Rhitosia
Rhitosia is the southernmost continent of Alathra. To its east is Verokuna and to its north are the continents of Almuren and Erylos, which are separated from it by the Rhitosian Strait. Past the seas to its east, south, and west are massive clouds of blue fog that disorient travelers and prevent passage. Rhitosia is largely arid, with a higher average temperature (besides Verokuna) and less precipitation than the rest of Alathra.
History
Nations
Abendara
Al-Qutarra
Geography
Rhitosia is made up of three major biomes: desert, savannah, and mesa. The desert and savannah are separated by a mesa range, while the western third of the continent consists of one large plateau.
Swallowing Wastes
The Swallowing Wastes is the name of the desert biome on the west of Rhitosia.
"It is the largest biome on the continent. It lays in the rain shadow of the Bronzed Mesas; harsh winds brought on by surrounding sea currents leave the dunes ever changing and prevent much precipitation. However, in the many valleys of the Wastes, what little water there is gathers, creating small, muddy oases."
"The odd mesa dots the Wastes. They add a spot of color with their beautiful reds (and oranges. Wind erosion bites away at them and mixes the minerals with the sand; this creates the distinct reddish sand surrounding them."
"The primary makeup of the hills and mesas of the Wastes is granite, terracotta, sandstone, tuff, and limestone. Most unique are the rare deposits of an as of yet unidentified mineral. It ranks very low on the hardness scale, is warm to the touch, is extremely flammable, and is conducive to the growth of an undocumented crimson fungus."
- excerpts from Cartographer's Guide: Rhitosia Vol. 1
The harsh conditions prevent unadapted life from surviving for long. Cacti, armadillos, rabbits, and camels are among the few living things. At night, when the temperatures drop below freezing, the undead and other monsters emerge, including the husk (a dried out zombie).
Aemethyl Oasis
"The Aemethyl Oasis is a deep, bowl shaped valley in the center of the Swallowing Wastes, where any water in the region eventually flows. The influx of water, and the minerals from eroded sediment all over the Wastes, and the protection from the harsh winds makes it an incredibly fertile location. The canopy soaks up the sun and protects the inhabitants; the lake and plant growth holds heat much better than the sands which keeps the Oasis balmy even at night."
- excerpt from Cartographer's Guide: Rhitosia Vol. 1
The ecosystem within the bowl of the oasis is much more diverse than the desert surrounding it. Many rare plants grow, including jungle trees, cocoa, melons, and colorful flowers. Pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens graze and forage. Rarest of all upon the continent are parrots and pandas which are common within the basin.
=== Bronzed Mesas