Hellgrass Reach forms the major Drylands dominion of Derzak, which otherwise owns only lands along the One-River and the Ice hills. The name is also applied to the wide plains of Razor Grass and white sand that surround the town, which are rich in Copper, Tin, Silver and cattle.
Hellgrass Reach is a sprawling town built into the sides of many circular sink-holes that dot a wide expanse of sand and grass many Klegs Daywards of Nistray. For this reason little can be seen of the town from a distance other than the wooden gantries used to raise and lower goods into the smaller sink-holes, and the fortified central tower rising like a finger above the rest. The deep sink-holes are riddled with caves and passages, many of which hold reserves of water, although when large military units are stationed here these resources can be hard stretched. The central and largest sink-hole surrounds a deep stone-lined pool. Although the water level here can fall dramatically concentric steps and ledges always allow access to the water edge.
There are limited routes in and out of Hellgrass Reach, which was built with defence in mind. Strong forts guard the main ramps down into the town, and the buildings are designed to provide shelter from bow shots and falling rocks alike. The surrounding plains are filled with small mine workings, many abandoned, and Ancient ruins. Derzak depends heavily on the reach for metals and grain, and constantly garrisons many troops here. Border skirmishes with Nistran soldiers from Darkin are common, although a vast reach separates the two towns.
Sword Landing is the name given to a small port village on the Sunwards bank of the One River about 100 Klegs Turnwards of Ur. Although larger and more convenient ports lie to the Counter, Sword Landing is the first spot firmly outside of Ur's control that gives access to the lands beyond Nistray. As such it forms the main landing point for Derzaki and Chaldian ships bound for the Reachway and Hellgrass Reach.
Despite it's strategic importance to Derzak, Sword Landing is not a huge community. Almost everyone here is just passing through, and local industry is confined to ship repair and fishing. The Landing is nevertheless well fortified with thick walls of mud brick and wooden beams, and presents an intimidating prospect to travellers from the landward side.