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Fiction Region Spotlight: The Copper Desert (Bestiary and Lustrian Lore)

Discussion in 'Fluff and Stories' started by Nazqua, Jan 7, 2021.

?

What area should I cover next?

  1. The Cursed Jungle

  2. Hualotal - City of Masks and Chisels

  3. Tlanxla - City of the Sky/Heavens

  4. The Termontane Savanna's

  5. Aymara Swamps

  6. Other (Say in comments)

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  1. Nazqua
    Carnasaur

    Nazqua Well-Known Member

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    ----= Region Spotlight: The Copper Desert =----

    This is all taken from my original thread here - https://www.lustria-online.com/threads/nazquas-bestiary-and-lustrian-lore.24795/ , I decided to post this in its own since the region spotlight is now finished, although if anyone has any idea's, criticisms or suggestions feel free to chuck them below.

    -- Location ---

    --- Introduction ---

    ---= Geography and land =---
    --- The semiarid bands ---
    - Semiarid plateau’s -
    - Coastlines -
    --- The canyons and gorges ---
    --- The true desert ---

    ---= Flora =---

    ---= Fauna =---
    - Insects and scorpions -
    - Desert Iguana’s -
    - Desert bird’s -
    - Dimorpholaterx -
    - Mammals -
    - Huanaco -
    - Borelodon -

    ---= Lizardmen interactions and presence =---
    --- General culture ---
    - Nomadic groups and composition -
    - Skink Water diviners -
    - Saurus -
    - Olbloods -

    --- Observances and tradition ---
    - Trials of Chotec -
    - Astronomy -
    - Desert Spirits -

    ---= Legends and Myths =---
    War:--- The Champion of Chotec ---
    War:--- The relief of Oxyl ---

    ---= Notable landmarks and areas of significance =---
    --- The Sky Finger ---
    --- Thrice-cursed peak ---
    ---The Dust gate ---

    - Rough translation attributed to a saying of Lord Madalla, Mystic of totality - High slann mage priest of the Sentinels of Xeti.

    [​IMG]

    ---= Location =---
    [​IMG]
    Crimson - Desert interior / Dust red - Semiarid surroundings / Beige - Canyons and gorges.

    [​IMG]

    ---= Introduction =---
    The extensive region known as the Copper Desert is the largest and driest desert within the enigmatic lands named Lustria. Despite making up the second largest region within the so called ‘Southern expanses’ these deserts are often forgotten, and yet many a great and equally ancient slann strive out into the infinite dune’s in search of clarity amongst a world of chaos and disorder.

    Little is known about the Copper desert itself, the region often being referred to as mundane and lifeless by outsider’s. These views despite seemingly holding surface value are however easily proven wrong, local inhabitants of the area going as far as to divide the land up into a number of distinct sections and biomes, of which there are three: The true desert, The canyons and finally the semi-arid surroundings - Surroundings which include portions of the coastline along with slope’s bordering the Sotek spine mountains.

    As for the overall region itself its most notable aspect is its aridity, the Copper Desert being so arid in fact that it claims the title of being the most dry non-polar desert in the world, being so arid that many of the nearby Sotek Spine peaks remain free of glaciers and snow coverage throughout the year. - Such a position as this owes itself to a number of factors, among the more prominent being a strong presence of anticyclones along the coast combined with heavy rain shadow from the eastern mountains which stretch deep into the region.

    This region’s significance doesn’t however stop there - for it is also supposedly the oldest region on the planet. A fact that may go to explain the complexity and depth of the landforms scattered across such barren lands... Lands that have witnessed civilizations rise and fall like the tides, empire’s flourish only to then crumble, disintegrating to dust on the sullen wind’s of time - and all the while they have remained here, basking in the dimming light of distant stars for untold millenia, watching as fate silently unfolds.​

    ---= Geography =---

    --- Surrounding regions ---
    Whilst the inner core of the desert remains silent, lifeless - As it should be; Thin bands of semiarid shrub land have managed to carve themselves out between the endless conflicts between gargantuan mountains and frothing sea’s against endless copper dunes, expanses which hold the majority of all life within the region. Vast, and empty, these bands can at least boast patches of toughened grass and hardened shrubs, among which a handful of equally unique creature’s make their homes.

    - Semiarid plateau’s -
    Gargantuan beasts of rock, their size only exaggerated by the rapid shift from endless, flat expanse to sudden peaks, watch over a number of extensive plateaus with envious eyes. For in spite of the geographic and climate conditions a rich and diverse spread of species, both flora and fauna has managed to not only evolve, but also thrive here - Amounts of snow-melt from the highest peak providing a fleeting sustenance to the bands of hospitable land which stretch out from the base of the mountains, whilst minuscule to the true desert itself in size, these areas make up for their smaller size in diversity.

    Distant shower's upon one of the eastern plateu's, flat semiarid expanses carved out between otherwise rugged landscapes as one nears the Sotek Spine mountain range.
    [​IMG]

    - Coastal lands -
    Far past the desert interior lie stretches of coast land, which in comparison with the lands behind can only be described as vibrant. At first one wonder’s at how such regions sustain life - For it is only when the moon hangs high and the tide’s gently lap in does the land reveal its secrets, A singular saving grace for the regions life - The ocean fogs. A phenomena which transforms the otherwise barren coast by night. Great banks of marine fog rise from the sea, tendrils of mist slithering out like the roots of a tree to relief blistering earth and scorching sand; Such acts of benevolence accounted to by the god’s, for even this seemingly deserted, forgotten land is not hidden from their view - Tzunki and Chaax, he who coerces the monsoon, alike bringing forth such fog’s into Chotec’s domain in an act both defiance and clemency where all else falters under the sun god’s gaze.

    The scarce coastal vegetation of the copper desert, Tree like cacti loom over the rocky shore line as one expanse shifts into another.
    [​IMG]


    --- Gorges and canyons ---
    Hidden, Tucked away behind gloomy mountains lie sanctuaries of life. Just as Chotec’s gaze falters lie the many canyons and gorges of the region, Ushered away and hidden from the twisting wind lie many miles of canyons. Etched out between the peaks run these ravines, each and every serving as bastions to all manor of species found no where else on the continent - Of which birds and pterosaurs are the most abundant

    Mercy of the canyons - Flowing water serves much of the regions native flora and fauna.
    [​IMG]

    Ranging deep enough, many of these canyons access and tap into the ever flowing deep-rooted wells of the continents water table - Resulting in an abundance of springs which trace the gorges, giving life to a web of impressive river’s and current’s, all of which serve to fuel the dense ecosystems therein.

    Yet another rare case in which the land of Lustria gives way providing mercy from the elements through both abundant shade and access to water in an otherwise desolate region.

