Athas is a fictional world in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, known for its harsh desert environment and lack of traditional magic. It is characterized by a post-apocalyptic landscape, where powerful sorcerer-kings rule city-states and the land is ravaged by overuse of magic, leading to a scarcity of resources and a struggle for survival. The inhabitants of Athas include various races, such as humans, elves, and dwarves, each adapted to the extreme conditions. The world is also home to unique creatures and threats, including defilers and preservers, who manipulate magic in different ways, further shaping the culture and conflicts of this desolate realm.