Vermillion Clouds

The Vermillion Clouds is a wetland that emerges seasonally in a seven-day-period and covers the Infinite Sands with annual plants (therefore the period is also called Vermillion Blossom or Vermillion Bloom). It lasts for just one day and one night before the plants wither and turn into grains under the sand. The natural phenomenon facilitates the blooming of a vivid plant kingdom and attracts many different migratory animals.

1. Geography

The deserted Infinite Sands area borders the mainland in the southeast and in the east, covering the entire East Coast and probably the rest of the whole continent. It is believed that the Vermillion Blossom covers the entire continent just as well during the blooming season. Even the Undying do not dare to step a foot in the area when the dry season burns, because the sand is hot enough to melt their feet.

2. Nature

Even though the area rapidly cools down when the Wave rolls over the land, the average temperature during the blossom period still pushes mortals to the limits. Seasonal floodings forbid any settlements or long stays for any human, animal or creature.

Seasons in the Infinite Sands

Day 1	The Wave The water level of the Ago Sea rises dramatically for a few hours. The Wave usually appears at sunset and flows back to the sea over night.
Day 2	Blooming of the Vermillion Clouds The Infinite Sands turn into a vivid habitat with Vermillion Blossom covering the area as far as the eye can reach. By sunset, the plants dry out and the migratory animals move on to other locations.
Day 3 - Day 7	Dry Season The vestiges of the blooming fade into sand. During the dry season, the deserted area is dead and unpassable for mortals.
Day 8	The next Wave floods the land People gather in beach areas to watch the Wave come and go. The Shenbuu Festival takes place and another circle of bloom and decay begins.

A depiction of the flooded regions during the Wave .

2.1 Flora and Fauna

The inhabitants of the area are adapted to the narrow cyclic periods of the Wave and live a fast and restless life. The Vermillion Blossom is a ground covering therophyte that is eponymous for the area due to its tiny red blossoms. Their vermillion red color can be seen from a great distance.

Fauna
Most of the migratory animals in the region feed on the blossom or they hunt down the attracted herbivores. There is also a noteworthy number of scavenging animals roaming the sands right before and right after the blossom period.

• storks, gulls and other birds come with the Wave to feast on the stranded clams and fish.
• The blossom attract insects, lizards and flocks of smaller birds.

3. Vermillion Powder

Blossoms from the Vermillion Clouds are an indispensable element in the process of Athem concentration, for they are the only known source of Vermillion Powder. Manufacturers of the resource pick the blossoms as a whole. The powder-containing microsporangia are washed out in a first step, before the water is vaporized and the remaining Vermillion Powder can be skimmed from the bowl.

4. Myths and Anecdotes

The Vermillion Blossom has always been worshiped in the Juru culture and there are many myths surrounding the mysterious annual plant paradise in the Infinite Sands. Several ancient rituals involve the usage of extracted Vermillion Powder, which is a basic material for a variety of occult items. Some rituals incorporate the consumption of the material or inuctions with ointment made from the powder.

Morqui Figurines
Morquis are burnt figurines made of Vermillion Powder and clay. They often depict monsters and fear-evoking animals. The Juru believe says that owners do not have to fear anything, as long as they treat their Morquis like true friends and respect them.

Charmstones
Hardened charmstones made of Vermillion Powder and a variety of minerals allegedly vest power and health in the holder, which had made them popular gifts in Teel long before they were used for the extraction of Roa.