Sas-a-Shar - from ancient Nel-Gathelkh Ş`aTh-aξaḥrā.
The etymology of Sas-a-Shar is disputed, though in the modern variant of Nel-Gathelkh the name translates roughly to "stars-and-fire".
Also known as ah’Hrak or Vulcan's Forge
The name Sas-a-Shar is most commonly used by locals, i.e. residents of Shi'Al, Xial and neighboring Kir, while the rest of the planet and outworlders refer to the region simply as "The Forge".
Neither the largest nor the most splendid desert on the planet, The Forge is nonetheless the most famous one.
Geography
Sas-a-Shar is no strictly defined territory, but rather a part of the Pa’ash-Solektra t’Shvial (Shival Flats), extending some distance into Xial and at its westernmost extent overlapping with the Llangon foothills.
A rock formation called Temep`Shar or "Gateway", where Surak is said to have begun his journey into The Forge, is considered to be the eastern border, though the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of eastern Shival extends to within 80 kilometers of Shi'Kahr. The northern limit of Sas-a-Shar roughly corresponds to the southernmost range of the chakh palms growing in the semi-arid part of the Shival flats, while its southern border is marked by the Llangon foothills. Seleya and its surroundings are considered the western border of the Forge.
The central part of Sas-a-Shar is hyperarid with little to no vegetation, and characterized by rugged canyons of pale gold-brown rock and sand.