The city of Asshai is located at the southwestern tip of the Shadow Lands. To the north and northeast, the Shadow Lands meet the Mountains of the Morn. Leng and the Manticore Isles lie in the Jade Sea to the west. South of the Shadow are the Saffron Straits, Ulos, and Ulthos.[3] The river Ash travels from the Mountains of the Morn to the Jade Sea, mostly through the Vale of Shadows, a valley so narrow with such high cliffs that is said to be always in shadow except at noon.[4][5]

Ghost grass grows throughout the Shadow Lands.[1] It is said that demons and dragons are among the creatures dwelling in cliff caves in the mountains. The ruined corpse city of Stygai, which even shadowbinders fear, lies at the heart of the Shadow.[4]