Overview:
The Salt Flats are a vast expanse of shimmering white salt that stretch out like a desolate sea in the heart of Donatus Stultitia. Known for their stark and unforgiving landscape, the Salt Flats remain dry and desolate even during the rainy season, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding areas that temporarily spring to life.
Description:
The Salt Flats are characterized by their blindingly bright, white surface, which reflects the harsh sun and creates a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. The ground is hard and cracked, covered in a thick layer of salt that crunches underfoot. The air is dry and filled with a sharp, salty tang. The horizon stretches endlessly, with little to no vegetation or landmarks to break the monotony. The area is eerily silent, with the occasional gust of wind swirling up small salt eddies.
History:
The history of the Salt Flats is largely a mystery, with various legends and theories attempting to explain its existence. Some believe that the flats were once an ancient sea that dried up over millennia, leaving behind the salt deposits. Others tell tales of divine punishment, where the land was cursed to remain barren and lifeless as a reminder of past transgressions.
Significance:
For the people of Taenarius, the salt flats are essential for their continued existence. The large reserves of salt provide them ample supplies to preserve excess food gathered during the wet period. For most others the salt flats represent the most desolate land Siar’Morrin has to offer outside The Western Scar or Sceel wastelands, a region best avoided.
Notable Features:
- Endless Horizon: The vast, unbroken expanse of the Salt Flats creates a sense of infinity, with the horizon stretching endlessly in all directions.
- Cracked Salt Surface: The ground is covered in a thick layer of salt, forming a hard, cracked surface that glistens in the sunlight.
- Mirage Effect: The intense heat and reflective surface often create mirages, making it appear as though water shimmers in the distance, only to vanish upon closer inspection.
- Bone Yard: Scattered across the flats are the bleached bones of animals and adventurers who succumbed to the harsh conditions, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
- Salt Crystals: In some areas, large salt crystals protrude from the ground, forming unique and beautiful natural sculptures.
Local Legends or Stories:
According to local folklore, the Salt Flats were once the site of a lush, life-giving lake known for its clear waters and abundant fish. In a tragic turn of events driven by ambition, the young demi-god, Donatus, sought to win favor with the mighty deity Spatalos by offering him this fertile land. Delighted with the gift, Spatalos came to roam his new domain, and upon discovering the beautiful lake, he drank deeply from its waters. As he drank, the lake began to dry up until nothing remained but vast expanses of salt, rendering the land barren and desolate. Another eerie legend that haunts the Salt Flats is that of the Salt Wraiths. It is said that the spirits of those unfortunate enough to perish while crossing the barren wasteland linger. These spirits, appearing as ghostly, wraith-like figures, are often seen shimmering in the heatwaves that ripple across the flats. Local tales warn that these Salt Wraiths create mirages of water and shelter, deceitful illusions that lure weary travelers deeper into the flats. Those who follow these visions often meet their demise, lost forever in the vast, unyielding salt desert.
Visitors’ Experience:
The endless horizon and blindingly bright surface create a sense of isolation and vastness that is both awe-inspiring and unsettling. Exploring the flats, visitors can see the cracked salt surface, the occasional mirage, and the haunting remains of those who perished in the desolate expanse. The intense heat and lack of shelter make it a challenging environment, testing the endurance and resilience of those who dare to venture across it. The eerie silence and the possibility of encountering the Salt Wraiths add an element of danger and mystique, making a visit to the Salt Flats an unforgettable and humbling experience.