Khal-Hurun Desert (Kaal-HUH-ruhn)

Much of the geography of Khal-Hurun is seemingly endless desert, consisting of rolling dunes and rock-strewn ridges which are only occasionally broken-up by the welcome sight of oases. As generally hostile as the region is, particularly after the First and Second Cleansings, the desert has a natural beauty that brings to mind the saying, "the more beautiful it is, the more likely it's going to kill you." The sands undulate between a deep red and a bright yellow, often in the same spots, giving a dramatic and colourful glow to the desert as the sun sets and rises. Plant life is few and far between out in the sands, but the oases are teeming with green life; not even the Cleansings were able to totally suppress the growth water brings, at least not for long. Natural palm groves give way to coarse desert grasses and succulents, some of which flower throughout the entire year. Coastally, the Khal-Hurun Desert abuts up to the Windward Strait in the west, the Littered Sea in the south, and Rivenni Bay and the Rivenni Passage in the north. Most of the coast consists of rocky cliffs, devoid of life besides sea birds and scrubby bushes.

The Malar Plateau lies to the west of the Malar Ridge, and is a raised section of desert believed to be sitting on a rock shelf that didn't quite form as part of the desert mountains. Known for its rock fields, which are large boulders and stone formations that are scattered across the landscape, the plateau is also said to be rich in precious stones and metals. Many have tried to prospect the area with little success; the terrain is treacherous and the wildlife that calls it home deadly.

Coastal winds from the west in particular play havoc with the fine sand of the desert. Although many enjoy the constant, refreshing breeze that somewhat mitigates the unrelenting heat of the sun, it creates problems when sea storms roll in. The rain from these storms falls mainly over the sea and the Southern Chain before pattering out and hitting Khal-Hurun with high winds. Sandstorms are a frequent and dangerous hazard across the entire desert, which are sometimes accompanied by dry lightning that strikes everything from oasis trees to living creatures.