Draecar Wastes Overview

The Draecar Wastes dominates the western edge of Erkovia. This sprawling region, ravaged by the Aetherflare Titans during the Great Confluence, is characterized by its harsh landscapes, high mesas, arid deserts, and desolate coastline. The remnants of ancient civilizations scattered throughout the area add a sense of haunting mystery to this barren land.
The Legacy of the Great Confluence: The Draecar Wastes serve as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the Aetherflare Titans. The destruction of this once-prosperous region highlights the scale of the Great Confluence’s impact on Erkovia.
There is a ton of archaeological interest with the scattered ruins for explorers and scholars seeking to uncover lost knowledge and artifacts from the civilizations that once thrived in the area.
There are very few tribes of people who live within the area, either within the plateaus themselves or running nomadically across the land. None are officially accounted for as this seems to be a lawless area dominated by the dangerous and predatory creatures that made its home after the wasteland was formed. Eldoria claims the land, but there is no representation, as there is no official settlements or citizens to account for. Eldoria sends adventurers usually to gather resources that area does provide as the dangerous wildlife and trecherous land itself proves a challenge for the normal person to traverse. Most of the dangerous jobs of adventurer's guilds can take you to certain places within the Draecar Wastes, and to one's certain death.

Geography

High Mesas and Plateaus: Towering mesas and rugged plateaus dominate the terrain, rising sharply from the surrounding land and creating dramatic, fractured horizons. These geological features cast long shadows and contribute to the region's stark and intimidating appearance.
Expansive Desert: Stretching between the mesas and the coastline is a vast desert known as the Sandworn Expanse. This arid wasteland is marked by rolling dunes, cracked earth, and occasional dry riverbeds. The desert’s surface is covered in fine, windblown sand that shifts with every gust of wind, creating ever-changing patterns.
Deserted Coastline: The western edge of the Draecar Wastes meets a desolate coastline, where the land meets the sea in a forlorn, empty stretch. Sparse rivers, now reduced to slow trickles, flow toward the coast, their courses altered by the relentless desertification.
Ruins and Relics: Scattered throughout the Wastes are the ruins of ancient cities and settlements, their once-grand structures now reduced to crumbling stone and weathered remnants. These ruins provide a glimpse into the region’s past before the catastrophic events of the Great Confluence.

Ecosystem Cycles

Eclipse Summer Duration: Approximately three months (June to August) Temperature: Daytime temperatures soar to extreme highs, while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes falling below freezing. Weather Patterns: Sandstorms are frequent, with strong winds whipping through the desert and mesas. The skies are typically clear, but dust and sand can obscure visibility. Occasional heatwaves intensify the already harsh conditions. Local Phenomena: The “Eclipse Mirage” phenomenon occurs, where extreme heat creates shimmering, illusory mirages that distort the appearance of the landscape.
Whispering Autumn Duration: Approximately two months (September to October) Temperature: Temperatures begin to moderate and nighttime lows becoming milder. Weather Patterns: Sandstorms become less frequent, but the region may experience sporadic dust showers. The desert gradually cools, leading to clearer skies and reduced wind intensity. Local Phenomena: The “Whispering Winds” bring faint, eerie sounds that echo through the ruins, creating a haunting atmosphere.
Frozen Winter Duration: Approximately three months (November to January) Temperature: Daytime temperatures drop significantly, while nighttime temperatures can plunge below freezing. Weather Patterns: The region experiences very little precipitation, but frost can form on the desert floor and mesas. Coastal areas may see occasional mist or fog, and cold winds can sweep through the desert. Local Phenomena: The “Frosted Ruins” effect occurs, where the cold causes moisture in the air to freeze, creating beautiful but eerie ice formations on the ruins.
Awakening Spring Duration: Approximately two months (February to March) Temperature: Temperatures gradually rise Weather Patterns: The region experiences increasing winds and occasional dust storms as the temperatures warm. Spring brings a sense of renewal, with clearer skies and a decrease in frost and cold weather. Local Phenomena: The “Desert Bloom” occurs, where rare and resilient plants produce striking, colorful flowers against the arid backdrop, creating a temporary but vivid spectacle.

Localized Phenomena

Aetherflare Residue: Areas affected by the Aetherflare Titans still exhibit signs of lingering magical energy, with scorched or glassy ground and faintly glowing cracks.
Temporal Anomalies: Certain ruined sites experience distorted time flows, creating strange visions or sudden changes in the environment, as if echoes of the Great Confluence persist.
Sand Whirls: In the desert, sudden and localized sand whirls, or “whirlwinds,” create temporary vortexes of swirling sand, adding to the desert’s treacherous nature.
Echoing Ruins: Some ancient ruins emit eerie, unexplained sounds or echoes that seem to carry across the empty landscape, enhancing the region's haunting atmosphere.

Climate

Temperature: The Draecar Wastes experience extreme temperature fluctuations. The desert is intensely hot during the day, with temperatures soaring to oppressive levels, while nights can be surprisingly cold. The coastal areas have milder temperatures but still experience temperature extremes due to the arid environment.
Weather Patterns: The region is generally dry with very little rainfall. Sandstorms are common, particularly in the desert, whipping through the mesas and dunes and reducing visibility. The coastal areas occasionally experience harsh winds and salt-laden breezes.
Humidity: The coastal areas have slightly higher humidity, but it remains low compared to more temperate regions. The rivers provide minimal moisture, but the overall environment remains arid and parched.

