The Haunted Lands are an area of Rathillien close to the Barrier which are exposed to the influence of Perimal Darkling seeping through the Barrier, which breaks down the barriers between living and dead, introducing chaotic elements into the world. People and animals which die in the Haunted Lands become Haunts, as do people who are bitten by a Haunt and don't get the wound properly treated. Deep in the Haunted Lands, plants and vegetables take on animal-like characteristics.