The Black Lands is the Khapeshan term for the lands surrounding the Aur River. As the river flows north it deposits large amounts of sediment, most of which is much darker in color than the sands of the surrounding desert. Almost all of the population of Khapesh lives within or very close to the Black Lands, as it contains the fertile soil the kingdom requires to feed itself.
The Red Lands is the counterpart of the Black Lands, used by Khapeshans to refer to the deserts away from the Aur River.