Giant Wars within this nation. The Wyldland's giants, led by the legendary Gorthok the Furious, breached the Eyot's walls, but the Naridians' mastery of desert magic held them at bay. As the battle raged, the Liveblood River overflowed, and the land trembled. Gorthok, mortally wounded, struck with his colossal fist, creating the iconic "Giant's Scar" – a massive fissure in the eyot's central tower.
The Battle of Westward Keep marked the beginning of the end for the Giant Wars within this nation. The Wyldlands giants, depleted and weakened, gradually vanished into the sands of time. The Naridians, too, suffered greatly, their civilization eventually crumbling. Westward Eyot, its strategic importance lost, was abandoned to the desert sands. The eyot's secrets and stories lay dormant, waiting for the winds to whisper them to curious ears.
Rumors claim that The Amirate Of The Sands is granting this ancient eyot to anyone(s) who are willing to embark on a quest to reclaim the neighboring lands of The Shadowvale Blightlands, along with other treasure, gold and a noble title.
The Titan's Spine
Deep within the Sunscorched Badlands lies the awe-inspiring remains of a long-dead goliath giant, known as The Titan's Spine. This colossal rock formation, the giant's enduring legacy, rises majestically from the desert sands like a sentry, standing vigil over the unforgiving landscape.
Weathered by time and relentless sandstorms, the spine's rugged contours evoke wonder and mystery. Each vertebra, a massive boulder, stretches towards the sky, casting long shadows across the dunes. Locals whisper tales of the giant's ancient roar, echoing through eternity, while adventurers seek fortune, believing the spine holds secrets of the past.
Brave visitors flock to The Titan's Spine for breathtaking views, ancient lore and sunset spectacles. Guided tours navigate treacherous dunes to reach this natural marvel. As night falls, the stars align amidst the spine's silhouette, intensifying its mystique.
Dunesmire Coliseum
Deep within the Sunscorched Badlands, where the Life Blood River diverges into the north, west and east rivers, lies the colossal Dunesmire Coliseum. This ancient, sprawling fighting arena, carved into the rocky banks, bears witness to centuries of battle-hardened history. Weathered stone seats, now worn by time and sandstorms, once resonated with the roar of spectators.
The Dunesmire Coliseum's walls, adorned with intricate hieroglyphs, chronicle tales of champions past. Legends speak of epic clashes between mighty warriors, their sweat and blood soaking the sands. Gladiators, honed in combat, sought fame and fortune within its expansive confines.
Today, adventurers and treasure seekers find solace in the Dunesmire Coliseum's majestic presence. Guided tours navigate the perilous Badlands terrain to reach this iconic landmark. As sunset falls, golden hues dance across the arena's weathered facade.
Forgotten Terrakan Temple
Deep within the unforgiving Sunscorched Badlands lies a hidden marvel: the Forgotten Temple of Terrak. Dedicated to the revered Creator earth God and Grand Architect, this ancient sanctuary remains shrouded in mystery. Weathered sandstone statues stand sentinel, guarding secrets of the divine.
Intricate carvings depict Terrak's majestic hand shaping the world. The temple's core holds the revered Oracle Stone, said to hold whispers of the divine. Legends speak of Terrak's chosen priests and priestesses, imbued with divine wisdom to craft wonders. Pilgrims seek guidance, wisdom and inspiration within the temple's hallowed halls.
Guided treks and desert expeditions provide access to this elusive landmark. Visitors are drawn to ancient artifacts, the Oracle Stone and breathtaking sunset vigils. Though beware: sandstorms pose a threat, and sacred grounds demand respect.
The Forgotten Temple of Terrak awaits, promising secrets and wisdom to those brave enough to venture into its ancient heart.
Relics of the Drowned Depths
Within the Sunscorched Badlands near the western shores, an enigmatic wonder rises from the desert sands: the Relics of the Drowned Depths, a colossal driftwood site. These gargantuan relics, twisted by time and weathered to perfection, stands as testament to the region's mystical past. Legend holds that the Relics of the Drowned Depths once lay beneath the waves, its origins dating back to an era before written history.
