The Sakoian people are rich in mythology. They believe that myths may have been visions of premonition in some cases, and in some cases are tales woven from actual events. No matter which, myths are near and dear to the inhabitants of the desert.
Legends
"Tenders of Omest" -The nomadic tribes around the present location of Omest realized the importance of the ancient ruins nearby. The town was designed to conform to the configuration of these ancient ruins, and families were chosen to have the duty of tending to the ruins each year on midsummer’s day. This tradition of family members traveling to the ruins and carefully cleaning and repairing any obvious weathering continues to this day.
"Jeraylind" -Jeraylind, a nomadic chieftain’s daughter who lived near present-day Zhan, was pursued and accosted by a sand demon. Jeraylind lifted her voice in plea to Edalirin, who transformed the girl into a deep well in order to preserve her purity. Later, four tall palms were planted around the well, and are tended by the local priests. These palms shade Jeraylind’s well, and preserve its purity. Today, the well provides water for the town of Zhan.
"The Six Sisters of Verem" -Six ancient palm trees line the eastern approach to the market square and temple. Legend has it that these trees were once six beautiful sisters who came to Verem from an outlying herding family. They were pledged to merchants as brides, but none of them were happy with the chosen husband. Their father, however, was insistent. As they approached Verem, they wailed and begged Edalirin to save them from this fate. In pity, the god turned them into trees. It is said that the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind is the sisters speaking among themselves. It is the duty of the priest of the temple to water and care for these trees.
"Laries and Wicenda" -Laries and Wicenda, sons of a miner near Tatris, each boasted that they were most proficient in taking ore from the land. Regular contests were held in mining, and either Laries or Wicenda won again and again, their strength and skill overwhelming many. Slowly, antagonism between the brothers grew, and they contested against each other. In their desire to prove the stronger, they were reckless in digging, and the entire area they were mining in collapsed, burying both men. Deep springs welled up to water the land, creating Aern Noer in return for the lives of Laries and Wicenda. Fathers in the lands nearby use the tale of Laries and Wicenda to caution their children against arrogance.
"Singing Soldiers of Achersul" -Residents of Achersul call the dune field to the west the “Singing Soldiers”. Legend says that an invading enemy, which thought to come up on the town from the heart of the desert in surprise, was turned to sand when the townspeople prayed to Velind as they prepared to defend their homes. Movement of the sand in the wind, or “singing” is often thought to be the quiet lament of the invading army.
"Haunted Ril’per" -On the eve of the new year (2137), a group of one hundred fanatic Sakoians gave all their worldly goods to the temple in Ril’per, then walked into the sand with only a thin shift of white cloth to protect them. They were never seen again. It’s assumed the sands swallowed their offering. This act began the many rumors and tales surrounding “haunted” Ril’per. In 2400-2405 TS Sakoian nomads following the words of a false prophet returned to the ancient ruins near Ril’per to live. They spent time in studying and interpreting the writings and objects they found there. Since they refused to engage in trade with others, they soon found the desert more powerful than their will. Some wished to leave, but the prophet denied them this, and they died slowly, adding their bones to the ruins.
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