Much of the land that is now Saradiin was once under the surface of the sea. However, it was not uninhabited. There were three kingdoms of aquatic elves as well as smaller communities of Sahuagin and Locathah. Many of these were destroyed when the seabed rose and lifted them out of the water. The event is named so, because it caused many of the aquatic-elf cities and villages to "take their first breath" of air.
Little is known of the events that lead to the first breath as many accounts of it have been lost. This historical event has been told and retold orally by the people of Saradiin, both below and above the surface, such that it has almost become myth. There are now three major variations of the story in different parts of the sea. The ones that have survived though, all agree on a handful of facts:
- The First Breath was brought about by powerful magic
- An aquatic elf called Vaelus Amarin was responsible for performing the magic that moved the land from the sea
- An ambitious Dao called تمارا الحجر القرمزي (Tamaran Alhajar Alqirmiziu) was also involved in the act.
In the Sabadian Gulf, it is said that there was a young boy that lived in Marflet named Vaelus. There were many weathy people in that city: politicians, traders, and artisans of all kinds but little Vaelus was not one of them. He spent most of his days stealing what food he needed and learning how to avoid the city guard from the old man, Brae. One day Vaelus tried to pick the pocket of a very tall, dark-skinned woman in the marketplace. As he withdrew with his handful of coins, however, the woman spun around and snatched up his hand in hers. "Oh you poor boy" she said, "come with me and I'l show you a better way". With caution, Vaelus followed the strange woman to a secluded place outside the city. "I can show you how to be the best thief in the sea. You may call me Tamara".
The following years were good to Vaelus as he grew up under Tamara's watch. Tamara showed him how to be a great thief. Together they became what you may call adventurers. They travelled far together, visiting the furthest reaches of Saradiin. As
"It is no great thing. Mortals are but liars and thieves without my help. It is better the he should steal for me than for himself or another."