The Great Trade Road is an essential trade route and prominent part of society in the desert continent of Samarkand. Starting off in the main port town of Fairwinds, found in the Samarkandian southern border to the sea, the Great Trade Road then arcs away to the west before finally curving around and ending in the capital of Zahadar to the northeast. In addition, many of the Samarkandian desert oasis villages, like Sweetwater Trees, are concentrated near the route of the Great Trade Road. Before the Empress corrupted his mind, Emperor Zarak ordered soldiers to continously patrol the Great Trade Road in an attempt to protect it from brigands, Sand Furies, and other potential dangers. After his death and the ascension of the Empress, this policy was abandoned.