Ancient lore whispers that the Badlands were once submerged, with the driftwood serving as a sentinel for the ocean's secrets. As the seas receded, the Relic of the Drowned Depths arose, bearing witness to the passage of time. Visitors are drawn to its majestic presence, awestruck by the forces that shaped this natural wonder.
Guided desert treks provide access to the Relics of the Drowned Depths, where breathtaking sunset vistas, ancient carvings and an otherworldly energy await. As night falls, stars twinkle amidst the driftwood's twisted limbs, intensifying its mystique.
The Aridian Citadel of Bygonia
Deep within the Sunscorched Badlands, an enigmatic wonder rises from the desert sands: the Aridian Citadel of Bygonia, a colossal ancient structure featuring towering columns and mysterious artifacts. This long-abandoned site holds secrets of a bygone era, whispering tales of a civilization that once thrived in this unforgiving environment. As the sun sets, the citadel is bathed in a mystical glow, beckoning adventurers to unravel its ancient mysteries. Guided desert treks provide access to this elusive landmark, where ancient artifacts, and an otherworldly energy await. Visitors are drawn to its majestic presence, awestruck by the forces that shaped this natural wonder.
Dune Echo Oasis
Nestled within the Sunscorched Badlands approximately 25 miles south of Westward Eyot, Dune Echo Oasis is a serene but eerie refuge for travelers. The sands here ripple with gusts that seem to carry whispers, as the wind sweeps over the towering dunes and echoes hauntingly off the still water. Many claim that these whispers belong to the spirits of wanderers lost to the desert's relentless heat, their voices trapped in an eternal dance between the dunes and the oasis. Some believe these echoes are omens, guiding travelers through the desert, while others hear warnings best left unheeded.
Sunstone Canyon
Sunstone Canyon is a majestic and sprawling canyon system in the west-central expanse of the Sunscorched Badlands, stretching for hundreds of miles through the arid desert. Carved around the relentless flow of the Lifeblood River, this canyon reveals eons of geological layers in vibrant reds, browns, oranges and yellows, reflecting the fierce desert sun in a warm, golden glow. The river forks within the canyon, near Salmon Falls, a rare source of life in this harsh landscape. Its waters wind through towering cliffs and narrow passages. Sunstone Canyon remains a place of mystery and beauty, drawing travelers who brave the desert’s unforgiving heat to marvel at its ancient splendor and the life it sustains against all odds.
Sunspire Cluster
The Sunspire Cluster is a stunning and mysterious 100-mile-diameter region located in the eastern reaches of Sunstone Canyon, east of the Lifeblood River. Deep within the heart of the Sunscorched Badlands, this area is renowned for its extraordinary display of massive, pure white diamond shards and crystalline clusters. These formations, some towering as high as the canyon walls themselves, catch the intense desert sunlight, refracting it into dazzling rainbow hues that illuminate the surrounding landscape. The stark contrast of the radiant diamonds against the warm reds, browns, and oranges of the canyon creates an otherworldly spectacle, making the Sunspire Cluster one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Luminaria.
Legends and myths surround the Sunspire Cluster, with many claiming it to be the mythical birthplace of the Diamond Dragons and their Dragonborn descendants. According to ancient tales, this radiant region was shaped by the divine hand of Solaria, the Sun Goddess, who infused the land with fragments of celestial light to bring forth creatures of unmatched brilliance and purity. The presence of diamond formations in such abundance is considered a sacred phenomenon, and some scholars speculate that the diamonds themselves may hold traces of draconic or divine power. Pilgrims, adventurers, and dragon enthusiasts journey to the Sunspire Cluster, drawn by the hope of uncovering ancient secrets or witnessing a connection to Solaria’s divine legacy.
