Soul Desert
Soul deserts are a rare type of desert found on rocky planets and other rocky celestial objects. They are characterised by vast expanses of black and grey sand, with surface temperatures so high spontaneous combustion is not uncommon. Purple flames light up the sand in large patches, completely destroying local wildlife.
High wind speeds are common in soul deserts, producing a high-pitched sound similar to a person screaming. Many cultures believe this noise is the sound of screaming souls, hence the name of desert type. Soul deserts sit on either end of the temperature spectrum, some reaching temperatures exceeding forty degrees Celsius, others descending below minus forty.
Depending on the planet and location of the desert, rainfall can happen once a month to once every few years. Soul deserts are extremely dry places. When flash floods occur they can evaporate in minutes, if they get too close to pools of fire.
Magical Atmospheres
An increased percentage of magic in the atmosphere of soul deserts have been observed. Phantomany, horrormancy, and pyromancy are just a handful of the hundreds of magic types that magnify within these habitats. The cause is unknown, but it is theorised that soul leylines run through these deserts, enhancing specific magics.
As a result, many organisms (animals, inanimals, plants, and other kingdoms) have an affinity with one or more of these enhanced magics.
Ecology
Soul deserts have specialised fauna and flora due to the unique conditions. Flora, fauna, and other organisms vary greatly depending on the planet, however many share similar adaptations.
Animals adapted to live in deserts are called xerocoles. Most, if not all fauna in soul deserts, have various adaptations that help them conserve water. Xerotigr and other large feline species have pouches in their cheeks that can store water for up to five weeks, slowly absorbed into the body.
Many organisms have a dark grey/black colouration in order to camouflage with its environment. Few species stand out, perhaps in order to deter predators as a form of aposematism. In hot soul deserts ectotherms are very common. They thrive in the high temperatures and available sunlight, basking out in the open during daytimes, nestling in pools of purple fire at night.
Cacti are abundant in most soul deserts. Their ability to store water is unmatched, roots growing either vertically to reach the water table, or horizontally to pick up any surface moisture. The roots and trunks can store water for months to years, however long it takes for the next period of rainfall. Most plants in these regions are thin and spiny, to avoid herbivory.
Some plant species survive without ever experiencing rainfall. These plants get all the moisture they need from their roots, extracting as much water as possible from deep underground.
Corpse blossoms, native to Norrab, live for just five months and sometimes never experience rainfall. Their petals are lined with sharp barbs to deter herbivores. These trees quickly grow to almost a metre tall and spread their seeds for miles, laying dormant until a flash flood can provide enough water for the seed to sprout.
I love how this article turned out! I love the idea of black sand and purple fire. Yay!
Thank you so much! <3