The Red Sands
The desert north of the Altontave River is known as the Red Sands, but some scholars debate why the desert is called that. There is a large concentration of red sand that makes up most of the area, but others believe the name actually comes from the Zephyrs of Zelcel who call it the Blood Red Sands for the number of their people that have died while trying to cross it. The Zephyrs believe that the Red Sands are haunted by the spirits of the long dead who seek vengeance at being disturbed by anyone who crosses their land.
Geography
The Red Sands are located north of @Zelcel and are surrounded by the lands of the Horse Clans. Most of the central area of the desert remains unexplored, although the areas around the Altontave River have been show to be a sea of dunes with little means of distinguishing one from another as they constantly shift and move. To the east the dunes decrease as the sand runs into the hill country marking the start of the Horse Clans land. To the west lies the Forest of Sheljour and through that to the Sunset Sea.
Ecosystem
Temperatures during the day range from hot to "please kill me now", and at night the desert cools off very quickly and sometimes drops down to freezing. Rain almost never falls in this desert, but sometimes in the spring a large storm from the Sunset Sea might make it far enough inland to provide some water.
Fauna & Flora
The Red Sands are not completely barren of life, but one is always hard pressed to find it. The most common animals are the Sand Snakes which can grow up to fifty feet long, although some stories tell of ones much bigger, and the Glanerth, a type of goat that seems to survive on the cactus that can be found in certain parts of the desert.
Tourism
While some tempt fate by crossing the Red Sands, it is not a recommended path to take. There are however a number of people who cross the Altontave River to gather a few handfuls of the red sand and thus have proof of their bravery. Some of these handfuls of sand are sold by locals on the Zelcel side of the river, but the bravest, or foolhardiest of people hire a boat to take them across so that they can gather their own.
Type
Desert
Inhabiting Species
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