Dunewater

"You've heard that if you lie in the sands long enough, you'll heal, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Fantastic. That's all bullshit."

— Unknown

A Sight of Hope

Throughout the rolling sea of sand, under the harsh glare of the sun, there are few things that one may desire while making their journey, should you be prepared. One man may want it to be cooler, or another to have a horse. Where each of those would improve the journey, neither of which would ensure their continued survival should something go wrong.

There is nothing more important to a trek through the deserts than water, and running out or losing it can end with losing your mind or your life. Should you be lucky to find an oasis, you may just survive. If you can't, then you have to hope and pray that someone finds you quickly, or that the skies take pity and pour down an ocean on top of you.

A Poisoned Well

However, not all oases are the same. Most are truly water, but some hold lies. Their deceptively clear nature makes them enticing, their scent just barely sweet on the air. Those who drink the sweet, clear nectar of these oases realize their mistake quickly.

Their throats become scratched and dry, as if sand has poured down them, their tongue becomes numb and still, and then begins the panic. You know it’s too late to survive without a miracle, but like succumbing to a mirage, you hold onto hope that the dunewater doesn’t bring the end of you. If it doesn't, if you are able to cling to life, your time will still end with a blazing inferno beating down on you as you lie next to the source of your defeat with barely enough energy to breathe, let alone move.

Type

Elemental / Molecular