Known to those with at least novice Lore of Sinai or who learn about this in play:
The Captain-Astromancer of Rephidim Temple is responsible for charting the course of Rephidim. This helps fund the Temple, which sells the charts to merchanters so that they can then depart to points which are likely to be convenient to Rephidim or will become convenient in the future, and then return without a great deal of tedious search.
Known to those with at least average Lore of Sinai or who learn about this in play:
The Islands are in fact First Ones artifacts. This can be determined from the mysterious melted-crystal-like formations that hang beneath every island, no matter how large or small, which are common to Sifra sites.
Known to those with at least good Lore of Sinai or who learn about this in play:
The Islands are in fact constructs built by a vast First Ones installation in the north. This was discovered by Sir Bassai, Archaeologist of Nijushiho Institute, who actually rode on Fetiss Sky Island as it was launched. It is as yet unknown how long it takes for this apparatus to build a new island.