Zami Ramal

Zami Ramal - the Thirsty Sands.   This country is defined by its dependence upon fresh water. The main ports out to the salt-laden seas flanking the desert are connected by the Golden Road, running east to west, via a great trading city set in the centre of the high desert. Roads from there lead to the more temperate climes to the north and the mountains far to the south. The long, dusty roads are travelled by camel trains and wagons, and most desert towns are formed of adobe houses and sturdy canvas tents. Each town is protected from wild animals and invading bandits by a small garrison situated in a barracks. Communication is usually by falcons, flying snakes or fast despatch riders.   For half of the year, dry winds blow across the dunes, shifting the sands towards the eastern coast and blowing the dust into every nook and cranny. For one month alone in the other half of the year, rains fall upon the southern mountains and feed the underground rivers and oases which are the lifeblood of the desert lands. At the start of the flood each year, a great festival is held in Akhang-Ahvar where traders meet and travellers visit to celebrate the boon of waters from the gods.   The people of the desert towns are tough and defensive, but restless and proud, having descended from nomads many centuries past. They dress mainly in loose cotton clothing and cover their faces to keep the dust from their eyes. Settlers of all kinds have come to the city to make their living, some doing very well from the tourism each year, some selling skills only they can wield. And there are those who would seek to enslave the entire desert for their own nefarious powers...