Ateno Desert
The Ateno Desert makes up a large portion of the inner main continent of Yeddo. The area used to be another Valerian megacity, but the area desertified following an ancient battle during the Singularity War. Much of the original structures have been swallowed by the dunes. Despite this, a thriving ecosystem has managed to reclaim the area along with prosperous settlements such as Al-Ghato.
The Ateno Desert is also a common filming location for various vrNet movies. For movies set on desert planets such as Salvaxes, it is often cheaper to film in the Ateno Desert to avoid the costs of space travel.
Cities
Al-Ghato
- Main article: Al-Ghato
A city located near a desert oasis. A prosperous trading hub, it was founded by nomadic tribes of cat hybrids. These cat hybrids have longer ears than most others on Yeddo, likely as a local physical adaptation to the dry, warm environment.
Despite the fairly modern infrastructure, camels are still a common way to get around due to them being much cheaper than mechanical vehicles when crossing the desert.
Atenhaten
- Main article: Atenhaten
Thought to be the oldest city on Yeddo, Atenhaten is a desert metropolis with a high population of humans with over 30% of Valerian DNA. Following the Blackout, they were one of the first early empires to rise from the ashes of the Singularity War using the stash of Valerian technology preserved in hidden bunkers. It is also thought that Phyliss Taranis has lineage going back to this area.
The patron god machine of this city is Aten who is worshipped as the god of the sun. He is described as having shone a light through the Blackout to help resurrect humanity from the dark ages by gifting them knowledge and technology.
The city is also home to the Darkseers, an enclave of individuals with technokinesis that wear blindfolds at all times and "see" with their abilities.
Points of interest
Buried Towers
A series of skyscrapers once part of a Valerian megacity. They appear as a series of dilapidated, rusted towers poking out from the sands. They are also makeshift shelters for any travelers who need to hide from the sandstorms.
Scar Canyon
One of the most prominent features of the desert is Scar Canyon, a large chasm that is at least several miles deep. The canyon is unusually straight, making it quite obvious that it is not a natural formation. It is speculated that during the Singularity War, a planet destroying weapon was fired upon the surface by Oracle forces. Though it missed, it grazed by the surface, creating the chasm. The result was massive dust clouds and debris blocking out the sun which caused mass extinctions and serious environmental damage. Although the planet survived, it forced the inhabitants to evacuate the planet, leaving behind ruins to be rediscovered after the Blackout.
Scar Canyon is also known for being a filming location for one of Wuthering Wanda's music video where she drove along the edge of the cliff. Following this, thrill seeking motorists began using makeshift ramps to jump over the canyon. Technically, this became illegal after one too many riders missed the jump and fell into the canyon. However, this remains poorly enforced.
Abandoned Digsite
In close proximity to Scar Canyon is an old research facility that was abandoned after being hit with a particularly strong sandstorm. Years later, Trilla Skywell found herself out here, researching an ancient broken vrNet antenna.
Pyramis-Grandias
The single largest Valerian pyramid on Yeddo is found partially buried in the dunes. Four colossal obelisks can be found at each of the four corners of the pyramid, thought to have been ancient relay towers. The pyramid itself ws a palace where one of the clones of the emperor or empress of the Valerians resided.
Mt. Dankoma
A tall mountain with a large side portion of it missing as if it was removed artificially, giving it an unnatural appearance. It is thought to have been hit with the same weapon that created Scar Canyon. Local folklore describes the mountain as the site where an evil All-Devouring God took a bite out of the world.
Ateno Space Elevator
Though not quite as large and elaborate as the Star Lift at Port Oraulan, the Ateno Space Elevator is still an impressive sight. Situated near the city Atenhaten, it is an alternative place where starships can dock and trade their goods to the planet's surface.