The Barren Wastes

FantasyHighHeroicSandbox
2plays
1remixes
•Oct 2025

Drifting islands ride the storm-wracked skies of the Barren Wastes, where skyships dodge winged terrors and history itself has crumbled into rumor. When solstice breaches the elemental planes, the last scattered towns must decide whether to brave the monster-haunted sea or ascend to the unreachable kingdoms that may already be dead.

World Overview

The world is exceptionally high magic, most of the plane is covered in floating islands hovering over the ocean. If not floating islands than extravagant mountain tops that pierce through the clouds. The main means of transportation is skyships. People avoid the water as there are a plethora of magical sea beasts that are very hungry or love tormenting boats

Geography & Nations

Most places are small villages run by a mockup government that is functioning only because of towns people. But the kingdoms are like the center of the world that none can afford to get to.

Races & Cultures

All traditional D&D races are present

Current Conflicts

There are no tensions but many cities/towns have lost contact with the outside world, so as far as we know the town we are currently in is the last of it's kind.

Magic & Religion

Magic works as normal and the deities of that of the Forgotten realms/Faerun

Planar Influences

During the solstice the elemental plane directly interacts with the prime material, the Fey can be traveled to through portals but only on full moons, the shadowfell, the hells and the abyss all require some sort of unnatural magic to be used

Historical Ages

History is lost in most places, except for the kingdoms, no history expands farther than a hundred years prior to today

Economy & Trade

The kingdoms use coin but most towns only ever trade or barter goods that they have. Whatever seems to be a fair trade between the individuals

Law & Society

Most cities tend to be sort of lawless but hold to moral codes. If those moral codes are lost it turns to anarchy. The kingdoms have a clear law and justice system relying on guards and judges

Monsters & Villains

Most of the enemies you will encounter will be thugs in lawless zone, drakes or other flying creatures in the expanse between islands. And if you are brave enough you can find many great serpents and mind destroying creatures in the waters below

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The Barren Wastes (Remix)

In the sky‑bound realm of The Barren Wastes, floating islands and cloud‑piercing peaks form a labyrinth of high‑magic horizons where skyships glide between kingdoms that are as unreachable as they are powerful. Here, isolated villages cling to moral codes amid lawlessness, while the seas below churn with hungry serpents and mind‑wracking beasts, making every journey a perilous dance between skyborne wonder and abyssal terror.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Barren Wastes?

Drifting islands ride the storm-wracked skies of the Barren Wastes, where skyships dodge winged terrors and history itself has crumbled into rumor. When solstice breaches the elemental planes, the last scattered towns must decide whether to brave the monster-haunted sea or ascend to the unreachable kingdoms that may already be dead.

What is Spindle?

Spindle is an interactive reading app where you become the main character in richly crafted story worlds. Think of it like stepping inside your favorite book—you make choices, shape relationships, and discover how the story unfolds around you. If you love series like Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses, Spindle lets you live inside worlds with that same depth and drama.

How do I start a story in The Barren Wastes?

Tap "Create Story" and create your character—give them a name, a look, and a backstory. From there, the story opens around you and you guide it by choosing what your character says and does. There's no wrong way to read; every choice leads somewhere interesting, and the narrative adapts to you.

Can I write my own fiction?

Absolutely. Spindle gives storytellers the tools to build and publish their own worlds—craft the lore, the characters, the conflicts, and the magic. Once you publish, other readers can discover and experience your story. It's a beautiful way to share the worlds living in your imagination.

Is Spindle a game?

Spindle is more of an interactive reading experience than a traditional game. There are no scores to chase or levels to grind. The focus is on story, character, and the choices you make. Think of it as a novel where you're the protagonist—the pleasure is in the narrative, not the mechanics.

Can I read with friends?

Yes! You can invite friends into the same story. Each person plays their own character, and the narrative weaves everyone's choices together. It's like a book club where you're all inside the book at the same time—perfect for friends who love the same kinds of stories.