Though Xen’drik is often thought of as a jungle continent, it is actually much more diverse, climate-wise. The south is dominated by an icy landscape (in the same climatological zone as Everice), dominated by geological features like active volcanoes, and beyond the shore, the eastern regions are a rolling savannah. To the west lies a vast patch of arid and hot desert, what some cartographers estimate constitutes 15% of the Xen’drik landmass. The Menechtarun Desert is one of the most treacherous places on the continent, and arguably all of Eberron.

Topographically, there are no particularly unique features in the Menechtarun, though some parts have a higher elevation, and there are some rocky outcroppings that are larger than the nation of Q’barra. This lack of features makes the desert very difficult to navigate, though it should be noted that any record of exploration of the region does not include mention of the Traveler’s Curse. Travelling is still incredibly difficult, however, because of the blazing heat during the day (sometimes reaching 130 degrees), the freezing cold at night, and the powerful winds.

The Menechtarun has many occupants, despite these conditions. The most prolific are the Haratana, a variety of drow adapted through arcane energies to survive in the harsh conditions. They maintain a series of outposts and roaming tribes throughout the desert, and though they are the most numerous, they are not the most powerful force in the region. The Sulatar also maintain a few bases on the fringes of the region, mainly used for arcane research, and as safehouses.