    One of the largest of such canyons discovered between endless dunes and hostile peaks
    [​IMG]


    --- The True desert and interior ---
    Any creature, both animal and plant, that dares wander too far will find themselves here, turned to dust and baked soil, hope among them, for none can follow the gentle whisper of the desert wind too deep into the true form of the Copper desert and return.

    Scattered bone’s remind all of their fate, for this is no domain of the living - Only the silent, and the eternal.
    [​IMG]

    Consisting of a number of expanses; salt flats, plateau’s of cracked earth and dune’s, these lands are best left solitary - All merging into one as the horizon stretches onwards, The terrain itself ragged and flowing, locked into an eternal march towards oblivion.

    Rust coloured sands drift on a wind whose voice is horse and worn out - Forgotten a thousand years ago for it needed not howl when there would be none to hear it. These bronze coloured dune’s and flat’s should, and no doubt will, remain empty until time’s end.

    An insight into the barren, sun baked sands and soils of the copper desert's alien interior. The most arid place on the planet.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Nazqua
    Carnasaur

    Nazqua Well-Known Member

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    ----= Flora =----
    In spite of the geographic and climatic conditions of the Copper Desert a rich variety of flora has managed to evolve here - Most, if not all species characterized by their tenacity and ability to adapt to such a hostile environment.

    Focused and dense in the semiarid area’s and surrounding coastline’s are the many varieties herb’s, shrubberies and flower’s which coat a sunbaked soil in search of water - A scarce, and much precious resource treasured by clouds above; which would rather remain sluggish, clinging onto every last drop of their rain with what could only amount to pure envy.

    Where humidity allows it occasional taller plants may dare to loom outwards, most notably collections of gnarled tree’s which somehow manage to cling onto the crumbled rockface’s of slope’s and valley’s within the semiarid regions. - Among them being the llaraxunta tree, one of the highest growing wood species in the world, such an achievement becoming a mere necessity of survival. Able to cope with the lower evening temperature’s these tree’s have developed heat retaining bark, allowing them to retain heat from the scorching day. Furthermore, the llaraxunta grows at an incredibly slow rate, making many of the solitary tree’s over 3000 year’s old - Not only an age, but also an endurance and will of preservation to rival many great saurus oldbloods, making these tree’s scared among the ranks of the sauri. A fact that gives rise to a great pilgrimage and tradition among locals of the name ‘Tonatu Kuatu” (See more in ‘Lizardmen interactions’)

    The Copper desert is also home to many cacti, succulents and other plants that thrive in a dry climate. Among them being some of the tallest and most impressive cacti across the planet, most of which are concentrated along the coastal regions and sustained on the previously mentioned marine fogs, the so called mercy of the gods. Such fortresses of spine rise above the otherwise barren landscape as fortresses of spine, reflecting the sharp coastline cliff’s and eastern mountains, able to reach towering heights of 7 meters (23ft)

    Inconspicuous, most of the Copper desert’s flora remains unnoticeable, for the most part fading into the landscape - That is until the scent of rain hangs on an stirring sky. The crackle of lightning heralds such a desert phenomenon known as the ‘Flowering desert’. In a matter of days thousands of flower’s emerge from the baked soil’s to paint the landscape in vibrance and beauty

    A mass blooming caused by a rare rainfall event - A once in a lifetime phenomenon signalling the so called 'Stir of spirits' a celebrated observance of Potec in local lizardmen cultures.
    [​IMG]


    ---= Fauna =---
    The climate of the Copper desert limits the number of animals living permanently here, in this extreme ecosystem. Some interior parts so arid, so hot that no plant nor animal can survive, However, as one travels further out into the semi-arid surroundings life begins to seep into the land, following the wake of water.

    - Insect’s and scorpions -
    Sand-coloured grasshopper’s blend in with the pebbles of a desert floor, whilst beetle’s and their larvae scuttle and squirm through the reddish dust - Serving as valuable food sources to the region’s birds, its most diverse and plentiful animal group. Among the insects stalk plated desert scorpions, their carapace and chitin black, black as death, for that is what their stinger promises to deliver. Crawling forth from the desert’s many rocky outcrops, the otherwise silent, cool night allows them to venture out without threat from the heat, preying on smaller insects and a number of sparse more mammalian animals.

    A black scorpion stalk's the cooling rocky ground, emerging from its burrow come night in search of prey
    [​IMG]


    - Desert Iguana’s -
    Surprisingly few reptile species inhabit the Copper Desert, and even few amphibian species, however of those that defy the heat are a handful of Iguana’s - Which, being able to withstand such high temperature’s are found active for much longer than other lizard’s without being forced into their burrows. Preferring the dry desert scrubland, these lizard’s range across most of the region, concentrated in the more habitable plateau’s and rocky outcrops. All the while feeding herbivorously on a mixture of sparse buds, fruits and leaves.

    A Desert Iguana slither's between area's of shade, seeking partial refuge from a blazing sun as it looks out into the distance, scanning the horizon for movement
    [​IMG]

    - Desert birds -
    Whilst small in individual size, the Copper Desert’s bird’s are large in number. Soaring through, empty cloudless skies they glide above the barren landscape, dipping down to follow its plentiful canyon’s in search of food. Numerous and diverse, many of such bird’s flock come dusk, rising forth from their nests and burrows which dot the canyon cliff’s in a spill of dazzling pattern’s.

    Whilst some species remain in and around the canyons year round, other’s migrate seasonally to feed on influxes of insects, nectar and flowers. One thing is for sure, wherever plant life has managed to carve out a home - So too have the Copper Desert’s birds.

    A large range of species are present across the region, ranging from the several hummingbird’s and sparrow’s which feed upon on the abundant fog fed cactus and flower’s along the coast, to great flock’s, swarms of starling’s merge into cloud’s of spiralling action, all the while flock’s of Copper Flamingo’s filter the inland salt-flat lakes for fish, plants and algae alike.


    - Dimorpholaterx -
    Amongst the sunburnt skies sail more than just mere birds - For following in pursuit of the great flocks fly the infamous Dimorpholaterx.

    Appearance and locomotion:
    Sailing on leathery wing’s, the Dimopholaterx glides high on desert thermal’s over the canyon regions, reaching unexpectedly fast gliding speeds if the harsh desert winds favour it. Furthermore, Dimopholaterx is relatively small and flat built in appearance, heavily adapted to its environment - For its skin is coated in a matted beige fur that serves to insulate the creature throughout chilly desert nights, combined with sharp claws which help it grip onto the rocky wall’s of canyons and outcrops.

