Shroud of Dust

Through the SHROUD of DUST? No, I will not allow you to take part in this foolish race!

— Garrind Balkiel, mother to racer Potas Balkiel

The Shroud of Dust is an area of minimal rainfall and horrible soil quality located between the northern reaches of the Canton of Ponton and the southern extent of the territories of Caraquabé. It is effectively, a desert. Its names stem from the frequent dust and sand storms that batter the flatlands at the desert's heart into submission. Even when there is no dust storm, the air is constantly filled with clouds of particles. Upon leaving the shroud, one is usually covered in a film of dirt and sand, which many locals simply name having been "Shrouded". At the centre of the Shroud lies the Tree of Anora, massive tree. It is believed that it is due to the tree absorbing the water and nutrients from the soil around itself that the shroud exists in the first place. The lush area at the roots of the tree is known as the Anora Oasis.