Athirat Desert

Dunes of bone-white sands, the Athirat Desert lies to the south of Le'Chery. The Soothsigh River cuts through the western portion of this desert, emptying into the Kelyune Sea. Extreme fluctuations of temperature (as low as 8°F at night to 119°F midday), strong seasonal winds, and clear skies make life in Athirat rather uncomfortable.

• Amphitheatrum
• Hunter's Guild

Common indigenous species include coyotes, tortoises, rattlesnakes, lizards, elk, deer, roadrunners, gila monsters, ravens and other such creatures. Giant cousins may be seen as well as other rare monstrosities.

Horror Jackals:
The dessicated corpse of a humanoid jackal, these energy draining undead seek to destroy anything living they come across. Spending their daylight hours hidden in burrows they dig themselves, Horror Jackals lie in wait until prey approaches, springing out to attack viciously with their teeth and claws.

Trap Ants:
Trap Ants resemble giant lobsters more than they do ants. It has a hard shell with overlapping layers and eight legs. Usually whitish or tan in color. The six rear legs are used for movement while the two front claw-like appendages are used to kill and dismember prey. Its long snout fires a strong, adhesive filament used to trap its victims. This filament, highly sought after by thieves as they are extremely strong and nearly invisible, can be fashioned into rope.

Axebeak:
A flightless, carnivorous bird, the Axebeak resembles a seven foot tall ostrich. An aggressive hunter with a strong, thick neck and extremely sharp beak. The head and long neck are covered in short white feathers, while the body is covered in dense black feathers while its legs are covered with yellow scales. Usually found in pairs or groups of up to six, though sometimes solitary Axebeaks may be encountered. Their eggs and hatchlings can be sold at food markets.

Desert Lizard Folk:
Usually six to seven feet tall, Desert Lizard Folk can be encountered in groups of six or more. Coloration ranges from deep reds to mottled browns. These bipedal humanoids are extremely territorial, setting snares, planning ambushes and making raids on human villages. Captured humans are sold as slaves, the females fetching a higher price than the males. The warrior males of the Desert tribes of Lizard Folk are often found riding Battle Scorpions.

Battle Scorpions:
The chosen steed of most Lizard Folk, including the Desert Lizard Folk, these massive creatures stand approximately ten feet tall and are nearly just as long. Taming them is a rather simple process, at least, for the Lizard Folk. Using a chunk of raw human flesh, these steeds are led to a pool of mud by the Quartermaster. Once settled in the center and the steed begins to sink, it is mounted and ridden by its owner until it is broken. A bond is created and, thus, the Scorpion will never allow another rider to mount it. Battle Scorpions are fierce in battle, ripping its foes in half with its steel-like pincers.



Very few plants grow in the hot sands of Athirat. Plants that grow here have shallow root systems and/or spines that coat their fleshy surfaces. Shrubs such as the Salt Bush and Brittle Bush, both valued for their medicinal properties, manage to flourish here.

Memory Cone
Much like its name implies, these rare plants are conical in shape. Ranging in sizes of three to seven feet and varying in colors of deep russets to hazy purples, Memory Cones have barbs that can be used in various potions. Their tough, leathery skin are highly sought after, as the skin can be chewed to help recover lost or stolen memories.

Starmusk:
A low-growing shrub, the Starmusk varies in shades of dull blues to bright purples. Its round leaves are covered in a thick mat of short hairs that act as a blanket, protecting the plant from the fluctuating temperatures and giving the plant its dark gray color. Purple, star-shaped flowers bloom only in the evening and the sweet aroma makes these blooms valuable as they are a common ingredient in high quality perfumes.

Stench Cactus:
These cacti grow to a towering height of twelve to fifteen feet tall. The barbs secrete a sticky substance that radiates a sickening odor, much like the smell of a dead skunk. This substance is used by inhabitants of Athirat to suture wounds. The fleshy insides of this cactus is a valuable resource of water when the need arises.