    A male Dimorpholatrex cling's onto the surface of a palm, looking out from its perched position over the canyon's ready to take flight.
    [​IMG]


    Senses:
    Whilst possessing relatively weak eyesight, a trait unneeded by the Dimopholaterx considering the mostly barren, simple landscape, where prey has little capacity to hide these pteradons make up for it with an enhanced sense of smell and hearing - Some even going as far as to suppose they have a weak form of echolocation, although these claims are doubted. Whilst having smell is no doubt an advantage in the search of prey, its primary function resides in helping the Dimopholatrex locate both mate’s and water - Each individual releasing a distinctive musk and odor easily detectable on the wispy desert wind, which carries it far throughout their territory.

    Hunting and Diet:
    With both front facing eyes and an elongated snout which upon closer inspection is crammed with jagged teeth one can begin to assume Dimorpholaterx diet. For where there is prey, there are predators. First sighting their prey from afar, an easily feat considering the backdrop of monotnous landscape, Dimorpholaterx then close the distance before swooping into bird flock’s in the hope of catching unsuspecting bird’s in their wide mouths. Whilst not possessing the elegance, nor intelligence of other birds of prey which prefer to strike from above with outstretched claws, Dimorpholaterx crude methods are easily just as effective, the pterosaur able to repeatedly attack until it eventually lands a successful strike.

    Furthermore, Dimorpholatrex's diet does not rely on one source alone - A much needed necessity given the harshness of its environment - Among the many other sources it uses to sustain its calorific food intake are the deserts many nectar producing flowers, bats and the abundant insects which buzz and hum through the arid air, all the while Dimorpholaterx finds an additional source of sustenance through often raiding defenseless cliff-side nests for chick’s and egg’s inorder to bolster its chances of survival.

    A female Dimorpholaterx awaits any bird's hoping to feed from the desert's sparse plants in an attempt to strike an ambush
    [​IMG]


    Behavior and social:
    Communicating with one another in a series of high pitches squealing not dissimilar to Lustria’s many bat like creature’s Dimorpholatrex’s often strike out singularly, only grouping during the variable mating seasons. Unlike creature’s elsewhere, the Copper Desert’s inhabitants cannot afford to waste precious time, having to spend the majority of their activity hunting between the two extremes of scorching midday and freezing night. And as a result Dimorpholatrex is most active at dawn and dusk, spending its time otherwise resting or tending to juvenile’s within hijacked cliff-side burrows.

    Reproduction:
    As mentioned previously, Dimorpholatrex’s begin to group and consolidate come the mating season - A variable event triggered by influxes of heavy rainfall which allows the lands to not only sustain larger group’s, but also provides infants with the highest chance of survival.

    During these short period’s tensions rise higher than the region’s temperature, Territorial displays and fights breaking out between male’s, their neck pouches turning a hot red/pink. Not only do Dimorpholatrex’s fight for dominance and breeding rights, but also for survival - For as a result of so many being within the same area at once food reserves are often depleted, meaning only the strongest to endure and survive.

    Relationship with Lizardmen:
    Dimorpholatrex’s keep their distance from the roving lizardmen population’s of the Copper Desert and for good reason - If the opportunity presents itself saurus and skinks will not stray away from the prospect of quickly striking the creature’s down. Caught Dimorpholatrex’s are first skinned and stripped of their fur and hide - Which can be used as clothing, before the rest of the animal, wings and wall is hung above a fire for food, which although unpleasant and dry is a welcomed meal given the necessity.

    Not only that, but if nest raiding skink’s manage to come across a hijacked cliff side burrow Dimorpholatrex’s egg’s will be the first to be looted, treated as a nutritious delicacy split many ways when cooked, boiled or poached.

    However, Despite this many lizardmen value the signs of a healthy Dimorpholatrex population within an area, often using these creature’s as indicators of an area’s worth - For where there are Dimorpholaterx there are birds, and where there are birds, here are flower’s and edible’s plentiful. Whilst in a more sparing region the lizardmen population would allow such creature’s to go undisturbed, here there is no such option, for their hand is forced by necessity.

    - Mammals -
    Due in part because of the desert’s lack of stable food and extreme aridty only a few specifically adapted species are able to survive in the Copper Desert - Within their number being a handful of leaf-eared mouse species feeding on the desert’s fruits and berries. While in the less arid parts of the desert are small, yet no less adapted foxes - The role’s of these species are however insignificant compared to that of the Huanaco, The Copper Desert’s largest terrestrial mammal.


    - Huanaco’s -
    Small clouds of dust trickle down the steep hillside’s that crisscross the semiarid terrain which surrounds the desert’s interior - Their producer being a small herd of Huanaco’s as they graze upon all manor of dried shrubland and grass, whilst seemingly inconsequential compared to some of Lustria’s other lumbering beasts, these mammals endurance and ability to cope with such extreme’s can’t help but demand to be witnessed.

    Appearance and locomotion:
    Standing high, Huanaco’s can weigh from 90-140kg making them the largest terrestrial mammal native to the region - A feat most impressive considering the extreme conditions they survive in through a number of specific adaptations. Whilst mundane compared to other animals within the region, Huanaco’s still posses drab coats of wool, something often sought after by local lizardmen. This fur in combination with area’s of thick skin on their necks help to insulate them against the below freezing temperature’s of the desert come nightfall, whilst also allowing them to trek up into higher altitudes boarding the mountain ranges and serving as an additional layer of protection from any predator attacks.

    Furthermore, Huanaco’s are most numerous in the many steppes, scrublands and more mountainous area’s across the region, therefore making it no surprise they are excellent climbers, able to race over steep and rocky terrain

    Diet:
    Populations of Huanaco often directly correlate with the amount of forage availability, the creature’s feed during the daytime on a number of shrub’s and grasses before retreating higher up the slopes during nights. Throughout non-mating season’s most herds remain distributed somewhat evenly around area’s seasonally irrigated by melting snow, before trekking down into the heart of the desert scrubland where fresh water is less sparse throughout the cooler months.

    If one was to translate the more primitive saurian of the local lizardmen populations it would come to be ‘Desert forager’ A name which matches their ability to graze through coastal landscapes, stripping down all manor of cacti, flower’s and lichen.

    Bolstering the need’s of their diet, many Gauanco’s often lick common stone’s and rocks which are rich in salt.

    Behavour and social:
    Huanaco’s are very shy animals, easily around by intruders mainly due to their extraordinary hearing among other things - Despite this however most females have otherwise calm temperaments when there is no sign of a threat being present.

    Living in family-based groups, Guanco herd’s are often composed of 10-15 females and their young along with a dominant male, each group having its own territory which fluctuates depending on the availability of food.

