Wave 4 | Prompt 10 (Wild Card): A geographical region that is expanding
Type: Location
While writing for the “naturally sheltered place” prompt, I created several others branching from the Duskfire Oasis article. One of which was the desert in which it is situated. I decided to use the Duskfire Desert for this prompt, as a desert, or really any biome, can be an expanding region.
The Duskfire Desert is situated in the remote eastern region of Drakemyst and extends partly into Arkynshire. It is a vast expanse of red sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. In the heart of the desert lies the magnificent Duskfire Oasis, a captivating sight with its clear, shimmering waters surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. As evening approaches, the sky is set ablaze with vibrant shades of orange and red, casting a mesmerizing glow over the entire desert, and earning it the name "Duskfire".
I was using an AI generator to generate ideas for this location’s name, and one of the names that stuck with me was “Duskfire”. When I wrote that down, I envisioned the desert having red sands and, at sunset, producing vibrant orange and red colors, giving it its name. The large oasis takes its name from the desert it’s located in.
The relentless winds have carved out the desert to the south, encroaching into the once lush region of Arkynshire and leaving a noticeable mark on the map. As the winds push the sand southward, they have uncovered a new rocky shrubland biome, creating a stark contrast to the previously sandy terrain. In addition, the drifting sands have allowed unique trees to take root, bringing the existence of the Echoing Woods in the far northern reaches of the landscape.
The arid desert landscape and the shrublands that border it provide a habitat for the elusive Sandwyrm. These fascinating creatures are adept at burrowing into both the soft sands and the hardened sandstone rock, allowing them to thrive in this harsh, unforgiving environment.
Perfect location for the sandwyrm I created when writing for the “species with protective anatomy”!
The desert is a vast expanse characterized by towering dunes of vibrant red sand. Along the edges of the biome, the landscape gradually transforms into a rugged, arid terrain punctuated by rocky desert shrublands, where hardy desert shrubs and cacti thrive. The transition from the sandy coastline to the rocky interior is a striking feature of this biome. Nestled amidst this harsh environment are scattered small oases, providing pockets of respite in the otherwise unforgiving desert. Among these oases, one stands out as a prominent landmark - the expansive and renowned Duskfire Oasis, located at the heart of the desert.
In the vast expanse of the eastern desert, a solemn site bears witness to the conclusion of the Draconian War. The once pristine sandstone rock is now etched with the harrowing aftermath of the final battle, its surface marred by the deep scars of conflict and stained with the poignant legacy of spilled blood.
At the edges of the biome, inland, the desert is more of a xeric shrubland biome. Within one part of that rocky shrubland is where the final battle of the Draconian War took place, near the Duskfire Oasis / Village.
The rocky shrubland is probably where the Bleeding Sun Pepper would be located, used to make the Bleeding Sun Hot Sauce.