Dry Steppes

The Dry Steppes is a geographic area in Sanctuary, located south of Scosglen, west from the Fractured Peaks, and north of Kehjistan.

Lore
The Dry Steppes are a harsh and rugged wilderness, consisting of amber grasslands, deep canyons, and wide salt flats dotted with geysers of boiling water. Vegetation is rare, and what vegetation there is consists of poplar and saxaul trees.

The Steppes are an incredibly dangerous place to live, and only the most ruthless or most desperate call them home.

History
The Dry Steppes gave rise to native civilization(s). At some point, Zakarum established a presence in the region. The Zakarum architecture was more distinct and refined than the native one, and in addition to Orbei Monastery, established a number of storage and keep-sake areas.

By the Reign of Enmity, the Steppes were ravaged by war due to the power vacuum Malthael created when he decimated Sanctuary. The Zakarum's storage sites and keep-sakes were laid to waste, and Orbei Monastery fell into ruin.

Many years ago, the Cannibals appeared in the Steppes and spread their terror into lands beyond. However, other groups still operate within the Steppes, trying to win the hearts and minds of the people living there. With Lilith's return, the darker side of mankind became more dominant, and many in the Steppes gave into it, giving into the darkness for more power and turning to cannibalism.

In-game
The Dry Steppes are one of five major geographic regions to be explored in Diablo IV.

Development
Initially, the Steppes were concieved as grasslands. The decision was made to add dark rocks that complement the pale blonde and rusty grasses. To help provide extra visual interest in the region, the Environment Art team created a salt flats biome.

Known Locations

 * Orbei Monastery
 * The Ruins of Qara-Yisu

Trivia

 * Based on the nature of its flora, the Dry Steppes could be considered analogous to Central Asia.