Ushal

This region in southern Istervyn, is technically under the rule of Zhaliya but in practice acts as an autonomous region. It is mostly comprised of sandy dunes with sparce vegitation with a few oases scattered throughout. With its searing temperatures, lack of water and plants, and abundance of flame touched creatures the region is hardly hospitable. Despite the challenges, people still live in the area, often underground or in settlements surrounding oases.

Like many isolated regions of the world, a variety of legends and folktales surround the area. Among the folk tales are tales of an oasis blessed by Zerje , the cursed area where a the remains of a person that looked to have fallen out of the sky was found buried deep in the sands, and a secret Zhaliyan research facility where the elves test their newest clockwork inventions. At very least, there is a oasis influenced by Zerje's magic, Zerasho Oasis, and an area that the people of Ushal consider cursed that is said to contain mysterious remains.

Geography

Below the sands that cover the surface are large cave systems carved into the sandstone. A few small oases are scattered throughout the region, pockets of greenery and life within this otherwise dull and lifeless landscape.

Fauna & Flora

Many plants in Ushal are only found around oases or remain dormiate until one of the region's brief rainstorms. Those that do survive in the sands have tough leaves, deep roots, or ways of storing water within the plant. Like the humanoids of the region, many animals live underground or in brrows at least for the heat of the day. Flame touched animals and plants are especially common in the region; wave touched creatures are very rare and are revered as sacred and a gift from the deities by the people of Ushal.

Natural Resources

The most important resource at least for the cretures of the region is water, whether it's from an oasis, food, collected from the air itself, or one of the few rainstorms. Without the region's limited water, the creatures of Ushal wouldn't exsist at all. Similarly the plants that are able to survive in the region are invaluable to the other creatures. Outside of Ushal, the most highly regarded resources are the metallic minerals, salt, and few gemstones found in the region. Even the sand itself is valued for its role in construction, water filtration, and glass production.

Tourism

Almost all people traveling to Ushal are pilgrims traveling to Zerasho's Oasis or traders. A small but thrriving tourism industry is present, comprizing mainly of guides and devotees of Zerje.

Type

Desert

Included Locations

• Zerasho Oasis

Related Ethnicities

• Ushaa

Contested By

• Zhaliya

Inhabiting Species

• Meerkats