Shifting Sands world illustration - Low Fantasy theme
Low Fantasy

Shifting Sands

A
Angusi

The Shifting Sands Desert, known for its unpredictable sandstorms covers thousands of square miles. It is home to the Desertborne Humans, who live nomadically, following the desert's weather patterns. The desert also contains hidden oases, caves and ruins of old cities. On the frontiers of the desert, poachers sometimes threaten the balance, and some bandits roam the desert. The tribes mantain most of the time peaceful relations but thrive for power.


Author's Note: WORK IN PROGRESS, feedback on Discord is really apreciated, as the CI's and some things are still being tested. There is some special mecanics in this campaing (which obviously you can deactivate): -Water and Food supplies matter. There is a counter that shows your daily supplies, the food water counter shows how many days you have, including the current. So having 1 suplies means that tomorrow you will starve. Any day that you are at 0, you will be poisoned and loose 20% of your health. The maximum storage is determined by your gear. There is gear to store supplies for 3 days, and gear for 7 days. -There is a maximum of hours you can travel. Upon reaching it you must rest before continuing. I advise to specify the direction and the number of hours you wish to travel. Franz usually keeps track of this two counters well, but as always, sometimes you have to manually correct it. Thanks to Rhetorici for the amazing work done with items and spells, I just cloned nearly all, and I'm currently trying to overcome a bug that doesn't let me import them. https://play.fables.gg/profile/Rhetorici
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40 days ago
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Artisans Workshops

Artisans Workshops

The Artisans Workshops is a bustling area filled with the sounds of hammers striking metal, the scent of fresh wood shavings, and the vibrant colors of various crafts. Artisans of all kinds, from blacksmiths to weavers, work diligently in their individual caverns, showcasing their skills and creating unique items for the market.

Barren Hills

Barren Hills

The Barren Hills are a desolate expanse of dry, cracked earth and sparse vegetation, where the wind howls through the rocky outcrops. This area is known for its harsh climate, with scorching days and freezing nights, making survival a challenge for any adventurer.

Blackmountains

Blackmountains

The Blackmountains are a towering range that pierce the clouds, their jagged peaks glistening with snow and ice. The area is known for its treacherous cliffs, hidden caves, and the rare flora and fauna that thrive in the harsh conditions.

Bone Cisterns

Bone Cisterns

The Bone Cisterns is a unique underground area where the Karkrei Tribe has ingeniously constructed bone structures to collect and store the torrential rainwater that cascades down from the mountains during the two times that rain each year. This eerie yet functional site serves as both a vital resource for the tribe and a testament to their resourcefulness in utilizing the remains of their ancestors.

Bone Dunes

Bone Dunes

The Bone Dunes are a vast expanse of shifting sands littered with the bleached remains of countless creatures. The air is thick with the scent of decay, and the ground crunches underfoot, a reminder of the many who have perished in this desolate place.

Cacti Plain

Cacti Plain

Cacti Plain is a vast expanse of arid land where towering cacti dominate the landscape, creating a unique ecosystem. The ground is parched and cracked, with occasional patches of resilient desert flowers that bloom after rare rainfalls, attracting various desert creatures. The Desert tribes gather the cacti for various uses ranging from food to ritual drugs.

Dark Sands

Dark Sands

Dark Sands is a foreboding desert where the shadows of towering mountains loom over the landscape, creating an eerie twilight that lasts throughout the day. The ground is covered in fine, black sand that absorbs light, giving the area a surreal and oppressive atmosphere.

Dead Spires

Dead Spires

The Dead Spires is a foreboding mountain range characterized by jagged peaks that pierce the sky like the teeth of a great beast. The air is thin and carries a chill, with dark clouds often swirling ominously above, hinting at the ancient curses that haunt this desolate land.

