|
|
|
Seanchan
Across the Aryth Ocean lies the continent of Seanchan. The people of this continent had a rich and tumultuous history, filled with intrigue and war. And that was before they faced an opponent their combined might could not overcome. It was to Seanchan that Artur Hawkwing sent his son Luthair Paendrag, with a large army to conquer the people of Seanchan. Luthair found a large land divided by internal strife, ripe for the taking. It took nearly three hundred years, but the Consolidation eventually placed all of Seanchan in the hand’s of Luthair’s descendants. Artur Hawkwing’s influence on the land was great, but Luthair’s impact on Seanchan was even stronger. For while Hawkwing’s empire dissolved upon his death, Luthair’s heirs still control Seanchan. The monarchy which rules Seanchan is a strong one. This rule is the product of both awe and fear. The awe comes in large part from the very throne the ruler sits on, the Crystal Throne. The Crystal Throne is actually a ter’angreal, inspiring awe and wonder of the person who sits upon it. Much of the fear comes from the impressive array of Imperial security. The Deathwatch Guards are among the most honored of the Imperial family’s servants, and are a fearsome force. Even more feared are the Seekers for Truth, a force which hunts Darkfriends and acts as a secret police. The nation of Seanchan is ruled by a rigid class structure. The lowest class of people are the do’covale, "those who are property." However, not all servants hold low rank in Seanchan society. The hereditary servants of the Imperial family hold higher rank than free men and women. The highest tier of Seanchan society is held by those who are "of the Blood." Initially, it was only the descendants of Luthair and his armies who were of the Blood, but over time others have been raised to the Blood. Being raised to the Blood, while exceptionally rare, is the greatest honor possible for one who was born a commoner. When no word was heard from Luthair’s expedition, it was assumed they were lost at sea while trying to cross the Aryth Ocean. Thus it came as quite a shock when Luthair’s descendants reappeared on the mainland, speaking of the Return. Few initially believed that it was truly the Hawkwing’s descendants returned from across the Ocean, but their strong army was quickly inspiring fear in the areas it conquered. A great deal of that fear came from the exotic animals which the Seanchan brought with them from their home across the Aryth Ocean. These fearsome beasts looked like nightmares made flesh. But even more fearsome is the Seanchan’s use of the One Power as a weapon. The Seanchan consider those who can channel less than human. These damane are the most valued of slaves. They are controlled through the use of an a’dam by a sul’dam. Luthair’s descendants have returned to the land at the worst possible time. They are intent on beginning the restoration of Hawkwing’s empire, but can easily be considered just another army in a land already hosting too many. The forces facing of the Light, led by the Rand al'Thor, have enough problems fighting the Shadow without also having to worry about the Seanchan armies.
|
