The Great Desert is a large desert region, located in Eastern Dinotopia. It stretches from Chandara in the South, to Pteros in the North, and is stopped from spreading West by the Forbidden Mountains. A canyon formed by the Amu River[1] lies inside the desert, which takes up a quarter of the land the island of Dinotopia has to offer.
The Great Desert experiences a harsh climate, resulting in it being significantly less populated than other parts of Dinotopia.
Appearance[]
The desert foothills in the Great Desert consist largely of rock and gravel, though sand is also dominant in the region. Most of the desert lacks foliage to eat and water to drink. There are some oases dotted throughout the desert, with water sourced from springs or underground caverns, such as The Great Oasis.
The Great Desert has increased in size toward the Eastern coastline due to the harsh climate, leading to the decline of numerous settlements.
Several ancient structures and archeological sites are located in the Great Desert, including Ebulon, the Tomb of Mujo Doon, and Ahmet-Padon. There are some villages and outposts spread throughout the desert, such as Dribbling Spring. Aepycameluses dwell in some areas of the desert, and serve as the main mode of transport in the region. Argentavis and various arthropods, such as beetles, scorpions, spiders, and centipedes also live in the desert.
Notable groups that live in the Great Desert Orofani, who migrate from oasis to oasis, and a group of 'uncivilized' carnivorous Dilophosauruses. Travelers through the desert often travel along the scenic Coastal Road, passing by the desert's Eastern edge.
Background[]
All inhabitants of the Great Desert know the region's four 'cardinal rules' for survival:
- Water is life.
- Too much sun can kill.
- Distances can deceive.
- Keep an eye to the horizon.
References[]
- ↑ Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time, 20th Anniversary Edition, p. 3
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