Dried Riverbed

Dried Riverbed

A vast dried riverbed south of the Sacred Mountain, transitioning from flat plains and rocky cliffs near the mountain to sandy dunes in the south. It holds remnants of ancient water flow, with cracked earth, scattered bones, and sparse hardy vegetation. Some caves in the base of the mountain connect with the Old Water Tunnels of the Sacred Caverns City

Echoing Chasm

Echoing Chasm

The Echoing Chasm is a deep, narrow fissure in the earth, stretching endlessly into darkness. Its walls are steep and jagged, and the air is filled with an eerie silence, occasionally broken by distant echoes that seem to call out to those who dare approach.

Endless Beach

Endless Beach

Endless Beach is a vast expanse of shifting sands and dunes, where the coastline seems to stretch infinitely. The ever-moving sands create treacherous conditions, making it impossible to establish a stable port, while the relentless waves crash against the shore, eroding the land and reshaping the landscape.

Gateward Enclave

Gateward Enclave

The Gateward Enclave is a bustling area just outside the fortified gates of the Sacred Caverns city, featuring guest lodgings, stables, and an infirmary to serve visitors and travelers.

Golden Sand Sea

Golden Sand Sea

The Golden Sand Sea is a vast expanse of shimmering golden sands, stretching as far as the eye can see. Scattered patches of hardy vegetation cling to life, while the occasional desert creature can be spotted, adapted to the harsh conditions of this arid landscape.

Lizardback Plains

Lizardback Plains

The Lizardback Plains are vast, sun-baked fields where giant lizards roam freely. The terrain is dotted with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, creating a harsh yet vibrant ecosystem.

Moving Stones Depression

Moving Stones Depression

A unique desert region where powerful winds constantly shift large stones, revealing hidden treasures beneath the surface. The Indaks Tribe has adapted to this environment, skillfully mining precious metals and jewels exposed by the relentless movement of the rocks.

Northern Sands

Northern Sands

Northern Sands is a vast expanse of golden dunes and rocky outcrops, marking the boundary between the arid desert and the lush lands to the south. The area is known for its fierce sandstorms and the occasional oasis that provides respite to weary travelers.

Quicksand Swamp

Quicksand Swamp

The Quicksand Swamp is a treacherous expanse of humid sand that conceals deadly quicksand pits. The Indaks Tribe has adapted to this perilous environment by crafting specialized platform shoes, allowing them to traverse the swamp safely while they excavate and collect the precious underground water.

Redsands Plains

Redsands Plains

The Redsands Plains stretch endlessly under a blazing sun, characterized by their reddish-brown soil and sparse vegetation. Occasional tufts of hardy grass and resilient shrubs dot the landscape, while the horizon shimmers with heat mirages, creating an illusion of water.

Residential Area

Residential Area

The Residential Area is a medium-sized network of interconnected caverns where tribe members reside. Each cavern is designed for comfort, featuring natural stone furniture and warm, glowing fungi that provide light. The community thrives on cooperation, with shared spaces for cooking and gathering, fostering a strong sense of unity among the tribe members.

Sacred Mountain

Sacred Mountain

Rising majestically in the heart of the desert, the Sacred Mountain is revered by local tribes as a holy site. Its peaks are often shrouded in mystical clouds, and the air is filled with a sense of tranquility and reverence.

Sacred Waters

Sacred Waters

Deep beneath the city flows the Sacred Waters, an ancient underground river that has sustained the populace for millennia. More than just a water source, these hallowed currents are fabled to possess remarkable healing properties, drawing a steady stream of pilgrims and adventurers seeking its blessings. This district serves as the vital hub where the river's life-giving flow is first channeled and distributed throughout the city via an intricate network of dams and conduits. The cavern itself is a sight to behold. A soft, cerulean luminescence emanates from the river, casting an ethereal glow upon the ancient carvings and symbols of worship etched into the cavern walls. The air is perpetually cool, filled with the soothing melody of gently flowing water, creating an atmosphere of profound serenity and reverence.

Sand Labyrinth

Sand Labyrinth

The Sand Labyrinth is a treacherous expanse of shifting dunes and mirages, where the landscape constantly changes, disorienting even the most seasoned travelers. Hidden dangers lurk beneath the sands, and the air shimmers with heat, creating illusions that can lead adventurers astray. Desertborne Tribes try to evade stepping in the area.

