Deep in the Oppressing Sands beyond the Patchwort Desert is a ring of desert oases that
helps to support a strong culture based on
Mycretian beliefs. Beneath the five oasis villages
lie caverns of subterranean lakes and endless tunnels where the Mycretians have long survived.
Edible mushrooms, lichens and luminescent moss support life in these caves where thousands of
Mycretians live. The circle of five villages
(Ell Bastis,
Shealoh,
Nabi Nagiab,
Birjani and
Zakuta) with their accompanying caverns are known as The Holy Cities.
Two iron mines keep a couple hundred men and dwarves busy while the spring fed cobblefruit
bush fields at Ell Bastis use the expertise of the hundred or so freed orc slaves and their
love
for “desert wine.” The mined rubies of Deep Ajjinnen Cavern and the special aphrodisiac
qualities of one variety of mushrooms that is grown help keep a healthy trade with the
Viridian Empire via Shardis Province.
Strong enough to have maintained its independent status from Viridistan for over two
thousand years, these desert inhabitants nevertheless live gently, practicing their
'spirit gifts' and traveling in all directions to spread their beliefs to all who will
listen. Greatly weakened during the past 150 years due to the Green Emperor’s vicious
antagonism, the Mycretians have only been able to step up their missionary activities
within the last 15 years. Years ago, the
Green Emperor slaughtered the Myrcretians of
Viridistan, led troops to the Holy Cities and descended into the caverns beneath, killing
several Mycretian prophets. Most of the above ground villages that make up the Holy
Cities are under control of the Green Emperor to this day. The Holy Cities can be reached by
an ancient and well-constructed road that runs to
Wortess on the coast and north to
Viridistan.