The Hissing Wastes

Divided down the center by ancient geothermic activity, The Hissing Wastes are a high, flat, sun-scorched desert inhabited by elves and orcs.
The western half consists of deep sand dunes made of what was once black volcanic glass. This inhospitable landscape, which has for centuries been the home of the Desert Elves, has but one true oasis. The Waters of Memory are clear, cool, and surrounded by the beautiful city of Mylmanas. Desert Elven tribespeople still live among the dunes, jealously guarding their hidden springs and carefully maintaining the roads leading to and from the city.
The eastern half of the desert is comprised of salt flats which have historically been the sole province of the orcs. Their capital city at Mord Azdul sits on a rock outcropping which can be seen for miles in every direction. The leadership of the city changes hands more easily than in any other Imperial province, because the orcs still believe in the right of conquest. Whichever orcish clan has most recently claimed the often-embattled capital by bloody battle rules their society, and though the Empire has dedicated countless hours to peace talks, the clans continue to fight for control of the clean, fresh-water springs which bubble up from the stones of Mord Azdul.

Type

Desert