Sand Ocean

Sand Ocean

The Sand Ocean is a vast expanse of golden dunes that stretch endlessly under the scorching sun. Hidden beneath the surface are ancient ruins and the remnants of a long-lost civilization, waiting to be uncovered by intrepid adventurers. This part of the desert is particularly hostile and big, and no tribe usually inhabits it and there is no information about where it ends.

Scorched Peaks

Scorched Peaks

The Scorched Peaks is a harsh and unforgiving landscape dominated by towering volcanic mountains and vast stretches of arid desert. The air is thick with ash, and the ground is cracked and parched, dotted with the remnants of ancient lava flows and sparse vegetation that has adapted to the extreme conditions.

Scorpion Hills

Scorpion Hills

Scorpion Hills is a rugged expanse of arid land characterized by steep, rocky hills and sparse vegetation. The area is notorious for being home of the Scorvian race. It is a dangerous place for outsiders. Just a few non-Scorvian individuals have been able to step in this area and survive.

Shifting Sands Desert

Shifting Sands Desert

A vast expanse of golden dunes that seem to change shape with the wind, the Shifting Sands Desert is a treacherous landscape filled with hidden dangers and ancient secrets. Travelers must navigate carefully, as mirages and quicksand can lead even the most experienced adventurers astray.

Silent Ruins

Silent Ruins

The Silent Ruins are the remnants of a once-thriving city, now swallowed by the relentless sands of the desert. Crumbling stone structures and half-buried monuments tell tales of a civilization lost to time, where whispers of the past echo through the empty streets.

Sky Path

Sky Path

A steep trail winding up the Sacred Mountain, where the Sky-Watcher's Perch is located. The way is marked by ancient rock steps and sparse, hardy vegetation. Sacred monoliths line the path, etched with runes and symbols of old, serving as spiritual markers and guardians of the ascent.

Spirits Plateau

Spirits Plateau

The Spirits Plateau is a vast, arid expanse where the winds carry whispers of ancient souls. Ethereal figures can be seen drifting among the dunes, their presence felt in the cool night air, guiding lost travelers or warning them of impending danger.

Spirits Table

Spirits Table

A massive, square-shaped mountain rising abruptly from the arid desert, its flat top resembling a colossal table. The mountain is surrounded by shifting sands and sparse vegetation, creating a stark contrast between the barren landscape and the towering rock formation. Tales say that on the top of the mountain the desert spirits meet.

The Green Plain

The Green Plain

The Green Plain is a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush grasslands, home to the Grassborne, a peaceful and nature-loving folk. The area is dotted with wildflowers and small streams, creating a serene and vibrant ecosystem that thrives under the gentle sun.

The Hanging Gardens

The Hanging Gardens

The Hanging Gardens is a breathtaking area within the city where vertical agriculture flourishes on the cavern walls. Lush greenery cascades down from the heights, with vibrant crops growing in tiered planters, creating a stunning tapestry of colors and scents. The air is filled with the sounds of water trickling from irrigation systems, and the gentle hum of bees pollinating the flowers. This unique farming method not only provides sustenance for the city but also serves as a serene escape for its inhabitants, who often come to relax among the greenery.

The High Tribal District

The High Tribal District

The district houses the official and governing buildings of Sacred Caverns city, including the Chieftain's Hall and the Grand Library, serving as the political and cultural heart of the city. It also contains key tribal landmarks like the Oracles Chambers, vital for all Shifting Sands tribes' spiritual guidance.

The Main Market

The Main Market

A bustling trade hub within a vast cavern in the Shifting Sands Desert, where merchants from distant lands sell exotic goods, spices, and rare artifacts. The market thrives under the warm glow of crystals embedded in the cavern walls, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.

