Once fertile countryside, the rivers which used to flow here have all but dried up.  Now it is a place of dry plains, Joshua trees, abandoned villages and monsters.  Due to the constant military traffic, the Imperial Roads to the passes are relatively safe.  The Great Western Tradeway (the overland link between Eldred’s Cross and Torregidor) is safe only for those who travel in large, well-armed caravans or smaller groups who can really take care of themselves.  Bandits and marauding monsters are a real problem here.  There are also uncharted ruins within the Hardlands which are a destination for adventurers.