The Veiled Oasis

Blended within the ruins of forgotten civilizations, hidden amidst the sandstorms of the desert wastelands of Pariant, lies the ever elusive Veiled Oasis. The tales about this place are countless. In every inn and tavern, you are bound to find someone who knew of someone who had a friend who knew of another who had managed to set foot there, even if only briefly. Bards sing songs about the oasis, and parents whisper of it in the bedtime stories they tell their children. No matter where you wander in Kena'an, you'll find some memory or mention of the Veiled Oasis even though no one knows how or where you can find it.

Geography

Perhaps the only certainty about the Veiled Oasis is that it lies somewhere within Pariant. Yet, there is neither a map nor a compass, nor any form of magic that can pinpoint its exact location. The oasis remains well-hidden within the vast, uninhabited expanses of Pariant, and the harsh, unwelcoming desert landscape only adds to the difficulty of locating it. Some legends suggest that the oasis is buried within the heart of an ancient ruin among the numerous that are scattered across the desert, making orientation nearly impossible.

Most scholars, astronomers, and researchers suggest that the Veiled Oasis appears in different locations depending on the season or celestial events. Although its elusive nature might be influenced by the alignment of the stars or the changing seasons, this theory has yet to be proven.

Local nomadic tribes, on the other hand, tend to believe the oasis is a sacred place, appearing only to those in dire need or with the purest of intentions. To prove the worth of their leaders, some of these tribes set their most competent members on a quest to find the oasis. The successful completion of this quest is seen as a mark of true competence, and thus the chosen leader is believed to be one who has earned the favor of the gods and the respect of their people.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of the Veiled Oasis is as enigmatic as its elusive nature, with descriptions varying widely across stories and cultures. Some songs and tales depict a verdant paradise standing out like an emerald amidst the endless desert sands. These accounts speak of crystal-clear, azure waters, picturesque waterfalls, vibrant flowers, and the invigorating scent of nature.

In contrast, darker tales speak of a mythical creature known as the Sand Wraith which inhabits the oasis. This malevolent being is said to resemble a spectral serpent with scales that shimmer like the desert sands and eyes that glow with an eerie light. The Sand Wraith is rumored to lure travelers with its captivating, ghostly beauty, drawing them into its lair with promises of rest and rejuvenation. However, once its prey is ensnared, the Sand Wraith reveals its true nature, seeking to drain their life force and leave them as mere husks to dry under the hot and vengeful Pariant sun.

Localized Phenomena

The most captivating feature of the Veiled Oasis is its ever-shifting location. Every tale or legend about suggests that the oasis wanders restlessly across the desert of Pariant, evading any attempts to pinpoint its true position. Its elusive nature defies maps, compasses, and even the most advanced magical means of navigation.

Some nomadic tribes in Pariant speak of a soft, ethereal mist that occasionally drifts through the area. To them, this mist is a hint, a subtle guide that might lead one to the mystical oasis.

It is said that near the oasis, time warps and bends in inexplicable ways. There are tales of heroes and travelers that thought they were spending mere moments within its boundaries, only to find that years have passed outside. Conversely, other stories describe whole lives been lived inside the oasis, while only minutes have elapsed in the world beyond. These accounts, are so varied that no one can know for sure which one is true and which is not, nevertheless they still contribute to the oasis's reputation for defying the natural order.

Fauna & Flora

The reports surrounding the flora and fauna of the Veiled Oasis remain steeped in myth, bordering on the realm of fantasy. It is said that rare and exotic plants grow throughout the oasis, with flowers that glitter like crystal under the moonlight. The most famous tale, however, is of a root known as the Root of Eternity, which- if brewed correctly- is believed to restore youth. Yet, no one truly knows what this root looks like or how to identify it. Other stories suggest that many of the strange plants within the oasis appear to respond to visitors, changing their colors in ways that seem almost communicative, as if nature itself is attempting to speak.

As for the fauna, the accounts are even more vague. Some claim that the abilities of desert creatures are heightened when they come in contact with the oasis, while there are also rumors of species native only to the oasis itself. These creatures are often described as ethereal, appearing and vanishing without warning. Local nomadic tribes speak of protectors that dwell within the oasis— guardians that ensure the sanctity of the land. In contrast, darker legends persist, particularly the stories of the dreaded Sand Wraith, a creature said to use the oasis as a lure, drawing in travelers only to devour them once they let their guard down.

Natural Resources

Stories abound of rare materials and treasures hidden within its boundaries, but few—if any—have successfully brought them back. Water, of course, is the most prized resource. Said to be crystal-clear and impossibly pure, the waters of the oasis are believed to possess healing properties. Some say a single sip can cure illnesses, while others claim that bathing in its springs grants vitality or even prolongs life. These waters are often regarded as a gift from the gods, offered only to those worthy enough to find them.

Beyond the water, there are tales of rare minerals and precious stones found near the oasis’s pools. These gems are said to sparkle with an inner light, their origins tied to ancient, forgotten powers. Some speak of shimmering veins of metal running beneath the sands, metals that glow faintly and are imbued with magical properties. However, no reliable account exists of anyone returning with such treasures.

For the nomadic tribes of Pariant, the value of the oasis’s resources is beyond mere material wealth. They view these gifts as blessings from the gods, to be respected and feared in equal measure, believing that taking too much from the oasis would bring ruin to those foolish enough to try.

History

The history of the Veiled Oasis is as obscure and fragmented as the many stories told about it. No one can say for certain when or how it first came to be, nor what purpose it might have served in the distant past. Some believe it has always existed, a timeless sanctuary hidden by the sands of Pariant, while others suggest it was created by powerful forces, either divine or arcane, long ago.

Ruins of ancient civilizations- especially the long lost kingdom of the Shadow elf- are often found near where the oasis is said to appear, sparking countless theories. Some suggest that the oasis was once the heart of a great empire, its life-giving waters sustaining a long-forgotten city now buried beneath the dunes. Others say it was a sacred site, a place where nomadic tribes would come to worship or commune with the gods, its waters blessed as a symbol of renewal and hope.

There are also darker tales, whispered by those who claim the oasis has a more sinister past. These stories speak of forgotten rituals and forbidden knowledge hidden within the oasis’ depths, secrets that have claimed the lives of those who sought to uncover them. Some believe that those who try to plunder its resources or unravel its mysteries are cursed, never to return to the world they left behind.

Despite countless attempts to document the oasis’s history, none have succeeded in uncovering anything definitive. The records of those who have sought it are inconsistent, their accounts fragmented and often contradictory, leaving the true origins and history of the Veiled Oasis a mystery.

Alternative Name(s)

The Lost Refuge, The Soul of the Desert

Type

Oasis

Location under

Pariant

Depiction of the Veiled Oasis

by Nicola Grossman

Pariant Wastelands