1

The desert's creation was relatively recent

2

Tremendous sandstorms make travel almost impossible

3

The desert becomes lethal at times; radiation, heat, etc.

4

The desert changes those who dwell in it very long

5

The desert's harshness is profitable to a powerful group

6

All the desert's inhabitants are biter refugees or exiles

7

The desert inhabitants survive by raiding outsiders

8

The desert gets killing rainstorms at random times