Despite the variety of gods worshipped, all the Islanders believe in Fate. Nobody can agree what Fate is, though all agree it is a she. Some feel that Fate is the mother of the gods, though she herself is not a goddess, for she grants no spells and calls for no one to worship her. To others she is simply a pervasive elemental force who can be as vast as the heaven, yet she can assume a form as small as an ordinary woman or as insubstantial as a whisper. </p><p> It was as the shadow of a woman that Fate is said to have appeared in ancient times, to share her wisdom with the genies, gods, and men. When her visit was complete, she had left her teachings in the hands of a beautiful girl, over whom all the gods and genies had been fighting. The girl recorded Fate's teachings upon a series of scrolls. </p><p> The story of this girl, who became known as the Loregiver, survived for millennia in legends told by the rawuns (desert bards). Then, just five hundred years ago, the scrolls were discovered. The customs that wise men had always espoused as good - the code of honorable behavior - were laid out in a manner that was so clear, so complete, that all immediately knew its wisdom. </p><p> Soon all Islanders embraced these ideals, and the Islands became known as the Land of Fate. </p><p> Out of character, Fate seems to correspond very roughly with the idea of God or Allah, except that she is not worshipped. The Loregiver is Muhammed, and the Scrolls are the Quran, which like on earth, serve as the basis for Island law, society, social customs, methods of conducting trade and warfare, etc. </p><p> Similar to the famous "god call," characters in extreme situations may call upon Fate to improve their chances for survival.