Pharaoh of the South
One of the biggest myths of Arrasgoth is the myth surrounding the ruler of Skegring Sands. Though the island had not always been a desert, there has been a ruler in place since the age of the The Ancient Dragons. The myth describes what is believed to have happened to the leader after the war and who holds the strings now. There has been no sign of any official leader since his disappearance. The myth itself stems from the pyramid he built for his death and what may lay inside of it.
Summary
The myth surrounding the leader stems from forty years after the War of the Skies. Their ruler was a young human, barely into his twenties. He took over after his father passed away as their current Pharaoh of the island. He took up the mantle with ease, enjoying the responsibility it gave him.
He organised the island better than anyone had before and made it prosperous. Their land had been turned from lush green, fertile land into coarse, hot desert sand. None of the people were used to this and he had to work hard to make it liveable now. The young Pharaoh was a fair man, driven by a want to make life better for his people and for them to prosper in all ways.
Another twenty years passed and there was no sign of an heir or a spose for their 'Pharaoh of the South.' The people grew concerned of what this would mean for their future if there was no heir to follow on. The name of their leader had long been forgotten, with those only referring to him as his title, but they knew that someone would need to fill his shoes.
The Pharaoh was not concerned with his own line and his own relationships. He was focused on building something for his legacy. The Pharaoh had started building a large pyramid with some help but none could enter it. He had not been seen since construction began, only by his most trusted advisor. A meeting was called and the advisor attended, returned with sad news; the Pharaoh had left and the advisor was in charge.
None questioned this decision. Many knew that only the advisor was trusted by the Pharaoh and they had been friends for a long time. There was no doubt in his loyalty to the land and to their ruler. The people were still curious about what had happened to their ruler and why he could no longer lead.
Every year, the question of the Pharaoh would be approached: "What happened to the Pharaoh?" The adviser would always respond in the same way: "I speak for the highest power of Skegring Sands."After many more years, the people forgot about the Pharaoh. The advisor would change when the previous one died but none would bring up the Pharaoh. Only the advisor seemed to know the secret and they would tell no one. All that remains of him in current times is the pyramid that he built and the contents locked inside. What is held within the stone walls? What secrets do the advisors know? Where is the Pharaoh?
Historical Basis
The myth itself is firmly rooted in some historical truth. There was a ruler known as the 'Pharaoh of the South' as documents mention him in ancient desert temples. It is also confirmed that he disappeared in these documents but there is no clear reason why.
Any other records that were written at that time are destroyed or missing due to the oratory nature of Skegring Sand's culture. A lot of the stories from that area came from elders passed down through the generations.
Another confirmation of the myth being true is the physical presence of a pyramid in the desert. The pyramid is colloquially know as the 'Pharaoh's Pyramid' but none can say when it was built or what it is used for. None have successfully entered the pyramid or given any evidence that there's something inside.
Spread
The myth of the 'Pharaoh of the South' has spread throughout Arrasgoth as a tale for campfires and bedtimes. There are many that are aware of the mysterious origins of who rules Skegring Sands.
There seems to be very little interest in exploring this myth from the mainland, but it is not the same for Skegring Sands. The people of Skegring Sands have spent many years discussing the story, whispers in temples and hallways. With the return of dragons to the skies, the myth's discussions have ramped up.
Variations & Mutation
The main variations of the myth stem around the idea that the Pharaoh could defy death and that is what he did. They say he walked into the sands to prove he could rule without a face. Some say he ran away with a secret lover and that's why he could no longer be ruler. Some say he never was a ruler at all. Some say he never existed. All these surround the same myth: What happened to the Pharaoh of the South?
Cultural Reception
The myth has a huge impact on the residents of Skegring Sands. It not only defines their whole cultural identity, but it also aids to the air of mystery that surrounds the desert. It defines the beginning of their communities and how they were built out of the ashes of the war.
The idea of being ruled is a new one to most of Arrasgoth as a whole but Skegring Sands have always had one. They have always served one leader to the benefit of all the community. They also take the passion and drive that this myth talks of to survive the harsh conditions.
On the mainland, the myth has very little cultural impact. It is a story of almost foreign nature to many, certainly those further away from the island physically. The story is seen as an exotic tale from the desert, with no truth behind it but entertaining.
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