The Sinking Sands

               {{ZoneBox |
  zname = Sinking Sands |
  levelrange = 45-60 |
  introduced = Desert of Flames |
  azones     = 
*[[Maj'Dul|Maj'Dul]]
*[[The Pillars of Flame|Pillars of Flame]]
*[[Moors of Ykesha]] ...''[[#Adjacent Zones|more]]'' |
  adungeons = 
*[[The Clefts of Rujark]]
*[[The Living Tombs]]
*[[The Silent City]] |
  ainstances =
*[[The Hidden Cache]]
*[[The Sanctorium]] |
  instance   = Public |
  uid = 290|
  timelines = {{timeline|Sinking Sands}} |
  image = TwinTearsOasis.jpg |
  harvestnodetier = 6 |
}}
This is the entry point into the zones associated with the Desert of Flames. From the docks, travelers can take [[Magic Carpet]] ride to [[Maj'Dul]] or run across the sands to [[The Clefts of Rujark]] or [[The Pillars of Flame]].

== Lore ==

The region known as the Sinking Sands makes up the northeastern shores of the land known as Ro. Seen from ship it appears barren, bland, and inhospitable. In reality it is teeming with life of all kinds. The lands of Ro are home to the Dervin Empire, that makes its presence known across the entire landscape. This is especially true in the Sinking Sands, where ambassadors from each political alignment eagerly await new arrivals.

: - ''[[Sinking Sands Creature Catalog]]''

== Geography ==

The Sinking Sands are a broad stretch of mountainous sand dunes punctuated by the occasional oasis or impact crater. Steep cliffs cut the area off from the sea on many sides. A series of caves undercuts the cliffs to create a breeding ground for saltwater crocodiles and caimans.

To the north, the same type of cave has revealed the entrance to [[The Silent City]], an ancient metropolis smothered by divine wrath. A handful of mesas stand guard at the region's western edge, their caves providing shelter to the [[Sandfang Gnolls (Faction)|Sandfang clan]] of [[:Category:Gnoll|jackal gnolls]].

:''- [[The Desert Regions and City of Maj'Dul]]''

=== Travel ===

There is an NPC with a [[Magic Carpet]] at the docks in one of the tents. After major updates to travel, they are all "linked" without the need to visit each one. Travel by carpet will take you directly to (or very near) the following destinations in the Desert of Flames:
*{{POI|Maj'Dul}}
*{{POI|Camp D'Sas}}
*{{POI|Onerock Isle}}
*{{POI|Twin Tears}}
*{{POI|The Undercity Arena}}

An airship is also available.  [[The Skystrider]] provides transportation between {{POI|The Skystrider Launch-Dock}} in The Sinking Sands and the [[Moors of Ykesha]].  The launch-dock is located at the top of the cliff above {{POI|Croc Hunter Camp}}.

=== Map ===
[[Image:map_exp01_rgn_sinking_sands_0.jpg|300px]]

=== Dungeons ===
{{SmallTable}}
 ! Dungeon Name 
 ! Level Range 
 ! Target Audience
 ! Zone Type 
 ! Location
 |-
 | [[The Clefts of Rujark]]
 | 50-56
 | Solo or Group
 | Shared Dungeon
 | South near {{POI|Orc Highway}}
 |-
 | [[The Living Tombs]]
 | 50-56
 | Solo or Group
 | Shared Dungeon
 | Aqueduct at the {{POI|Twin Tears}}
 |-
 | [[The Silent City]]
 | 54-60
 | Group
 | Shared Dungeon
 | Sea cave in [[the Bay of Anuk]]
 |}

=== Adjacent Zones ===
{{SmallTable}}
 ! Zone Name 
 ! Level Range 
 ! Direction
 ! Access
 |-
 | [[The Pillars of Flame]]
 | 50-60
 | West
 | through any of four passes
 |-
 | [[Maj'Dul]]
 | 45-60
 | Southwest
 | via magic carpet at the {{POI|Port of Tears}}
 |-
 | [[Moors of Ykesha]]
 | 75-80
 | South
 | via airship at {{POI|The Skystrider Launch-Dock}}
 |-
 | [[Great Divide]]
 | 85-90
 | South
 | via the Lodizal at the {{POI|Port of Tears}}
 |}

=== Revive Locations ===
{{SmallTable}}
 ! Revive Location
 ! Description
 |-
 | {{POI|Caiman Beach}}
 | Beside the dock
 |-
 | {{POI|Twin Tears}}
 | On the crest of the dunes
 |-
 | [[The Undercity Arena]]
 | Only marginally safe
 |}

== Similar Zones ==
{{SmallTable}}
 ! Zone Name 
 ! Level Range 
 ! Region
 ! Notes
 |-
 | [[Everfrost]]
 | 40-50
 | [[Shattered Lands]]
 | Good quest lines
 |-
 | [[Lavastorm]]
 | 45-55
 | [[Shattered Lands]]
 | Recently improved quests and travel
 |-
 | [[Maj'Dul]]
 | 45-60
 | [[Desert of Flames]]
 | Many quests cross over to Sinking Sands
 |}

== Quests ==
In addition to the [[Sinking Sands Timeline]], consider exploring the [[Ghassan the Trader Timeline]].  Parts of [[The Peacock Club Timeline]] also take place in this zone.

{{SmallTable}}
 ! Quest Hub
 ! Level Range
 ! Notes
 |-
 | {{POI|Port of Tears}}
 | 45-47
 | Also see north {{POI|Croc Hunter Camp}} nearby
 |-
 | {{POI|South Croc Hunter Camp}}
 | 47-52
 | Also see [[Xilla Beetlebinder|Xilla]] at top of ramp
 |}