Velaken Desert
Geography
Sand. Sand and dunes, as far as the eye can see. Nothing but sand, wind, and death for hundreds of miles in every direction. And yet, off in the distance, salvation. A tiny spec on the horizon; surely a mirage? But no, a single oasis stoically defies the odds, keeping it's water and harboring life. And one oasis leads to another, until, surprisingly, in the middle of desert nothingness, a city emerges, bustling with herders and tradesmen and workers and even a number of slaves.
Though the Velakan Desert is, technically, under the rulership of Baron Blaine Gifford , it's expanse is far too great, far too remote, and far too unimportant, for the Baron to actually care. So, he does not interfere in the tribal leadership which has existed for seemingly thousands of years; leadership which is currently under the control of Ahman, Sultan of Muspari .
Though the Velakan Desert is, technically, under the rulership of Baron Blaine Gifford , it's expanse is far too great, far too remote, and far too unimportant, for the Baron to actually care. So, he does not interfere in the tribal leadership which has existed for seemingly thousands of years; leadership which is currently under the control of Ahman, Sultan of Muspari .
Ecosystem
Nothing lives in the desert. Or does it?
Near an oasis, one can usually find birds and larger reptiles, even some small mammals such as rabbits. Away from the oasis, a wayward traveler may stumble upon insects, the occasional snake or lizard, and perhaps a vulture or other scavenger and not much else.
It is said that large nests of man-eating insects live in the desert. Nests of worms that some men can ride as steeds, sliding through the sands as a knife travels through a block of cheese.
Near an oasis, one can usually find birds and larger reptiles, even some small mammals such as rabbits. Away from the oasis, a wayward traveler may stumble upon insects, the occasional snake or lizard, and perhaps a vulture or other scavenger and not much else.
It is said that large nests of man-eating insects live in the desert. Nests of worms that some men can ride as steeds, sliding through the sands as a knife travels through a block of cheese.
History
Until about 150 AV, the Velakan Desert was thought to be devoid of intelligent life; why would anyone choose to live in these barren lands?
Explorers from Stoneclan had set off on a journey to map and navigate the lands, and, during their expedition, discovered nomads herding sheep and goats. This came as a shock to the Dwarves, who had lived in the mountains bordering the desert since prior to the days of Teraptus and had never before seen peoples there.
Explorers from Stoneclan had set off on a journey to map and navigate the lands, and, during their expedition, discovered nomads herding sheep and goats. This came as a shock to the Dwarves, who had lived in the mountains bordering the desert since prior to the days of Teraptus and had never before seen peoples there.
Alternative Name(s)
The Endless Expanse
Location under
Included Locations
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