The Great Oasis

Located near the heart of the Shifting Sands, the Great Oasis is the only permanent source of drinkable water within the territory of the Dune Snake.

Location and Description

The oasis itself sits between two short cliffsides and a number of large rocks, many of which have had alcoves carved into them to provide refuge from the heat and wind of the desert. Hardy grasses, along with Weeping Trees and other plant life adapted to the arid environment grow around the waters edge. Beneath the water's surface, various small water life can be seen and are an important source of nourishment for the weary, if they can catch them.

Cultural Significance

This place is of great cultural significance to the Sand Walkers. Once a year, young, freshly Awakened bucks and a few elder bucks from each Grand gather here. Here they rest and do final preparations for Great Hunt, a Rite of Passage for young bucks where they must aid (and survive) hunting a Dune Snake. They also return here when the hunt is done, to mourn those they lost during the hunt and to celebrate if the hunt itself was successful.

Dangers

Aside from the heat, there are few direct threats at the Great Oasis itself. The surrounding cliffs and rocks keep the Dune Snakes away and the local Stalkers and Drakes will avoid large groups of travelers. Usually the only injuries or deaths here are due to the foolish, either by trying to climb the rocks or cliffs and falling, or going to far into the water and not knowing how to swim, for the water gets deep quickly.

Type

Oasis