The Lands of The Badiya

Geography

The geography of the lands is hard to describe. It is definitely a desert, but it doesn't always act like one.
The sands constantly shift, yet the dunes stay in place. The sun is scorching yet warm, the air is moist but choking, and the people are welcoming yet cunning.
Water is very scarce, but the people of the land have many ways of extracting it, beit from the air or from the plants and ground.
There are also multiple places where rocks and caves can be seen, but they best to be avoided, if it's not already claimed by a tribe, then it has been claimed by something much scarier.
Plants exist, and are abundant for a desert, however, most of the plants are either poisonous or have been corrupted, so it is best to have food and water packed for weeks, that is, if you are able to protect yourself from the endless threats of vulturous predators.
The most difficult part of traversing the lands is the colossal threats it houses, beings so big they shape and move the sands and dunes, making it difficult to find your way around the lands, and even more difficult to find a safe spot to camp.

Ecosystem

The desert landscape constantly undergoes subtle changes as the sands shift. This creates an environment where the topography is never the same, making navigation challenging for those not tapped into the desert's energy.
There are also mysterious winds carry messages across the desert, revealing secrets and warnings, the Badiya use these winds to communicate and to warn their tribes of incoming threats, but for the average traveller, these winds don't hold any meaning. Each tribe has its own type of sound and messages, making it hard for the other tribes to decipher.
Living Dunes, cursed by primal energy, react to the emotions and intentions of those who approach, providing glimpses into the past or future, this is the main cause of insanity in the lands, causing many outsiders to lose their minds... and lose their way.
The Luminous Mirage Forest, an illusionary phenomenon, creates deceptive oases and lush woods, enticing explorers into fantastical mirages that hold both peril and mystery.
While in the skies, celestial phenomena grace the night sky with mesmerizing events, ancient star maps guiding seekers to powerful artifacts or revealing forgotten prophecies... unless its a trap.
Resilient succulents and heat-resistant cacti are scattered around, providing sustenance for quicksand-dwelling insects and sandstriders. Vulturous predators, such as razor-winged desert birds and subterranean hunters, maintain balance by controlling herbivorous populations. Mirage nightmarish creatures, born from illusory mirage forests, add an ethereal touch, their elusive presence challenging travelers. Celestial nomads descend sporadically, infusing the ecosystem with celestial energy. Colossal desert wardens, embodiments of primal energy, shape the landscape, influencing flora and fauna, causing havoc all around the desert. The Badiya's ecosystem is a harmonious yet dangerous dance, where adaptability is key for survival, and if you can't catch the beat, the Lands will leave you lost in the shifting symphony.

Ecosystem Cycles

Despite the consistent heat during the day and freezing cold nights, cyclical rhythmic changes still occur, shaping the behaviors of the inhabitants.
Certain species of organisms embark on seasonal migrations to follow water sources or seek refuge from extreme temperatures, while the tribes embark on sandstriders to traverse the desert in search of more hospitable regions, while predatory birds adjust their hunting grounds to coincide with the movements of their prey.
The lands don't experience normal seasonal changes, days are hot all year round, while the nights are freezing cold, with the possibility of snowfall almost everyday.
Despite the rarity of snowfall in The Badiya, organisms have adapted to cope with this occasional phenomenon., from thick fur that traps hot air yet allows airflow, to hard shells that deflect all temperatures away from the creature. The tribes have also naturally adapted, having more resilient skin, and a better understanding of the climate.

Climate

The climate of The Lands is known for relentless heat during the day and freezing cold nights, with occasional snowfall year-round. Days are scorching under the intense sun, while nights bring biting cold that tests even the hardiest of travelers. Despite the extreme temperatures, life persists and flourishes, adapted to the harsh rhythms of the desert's elemental dance.

Fauna & Flora

In the expanse of The Lands, both flora and fauna possess unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in the harsh desert environment. Many plants exhibit luminescent properties, their blooms providing delicate light in the darkness of the desert night. These plants often have adaptations for conserving water and moisture, which crucial for survival in arid conditions where water is scarce. Some plants have even adapted to suck the moisture out of the air, leaving small forests to be very dry and harsh for predators and travelers. Fauna has also evolved to blend seamlessly with the desert terrain, employing camouflage to evade predators or ambush prey. Nocturnal behaviors are common among desert inhabitants, allowing them to avoid the scorching sun and take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures. Mutualistic relationships between plants and insects are prevalent, with each providing essential services such as pollination or protection. Resilience to extreme temperatures is essential for the desert life, with organisms capable of thriving in both blistering heat and freezing cold. Prey use defensive mechanisms, such as thorns, spines, or toxins, that serve as deterrents against predators. Migration patterns are observed among certain species, allowing them to avoid harsh wind patterns and access vital resources. Symbiotic relationships between different species are abundant in the lands, enhancing the chances of survival for all involved. Unique reproductive strategies suited to the desert environment, such as seed dispersal methods or delayed germination, ensure the continuation of life in this challenging landscape, with some animals even able to reproduce using seeds, growing slowly as "fruit" until they are old enough to hop into the sands, many theorize that this way of reproduction is given by the celestials, some of whom share this method of reproduction.

Natural Resources

There aren't any easily collected natural resources in the lands. There are many mystical plants, animals and minerals that could be harvested, however, most will fight back.

Tourism

Basically non-existent, most sane people would avoid the Land, and even traders avoid it even though if would cut their travel time tremendously.

Alternative Name(s)

The Elemental Wasteland

Type

Desert

Location under

Zakhara

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Naveen Roninhan

Owning Organization

The Tribes of the Badiya