Gyhenz Desert

Gyhenz, colloquially known as the Wither’s Domain due to the Wither’s long imperial bloodline dominating the throne, has seen little change over the past several millennia. Some experts say this is due to its arid climate and the resulting inability to widely cultivate edible plants as a sustainable food source. Others blame it on the difficulty of entering and exiting the region - the only route into Gyhenz is through the highly dangerous Infernal Caves, haunted by the trapped spirits of wanderers who have lost their way - which results in little tourism and makes importing sufficient food a major obstacle. As a result, famine plagues the region and the population has remained stagnant for a long time. However, because of a general lack of intruders to pollute Gyhenz’s culture and the absence of industrialisation to reconstruct infrastructure in the region, the land is dotted with relics of the past - ancient artifacts, weathered pyramids, and records of history that date back to when history began. With knowledge being their only abundant resource, those in Gyhenz who can command magic command it prodigiously.

There are three main areas of residence within Gyhenz, namely Witherstone Town, Withercreek Village, and the royal Witherflame Keep.

Witherstone is the oldest town in Gyhenz where most of the pyramids are constructed. One of them, in particular, entraps perhaps the most dangerous and evil warlock of all time: Vitiosus the Deathbringer. Witherstone’s central area is an expansive marketplace that houses merchants who trade goods such as pastries, produce, potions, and miscellaneous household objects. (At the request of the Witherstone Mayor, this lore volume is obliged to mention that littering the wells of Witherstone is heavily frowned upon and may result in eviction from the region.)

Withercreek is a quaint village somewhat deep into the Infernal Caves, through which the Withercreek River, a constant stream of lava, passes. The river provides the village with geothermal heating, making the place much cosier. To outsiders, it may seem extremely hot, but locals have long since adjusted to these otherwise intolerable temperatures. Due to the nature of the Infernal Caves, travellers pass through Withercreek on their way to Witherstone.

Witherflame, a rather lavish fortress in Gyhenz, is the home of the royalty, who occupy the upper areas of the keep. It also boasts a huge library bearing tomes of lore far more detailed than others. Its central bank has a vault that stores masses of runic gems and units of Blaze Essence, guarded by impenetrable legions of old spirits.