The Silent Desert, a naturally occurring phenomenon on the planet Tython, situated in the Deep Core region of the galaxy, earned its name from its extraordinary capacity to completely suppress all audible sound within its boundaries.
This vast, sound-absorbing wasteland of sand, known as the Silent Desert, possesses the uncanny ability to nullify all sound. This strange phenomenon has been attributed to the ever-shifting sands themselves, perhaps due to some unknown property, or even to the large sand formations that mysteriously appear in the desert, particularly during the night. These sculptures, which captivate those who see them, are speculated by some to be sentient, or at least a part of an ancient species, though this idea is not universally accepted. Regardless, it's plausible that these sculptures absorb sound for sustenance, thus creating the silence. The landscape could be dramatically different each morning, altered by the nocturnal movements of these formations. For any sentient beings traversing this area, the constant and total absence of sound can be quite disturbing, inducing a sense of isolation even when surrounded by others. Below the surface, natural caverns exist, their rocky layers providing a refuge from the sound-dampening effects above.
As is typical of desert environments, mirages are common in the Silent Desert, and the winds are strong and constant. During the hotter parts of the day, the temperature can become so extreme that the heated sand can melt footwear, and even a gentle breeze can cause skin damage. Despite these severe conditions, the desert supports a surprisingly diverse range of life. Silik lizards, whose primary food source is sand, are native to this area, along with various desert birds, lizards, giant mankles, pendles, and a slender type of shire. The caves, canyons, and mesas that break up the landscape offer the only places where sound can be heard within the vast silence.
Long before the establishment of the Galactic Republic, a massive Tho Yor spacecraft landed in the desert, carrying travelers from faraway lands. Around this Tho Yor, these early inhabitants, who were members of the Je'daii Order, constructed a Temple dedicated to Force skills, naming it Qigong Kesh.
The majority of the temple complex was located beneath the surface within the extensive cave system, where sound behaved normally and cooling systems provided relief to weary travelers. However, many lessons were conducted on the surface, as the Je'daii masters used the desert's silence to encourage students to develop their telepathic abilities.