The burning sun hung high above the hot, dry desert, scorching everything beneath it. This was the most inhospitable region of the Saddle Arabian deserts. Known as the "Empty Quarter" it lacked groundwater and received the brunt of the sun's intense heat, and also experienced many strong sandstorms. It remained completely desolate for ages, until an exploration party discovered areas with vast amounts of gold. This lured many daring ponies seeking the supposed riches buried beneath the baking sand, most of whom were brash and foolish. Many of them paid a great price for their ignorance of the area's dangers, and they themselves became victims of the harsh, unforgiving desert sands.
