Sulphur Dunes

Located on Erebus, the Sulphur Dunes are a vast, rolling expanse of yellow and ochre dunes infused with sulfurous compounds. The land shifts constantly due to the strong winds, and geysers of toxic gas erupt periodically from the ground. The atmosphere is dense with noxious fumes, and the few streams of water that exist in the region are contaminated with sulfur, making the area inhospitable to most forms of life.

The Sulphur Dunes have been largely unexplored due to their inhospitable nature, but recent archaeological surveys have suggested the presence of ancient ruins buried deep within the sands. These findings have drawn the interest of both corporations and independent explorers hoping to uncover alien artifacts or lost technologies.

Geography

The Sulphur Dunes are a vast, rolling desert located in the eastern hemisphere of Acheron Prime . The terrain is composed of sulfur-rich sand dunes, which shift constantly under the influence of strong winds. The dunes themselves are yellow and ochre in color, with occasional patches of grey and white where the sulfur deposits are most concentrated. The area is largely devoid of significant geological features like mountains or rivers, though there are occasional rock formations and craggy outcrops breaking the monotony of the dunes.
There is no fresh water in the Sulphur Dunes, and the region is completely landlocked. The few pools of liquid found here are highly toxic and composed of a mix of sulfuric acid and other industrial byproducts, remnants of ancient geological activity and possibly even industrial runoff from forgotten mining operations.

The dunes are known for their shifting nature, with entire landscapes changing over the course of days as winds move the sand across the region. Navigating this area is particularly treacherous due to the constant movement of the sands, which can swallow vehicles or create temporary valleys and ridges without warning.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of the Sulphur Dunes is nearly lifeless due to the high concentrations of toxic sulfur in both the air and the sand. However, a few specialized organisms have managed to adapt to these extreme conditions, though they are few and far between.

• Flora: Very few plants can survive in the Sulphur Dunes, though a rare, hardy species known as Sulphurweed has evolved to tolerate the extreme toxicity. These plants have thick, waxy leaves that resist the corrosive effects of the sulfur-rich environment and draw nutrients from deep beneath the surface. Sulphurweed is a short, bushy plant with a dull yellow hue that allows it to blend into the dunes.
• Fauna: The fauna of the Sulphur Dunes consists of small, highly specialized creatures that have adapted to survive in the harsh environment. One such species is the Sulphur Lizard, a small, reptilian creature with a thick, scaly hide that protects it from the toxic sands. These lizards are primarily scavengers, feeding on any organic material they can find, including the remains of other animals or plants blown into the dunes by the wind. Additionally, there are Sulphur Mites, tiny insect-like creatures that burrow into the sulfuric sand to avoid the extreme surface conditions. They feed on microscopic organisms that thrive in the toxic soil, though these mites are rare and difficult to spot.

Ecosystem Cycles

The ecosystem cycles of the Sulphur Dunes are largely dictated by the region’s harsh environmental conditions rather than traditional seasonal changes.

• Sulfur Storms: The most significant ecological cycle in the Sulphur Dunes is the Sulfur Storm, a violent windstorm that sweeps across the dunes at irregular intervals. These storms carry clouds of sulfuric dust and gas, creating an incredibly hostile environment for any life on the surface. During these storms, most of the flora and fauna in the region retreat underground or enter a dormant state until the storm passes.
• Temperature Fluctuations: The temperature in the Sulphur Dunes swings drastically between day and night. During the day, the surface can reach scorching temperatures as the sulfuric sand absorbs heat from the sun. At night, the lack of insulation causes the temperature to drop sharply, creating a cold, inhospitable environment. The few organisms that live in the dunes have adapted by becoming nocturnal or burrowing underground during the day.

Localized Phenomena

The Sulphur Dunes are known for several unique localized phenomena that make the region especially hazardous.

• Toxic Geysers: Scattered throughout the Sulphur Dunes are toxic geysers, which periodically erupt, spewing clouds of sulfuric gas and superheated steam into the air. These geysers are highly unpredictable and can be lethal to any creature caught in their path. The ground near these geysers is often unstable, making the area dangerous to traverse.
• Sulfur Lightning: A rare and deadly phenomenon in the Sulphur Dunes is Sulfur Lightning, a type of lightning strike that occurs during sulfur storms. The high concentration of sulfur particles in the air creates a highly conductive environment, allowing for frequent lightning strikes that are more powerful and erratic than standard lightning. These strikes can ignite pockets of sulfuric gas, causing massive explosions.
• Shifting Sands: The constant movement of the sand creates shifting sand pits that can swallow entire vehicles or structures without warning. These pits form suddenly as the wind redistributes the sand, creating dangerous traps for unwary travelers. The landscape changes frequently, and maps of the Sulphur Dunes quickly become outdated.

