Assail is a continent south of Genebackis and east of Quon Tali. The entire continent has a reputation for being dangerous and is almost always mentioned in relation to fiercesome fighting. Of particular note, in the months before Memories of Ice takes place, two T'lan Imass armies, the Ifayle and the Kerluhm, lost over fifty thousands warriors in battle with a human enemy.

'I am Lanas Tog. Sent to bring word of the fates of the Ifayle T’lan Imass and of my own Kerluhm T’lan Imass...I am the last of the Kerluhm. The Ifayle, who heeded our first summons, are all but destroyed. Those few that remain cannot extricate themselves from the conflict...(on) The continent of Assail. Our losses: twenty-nine thousand eight hundred and fourteen Kerluhm. Twenty-two thousand two hundred Ifayle. Eight months of battle. We have lost this war.’

MoI, UK Trade, p.657