Withmore Badlands

Formally part of Withmore territory, the Withmore Badlands are a volcanic wasteland that surrounds the domed structure known as Withmore City. The badlands extend from the western seaboard north toward the Free State of Northern California, east to the border of the Free State of Nevada, the farthest western edge of the United States of America, and south to the Mexican border north of the Baja Peninsula.

The city-state was founded by Withmore Hope Inc., a consortium that dissolved in 2040. Withmore's practical control of the Badlands is limited, as is its interest in governing the territory.

Terrain

The terrain of the badlands is primarily a desert environment of barren plains of scrag brush, dust and stones, jagged mountains of volcanic rock and scattered forests of dead and dying trees. Water sources are very rare and often polluted, but it is possible to find drinkable water in a few locations. Several fields of lava pools can be found and due to continued seismic instability, the ground tends to shift. Explorers traveling too close to these pools are often lost when the ground under their feet gives way to a fresh magma tube.

Inhabitants

Despite the harsh environment of the badlands, a number of creatures are able to survive. Giant scorpions, spiders, rats and vultures all prey on explorers and lesser creatures alike. A number of groups call the badlands home, from the Red Scorpions, a violent nomadic gang, to the trading town of San Mara.

Environment

As a desert, the badlands can be overwhelmingly hot during the day and very cold at night. Explorers have been known to die of dehydration when they run out of water and of hypothermia and frostbite from freezing at night.