The Badlands

The Badlands refers to an extremely inhospitable area to the south of Equestria, widely known for being something of a frontier location. The region is officially known as the Protectorate of the Badlands, which is indicative of its past as the location of numerous failed colonization attempts on the part of the nation of Equestria. Although the Badlands are not explicitly closed off to Equestrians, it is heavily advised that they stay away from the area; as it is home to a wide variety of mostly-deadly fauna, including but not limited to dragons, Farasi, diamond dogs and even Changelings.

Despite this, however, several ponies have survived and even thrived in the Badlands. Ponies such as Quick Fix and Pentry (pegasus shopkeeper, likely deceased) are examples of the few Equestrians who have been able to successfully make a living in what is widely considered to be the single most inhospitable region on Equus.

Although several ponies live in the Badlands, it is populated by far more non-ponies; it can almost be thought of as a sort of wilderness reserve except for extremely dangerous animals. It is home to numerous diamond dog dens and dragon lairs, making traveling anywhere something of a gamble. Even the ruined colonies aren't safe; Farasi often make their homes in them and, with very few exceptions, trespassers in their territory can expect to be eaten alive.

Finally, several outcast Changelings have established hives in the Badlands, and although they're typically more forgiving than their Northern cousins anypony within half a mile of a hive has some chance of being involuntarily cocooned. This does not mean Chrysalis has not extended her reach into the region, however; there is at least one surveillance outpost located there, although its purpose is theorized, mostly by the unlucky Changelings assigned to it, to be more of an indirect way of ensuring a Changeling's death.

The following ponies and non-ponies live in the Badlands:
 * Outcast (Queen of a local Changeling hive)
 * Cryptic (Also a Queen)
 * Fenghuang (Zebra monk)
 * Eldritch (Farasi tribe leader)