Baen Desert
The huge Baen Desert is the largest arid region
in all of Ithria, consisting of shifting sand dunes, scorched rock and small
patches of scraggly desert flora. Only a few species of fauna and flora can endure the
brutal summer climate found here.
A few hardy species have evolved to fit this desert ecology and many are found
nowhere else in the world. The baenites are the only cultured race that dwell
within this area. With the exception of grumman caravans most of the races don’t
bother entering this desert. It is difficult to traverse, has few resources and holds
little of value. The
baenites, however, are extremely
well adapted and are quite comfortable in this environment. Besides the
baenite villages, the only permanent resident is the
ancient and powerful
Archmage
Morlokk, whose massive fortress dominates a large oasis in the center of the desert.
Whether that oasis is naturally occurring or was summoned by magic, none can say. The Baen
desert formed as a direct result of the
Sundering.
This region was once fertile hills and valleys. It contained the town of
North Aden where the
Alliance cast the legendary
Focusing spell. This
region was the first to feel the impact of the Sundering and the subsequent
World Storm. Some scholars believe that there are
ancient ruins from the days of the
Alliance still buried
beneath the sand.
Great energies from the Sundering still imbue this land
and as a result, all magic here is tainted. Spells will behave unpredictably and will
perform with less power. This effect is more pronounced the closer one gets to the center
of the desert. The baenites have adapted to the magical conditions of the desert over
centuries and are no longer effected by it. Baenite sorcerers are equally effective in and
out of the desert. It can only be assumed that the desert mage, Morlokk, has also found a
way to counter the effects of this phenomenon. Any mage from other lands who ventures into
the Baen desert will find his magic weakened and unreliable. It might be possible to
overcome this magical distortion, but would probably require many months (or years) of
study, research and hard work.
This page last updated
Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David
M. Roomes.
Contact Webmaster