    A curious herd of Huanaco's alert and ready to bolt if danger presents itself.
    [​IMG]

    When threatened, Huanaco’s alert their herd to flee with a series of high-pitched bleating calls, the male usually running behind to defend as the herd scatters across the rocky landscape, kicking up dust across the jagged, rocky terrain.

    Reproduction:
    Mating season occurs between the cooler months, during which male’s strike out, fighting violently to establish dominance and breeding rights. Many months after which mothers give birth to a singular young, any male’s being chased off from the herd after around one year of age.

    Relationship with lizardmen:
    The female’s docile nature combined with the value of their soft wool it is no surprise that local lizardmen populations often domesticate herd’s, subduing the dominant male before begging to acclimatize the individuals to life among the nomadic lizardmen populations.

    Local Lizardmen often wear Huanaco fur, harnessing its insulating properties whilst also using the herd’s as emergency food is necessity will’s it, demands which conflict with the lizardmen’s appreciation and care both herd’s both domesticated and wild - Skink shepherds caring deeply for the conditions of their creature’s, being among the few to posses the skills to sheer Guanco’s, sparse knowledge which is passed down generations.

    An isolated Huanaco searches the backdrop of shrubbery in order to reunite with its herd.
    [​IMG]


    - Borelodon -
    Appearance and locomotion:
    Senses:
    Hunting and diet:
    Behaviour/Social:
    Reproduction:
    Relationship with lizardmen:
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2021
  3. Nazqua
    Carnasaur

    Nazqua Well-Known Member

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    ---= Lizardmen interactions and presence =---

    --- General culture ---

    - Nomadic groups and composition -
    Those lizardmen of the Copper Desert are often considered primitive in comparison to the rest of the continents Lizardmen, and for justifiable reason too - Were others have great strongholds of stone, these lizardmen have nothing more than a handful of dust, dust that slowly slip’s through the gaps between their finger’s onto a dry breeze. This however, is not out of a lack of intellect, but instead occurs as a result of necessity - What use are structure’s of stone if they are surrounded by nothing but dry sands uninhabited where no rain dare fall or plant dare grow?

    Known for their endurance and will’s stronger than tempered steel are the lizardmen of the Copper Desert, yet, No city of stone nor wood block’s the distance horizon.. - For the lizardmen who call the region home, to none’s surprise, have come to be almost entirely nomadic. The surprisingly large population of lizardmen within are split between a number of groups or so called ‘Tribe’s’, the amount of individuals within said groups varying almost as much as the differences in culture between them. Ranging from the smallest groups of little more than several dozen individuals lead by a diminutive skink priest or diviner to the largest; great migrations hundreds strong following the lead of some lower generation Slann.

    Despite such differences however, a handful of thing’s remain constant between such groups: First, their composition of species. Unlike elsewhere on the continent where skinks form the undisputed base of society, being the most numerous by far within the copper desert it is instead sauurs who reign supreme. One can only speculate if such a fact came to pass due the environment, where endurance and survivability are turned to a harsh daily necessity, traits the saurus species will not shy away from. Or alternatively its simply because of the nature of almost all the region’s spawning pools (Which will be covered in more detail under ‘Spawning pools’)

    Second, the tendency for each to never stay in one are for too long - As to do so is to use up all the resources an area has to offer in a matter of moons. Thus, inorder to sustain a sizeable group the lizardmen tribe’s must move and relocate, travelling along the lands in what could be likened to a filterfeeding sponge, sucking up the nutrients of one area before moving to the next. Ranging across the region year round, each nomadic group take’s a share of the land, splitting it up into many great territories hundreds of mile’s wide - Great swathes of land being required to keep any sort of population at all. To live within the number of said groups is to have a toughened existence, Luxuries are few and most of your horus will be spent here - Among the cracked earth, forced to trek day and night in search of rains and food alike.

    Conflict between such territories and land is uncommon, the individuals of each tribe often being adapted to their environment and conditions - However, disputes are not entirely unheard of, dealt from time to time through a number of methods. The most common of which is settling arguments between tribe’s by having each elect a number of chosen individuals and their leader, who will proceed to compete in a number of trials against one another - The winner claiming the land for themselves. Although, occasionally such competitions can descend into heated arguments and displays of aggression, conflicts like these however only last a number of days, fizzling out through non-violent means.

    - Clan’s and variations -
    Now, as previously mentioned, the culture, attitude’s and locations of each individual group and clan vary wildly. Whilst some tribe’s occupy the great gorges, such as the ‘Atlauhn’ clan - Their name meaning ‘Canyon wayfarer’s. Or other’s which stray close to the coastal borders, sustained on the life giving fog’s and water’s, one such example being the ‘Ayauhitlan’ clan - ‘Mist watchers’. And then of course, there are those who endure the blazing sun and howling wind’s of the desert, an instance of such being the ‘Tlalcuepal’ clan - Their name translation to ‘Dust trawlers/eaters’. In the following paragraphs are some of such clann’s more specifically highlighted:

    Canyon Clans, ie, The ‘Atlauhn’ Clan - Often considered the most ‘advanced’ clans, these peoples can afford to settle down for at least certain seasons, losing their nomadic lifestyle in exchange for both the shade and water found within the webs of interconnected canyons they occupy. Whilst life here remains tough, the basic necessities are far easier to find. Skinks find use climbing up the great canyon cliff’s in search of nests and eggs, The sound of their efforts blocked out by the crashing of kroxigor’s carving into the stone cliffside with chisels and hammers as they construct shelters. All the while saurus go about gathering and foraging for edible berries and plants, setting up traps or making up tight hunting group’s which occasionally manage to corner and catch some larger creature allowing for occasional feasts.

    Coastal Clans, Ie, The ‘Ayauhitlan’ Clan - Stable compared to the true desert clans and often more numerous in both number and the number of individuals in each than the Canyon clans are those that move along the fog fed banks of coastal land wherein which all varieties of cactus and plant grow tall. Furthermore, such clans have access to the sea, scouring the dusty shore’s for shoals of fish, which in combination with access to water through fog catcher’s allows them to sustain larger groups and build more permanent structures from mud and soil.

    Desert Clans, ie, The ‘Tlacuepal’ Clan - Nomadic in the true sense of the word. These lizardmen are forced to endure the very pinnicle of the elements. There is no relief out here, blazing hot days shift to freezing cold night’s in a cycle of torment. Forced to scour huge swathes of land these groups guide themselves from oasis to oasis, relying on skink diviner’s and the star’s for mapping once all land shifts into one constant, flat plain. Across which the sound of trembling footsteps is only broken up by the baar’s and grumbles of Huanaco herds in toe which are led by skink shepherds.


