Dulkėtas Dykuma
So... many.... tumbleweeds!The Dulkėtas Dykuma exists partly because of a lack of rainfall. It is known as "Dusty Lands" by locals because of the thick white layer of dust that has accumulated on the surface. This layer of dust is easily disturbed, so any who travel the Dulkėtas could easily find themselves choking on a cloud of dust of their own making. One ought to bring their own mask to avoid choking on the dust. However, one may not need to create their own dust storm as there are enough windy days to keep the skies above this desert in a dusty haze. The dust also adds to the visual calamity of a Magic Storms. People and wildlife prefer to avoid traveling through this region when possible.
Tumbleweed Terror
As a desert, the region is home to less flora and fauna that the surrounding valleys. Tumbleweeds are the dominant plant life in the Dulkėtas, and they are legion. The region's flat plains and windy weather are the perfect mechanism by which a tumbleweed can disperse their seeds. The region is so conducive to tumbleweed life that several travelers have died after being buried alive my a swarm of the dry and thorny plants. The thorns of a tumbleweed allow then to stick to one another as well as any loose bits of clothing. The tumbleweeds are so dry that they will often catch fire. Large groupings of tumbles, once lit, will turning into a mobile firestorm.Dust Devils
On a particularly windy day, several dust devils will appear. These dust devils can become a torrent of thorns if they pass through a mound of tumbleweeds. These "thorn devils" are capable of inflicting fatal wounds.Common sensibility says that you won't find snow in a hot and dry desert. In this case, common sensibility is wrong.
Snowfall
In winter, snowdrifts will form in the Dulkėtas as a result of a yearly snowstorm that hits the region. This snow storm is known as "baltas dulkės" and it is considered to be the true beginning of winter for the desert. The snow does not melt until the start of spring.Geography
The landscape of the Dulketas is largely flat with short mounds here and there to break up the monotony. It is surrounded by the Forrevne Mountains to the west and north, Gladkiy Mountains to the south, and Snjór mountains to the east. Rocks and boulders of various sizes and colors also dot the landscape along with some bushes, small trees, and cacti. Of course, tumbleweeds are in abundance.
I almost fell into that canyon during the night. I never forgot it since. - Fredrick Paquet, Gatherer
Hidden Canyon
It's not hidden outright, just difficult to spot from a distance because the cliffs and surrounding terrain blend together. One can easily miss the canyon, and some have suddenly found themselves teetering at the top of a sheer cliff. The canyon runs along the length of the Dulketas effectively splitting the desert into two halves: Šiaurė Dulketas, and į'Pietus Dulketas. At the bottom of this canyon is a river bed that is only filled with water during spring, when the snows melt and run off into the canyon. Many of the locals will gather near the canyon in celebration of the event as well as to gather as much of the water as possible.Hidden Caves
As with most canyons in Awldor, or any cliff for that matter, caves can be found within the steep rocky slopes. There's a theme with the hidden canyon, however. One must find the cave entrances, and they aren't easy to find. Beasts and monsters of various sorts make their home in these cliffs. Goblins too can make their home in these caves (there's a rumor of a goblin town hidden deep within one of the caves). If traveling near this canyon, make sure to do it in a large groups. Failing that, make sure to be armed and skillful with a chosen armament. For the brave dungeon delver, these caves have been known to hide away treasures of various kinds. Just be mindful of its resident(s) and bring appropriate equipment.All artwork is by starfarertheta unless otherwise stated.
Geographic Location
Alternative Name(s)
Dusty Lands, Realm of Tumbleweeds
Type
Desert
Location under
Included Locations
Common Flora
- Creosote
- Cholla
- Barrel Cactus
- Brittle-bush
Common Fauna
- Vultures
- Horned Lizards
- Dulketas Diamondback Snake
- Burrowing Owls
Typical Magic Fields
- Aero
- Aqua
- Acid
Note(s) from the Archivists
Tumbleweeds are no joke, those things almost killed me. - Archivist Edward I can vouch for this, for I myself have been endangered by the havoc the thorny thistles can perpetuate. - Arch Archivist Grau QuillbladeRemove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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