Shiankar

Shiankar is a blanket term for the whole western half of the Kesh Karkhan (as opposed to Shandara, the eastern portion). Much of Shiankar is exceedingly harsh and desolate terrain: It includes parched desert basins like the Kar Kadash and Kar Bharaz, vast stretches of forbidding mountains like the Tuzul Massif, volcanic regions like Jyord's Anvils and the Mountains of Thundering Flame, and perilous wastelands such as the Desolation of Xhan. It is inhabited by many strange and dangerous creatures, as well as the hardiest and most resilient tribes of the Daare Karsha. 
There is a network of overland trade routes through Shiankar, winding their way around the most dangerous areas, with strings of fortified caravan towns spaced out along them; but even so, travel across these lands is a risky affair, undertaken only by the brave and well-prepared. It is not for nothing that these routes are collectively known as the Blood Roads.
Etymology: The name of Shiankar means "waterless wasteland" or "waterless deserts," from the old Tuvai roots "shian" or "shayan" (meaning parched, very dry) and "kar" (in this context meaning desert or barren place).