    - Spawning Pools -
    Hidden and tucked away from the Sun’s glaring gaze lie many great subterranean grottos, some carved out between the canyons, whilst other’s are buried deep in desert ravines, however the place where they are most numerous has come to be known as ‘The Dust gate’ a more permanent site of traffic (See more in ‘Landmarks and area’s of significance’)

    Remaining still and silent these pool’s gather dust, that is until the star’s align and they begin to bubble with life once more, entire regiments of saurus coming forth from the frothing water’s every few centuries.

    Many have come to the conclusion that this is why the proportions of saurus within the region’s population are much larger, with the said reptilians forming in such subterranean pools whereas skinks and kroxigor’s share much rarer pool’s open to the sky - Whilst such pool’s do exist, they are few in number, being dotted around the occasional and fleeting oases of the region, a fact which goes to explain why their populations are so small in comparison.

    Independent however, these pool’s represent and signal the few resemblances of permanent structure across the region, Cohorts of skinks residing nearby tasked with their protection and care until said spawnigns arrive - Times at which the skies are observed with hesitation all around, for the assignment of each spawning to a specific clan hangs on the constellations in view among other such astrological factors.

    One of many subterranean grotto's that house the Copper Desert's many spawning pools, the water's glowing with a pale cerulean light as they froth with life.
    [​IMG]


    - Skink water diviners -
    It should come as no surprise that the lizardmen of the Copper Desert have come to venerate those with an affinity to water and rains alike given its difficult duality of both necessity and scarceness - And of those skink priests most valued are skink water diviners.

    Rather than being specific to certain spawnings, like the renown title ‘Skink Oracle’, ‘Water Diviner’ is a much broader term, encapsulating all manor of priest, arcanist or otherwise gifted individuals - Including those most wise that specialise in finding water through more mundane and non-magical methods.

    Of the priests most highly valued are those of Heaven’s and divination, for both equally obvious reasons. Gifted with an affinity for the weather, Heaven’s priests are sometime’s capable of bolstering the rare thunderstorms, or bringing down light rainshowers in time’s of need - Whilst those knowing in the art’s of divination can offer help in terms of preparation in all its forms: Whether that be setting up water collections and settling ready for the desert’s fleeting storms, which begin as soon as they end, or through making provisions for prolonged dry spells such as remaining within sheltered canyon’s or slaughtering livestock that the group would no longer be able to sustain.

    Then there are all manor of those who claim to be gifted with such knowledge and capability, each one as different as the star’s in the sky. Some say that they alone can rouse the ancient desert spirits, and command them to tell of any hidden water sources.

    Whilst others hold high metal rod’s, The metallic surface reflecting out the burning sun’s light in dazing rays as they spread out their will like the tendrils of a tree to not ‘find’ but rather ‘sense’ ground water deposits to be welled.

    An ancient skink water diviner of the heaven's priests sitting as he prepare's to reach out in order to predict the weather for the coming days and weeks.
    [​IMG]

    --- Saurus ---
    With endurance and a will stronger than any tempered steel required to carve out a life among the Copper Desert’s rocky crag’s and drifting dune combined with spawning pool’s being sparse, and almost always subterranean bar those within and around ancient oasis’s it makes sense that the species most abundant are the Sauri. A key consistency between the many nomadic groups being their species distribution, for among their number skinks and kroxigor’s are few, saurus many.

    Wielding blunt, yet effective weaponry not dissimilar to those within the jungle’s the Sauri of the Copper Desert often however lack the extensive, daily training in the art of combat of the others - Leading to them relying on more brutal methods of attack, and altogether more primitive tactics. Such a statement however is spoken little within their presence, and for good reason too: If being known for their devotion to endurance and survivability wasn’t enough, the desert’s saurus possess many traits which make up for their number’s lack of kroxigor and skinks, possessing a more versatile intellect, but also larger size, standing tall - Their hazel and charred sandstone scale’s simmering under Chotec’s gaze as the desert breeze whisper’s in the oldone’s echo’s, throwing up a thin mist of dust as the dune’s silently shift in their march towards eternity.

    Despite the seeming divides and diversity between each tribe and group, not to mention the differences in culture’s between them, when the continent calls, the Lizardmen of the Copper Desert answer. Not with food, supply’s nor weapons but with blood, steel and sauri. Many a great legion has been risen here, in what would first appear to be the unlikelist of places - And yet, From forth the dust and sand march great column’s of warrior’s replying to their species call with savegery unparalleled.

    In time’s of great need it is not uncommon for such Saurus of the Copper Desert to rally for the defense of their kind. Among the most recognisable instances being the great defenses of Kiax and Xlanzec, not to mention the legendary relief of Oxyl - In which it is supposed that over a matter of weeks and months the regions warriors were rallied into six legions, marching out as one under Chotec’s banner (Some suppose a legendary figure known as Tonatiuhlex was the cause of such a rallying, More information about ‘The Sun’s chosen’ below under the ‘Legends and Myths’ subsection)

    One such legion of Sauri marching out from the Copper Desert in the contients defense, Ranks of soldier's stretch into the distance as the cries of their many Bastiladon's break the monotony of marching footsteps.
    [​IMG]


    - Oldbloods and Sunblood’s -
    Sharing a similar stature and attitude to the rest of the region’s saurus are the Copper Desert’s Olbloods, Fearsome and as ancient as any others - However, amongst the differences between them and the Lizardmen of the rest of the continent is the proportion of their number which share albino colourations, an otherwise extremely rare characteristic which begets much respect in lizardmen culture.

    Furthermore, Given the circumstances and conditions of the region, it should come as no surprise that many Oldblood’s devote themselves almost entirely to Chotec, the lizardmen god of the sun. Such Oldlbood’s, who ware his mark and carry his banner have come to be known as: Sunbloods. Serving Chotec and Chotec alone these chosen are as ancient as the desert itself. Their cracked white scale’s gleam bright against a backdrop of dust and sun baked soil, reflecting out the sun’s rays and glory in blinding ray’s so intense as to make their scale’s glow molten with the fury of what was and what could of been. Each one supposedly imbused with a fraction of Chotec’s spirit, each individual has an affinity with Aquashy, the winds of fire. Although they are first and foremost warrior’s, it is not uncommon for Sunbloods to dabble into such aspects of the arcane, some even able to revival those warmblood mage’s of the bright college despite being sauri - A race not known for its magical prowess in any regard.

