Zao Steppe

The Zao Steppe is a rugged terrain that receives little rain yet is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. By some definitions is is not strictly a steppe since it still has trees, but their growth is greatly stunted to the lack of rain and it can be assumed the whole land will turn into a desert if there continues to be little rain.

To the west are mountains that contain the underground base, Farmine, a distant castle-like building that is rumoured to be haunted, and a somewhat hidden tribe of Cavemen higher in the mountain. To the north are the Dragonblaze Peaks, home to several different types of dragons; and beyond that is the Muggy Plains. To the southeast is an area that has not yet become a steppe and still contains some fertile ground. To the south is the ocean.

Native creatures like the Sandcrawler and Insect Swarms can be found everywhere in the steppe. Gnarlhounds are ususally near their caves but are still seen in the company of orcs or wandering freely. Terror Birds are not as common but can be found at various location along the ocean line. Terramites, Lancer Beetles, and Wailing Widows are only seen by their respective homes underground. Besides the natives, foreigners have moved in to claim the land. Orcs have founded bases in the middle and in the northwest corner of the steppe. They also have set up siege against a Lizard stronghold, Zzaion, in the fertile lands in the southeast. The Orcs reside in their respective camps but they have many scouts that wander their perimeters, including the formidable Orc Marauders who patrol around the siege camps but have been known to chase enemies across the entire steppe. The ongoing fight between the lizards of Zzaion the the orcs erupts about once a week when the orcs breach the gate and the lizards try to repel them. The lizards are always accompanied by one of their great leaders, so be extra cautious during such a raid. The dragons who live in the northern peaks do not make their way down to the step, but their are a few who live on the ground level and can find their way out to the steppe, so be careful.