Despite its beauty, the Sunspire Cluster is not without its dangers. The reflective surfaces of the diamond formations can disorient travelers, creating mirages and illusions that make navigation treacherous. The harsh desert environment adds to the difficulty, with searing heat, scarce water, and sudden sandstorms. Additionally, the legends of Diamond Dragons are not merely relegated to ancient history—rumors persist of powerful guardians that dwell within the crystalline caverns of the cluster, protecting their ancestral birthplace. Whether these guardians are dragons, constructs, or something entirely unknown, the Sunspire Cluster remains a place of awe, danger, and unyielding mystery, a jewel of the Sunscorched Badlands that continues to inspire and challenge all who dare to explore it.
Steppe of the Dead
The Steppe of the Dead in the southeastern Sunscorched Badlands is an eerie, desolate plain rumored to be an ancient battleground of the long-fallen Aridian civilization. According to local tales, the spirits of Aridian soldiers who fought fiercely in their final moments still roam the area, lingering due to the violent energy and unfulfilled oaths that haunt the land. In some areas, faint remnants of Aridian weapons and armor can be found half-buried in the sand, and on nights when the desert winds grow still, travelers report hearing distant battle cries and the echo of clashing weapons.
Legends claim that a mystical relic, the Heart of Aridia, lies somewhere within the Steppe, said to hold the power to either lay the soldiers’ spirits to rest or bind them to eternal servitude.
The Singing Sands of Thal’Raet
The Singing Sands of Thal’Raet are a mystical and expansive dune field known for their unique acoustics and strange, melodic properties. The sand here is fine, almost powdery, and possesses a reddish-golden hue that glows like embers at sunset. When the wind sweeps across the dunes, or travelers walk upon them, the sands produce haunting, resonant tones that range from soft, flute-like whispers to deep, echoing bell sounds. These "songs" shift with the time of day, temperature, and intensity of the wind, creating a landscape filled with ever-changing, ethereal music.
The locals consider the sands sacred, believing the melodies are the voices of ancient spirits that once roamed the Badlands. According to legend, these spirits were guardians of the desert who fell in a great war eons ago. Their souls now live on in the sands, singing to warn travelers of danger or to guide the lost back to safety.
Mirage Shrine
One of the most unique and mysterious features of Mirage's End is The Mirage Shrine, a small but ancient stone structure hidden within the heart of the city, nestled between tall sandstone outcroppings in the old quarter. The shrine is constructed of blackened stone, in stark contrast to the sun-bleached architecture of the rest of the city, and is said to predate even the founding of the Sunscorched Badlands.
The shrine’s true purpose has been lost to history, but it is famed for its Whispering Mirage, an ethereal phenomenon that occurs only during the height of the noonday sun. When the sun reaches its zenith, the air around the shrine shimmers as if it were rippling water, and strange, disembodied voices can be heard faintly in the background. These whispers aren’t in any recognizable language, yet those who listen often report experiencing visions of people, places, or events long forgotten—or yet to come.
Locals believe the shrine is a gateway between the material world and the realm of dreams, where past and future overlap. Some claim the shrine is a remnant of the ancient civilization that ruled the desert before the al-Vaziri dynasty, while others suspect it might be a place where the veil between dimensions is thin, allowing for glimpses into other realities.
The Ritual of Echoes
Every year during the height of the summer solstice, the citizens of Mirage's End gather at the shrine to perform the Ritual of Echoes, a tradition meant to seek guidance from the whispers. The ritual involves burning a specific blend of desert herbs, which creates a thick, fragrant smoke that drifts around the shrine. Those who are deemed worthy (often selected by local priests and mystics) are invited to sit in meditation within the shrine as the whispers intensify. It is said that only those with a pure heart and clear mind can discern coherent messages from the voices.
The Legend of the Desert Prophet
One of the most famous tales surrounding the shrine is that of Alim the Desert Prophet, a wandering mystic who claimed to have received a vision from the whispers that led him to discover an oasis hidden deep within the Singing Sands of Thal’Raet. He established a small, secretive settlement there, which supposedly thrives to this day. However, the location of this hidden oasis remains unknown, protected by shifting sands and powerful mirages.
