Anjeta Desert

Geography

The Anjeta Desert covers approximately 60% of the continent of Jakkurin, making it the dominant landscape in the region. It features vast, rolling dunes, rocky plateaus, and perilous sandstorms. This arid expanse surrounds many cities and settlements, and life here relies heavily on the few rivers and oases that provide water. The Willy Sea, a dry, salt-crusted expanse at the desert's heart, is famous for its mystical mirages that disorient travelers​​.
The Darkia River, flowing through the desert, supports the major settlement of Navi, which acts as a lifeline for agriculture and trade amidst the desert​.

Ecosystem

The desert ecosystem is highly adapted to extreme conditions. The plant life includes drought-resistant species like cacti, small shrubs, and desert flowers, capable of surviving the scorching days and freezing nights. The fauna consists of reptiles, sand-dwelling rodents, and predatory birds, all specialized for harsh climates​​.
In regions with more magical activity, such as near the pyramids, strange phenomena can influence the desert ecosystem. Residual magical energies from ancient civilizations may create mutated creatures or magical wildlife​.

Ecosystem Cycles

The cycles of life in the Anjeta Desert are driven by extremes of temperature. Daytime brings intense heat, forcing many animals into burrows, while at night, temperatures plummet, encouraging nocturnal activity. The scarce rainfall, concentrated in short bursts, creates flash floods and briefly revives plant life, spurring temporary blooms​.

Localized Phenomena

Willy Sea Mirages: In the heart of the desert, optical illusions abound, making travelers see phantom lakes, cities, or creatures, luring them off course.
Magha Residue: Magical energy left behind by Artt users can warp reality, altering the landscape or creating pockets where natural laws behave differently​​.

Climate

The desert experiences scorching days and freezing nights. Temperatures can range from over 40°C (104°F) during the day to below freezing at night. Sandstorms are frequent, particularly in the open plains of dunes, and travelers are often caught in these violent winds​.

Fauna & Flora

Flora: Includes cacti, desert shrubs, and the rare Anjeta Desert Lily, which blooms after rainfalls and is believed to have magical properties.
Fauna: Besides the typical reptiles and rodents, creatures such as Sand Drakes—large, desert-dwelling lizards—are also said to inhabit the dunes. These creatures may have evolved in response to residual magic​​.

Natural Resources

The desert is known for its mineral deposits, including rare metals and gems. Additionally, magical artifacts from ancient civilizations are scattered across the desert, particularly near the mysterious pyramids. These are highly sought after by adventurers​​.

History

The Anjeta Desert is a region steeped in mystery, from the three pyramids representing Water, Earth, and Air, to the missing Pyramid of Fire, which was discovered an ocean away in the Sandzone Desert of Jaspdo. Theories abound as to how the pyramid was relocated, with some suggesting powerful ancient magic.
Throughout history, the desert has been home to several forgotten empires, whose ruins still lie buried beneath the sands. The Kingdom of Darkia, situated along the Darkia River, remains a powerful force, using both ancient magic and modern technology to reclaim parts of the desert for cultivation.

The Mysterious Pyramids of Anjeta

In the heart of the Anjeta Desert, three massive pyramids stand as ancient relics from a long-lost civilization. These pyramids have long been the subject of fascination and mystery, and their origins are still not fully understood.

The Three Pyramids and Their Mystery

The three known pyramids in the Anjeta Desert are each said to represent one of the elements: Water, Earth, and Air. These pyramids are sacred to the local inhabitants, believed to be imbued with magical properties tied to the Artts​. However, the absence of a fourth pyramid—one that would represent Fire—has puzzled archaeologists for centuries.
The Pyramid of Water: Located near the last tributary of the Darkia River before it vanishes into the desert sands, this pyramid is thought to have been a temple dedicated to controlling and honoring water. Ancient carvings on its walls depict rivers, oceans, and rains, suggesting that it once played a central role in rituals tied to the lifeblood of the desert.
The Pyramid of Earth: This pyramid is believed to be dedicated to the Earth element. It is the most intact of the three and is built upon a massive rock formation, giving it the appearance of growing out of the desert floor. Its carvings show mountains, caves, and fertile fields, leading some to believe that it was once part of a larger network of earth-based magic across the desert.
The Pyramid of Air: The tallest of the three pyramids, this structure rises above the shifting dunes, its peak often obscured by swirling winds. Inside, ancient scripts hint at the worship of wind spirits and rituals that involved controlling the weather. It is said that the Pyramid of Air once had the power to influence the harsh desert winds, providing shelter from sandstorms.

The Missing Pyramid of Fire

While the other three pyramids remain standing in the Anjeta Desert, the Pyramid of Fire is conspicuously absent. Archaeologists and scholars have long theorized why this pyramid is missing, but no conclusive answers have been found. Recently, however, a startling discovery was made: the missing Pyramid of Fire was found in the Sandzone Desert on the distant continent of Jaspdo, an ocean away from Jakkurin. This has sparked a wave of new theories and debates among scholars and explorers.

Theories Behind the Displacement of the Pyramid

Immigrant Dono from Jakkurin: One popular theory suggests that the Dono people, possibly immigrants or explorers from Jakkurin, were responsible for moving the Pyramid of Fire to Sandzone. This theory is supported by the fact that ancient Dono cultures are known to have spread across various continents​. However, the logistics of such an endeavor, especially in ancient times, remain difficult to explain.
The Pyramid Was Moved by a Powerful Warrior: Legends tell of a mighty warrior or Artt wielder with powers so great that they could move mountains. Some believe that this legendary figure relocated the Pyramid of Fire to Jaspdo, either as part of a conquest or a pilgrimage. However, historians widely dismiss this theory as impossible with the technological limitations of the ancient world.
The Pyramid Was Stolen: Another wild theory posits that the Pyramid of Fire was stolen by an ancient civilization from Jaspdo, either for religious purposes or as a symbol of power. However, moving such a massive structure across the ocean without advanced technology seems beyond the capabilities of any known ancient society.
A Catastrophic Event: Some archaeologists speculate that a natural disaster or magical catastrophe could have displaced the Pyramid of Fire. Given the prominence of magical Artts in ancient Ysanaf, it’s possible that a powerful mage or an unstable magical event could have caused the pyramid to vanish from Jakkurin and reappear in Jaspdo. This would also explain why no remnants of it have been found in Jakkurin itself.

Tourism

The pyramids of the Anjeta Desert attract scholars, treasure hunters, and those seeking magical knowledge. Visitors come from across Ysanaf to explore the ruins and attempt to unlock the secrets of these structures. The Oasis of Eternal Spring, a natural hub for trade and rest, also draws caravans and pilgrims alike.

Type

Desert

Location under

Jakkurin