The Northern Exchange

The Northern Exchange

The Northern Exchange is a fortified trading post surrounded by sturdy pallisades, serving as a vital meeting point for local tribes and their northern neighbors. Here, traders barter goods ranging from furs and crafted weapons to rare herbs and magical trinkets, fostering both commerce and cultural exchange.

The Sacred Caverns

The Sacred Caverns

The Sacred Caverns is a sprawling underground city nestled within a vast mountain, serving as the sole refuge in the surrounding desert. Its intricate network of caves and passages is illuminated by bioluminescent fungi, creating a mystical atmosphere where trade, culture, and community thrive away from the harsh desert sun.

The Scorched Expanse

The Scorched Expanse

The Scorched Expanse is a vast, arid desert plain characterized by rolling dunes and cracked earth. Sparse vegetation clings to life, with hardy shrubs and cacti dotting the landscape, while the sun beats down relentlessly, creating mirages that dance on the horizon.

The Sewages

The Sewages

The Sewages is the lowest level of the Sacred Caverns city where multiple water channels converge and flow out into the earth's depths. It features active water channels and pipes alongside abandoned dry tunnels from old water routes, creating a labyrinthine network beneath the city. It is said that some of those tunnels get outside the mountain.

The Shimmering Salt Flats

The Shimmering Salt Flats

The Shimmering Salt Flats stretch endlessly under a blazing sun, their surface glistening like a sea of diamonds. This desolate expanse is punctuated by occasional salt formations.

The Slums

The Slums

The Slums is a dark and oppressive area of the city, where the poorest members live. The Slums are a stark, unforgiving realm, where the mountain offers no solace. Life here is a testament to grim resilience. It's a place of forgotten dreams and enduring hardship, a stark reminder of the city's unforgiving outer edge. Here, the air is thick with the scent of refuse, and the sounds of distant cries echo through the alleys, making it a place where hope is a rare commodity. People here fight to survive for each day, serving as the poor working force that feeds the city.

The Withered Grove

The Withered Grove

The Withered Grove is a desolate area where dead trees stand like silent sentinels, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. At the center lies the massive skeleton of a once-magnificent tree, its bones entwined with dark vines, serving as a haunting reminder of the life that once thrived here.

Tidepool Marsh

Tidepool Marsh

The Tidepool Marsh is a dynamic coastal area where shifting sands and tides create a network of shallow pools teeming with fish. The high salinity limits plant life, resulting in a landscape dominated by resilient algae and occasional salt-tolerant grasses.

Tree Gardening Foothills

Tree Gardening Foothills

The Tree Gardening Foothills is a unique region nestled beneath the towering Blackmountains, where the Tallesdin Tribe cultivates the few trees that can survive in this arid region. This area is characterized by small, carefully tended groves of resilient trees, each one a testament to the tribe's dedication to preserving life in a harsh environment.

Valley of Whispers

Valley of Whispers

A desolate valley filled with jagged rocks and eerie echoes. The air is thick with an unsettling silence, occasionally broken by faint whispers that seem to come from nowhere, unsettling travelers and adventurers alike.

Warehouses

Warehouses

A vast cavern converted into a bustling storage hub for desert caravan goods, featuring organized warehouses for receiving and shipping items destined for local markets and artisan workshops.

Warriors District

Warriors District

A bustling military quarter within the Sacred Caverns city, housing barracks, training grounds, and strategic command centers for the city's defenders.

Wealthy Passages

Wealthy Passages

Wealthy Passages is an opulent district within the city, characterized by its grand caverns and luxurious residences. The streets are lined with marble and adorned with intricate sculptures, showcasing the wealth and status of its inhabitants. Lavish gardens and fountains provide a serene atmosphere, while the sounds of laughter and music echo from the grand halls of the elite.

Western Ocean

Western Ocean

The Western Ocean is a vast expanse of deep blue waters, dotted with mysterious islands and treacherous reefs. Legends speak of ancient sea creatures and sunken treasures that lure adventurers to its depths.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
We are not affiliated with Dungeons & Dragons or Wizards of The Coast in any way.
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