Starfallen Isle
The Starfallen Isle is a mysterious landmass off the coast of Mirage's End in the Starfall Expanse. The isle is said to be the resting place of impact craters that formed when several stars that fell from the heavens millenia ago, creating an otherworldly beacon of energy that reshaped the region. According to ancient lore, the stars crashed into the world in a blazing descent, their impact raising a new island from the depths and scattering celestial fragments across its shores. These fragments, known as Astral Shards, are colossal precious gems that emit a faint, calming glow.
The Astral Veil
The Isle is surrounded by an invisible barrier called the Astral Veil. Said to be a lingering remnant of the fallen star’s magic, the Veil obscures the island from ordinary sight, causing sailors to pass it without noticing. Only during a celestial event known as the Stardance—when the night sky aligns with the Starfallen Isle—does the Veil lift, revealing the isle in a glowing radiance. The Stardance occurs once every century and is marked by the appearance of Star Sprites, tiny ethereal creatures that flock to the isle to absorb its rare energy.
The Legend of the Wishwell
At the center of the Starfallen Isle lies the Wishwell, a mystical pool said to have formed at the very heart of the fallen star. The Wishwell is no ordinary water source—it shimmers with a light blue glow, and those who peer into it see visions of their deepest desires. However, there's a catch: anyone wishing for something selfish or cruel will find their reflection twisted and their wish granted in a distorted way. Only those with pure intentions can make a true wish.
Shadowed Gulch
Shadowed Gulch is a rugged, picturesque canyon nestled within the Sunscorched Badlands, just north and east of Mirage’s End. This natural passage winds through weathered yellow stone cliffs that vary dramatically in height, from low, rolling ridges of five to ten feet to towering walls that rise several hundred feet into the arid sky. The Scorched Vein, a narrow stream fed by the Lifeblood River, cuts through the canyon floor, creating a rare oasis in this unforgiving desert. The stream’s crystal-clear waters flow parallel to the nearby Duskveil Bay for nearly a mile before rejoining the river, providing a vital lifeline for desert travelers. The golden glow of the sun reflecting off the rocky walls and rippling water creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere, making the gulch a memorable destination for wanderers and adventurers alike.
The Shadowed Gulch plays a critical role in the Sunscorched Badlands as a well-traveled trade route linking Mirage’s End with the coastal settlements along the northeastern bay. Merchants, caravans, and lone travelers often rely on this pathway for its relative safety and access to water. The sandy road that follows the stream is marked by years of wear, the tracks of countless camels and wagons weaving through the rocky terrain. The stream’s banks provide a reprieve from the scorching desert heat, offering shade and sustenance for weary travelers and their beasts of burden. Beyond its practical significance, Shadowed Gulch is also steeped in local lore, with whispered tales of ancient treasures hidden in the canyon’s secluded alcoves. Whether journeying for trade or exploration, Shadowed Gulch remains a vital and vibrant artery in the lifeblood of the Sunscorched Badlands.
Duskveil Inlet
The Duskveil Inlet is where the mighty Lifeblood River surrenders its flow to the vast Starfall Expanse, creating a tranquil bay that serves as both the lifeline and the soul of Mirage’s End. Each evening, the inlet earns its poetic name as the setting sun paints the waters in breathtaking hues of violet, gold, and amber, transforming the bay into a canvas of mirrored light. As the day fades, silken mists rise from the Starfall Expanse, draping the inlet in an ethereal veil that whispers of ancient secrets hidden beneath its still, dark depths. This serene beauty, however, masks the bustling activity along its shores, where merchants and sailors unload their ships and fishermen cast their nets at first light, feeding both the city’s economy and its people.
Beyond its role as a center of trade and sustenance, the Duskveil Inlet is shrouded in lore and mystery. It is said that ruins of an ancient, forgotten empire lie submerged beneath its surface, visible only to those brave enough to dive its shadowed depths. On certain moonlit nights, locals claim to see ghostly figures gliding across the water, their forms illuminated by the soft glow of the inlet’s reflection. Whether spirits, illusions, or simply tales to enchant travelers, these stories have cemented Duskveil’s place as a nexus of wonder and intrigue, where the line between history and legend blurs like the mists that rise from its waters.