Shera'ae Oasis

It is found closer to the mountain range known as The Spine in its northern regions of the Eastern Lands, with it being said that a hidden mountain river exists that brings a fresh supply of water to fill the vast oasis found there.

A hot and dry desert environment leads to a constant influx of sudden temperature fluctuations and extreme weather conditions, ranging from hot to cold, all while dealing with sudden changes in wind velocity.

A Once Green Paradise

  In the distant past, before the desert spread like a sea of endless fire, there was a single green hollow known as Shera'ae, the "Place of Many Roots." It was said that the Maruk People originally hail from this place, once being a sheltered basin with freshwater springs, fruit-bearing groves, and towering trees that gave it its name. Then, as the lands died, so did the abundance that they had given to sustain their people. Rather than leaving, like so many others, they would remain in their ancestral lands, attempting to maintain what they could to survive the encroaching desert. For a time, this system worked, with the water being stored away to last several generations. However, even that would eventually run dry, and the Maruk would fight over what remained, which would not stop until the first Dune Mystics rose to power and brought about visions of their homeland holding a hidden sanctuary where water was plenty for them all.   It was prophesied that the Maruk would learn about their ancestral home and travel into the desert to understand its ways, thereby strengthening themselves. Only then would the hidden spring be granted a place to rest from the hardships of the desert for a century. It was from that day that the people began to heed this prophecy and would become many desert tribes that roamed the desert for that time, becoming stronger than ever before from such hardships. When the time finally came, the scattered tribes would gather to return to their homeland to find the hidden haven for rest. Yet as they all arrived, none could be seen as the desert seemingly claimed all life that once was found here.   It was not until some noticed animals were moving towards a deep canyon that they finally discovered a river leading to a hidden oasis. They would rejoice at the gift bestowed upon them after many generations of hardship. It is here that they would build a small settlement, built into the rock, to keep it hidden from outsiders who might discover what was their birthright, leading to a celebration that would last for many weeks, during which many could rest for years in the desert and have their fill of water. It was here that the creation of the Water Peace took place, where all that shared any oasis or source of water would have a truce, as the quenching of thirst was more vital than spilling of blood. This time would pass, however, as the tribes knew they could not stay here or become weak from slothfulness; all swore that any tribe could return when they wanted to rest from the struggles of the desert and heal until they could return to it.

Shera'ae is a highly restricted place that only the Maruk know about, as it is sacred to them. Outsiders are forbidden to reveal its location, and they may only enter under certain circumstances. To prevent memorizing its location, they are often blindfolded or unconscious, so they never reveal the area to anyone under the threat of their tongue being cut out or blinded.