The Sharesessi Desert

“The desert is vast, barren – but do not think it is empty. Long ago, this was fertile farmlands and the ruins of that time still emerge from the dunes. Should you wish to traverse the Sharesessi Desert, you will need water, food and weapons. Travel at night – if you can – with an eye to Grandfather Star. If you see a vast sea of glass, turn back, for the Glasslands mean certain death. May the Oasis Bringer ease your journey, and may the Unending Thirst never find you.” - Kaleaithne, Sharesessi Scout, Member of the Naisessi or People of the River Tribe

Geography

The Sharesessi Desert stretches from the Naradin River delta to the foothills of the Nortrian Mountains. Although mostly devoid of settlements, the area is rich in resources. Its geographic isolation from the all major Avistat powers currently prevents exploitation. However, the Venitas Confederacy is rapidly expanding westwards, with several major towns emerging along the desert’s border. Caliburn, one of the first Venitad settlements in the area, recently suffered an unknown catastrophe that left the town abandoned. Mithril Falls is now the closest Venitad settlement to the desert.
In the north, most canyon dwarf settlements are outside of the desert – well into the plains and foothills of the Sierra Rojos mountain range. Only a single outpost, Dryriver Gulch, is within the desert itself. It is unknown how the canyon dwarves keep the gulch supplied, as it has no natural source of water and few sources of food.
In the south, the Venitas/Xitolteca border passes through the desert. Both countries field light border patrol forces – but they mostly serve as search and rescue and law enforcement. Friendly relations between the Venitas Confederacy and the Xitoltec Necrocracy preclude the necessity of a strong defensive force on either side.

Fauna & Flora

The desert region teams with life, despite limited water. Entire micro-climates exist within the gorges and hills that provide slight shade. Most animals are built for the harsh environment, including a multitude of brutal, stinging insects that the desert elves believe to be the avatars of one of their deities - The Stinging Horror.
Although they make their nests along the Plainsdrop Cliffs, the Pygmy Desert Roc spends much of their time flying over the Sharesessi Desert - hunting for prey. On the outskirts of the Naradin River delta, some Brushlands Rabbits have learned to flee into the sands to avoid predators.
Closer to the Xitolteca border, Painted Guardians wander in packs. These arcane-infused canine mostly stick to scavenging, but will hunt injured prey if the opportunity arises. Although infrequently encountered, a carrion crawler subspecies known as the Huntington Worm occasionally causes problems for caravans.

Natural Resources

While the surface of the desert lacks obvious resources, it is well known that rich veins of minerals snake through the area. Mithril, Silver, Iron and Copper are prevalent. No mines are known to exist within the desert itself - but where the veins run through the Naradin delta, Venitas mines are rapidly popping up.

Alternative Name(s)

The Southwestern Avistat Desert

Type

Desert

Location under

The Sharesessi Frontier

Included Locations

• Kobold Butte
• The Sharesess Respite

Owning Organization

The Venitas Confederacy