Marlek

In the shadow of the Kharun Peaks, where the winds whisper of ancient sorrows and the sun scorches the cracked earth, lies the Wastes of Kharun. A land forsaken by time and hope, it is ruled by the iron will of Marlek, the lich emperor whose name is spoken in hushed tones by the living and the dead alike.
Once a proud ruler of the fallen Empire of Elam, Marlek's thirst for immortality led him down a path of darkness. In his mountain sanctum, he tore his soul from his mortal coil, embracing the eternal unlife of a lich. His dominion, the Wastes, reflects the desolation of his cursed existence.
The orcs and goblins, fierce warriors moulded by the merciless land, have bent the knee to Marlek's might. Together, they form a legion of chaos, ready to spill out from the Wastes and challenge the realms of Rodinia.
But the Kharun Peaks, with their treacherous paths and hidden secrets, stand as silent guardians, holding back the tide of destruction. Adventurers brave or foolish enough to traverse these lands might find ancient relics, forbidden knowledge, or an untimely end.
As the fog rolls over jagged rocks and through desolate ravines, the Wastes of Kharun await those daring to uncover its mysteries or challenge the reign of the undying emperor. Will heroes rise to bring a glimmer of light to this darkened land, or will they succumb to the shadows that hunger for their very souls?

Inhabitants

The wasteland is home to tribes of orcs and goblins, fierce and hardy creatures that have adapted to the brutal conditions. They are known for their savagery and are often in conflict with each other, but under Marlek’s command, they have united to form a formidable army.

Marlek’s Stronghold

At the heart of the Wastes lies Marlek’s stronghold, a foreboding fortress built upon a craggy outcrop. It is here that the lich conducts his dark experiments and plots his schemes, guarded by his loyal undead minions and the living armies of orcs and goblins.

Kharun Peaks

The mountains are nearly impassable, with only a few known paths that are perilous and closely guarded. The peaks are rumored to hold ancient secrets and are a constant reminder of the isolation of the Wastes from the rest of Rodinia.
The Wastes of Kharun are a land of darkness and danger, reflecting the twisted soul of its ruler. It is a place where hope seems lost, and yet, it is also a place of untold potential, where the brave or the foolish might find power, knowledge, or doom.

Geography

The Wastes of Kharun are a harsh, unforgiving wasteland, surrounded on three sides by the formidable Kharun Peaks and bordered on the fourth by the sea. The landscape is dotted with jagged rocks, steep ravines, and scattered oases that provide scant relief from the oppressive environment.

Climate

The climate is extreme, with scorching days and freezing nights. Sandstorms are frequent, and the air is often thick with a malevolent fog that obscures vision and chills to the bone.

History of Marlek

One thousand four hundred years ago

After the collapse of the Empire of Elam the Emperor of that realm retreated to a mountain hideaway. There, legend tells, he enacted a desperate ritual and transformed himself into an undead lich. His name was Marlek and the lands around his fortress home took on his name.

Maps

• 

  Marlek

Alternative Name(s)

The Wastes of Kharun

Type

Badlands

Location under

Rodinian Continent

Included Locations

• Kharun Peaks
• The Wastes of Kharun

Owner/Ruler

The Lich King

Characters in Location

• The Lich King

Related Historical Events

• 720 BR
  Emperor Marlek Arrives