'Slaught
'Slaught is a powerful drug that has spread like a wildfire since it's introduction. The first documented uses of 'Slaught were in a small coastal town, and it is highly probable it is made from some underwater substance or plant. Refined 'Slaught is actually less powerful than the raw stuff, but in all cases, the effects are the same; falling into deep sleep, and false memories of another, more perfect life for the duration of the sleep. This leads very easily to users becoming estranged from their real lives, and, after a while, becoming confident that the drug-induced life is the real one, and reality the lie. Refined 'Slaught is less dangerous in this, as the memories it creates are blurred, and feel more unreal.
'Slaught and it's users can be found almost everywhere, carried by traders to all corners of the world.
The Winged Serpent
After coming out of the Fire Plains after over a day of stay, travellers sometimes claim to have met a creature that guided them out, for a prize - more specifically, their souls. While descriptions vary, the creature is usually a massive green serpent with wings and eyes of either fire or valuable jewels. Before it's arrival, the a small earthquake will be felt, and in some cases, clouds will gather overhead. Within minutes of this, the desert sands will shift to reveal the Serpent, who will then offer to lead the travellers out in exchange for their souls. If the travellers agree, the serpent tells them to follow and flies into the sky, always staying in view of the travellers. After about fifteen minutes of travel, the normal landmarks will begin to reappear and the edge of the Fire Plains come nearer.
While it is unclear if the Serpent is real or a hallucination, the famous explorer Igell Amante was claimed to have pleaded with an unseen person or being on his deathbed, seconds before passing away.