Great Southern Desert

Geography

A massive desert spanning much of the Satri Empire's southern frontier, the Great Southern Desert acts as a gateway between the city states and tribes of the Kavana and lands beyond. To the south just across a thinner expanse of desert by the coast lay the Marusi of Suyama and Alayas, which themselves are only two of the numerous civilizations that live even further south outside the reach of Satra's empire. The landscape is dominated by rolling sand dunes scattered with rocky outcrops. Oases dot the desert like islands in an ocean of yellow and brown sand. These serve as depots for trading caravans to resupply with food, water, and fodder while also being places for them to peddle some of their wares before moving on to more profitable markets.

Fauna & Flora

Some of the animals that call the desert home include small foxes and vipers. Outside of the oases, vegetation is quite scarce. A few grasses and shrubs desperately cling to life in isolated areas of the desert.

Natural Resources

Most of the Great Southern Desert is devoid of natural resources sapient species deem valuable. The oases, however, are a different story. Accumulations of water attract plants and animals, which can be gathered for sustenance. Water is by the far the most prized resource. Parched travelers have been known to empty their purses just to obtain enough water to complete their journeys. Oasis-goers anticipate paying outrageous prices for water, and tend to bring with them as much as possible or carry enough gold or silver to pay for what they need. Local civilizations long ago set up farms around the oases, providing trade-able crops such as dates and grain. Mud bricks and stone derived from desert materials are employed in the construction of homes, temples, and palaces.

Type

Desert

Included Locations