The Scorched Lands are the barren remains of the continents destroyed during The Scorching. Storms of chaotic magical energy surround and obscure the continents, making any nearby travel treacherous. None who have attempted to set foot in these forgotten lands have come back alive, and many ships sailing in the vicinity now lie on the seabed.
Despite their deadly reputation (and attempts by the international forces stationed in the Barrier Islands to stop such activities), the Scorched Lands still attract daring treasure hunters enticed by tales of long-lost technology and magical artifacts of immense power. These trawl the ocean floor and islands closest to the Scorched Lands in hope of striking gold, but few ever do.