The earth here is parched, ruined by drought and wildfire. All that grows now are ruddy brown weeds and shrubs. The Durmriq snakes through 2.4. It runs viciously after rain, the sun-baked soil unyielding to its waters.

2.1 - Otlakae fields.

A vast scree field flows down from the valley wall. Amongst these boulders, tiny purple-budding herbs. This is Otlakae: the Maleschi cultivate the plant for its fibrous roots, which are woven into their kuylanliq scarves. The herb bestows buoyancy when prepared by an alchemist. 1-in-6 chance of a patrolling gardener: will return with 4d6 men from 3.1 if they spot foreigners interfering with their crop.

2.2 - Nothing.

2.3 - Yardang Temple.

A rivulet trickles down towards the Durmriq from a rock-rise on the horizon. Up close, it resembles the upturned hull of a grand ark, two hundred metres from bow to stern. An eroded gullet in the rock's peak acts as a wind-catcher: a vast reserve of pristine water has pooled here over the centuries. This place is known to the Maleschi, but understood as too great a treasure to ever exploit. Those who despoil it are shunned (and likely to be killed by over-eager youths).
Waterfall Shrine by Eva K..

2.4 - Kurak (90).

Yurts riveted with logs and buttressed with bricks. Open-air workshops shaded by tarpaulin roofs. Squat smog-belching forges and glowing crucibles. This is Kurak, a shanty-hamlet founded by a platoon of deserters. Faithful to their leader, Begum Methal Seran, the men have turned to a cottage industry of gun-smithing: craftsmen - some expert, most not - churn out thin, wicked arquebuses.
The Begum prefers to sell to warlords and such, not roaming travellers liable to sell on her product, and will part with her matchlocks only for the steepest price (three times a crossbow's cost; same ratio for ammunition). When not parleying with emissaries of Maleschi warlords, the long-black-haired noble patrols her men's workshops, her bandage-clad lieutenant and bodyguard, Ral, hobbling beside her. The hulking leper wields one of Kurak's 'Originals': a fearsome smoothbore as thick as a man's arm. The Begum, while intimidating in the loyalty she inspires, is ultimately helpful, especially to those who freely offer her knowledge or new weaponry to inspect.