Climate

The climate of the Sulphur Dunes is harsh, with extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns.

• Temperature Extremes: The region experiences blistering heat during the day, with surface temperatures reaching unbearable levels. At night, the temperature drops dramatically, often below freezing. These temperature swings make survival in the region difficult without proper protection and equipment.
• Sulfuric Air: The air in the Sulphur Dunes is thick with sulfuric particles and toxic gases, making it dangerous to breathe without filtration equipment. The constant presence of these gases creates an acidic atmosphere that slowly corrodes exposed materials and damages the lungs of any unprotected creatures.
• Unpredictable Storms: The region is prone to violent sulfur storms, which can last for hours or even days. These storms bring high winds, sulfuric dust, and lightning, making travel and survival nearly impossible during these periods.

Fauna & Flora

While life in the Sulphur Dunes is scarce, the organisms that do survive have evolved unique adaptations to withstand the harsh environment.

• Flora: The only significant plant life in the Sulphur Dunes is Sulphurweed, a tough, resilient plant that grows in small clusters throughout the dunes. Its thick, waxy leaves are coated in a substance that protects it from the toxic environment, allowing it to thrive where most other plants would perish.
• Fauna: The Sulphur Lizard is one of the few animals that call the Sulphur Dunes home. These small, reptilian creatures have developed a tough, armored hide that resists the corrosive effects of the sulfur-rich sand. They are scavengers, feeding on anything organic they can find, and are primarily active at night to avoid the extreme heat of the day. The Sulphur Mites, tiny insect-like creatures, burrow deep into the sand to escape the surface conditions. They feed on microorganisms that live in the toxic soil and play a key role in the limited ecosystem by breaking down organic matter.

Natural Resources

Though largely barren, the Sulphur Dunes do contain some valuable natural resources, which have attracted the interest of corporations and scavengers.

• Sulfur Deposits: The dunes are rich in sulfur, which can be harvested and refined for industrial use. However, the difficulty of extraction due to the hostile environment has limited large-scale mining operations.
• Rare Minerals: Beneath the surface of the dunes lie veins of rare minerals and metals, though extracting them is difficult due to the constantly shifting sands and toxic conditions. Some prospectors venture into the dunes in search of these valuable resources, but few return with anything of significant value.
• Toxic Gases: The toxic gases that seep from the ground in the Sulphur Dunes can be collected and used in industrial processes, though the extraction of these gases is a dangerous and complex task. Specialized equipment is required to harvest the gases without exposing workers to the deadly fumes.

History

The history of the Sulphur Dunes is largely unknown, though there are rumors that the area was once home to ancient industrial operations or even a long-lost civilization. Scattered throughout the dunes are the remains of old mining rigs, decayed vehicles, and crumbling structures, suggesting that some attempt was made to exploit the region’s resources in the distant past.
However, the exact origins of these ruins remain a mystery, as the dunes have buried most of the evidence beneath layers of shifting sand. What is clear is that the area has been abandoned for centuries, with only the hardiest and most desperate prospectors daring to explore its dangerous terrain.

Tourism

Tourism in the Sulphur Dunes is virtually nonexistent due to the extreme danger of the region. However, a few adventurous or reckless individuals are drawn to the area for the following reasons:

• Adventurers and Explorers: Some adventurers visit the Sulphur Dunes in search of ancient ruins or hidden treasures believed to be buried beneath the shifting sands. These explorers are often well-equipped and highly experienced, as the dangers of the region make casual travel impossible.
• Prospectors: A small number of prospectors venture into the dunes in search of valuable minerals or sulfur deposits. These individuals are often driven by desperation, as the risk of death or serious injury is high.
• Corporate Expeditions: Occasionally, corporations send specialized teams into the Sulphur Dunes to survey the area for valuable resources. These expeditions are heavily guarded and rely on advanced equipment to navigate the toxic environment.

Type

Desert

Location under

Erebus

Included Locations

• Outpost Zeta
• Ruins of Xantar