    Size comparsion between a standard lustrian saurus (left) and a saurus from the Copper Desert (right)
    [​IMG]

    Whilst some are spawned so, others over the centuries, Saurus and Olblood alike, have attempted to gain Chotec’s favour through enduring a number of trials, great sacrifices and pilgrimage's alike designed to shatter the soul so fiercely that only those truly chosen by the god’s will not only endure, but return at all (See more under ‘Traditions’)

    A saurus sunblood armoured in gold plate roaring his defiance to a burning sky

    [​IMG]

    --- Observances and tradition ---
    The Lizardmen of the Copper Dessert are often viewed as being highly superstitious and spiritual, finding supposed meanings and messages from spirits and god’s alike in all manor of otherwise mundane natural occurrences. As such, each tribe often has tight connections and bonds with its land, their culture’s centered around the conditions and aspects therein.

    - Desert Spirits -
    One such belief shared consistently between the many clan’s is a belief in the supernatural, a belief in a variety of desert spirits which have stalked the sands since the days of the Oldones. Some claim such ‘beings’ are divine, echo’s of the god’s whcih emerge to bring forth their blessing’s and fortune upon the first, whilst others say they are more dubious, supposing them as being merely inhabitants of the region much like the lizardmen themselves.

    Certain things however are agreed upon, such as the distribution of such spirits being more concentrated as you come closer to the desert’s inhospitable interior, but also in the way that they are often assigned responsibility for the local weather and common phenomenon such as dust devils. Which, in despite of their meager size, still manage to easily rip plants from the soil and even lift skinks from the ground. Dust devils are often taken as proof of such spirits existence, being used as signals for spiritual activity in an area.

    An event which tie’s as much into these apparent spirits as it does with the rains is the so called ‘Stir of the Spirits’ An event which occurs simultaneously as the ‘Flowering Desert’ phenomenon (See flora), in which flower’s cover the landscape in reflections of the star spotted skies above. Events such as these hold much significance with the many lizardmen tribes, becoming divine observances as the sudden storms supposedly stir many a desert spirit forth form the expanses to walk among the mortals once more - These twisted echo’s of the old ones bringing with them both fortune and haunting’s alike under the name ‘Ihyotl uik in Choloqli’ (Stir of the spirits) - A once in a lifetime event that is reacted to with great rituals and observances towards Potec, such ceremonies often including remembrances of the dead and feast offerings to appease such spirits.

    - Astronomy -
    In the heart of a barren land, where nothing change’s but the direction the dune’s shift in all seems lost, both the way and hope of all those therein. However, despite such bleakness, many individuals look up, watching as the celestia unfolds out before them. Star’s glow so fierce their light reinvigorate’s the soul, filling those who wander with hope renewed.

    Skinks, Saurus and kroxigor alike stare up in wonder, breathless as all of creation is laid bare and forth from the void ten thousand eyes stare back to meet their own.

    As a result of its high altitude and nearly nonexistent cloud cover and dry air the Copper Desert is arguably the best place in the world to view the star’s, which, come cool twilight begin to splay out in all their magnificent, their vibrancy and colour leaking out from the sky as its shades fade to black.
    Such is their beauty and clearness skinks starpriests and seer’s travel from the continent around to witness such mangificent, each and every speaking their blessing to Yuxa as they begin to decode the constellations above, imparted with a glimpse of what fate wills. Much like their skink counterparts so too do the Slann visit the desert for long year’s of meditation and contemplation upon the celestia, tracing back faits thread’s as the star’s whisper of the universes secrets above.

    With the region attracting much attention among scryer’s and astomancer’s alike, it should come as no surprise that of the more permanent buildings are many stone observatories and viewing platforms carved into the mountainsides, within which great celestial devises and constellation calendar’s hum, forming a backdrop of sound as skink scribe’s scrawl and map the lunar cycles, tracking them throughout age’s.
    Such is the Copper Desert's sky that the void is crammed with a thousand star's come the descent of darkness
    [​IMG]



    - Trials of Chotec -
    Inorder to become on of Chotec’s chosen, gaining the title ‘Sunblood’ one must first enact and succeed in three trials known as the ‘Trials of Chotec’. Whilst the exact details of each one vary and differ between tribe’s they almost always involve both enduring all that the desert has to throw at you before ascending the Sky Finger (See more about such a location under ‘Notable landmarks and areas of significance) in order to pay a final homage tot he sun god before claiming his blessings and title.

    One such example of these is the proclaimed true ‘trial of chotec’ which was supposedly written upon some long lost plaque and shared between a number of the desert interior tribes, The three stages of the trial are depicted as such:

    1 - First, To walk a thousand steps upon scorching stone’s
    First the attempting saurus must show his endurance and strength of both body and mind, walking upon a valley of laid out stone’s which wallow and bask in the sun’s blazing light, their surface so hot and fierce they glow like hot embers, sizzling the flesh of any who touch them.

    2 - Second, To come forth from the desert’s depths after spending a year within
    Second the attempting saurus must show his sheer will and ability to survive, discarding all belongings before marching out into the desert depths alone, such desert’s known for supposedly being the home of many a lost and ancient desert spirit wherein the saurus now must suffer not only the blazing desert heat of day, but also the biting cold of night. If chotec wills it so, he shall guide the saurus forth a year later, or else they will never return, their bleached bones buried among the drifting sand’s.

    3 - Third and finally, To ascend the ‘Sky Finger’ itself.
    Third the attempting saurus now must complete the final, and toughest challenge. If ascending the second highest mountain of the Sotek Spine wasn’t already enough, they must first find their way to the mountains base - Trekking for days through crisscrossing canyons, their barren surface scattered with the bone’s and loosened boulder’s which threaten to come loose with even the slightest of pushes.

    The next days will have to be spent rigorously climbing up said mountainous ledge’s, dizzying drop’s guarding every corner. It is here, once they ascend above the clouds, the true difficulty sets in. A blazing sun burns and shrivels both body and will as the saurus is now forced to scale sheer cliffside. Nothing more than a flicker of lost concentration or a miscalculated step could lead to a tumble of rock’s or lost gripping, an invitation to death who waits to claim their plummeting body in the abyss below.

    However, if such a warrior is strong enough, able to complete the ascent and read the sacred inscriptions of Chotec carved into the sunstone altar under Chotec’s witness can they finally claim the title of Sunblood, returning as a champion of the sun god himself.


    ---= Legends and Myths =---

    --- War: Legend of Tonatiuhlex, The sun’s chosen. ---
    Shared between the many tribe’s and groups of the Copper Desert is the legend of the ancient sunblood, Tonatiuhlex - The sun’s chosen. He who was most favored by the sungod, raising legions in his name.

    Crowned in a halo of the sun’s golden fury Tonatiuhlex supposedly descended down from the now named ‘Sky Finger’ in the lizardmen’s great time of need - The great catastrophe was now at hand, demons screaming into the material world to feast upon all civilization. Whilst it is sure that time in one form or another has distorted the great warrior’s tale, one can only ponder if Tonatiuhlex’s tale was exaggerated and twisted to such extremes, or if he truly was an angel of war - Sent to enact the old one's final bidding as they fled.

