Enderal:Landscapes of Enderal: Powder Desert
Powder Desert
For Travelers and Traders
The most inhospitable, yet simultaneously most thriving region of Enderal would have to be the Powder Desert. This large region spans across the most southeastern part of Enderal and shares borders with King's Mountain Pass, Goldenforst and Thalgard. It is named after the Powder Mines in the center of the area. From their deep shafts a powder is extracted that can be used to craft an explosive substance commonly utilized for cannons and demolition charges. First-time visitors might be deceived by the region's name, which - while apt for the hot, sandy heart of the area - does not prepare for the variation seen in the landscape. The dry dunes, interspersed with jagged rocks, are certainly present, but the Powder Desert also harbors lush sections filled with palm trees and very thick undergrowth with tropical blossoms blooming all year round.
Ships depart regularly for the desert from Ark's port. Travelers looking for an easy, safe form of transport can opt to arrange passage. More experienced adventurers, however, may prefer the available route on land. The quickest and least dangerous path can be accessed directly from the harbor in Ark and follows the southern coast. Note that "least dangerous" in no way means "safe" and that the Golden Sickle only advises to undertake this journey if one is in the possession of an armed escort, or is properly equipped and experienced in the art of combat themselves. The trail is unpaved and leads through an uninhabited part of Enderal, which naturally comes with the risk of running into Pathless ones and other monsters.
Readers of volume II in this Landscapes of Enderal series, which was devoted to the region Goldenforst, will likely remember the path through Wellwatch Valley connecting Goldenforst to the Powder Desert. This route requires crossing the icy King's Mountain Pass as well as the southern half of Goldenforst and is not recommended. For a more detailed discussion about this road and its history, the reader is referred to the aforementioned tome.
Upon reaching the Powder Desert, you will soon be confronted with the multitude of trails leading through the region, many of which are not easily discernible to the inexperienced eye. Although the desert is known for its near-constant blue-skyed weather, frequent sandwinds add additional challenge to navigating the area. This guide will therefore refrain from attempting to offer specific directions and instead advises to look for signposts to aid in reaching your destination. Alternatively one can try to find a caravan willing to take on a fellow wanderer, as they are bound to know all available routes as well as their potential pitfalls. Should you feel that you have lost your way, do not panic. As long as your endurance suffices, you will come upon one of the desert's many landmarks sooner or later, which should help you determine your position on a map. Remain alert while roaming, however, because the desert is home to many large predators which do not shy away from attacking humans. Bonerippers strike fear even in the hearts of the hardened nomads with good reason.
Those looking to trade or stock up on supplies will have to visit Duneville, a remarkable village by the southern coast and the beating heart of commerce in the Powder Desert. It can easily be reached by myrad: the only myrad tower in the Powder Desert is conveniently located nearby. When approached above ground, Duneville may look rather unimpressive, but most of the settlement is actually hidden beneath the surface of the infertile desert dunes. To enter, you have to descend into a pit in the sand. Once you do, the reason for this peculiar choice of location will immediately become apparent, for Duneville has not only been built underground to shield it from the harsh environment and perpetual sandstorms that plague this part of the desert. The cave it is located in also houses a large lake, ensuring a constant supply of freshwater in an otherwise very dry area. To make the most of limited space, wooden scaffolds reaching all the way to the cave's ceiling have been erected in the lake, providing more room for homes and shops. The scattering of platforms are connected by walkways and ladders; be mindful when navigating them. It can be a long drop if you happen to lose your footing at an inopportune time.
Silvergrove - a modest village on the eastern coast - used to be a second spot of civilization in an otherwise desolate area. Yet nowadays no one dwells there any longer. By all accounts it has been deserted for years. For those who are nonetheless interested in exploring this part of the coast, it is only accessible via the most northern path in the Powder Desert, the same trail that will take you past the Powder Mines.
The western part of the Powder Desert's coast is a true shelter of life, with palm and fruit trees in abundance. The wild plantations here form the main source of food for Duneville. Oranges, dates and coconuts, as well as small quantities of Peaceweed - a herb known for its intoxicating effect - are loaded on supply vessels for transport directly after harvest. Some of these shipments go straight to Ark; tropical fruits are in high demand there.
One of the desert's most extraordinary sights are the Moonstone Dunes, where light blue stones glow like stars amidst the sand. From some of the dunes rise eerie pylons, which send mysterious beams of pale blue light into the sky. Though most archaeologists consider these to be Pyrean structures, some hypothesize that their construction dates even further back. Regardless, what purpose they served remains unclear. It should warrant no further explanation that one should not attempt to enter these ancient devices under any circumstances.
All in all, the Powder Desert may be an attractive destination for well-equipped treasure hunters and adventurers. Less fearsome travellers stand little to gain and much to lose from a trek through this harsh land. The Golden Sickle therefore advises most travelers to limit their visit to Duneville.
