Dancing Dunes

The Dancing Dunes formed in the rain shadow created by the towering Spine mountain range, and is bordered by the Northlands to the north and the Meridea river to the south. The Olag river runs through the northern section of the region creating rich farming regions and a large delta at it's end. Sitting on the shores of this delta is the primary city in this region, Arnea, the former capital of the Olagren Sea Princes.

Geography

As the name suggests, the Dancing Dunes are primarily composed of large dunes, formed from sediment from the Spine, while the range also limits rainfall on it's western flank, forming a large rain-shadow. As a result, meltwater from the Spine is less pronounced on this side of the range, forming only two major rivers, the Olag and Meridea. Various mesas and plateaus rise from the barren landscape closer to the Spine.

Localized Phenomena

Large mesas closer to the spine have been revered religious sites for Millenia, and some even say that grottos hiding in the outcroppings host small Everstones.

Climate

A harsh desert formed by the rain shadow of the spine, as well as dry northern air. Monsoons roll over the region in the summer feeding thge major rivers and letting the desert bloom for brief periods following especially heavy rains.

Fauna & Flora

While many species of flora and fauna are unique to the Dancing Dunes, nothing is more well-known than the Narex, an eagle-like creature with feathers that shimmer and shift from a golden-yellow to a deep-scarlet depending on the light. These creatures have been used by the local peoples as hunting companions for centuries.

Natural Resources

Large-scale mining is difficult in the Dunes due to the shifting nature of the topography, but some settlements exist along the Olag River and at the base of the Spine. Copper, gold, silver and iron are among the major metals excavated from these regions.

History

For many centuries, the region was inhabited by nomadic peoples, with small settlements established along the Olag river. These nomadic peoples flourished via trade networks that connected the Meridea Coast with the Arborvale through the Gold Pass in The Spine. However, the shifting sands and harsh environmental conditions, particularly in the summer months, made these peoples some of the only ones capable of traversing the desert and surviving. Eventually, local rulers joined with coastal kingdoms to form a loose confederation known as the Olagren Sea Princes.

Today, these nomadic tribes are known as the "Dal Alria", or Sand Guides. They have a near monopoloy on trade through the desert, from Arnea to the Keep of Kings, and smaller Dwarven outposts in The Spine.

Location under

Galladia

Owning Organization

New Kingdom of Galladia