    One thing is for sure, Tonatiuhlex, divine or not, truly changed the fate of the lizardmen empire - For it is he who brought about the first rallying of the Copper Desert’s inhabitants, uniting the tribe’s to fight as one. In a matter of mere week’s he had managed to raise legion’s of sauri, heralding the banner of Chotec as he lead them forth, not just in the defense of their home, but in the defense of their civilisation and race as all knew it.
    Few now remain who had once witnessed Tonatiuhlex living, Only the Slann and a handful of the most ancient saurus oldblood’s among them. But from their accounts, and from scattered writings and stories passed down from generation to generation he is described as such: A being of light fused with flesh, His eyes glowing so hot with Chotec’s fury and spirit that they burned in their sockets like miniatures stars. Legion’s rallied to his name and banner as carried out the sun god’s inexorable will upon all who opposed them, all the while welding a battle prowess and ferocity that would have been able to rival some of the greatest warriors the lizardmen empire has ever known of the likes of Kroq-gart and Gor-rok. Although such claims are highly debited among Lustria’s saurus, one thing's for sure, Chotec’s choice surely changed the species fate in his last and final act before his unmaking: The relief of Oyxl, The eternal city.


    --- War: The Relief of Oxyl ---
    As Oxyl, The eternal city’s destruction loomed above its shattered building’s, temple’s torn asunder, a message sounded out. Reinforcements were on their way, the city must not fall for six legion’s of saurus were soon to arrive from the Copper Desert. Amassed by the legendary Tonatiuhlex, Chotec’s chosen, who had managed to rally such number’s that these land’s had, and never will feel nor hear again, the ground shuddering in their wake, the sky shivering at the sound of their roar’s .

    At Oxyl’s shattered wall’s stood the last of the eternal cities tattered forces. Wounded saurus, limb’s missing, scale’s turned black from ash, rallied for one final time in what appeared to be a final sortie - Something the demons took as a hopeless standoff in defiance of chaos’s might.

    Overconfidence and bloodlust ran rampant through the chaos horde’s ranks, chaos’s minions surged forth upon what looked to be the easy pickings of a civilisation in ruins - And yet, for all their infernal wisdom and knowledge, not even they could foresee the arrival of Chotec’s chosen. Such was the sun god’s heavenly light, bright enough to blind any who attempted to look upon them.

    As chaos’s puppets streamed in ready to drown out the city and its defender’s the sky cracked. Blackened cloud’s slit and pushed aside as the sun rained down a celestial light. Tonatiulex’s legions had arrived. From the east these saurus launched a surprise attack, spilling out from the Lost valley in great regiments, cutting through the horde’s like a spearhead through the soft flesh of a Skaven slave. They had relieved the city - At least for a time… Holding the city for a matter of days, the chaos gods eventually turned their heads towards him once again, smashing his warriors appart in an attempt to extinguish the heavenly light of the Chotec’s chosen. The sun warrior, and his soldier’s sacrifice was however not in vain, for the time in which the city was relieved Slann and skink scholars alike have suggested an otherwise failing geomantic web was bolstered for just long enough for Itza, the First city and final bastion of the lizardmen empire to prepare its defenses. (See more about the legacy of the eternal city and its defense in City Spotlight: Oxyl and ‘Famous Battle’s’)



    ---= Notable landmarks and areas of significance =---

    --- Thrice-cursed peak ---
    Three were the god’s. Thrice cursed was the Lizardmen’s Champion.​

    Chotec’s light refuses to shine upon this mountain, upon the grave os his most favoured and loyal servant - Tonatiuhlex, Chotec’s chosen, a warrior unlike the region or those surrounding it had ever - and will ever - see again. Thus, the mountain remains dark. Clouds of smokey shadow casting down an artificial night onto its blackened rock’s, a thick mist of blackened sorcery choking the seventh highest peak of the Sotek Spine mountains.

    At first the mountain begins like any other that touches the Copper Desert, dry, parched and quite, for little life claims a foothold on such lands. It is only however as one looks up, squinting past a raging sun do they see the true nature of the ‘Thrice-cursed peak’, for cowering in its shadow’s are many twisting shadow’s and shapes. The higher you go, the thicker and denser they become, engulfing the mountain top in a frothing, boiling sea of black clouds. Such clouds hide no water, expressing their malignity openly, and that alone. It is they who hide the tattered remains of what once was the final stand of the Copper Desert’s saurus following the relief of Oyxl. If it was not for such sickening shadow the sun would have had the mountain drowned, bathed in heat and light so that the bleached bones scattered upon it would turn to dust, and its history burned out. A fate much preferable than allowing such a site to fester, a sickening spot on the map which serves to only remind those of Chaos and the ruinous power’s and their victory.

    Tonatiyhlex and his legions fought valiantly, But with the demon horde’s unceasing they were forced to reatred, speaking out final prayers to the eternal city before making an exodus for the valleys and mountain paths wherein which they could mount a final defense - A final defense to prevent chaos from spilling into the desert itself and destroying any and all who called it home.

    As days and nights shifted into one, the blackened cloud’s which hid the sky above knitting back together the saurus were pushed further up towards the peak’s pinnacle. Their stretch and number dwindling with each passing hour as the demonic hordes surrounded and swarmed them. Fighting with all their fury and fervor each saurus took down ten time’s their number in demons, but it was not enough…

    Slowly, but surely Tonatiuhlex’s tattered forces were ripped apart, pieces and chunks severed and cut off until only he remained. Roaring his defiance the legendary sunblood continued fighting. With but one swing of his great blade who groups of demons were sent plummeting down the mountains slope’s. With but one gaze and whisper great flame’s would spew forth to tear out swathes of the horde’s. It was now however, the inexorable gaze of the ruinous one’s, the power’s that be, turned their attention to him. A singular speck of simmering light were all else was lost, a light that refused to be extinguished and snuffed out.


    First came Nurgle. Infection and virulent pestilence rapidly feserted within the sunblood’s body. His scales were consumed by plague, boil’s cramming on every surface on his open and raw flesh which turned black, rotting into a soft sludge whilst his weapons rusted, flaking away.

    And yet, He would not give in. And yet Tonatiuhlex still shone.

    Second came Tzeentch. Streaks of Hellfire whipped around the sunblood’s twisting form. Mutation ravaged every cell of his body. Flesh sagged with the weight of extra limb’s whilst his skin squirmed and contorted with a thousand cancers.

    And yet, He would not give in. And yet Tonatiuhlex still shone.

