ROSTAP (Ros-tap)

The legend about Rostap is that when the Marpe Waters were first discovered by the Gershonties, the Zethamites also noticed that the trees near the waters were different from other trees. They were more vibrant, larger, robust, and grew much more larger fruit. A Zethamite named Rostap was sleeping underneath a Yavah Tree when he had a vision about a "man in shimmering linen" appearing to him, his face was glowing with light. The man in white linen pointed to the fruit of a Yavah tree to him, inviting him to eat of the tree. Rostap did as he was bidden and ate of the fruit, immediately noticing that he felt an increase in his vitality and strength. He also found that the sickness he was dealing with was immediately gone, and his body was far more energetic than before. Rostap inquired more about the nature of the fruit. The man in white linen told him that the Grace of Yavah within the Marpe Waters had also blessed the fruit, and that the people were to harvest the fruit for provision. Rostap awoke from the vision afterwards, and the man in white linen was gone. Rostap remembered the instructions of the vision, and harvest some of the fruit from the Yavah tree where he had slept. Then he decided to return home to inform his River Clan of what happened. On his journey, Rostap found that not once did he feel any exhaustion or intense hunger for a long time. Upon his return, Rostap informed the elders of the nearby River Clan of the vision he had. He also gave them some of the fruit to eat as proof of his encounter. The River Clan elders felt the same effects of the fruit that Rostap experienced, realizing that this was the favor of Yavah given to their people. Soon, the River Clans found more of the fruit of the Yavah Tree across all three rivers of the Marpe Waters. They secured them for the usage of their people, and collectively named the fruit Rostap after the Zethamite who was blessed with this discovery.

The legend of Rostap is considered an actual historical event due to the existence of the Marpe Waters, and the effects of the fruit experienced by the residents of Gershon. The mere existence of Rostap make this legend an true one, and few can even begin to doubt the evidence.

The legend of Rostap had spread very far throughout Lavantia, where even the denizens of Swindon are aware of the legend. There are very few who do not know about the legend, and even that will change upon simple inquiry or conversation.

The peoples of Gershon & Kerrosano view Rostap as a true blessing, and take great care in the consumption & preservation of the fruit in different ways. Reception among the Sigvills are mixed regarding the legend. None truly doubt the legend, but rather take different views upon its stewardship. The Sigvills who are more closely aligned to the other nations, they marvel at the existence of Rostap & seek to partake of the fruit every chance they get. Other Sigvill tribes who remain in the other faiths have expressed great jealously towards the Gershonites, envious that they were chose to receive of the fruit & they were not.