Barren Downs
When this barren wasteland was first discovered during the exodus, no one paid any attention to it. Not even an outpost was establisehd early on. The coastline is rocky and wholly unsuited for any kind of harbor for the ships that travel these waters. The only exception to this are the rivers that flow from the mountains. They provide enough of a harbor area that some ships could anchor close to shore. Settlers eventually setup small outposts which eventually grew to modest cities in order to gather the abundant resources found in the wasteland and along the fertile rivers.
Geography
The area consists of rolling scrub land, to hard packed rock like ground, to sand dunes. Apart from the river that feeds from the mountains, there is very little water to be found on the ground.
Ecosystem
The only sustainable life is found along the river and the scattered oasis. The water regions are fertile and are teeming with water fowl and game. The settlers have found and cultivate papyrus and rice along the banks
Ecosystem Cycles
There is no rainfall to speak of in this area. The water is fully dependent on the snowpack deposited in the high mountains to the north. In a few places aquifers have pushed up through the ground to produce an oasis. Due to its proximity to both the ocean and the mountains, it is not overall hot. It's barreness is due to the lack of rainfall and not extreme heat.
Fauna & Flora
The large Canopy Tree is found throughout the wasteland both near the river and far away. How deep its roots go is a mystery but it must be ddep in order to sustain the tree in a land without any cyclical rainfall.
Natural Resources
Rare minerals, specialty fruits, papyrus and gems can be found throughout the region.
Type
Desert
Location under
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