Fauna & Flora

Flora
Desert Plants: Sandthorn Cactus: A large, rugged cactus with spiky, dark green needles and vibrant, orange flowers that bloom sporadically. It has deep roots that access underground water sources. Firebrush: A hardy shrub with fiery red foliage and small, bright yellow flowers. Its leaves can be used for medicinal purposes, and it is highly resistant to drought. Crimson Lichen: A type of lichen that grows on the ruins and rocks. It has a reddish hue and emits a faint glow in the dark, creating an otherworldly atmosphere around ancient ruins.
Coastal Vegetation: Saltspray Grass: A tough, salt-tolerant grass that grows along the coastline. It has long, thin blades that sway with the coastal winds. Seaweed Fern: Found in the shallow waters near the coast, this plant has fronds that resemble both seaweed and ferns, thriving in the brackish water.
Ancient Vines: Ruins Ivy: Twisted vines that have taken root in the crumbling structures. They have thick, dark leaves and produce small, purple flowers. The vines are resilient and can grow over stone and metal.
Fauna
Desert Creatures: Dust Hound: A sleek, sand-colored predator with keen senses and a highly developed sense of smell. It is adept at locating water and prey in the harsh desert environment. Sand Scorpion: A large, venomous scorpion with a tough exoskeleton that can blend into the sand. Its venom is potent, and it primarily preys on smaller desert animals. Desert Serpent: A long, slender snake with scales that change color to match the surrounding sand. It is highly elusive and feeds on small mammals and reptiles.
Coastal Species: Coastal Rodent: A small, adaptable rodent that forages along the shore for food. It has large, webbed feet for swimming and digging. Saltwater Crab: A large crab with a tough shell and pincers adapted to both land and sea. It scavenges along the beach and is a key part of the coastal ecosystem. Migratory Birds: Various species of birds that travel long distances and use the coast as a resting point. They have adapted to the region’s climate and are known for their distinctive calls.
Supernatural Creatures Aetherflare Wraiths: Ghostly entities that roam the ruins of the Draecar Wastes. They are remnants of the souls lost during the Aetherflare Titans’ devastation. These wraiths are semi-transparent, glowing faintly with residual magical energy. They are known to drift through the ruins, emitting mournful wails and creating unsettling, ghostly apparitions.
Desert Mirage Djinn: Mysterious, ethereal beings that inhabit the desert sands. They are often mistaken for mirages due to their ability to manipulate light and create illusions. Djinn are said to have the power to grant wishes or curse those who encounter them, though their true intentions are often ambiguous.
Ruins Golems: Constructed from the remnants of ancient structures, these stone golems are animated by residual magic from the Great Confluence. They protect the ruins from intruders and can manipulate the earth and stone around them to create barriers or launch attacks.
Sandshade Serpents: Large, serpentine creatures that dwell beneath the desert sands. They can control sand to create shifting dunes and traps for unwary travelers. Their scales blend perfectly with the desert environment, making them nearly invisible until they strike.
Spectral Sandstorm: A rare and dangerous phenomenon where a sandstorm is imbued with supernatural energy. The storm can create illusions, summon spectral creatures, or disorient travelers. It is believed to be a manifestation of the lingering magical energy from the Great Confluence.

Natural Resources

Minerals and Ores: Desert Gold: Found in small, scattered deposits throughout the desert sands, this gold is often mixed with quartz and is highly sought after for its purity. Iron Ore: Found in the rocky outcrops and mesas, iron ore is abundant and used for crafting and construction. Magnesium Crystals: Rare crystals that have formed from ancient volcanic activity. They are highly valuable for their use in magical and alchemical processes. Salt Deposits: Extensive salt flats and deposits along the coast are harvested for use in preservation and as a trading commodity.
Building Materials: Sandstone: The mesas and plateaus are rich in sandstone, a versatile building material used both in the past and present for construction and masonry. Ruins Stone: Weathered and aged stone from the ancient ruins, valuable for its unique appearance and historical significance. It is often used in decorative and historical restorations.
Magical Resources: Aetherflare Residue: Residual magical energy found in certain areas, especially around the ruins. This residue is used in magical rituals and crafting enchanted items. Crystalline Shards: Occasional deposits of magical crystals, found in the remnants of ancient structures, which can be used in powerful enchantments or spells.
Flora-Based Resources: Desert Herbs: Medicinal herbs such as Firebrush Leaves are used in traditional remedies and potions. Saltspray Plants: Coastal plants that are used in herbal medicine and as a food preservative.
Fauna-Based Resources: Scorpion Venom: The venom from Sand Scorpions is highly valuable for its alchemical and medicinal properties. Desert Beast Hides: Hides from creatures like Dust Hounds and Desert Serpents can be used to make durable clothing and armor.
Coastal Resources: Marine Resources: Shells, pearls, and other oceanic materials found along the coast are used for crafting and trade. Brine: Salt-rich brine from the coastal areas is collected for its utility in food preservation and as a trading good.
Archaeological Resources: Ancient Artifacts: Artifacts and relics from the ruins provide historical value and are often sought after by collectors and scholars.

Type

Region

Owning Organization

Eldoria