Doryo Kayo (/ˈdoɾjo ˈkajo/ Old Sluyan)
Geography
The Doryo Kayo encompasses 363,428 square miles, making up the majority of the Southern half of Sluyan. The coastal section of the Doryo Kayo unfolds into an expansive sea of dunes whose colors oscillate between gentle hues of pink to the most arresting shades of vivid orange. This extensive desert landscape is punctuated by towering dunes that soar to an impressive height of over 1,000 feet, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle for those intrepid explorers who dare to traverse this challenging terrain. The intricate and rhythmic patterns of the dunes never fail to captivate, their mesmerizing beauty a testament to the power and mystery of nature.
The sand, unconsolidated and free-flowing, is primarily sourced from the ephemeral rivers that drain into the desert basin during the wet season, their waters carrying with them sediments that replenish the ever-shifting dunes. The Doryo Kayo's drainage is characterized by the presence of dry, black valleys, and seasonally inundated pans, interspersed with large salt pans that glint under the blinding desert sun.
The solitary permanent river, known as the Go Nihin Bobu Nubini, snakes its way through the landscape and flows into a delta in the southern part of the region. Here, it creates a fertile marshland, a veritable oasis amidst the surrounding aridity. As one moves further north and towards the central part of the Doryo Kayo, the sandy desert starts to transition into a semi-desert environment, a vast expanse of savannah grasslands that stretches out as far as the eye can see.
Although this area is predominantly flat, it is not without its share of scenic attractions. Here, one can find picturesque canyons and elevated spots that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, adding an element of diversity and contrast to the otherwise uniform desert terrain.
Localized Phenomena
In the vast expanse of the Doryo Kayo, one may occasionally stumble upon a peculiar phenomenon: circular patches of land, completely devoid of any plant life. These patches, which vary in size from a modest 5 feet to a more expansive 35 feet in diameter, stand out starkly against the surrounding terrain. What makes these patches even more distinctive is that they are encircled by a ring of savannah grasses, growing with a vitality that seems almost stimulated by the barrenness at their center.
The existence of these rings is subject to much speculation and debate, but one theory that is often proposed is their connection to the Border Planes and Caanae. It is said that these rings are not merely a random anomaly, but rather markers indicating where the boundaries between the Border Planes and Caanae are at their weakest within the harsh desert environment. This theory, while unconfirmed, adds another layer of mystery to these fascinating features of the Doryo Kayo.
Climate
The climate of the region is a complex blend of arid and semi-arid conditions, with certain areas being adorned with dry forests, expansive savannahs, and intriguing salt lakes. During the summer, temperatures can soar to extreme heights, although these are relatively mild when compared with other deserts in the vicinity of Caanae. The coastal region is particularly notable for its immense, dense fogs and powerful currents, which have been known to disorient sailors and lead them astray, a fact evidenced by the remnants of numerous shipwrecks that litter the coastline.
The dry season, characterized by a lack of rainfall and harsh, arid conditions, can extend over a period of eight months or even longer. On the other hand, the wet season is relatively shorter, typically lasting anywhere from less than one month to about four months, depending on the specific location within the region. The average annual rainfall varies widely across different areas, ranging from approximately 110 mm, which borders on aridity, to more than 500 mm in some northern parts.
During the summer, regardless of the region, rainfall can occur in the form of heavy, dramatic thunderstorms. Another interesting feature of the Doryo Kayo is the presence of vast subterranean water reserves hidden beneath certain parts. The predominantly dry climate of the Doryo Kayo is largely due to the almost total absence of surface bodies of water. Most of the rivers in this region either flow underground or remain dry for the majority of the year. Even when these rivers are not dry, they usually drain into endorheic basins, preventing the water from reaching the sea.
Fauna & Flora
The Doryo Kayo, characterized by its semi-desert landscape, presents a stark contrast to the typical image of barren, lifeless deserts. After periods of substantial rainfall, large expanses of this semi-desert transform into excellent grazing grounds, thereby supporting a much more diverse array of flora and fauna than one would typically expect in a true desert, particularly when compared to the adjacent coastal sand sea.
Among the vegetation native to this region, you can find the vibrant thorn flower, the unique horned melon, and a plethora of different herbs growing naturally amidst the desert landscape. In addition to these, the typical savanna grasses dot the landscape, interspersed sporadically with a variety of tree species. These include the resilient shepherd's tree, the silver cluster-leaf, the sturdy teak, and several species of the acacia, each contributing to the unique ecological makeup of the region.
The Doryo Kayo is also a haven for a diverse range of animal species. Large predators such as the majestic lion, the swift cheetah, the elusive leopard, the spotted hyena with its unmistakable laugh, the stealthy brown hyena, the cunning jackal, and the wild dog all call this semi-desert their home. Yet, this region is by no means dominated by these predators. Living alongside them, one can find elephants, gazelle, wildebeest, various antelopes, the prickly porcupine, the social meerkats, and the towering ostriches.
Birds of prey are also a common sight in the Doryo Kayo. The secretary bird with its long legs, the imposing martial eagle, the mysterious owls, the swift falcons, the goshawks, kestrels, and kites can all be spotted soaring in the sky. Furthermore, during the rainy season, the region transforms into a vibrant wetland, attracting tens of thousands of flamingos, creating a spectacle of pink that is a sight to behold.
Natural Resources
The Doryo Kayo serves as a pivotal location for mining activities. It is particularly known for its vast reserves of essential resources, such as salt and diamonds. These precious resources have made it a beacon for mining guilds and foreign traders. The region's salt mines are not only crucial for the local economy, but they also contribute significantly to the global supply. Similarly, the diamond mines in the Doryo Kayo are renowned for their rich yield, producing gems that are highly sought after the world over.
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