    Third and finally came Khorne. The sky screamed with the blood god’s rage as searing red rain streamed down from the heaven’s singing the sunblood’s skin as if each drop were molten metal. Now, and only now, with Chotec’s champion reduced to a mound of steaming flesh did Khorne dare send down a greater Demon.

    Hit after Hit turned the sunblood’s bone’s to dust and organ’s to paste as the Bloothrister gripped his shattered, limp form, soaring high above the clouds to end him once and for all.

    And yet, He would not give in. And yet, Tonatiuhlex still shone.

    Now under the sun’s witness the Oldblood’s scar’s began to split open, leaking with a light so bright it singed and burnt the demons infernal skin, singing great hole’s into its leathery wing’s and blinding its fury filled eyes. In a final act of retribution the pair, Sunblood and Bloothrister, plummeted down to a shared doom shattering into the mountainside as unrecognizable stain’s of red.

    And thus, that is the tale of how this mountains name came to be. Tonatiuhlex’s defeat, a testament to his strength and endurance, able to take down a great demons as three individual chaos gods turned their attention from the great game to gaze upon him, a mere mortal. Three were the god’s. Thrice Cursed was the Lizardmen’s champion.


    --- The Sky Finger ---

    A mighty column of sun stone basks in Chotec's fury, spiralling above the altar below
    [​IMG]
    Stretching high as the second highest peak of the Sotek spine mountain range is the Sky finger. Rising far above the infrequent clouds this beast of rock holds claim to the highest lizardmen landmark, and one most impressive. As the mountain nears its pinnacle the natural rock is sliced away, carved into a circular platform upon which a great pillar of sunstone is centered. Twisting with ancient carvings the molten stone spears into the sky, lancing up into the heaven’s as a steaming pillar of glowing rock. So intense is the sun’s light that this sun stone is among the most valued mineral across the lands of Lustria, being used to create not only the great lenses of Spectazuma, but also the solar engine’s, the energy soaked stone jolted to release a fraction of its stored energy in great beams. (See more about such devices, their creation and dynamic’s in an upcoming lizardmen ‘Technology’ page)
    Around the base of the towering pillar every inch of ground is piled high, swamped in offerings to the sungod: Weaved between a sea of perfectly engraved replica’s of plaque’s attributed to Chotec are chests near to bursting with all manor of jewel. Meanwhile minor pillar’s clasp onto the skull’s of many Skaven warlord’s, Greenskins chief’s and demonic heralds, between which lie the sealed sarcophagi of many a great sunblood, who had once in life served the sun god’s will indefatigably

    Such a magnificent and ancient altar’s creation has more depth to it than meets the eye: for not only does the sky finger tower so high that some saurus (despite its impossibility) have supposed you can watch as the sun both sets and rises simultaneously, but it is also the site from which Chotec’s most blessed warriors have risen from - crawling from the singular spawning pool shaded and hidden underneath the altar. Its steaming water’s only ever birthing singular sauri, each one destined to become great champions of Chotec - Among their ranks being Tonatiuhlex, The Sun’s Chosen, The greatest warrior these southern lands had ever been blinded by, such was his glory and light.

    It is for all these reasons The sky finger has become a continent renowned site of pilgrimage for all those who wish to honour Chotec, the task of ascending the mountain lending itself as the final and last trial that the sauri of the Copper Desert must complete inorder to earn the title ‘Sunblood’ (See above ‘Sunblood’s)

    ---The Dust gate ---
    If any one place within the region had to be palace down as resembling a city, serving as a permanent settlement and structure, it would be here: The Dust Gate.

    Serving as a the region’s locus of geomantic power, the Dust Gate houses many great spires. Towering pillars that fade into a blue sky above, their carvings smeared and sanded down after withstanding a millennia of the harsh desert wind into smooth columns vital to bolstering the southern web - Which, after many long year's has mostly fallen into disrepair despite being so crucial in closing off and denying the southern warp portals, but also allowing for communication between the continents Slann. As such, being among the only few locations were it is possible, The regions many lower generation Slann migrate here often in order to convey observations and hold council with not only one another, but also those of the rest of the continent every handful of centuries making The Dust gate a sacred location of much importance to the region’s inhabitants.

    And it is because of this reason every handful of centuries the regions nomadic groups often mingle here for all manor of reason. Whether that be to take a fresh spawning into their ranks, to convey communications and hold meetings with the other tribes, or to transfer loads of goods in the Dust Gate’s great markets. Bazaars which surround the permanent structures and crisscrossing canyons of the area like puddles, all manor of scents and sounds wafting from them. The smell of sizzling meat and intense spices mix with the scent of fresh cotton and fabric on the warmdesert breeze. Meanwhile the air hums with the sounds of clatter and shouts as seller’s advertise their products and count their wares.

    The bumble of the ground above conflicting with the eerie silence of the many chamber’s and grotto’s below. Splitting off from the canyons like the roots of a tree are many of the Copper Desert’s spawning pools, between which lie great vaults or meeting room’s where tribe leader’s can gather and discuss in peace​

    Sprawling markets and bazaars coat the surface of every cliffside, swarming around the more permanent structure's
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2021
  4. Lizards of Renown
    Slann

    Lizards of Renown Herald of Creation

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    I love the create on this Naz. Nice work.
     
    Lizerd and Nazqua like this.
  5. Lizerd
    Skink Priest

    Lizerd Well-Known Member

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    Honestly I am at a loss for words on your work naz, its incredible. The fact that you filled in a fairly blank area of the lore on lustria with something so expansive and so well fitting is amazing. Phenomenal work, Im excited to see more and spend a morning reading it :D
     
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  6. Paul1748
    Saurus

    Paul1748 Well-Known Member

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    Great stuff ! Can't imagine how many hours you spent on these posts.
     
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  7. Killer Angel
    Slann

    Killer Angel Prophet of the Stars Staff Member

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    What an exraordinary work!

    Regarding the poll, I don't want to vote... just do what you pleases you the most.

    if i really need to pick 2 preferences, i'd like to see one region (be if swamps or the jungle) and one city (be it Hualotal or Tlanxla... slight preference for the city of masks)
     
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  8. Nazqua
    Carnasaur

    Nazqua Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all your compliments and Im glad you all liked it. I think I've decided to start working on the Aymara Swamps and Salamander Cove, an area right besides them. Not only is it the highest voted area, but also one I have been looking forward to working on for a while. They will be inspired by mangrove swamps so a pretty nice change in scenery compared to the bleak desert with Im sure a whole host of new animals and lizardmen to talk about. Ill be posting my progress back on the main thread - https://www.lustria-online.com/threads/nazquas-bestiary-and-lustrian-lore.24795/
     

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