03.08.2026


From the Grand Library of Ang-Hegranes: The High Artists of Thulyandiv [Excerpt from The Castes of the Draunneath Circle]
            We began the Drengriarh-Caste section how they had an uncertain origin, as in the ancient times, farmers, slaves could all pick up weapons and answer the call of duty. When it comes to Volvaeths and Seidhaeths, we have the opposite case. Thanks to some of Halguvhea’s records surviving into the Second-Era of Mending, we know the first disciples of Viduthia became the originators of all those who pursue the High Arts they bestowed us with.
A small caste that started out as disciples of the Great Divinities, became teachers and for millennia formed the first of the nobles and royalty, up until the first crusade. A tumultuous era in which the first Seidhaeth and Volvaeth families became footnotes in our history books, whilst a few commoners climbed the social ladder of the times, became heroic nobles and kings and queens. Who started anew the cycle of disciples and teachers.
With the passing of time, Volvaeths and Seidhaeths as a caste lowered on the social totem pole. In present day, we do not count them amongst the noble or upper castes. They do retain their respect, but since then each nation, coven and circle founded the noble equivalent. Namely in the Snow-Scaled Circle and Black Rose Coven, the Hersiths whose caste is limited to only nine members. The most proficient wizards and witches of each Eminent Circle and Coven.
Each tasked with the administration of Branches–be they major or minor–and assigned territories, demesnes, representation of coven/circle interests in the parliament, alongside matters relating to the High Arts. Be they scholastic or militaristic. 
The Volvaeth and Seidhaeth duties differ not that greatly from that of the Hersiths. They do often represent interests of their respective covens/circles too, but more in advisory roles, guiding less talented statesmen, merchants and nobles. They also often rank above Drengriarhs and Vordriarhs. With Drengriarhs, they often act as command and support in battle. When it comes to law, they called in for cases involving rogue mages, necromancers and warlocks, diabolists. Or to exterminate wild beasts and monsters who managed slipping inside our magnificent cities.
Sub-Castes:
  • Gynnughaeth: Volvaeths/Seidhaeths of the Voidfaring Hosts, often erudite in the Artifice of Voidvessels.
  • Halguaeths: Volvaeths/Seidhaeths of the Naval Hosts, who remained even after the merging of chief branches. Originate as members of a sorcerous-clergy of the Primordial Goddess of Water, Destiny and Memories.
  • Heillaeth: Volvaeths/Seidhaeths who focused their studies on the High Arts of Mending, both physical and mental.
Seidhaeth/Volvaeth Caste of the other Eminent Circles and Covens:
  • Mahotsukai: The Magi-Caste of the Hoshigawan Shogunate and the Circle of Lunate Lotus.
  • Magusiagh: The Magi-Caste of Maurnia and the Wondrous Coven of the Silvern Stag. [Note for later: Was thinking of using Varázsló as the root instead of Mágus, but decided to use it for their possible sorcerous-cavalry. You see, Varazs can mean magic, whilst the -lo can also mean horse.]
  • Hekhai: The Magi-Caste of Kesothis and the Sakhrath-Ib-Anath.
  • Wolkhviernas: The Magi-Caste of Wyruthrin and the Coven of the Dusk-Weavers.
Excerpts from the Heim-Vogue Magazine’s Article about the Militant Fashion of Eminent Circles and Covens: The Sorcerous Textiles.
Skelierna Silk: It is no exaggeration to say, it is the greatest of silks invented since Aughierna. A vogue piece for nobles, for statesmen, for warriors, for merchants. For everyone who can afford it. After all, it is both lofty and a great protection, earning it the moniker of Silken Shell. 
  • Visual Traits: Its sheen and texture are both best described as the flawless amalgamation of liquid quicksilver and highest grade of natural silks. Whilst the fabric drape is fluid, accentuates the curves, the silhouette of one’s torso or legs, yet maintains its own designed structure. 
  • Arcane Qualities: As with any other sorcerous fiber of Eminent-Grade, skelierna Silk offers protection on the same level as Adramantyrium or Orichalchum. One could walk through fearless a nest of goblins, wearing naught but a shirt and pants combo. It also offers a perfect temperamental control in any surroundings, be they on our beloved Thulyandiv, or on one of the Void Colonies. It is also quite fluid when it comes to molding, post-procession adjusting of features. With a simple cantrip, the size of collars can be increased or decreased; the sleeves shortened; the hem evened out. Or even add artificial wrinkles if one wishes for a more distressed look. Of course, it is also offers one of the best magical resistances one could wish for. It can withstand even the fiery breath of adult red dragons. Two times before the fabric catches on fire, and even then, it starts repairing itself in a matter of seconds. Lastly, but not least, alongside these natural enchantments, thirty others can be added even for the common variant. No doubt this fabric is spreading fast amongst our Eminent Circles and Covens. 
  • Worn By: Originally worn by the Black Rose Coven, Sakhrath-Ib-Anath and the Circle of Lunate Lotus from 1679 NDE, quickly became their primary fiber of their combat shirts. Later got adopted by all the other Eminent Circles and Covens, old and newly formed.

News and Commentary:
  • And another week passes by. A pleasant week in temperature, less so in progress. Slowed down a little because of a little block regarding the April story. But more on that later.
  • First some commentary on the worldbuilding section: As evident, decided on the Volvaeths/Seidhaeths for this week. Honestly forgot I still had the Vordriarhs, but this way I could include the Hersiths. At least a facet focusing on their ‘role’ or ‘duty’. 
  • Was thinking of also including the other top castes too, in a quick mention, but I leave them for later. Probably much later. In terms of the highest castes, they are bit different. Dusk Weavers, Sakhrath-Ib-Anath and the Circle of the Lunate Lotus do be led by the nation’s monarch. Not sure yet on the Worldly Courts of Eoran.
  • Regarding the distinction between Volvaeths and Seidhaeths, there is none. Its more of just a gendered difference. Volvaeths are witches (in Thulyandiv’s context/case, they are the female equivalent of wizards), sorceress, even considered priestesses, though I left out the sub-caste of the Thorned Seekers. Not sure yet if that title sticks or changes like the Sundfaraeths that became Halguvaeths, or the Ryodhaeths that became Gynnughaeths (in this case the y acts as the ‘I’ from live. They just wanted to differentiate themselves from the Ginnungriaths). 
  • So, for example, in the Black Rose Coven, there are only Volvaeths, because they are a women only club coven. The Snow-Scaled will have their Seidhaeths. With the Adamant Circle of the Seven, not sure yet. Probably will try to use some folkloric word as a root. And the matriarchal Magocracies will probably have this gendered divide.   
  • Now, the other castes. The Lunate Circle will have their own ‘noble’ caste of wizards and witches, but haven’t fully settled on the name yet. For now, the common caste is the Mahotsukai, which I shamefully admit I used DeepL and Translate. Also, to save some brainpower, refrained from adding ‘fantasy-suffixes’. Magusiagh was definitely Hungarian, where the root word was Mágus with the common maurnian -iagh suffix. Though was thinking of using Varázsló but that one will either be their equivalent of Hersith or a noble-caste. Mainly because staring at it one late night, I realized it contains varázs (sorcery or magic) and ló (separate means horse), so was thinking maybe, I’ll make the hussars their common troops and their stag-riding noble caste that. Will see.
  • Hekhai is like the last one, I used Heka as the root for their common-caste of sorceresses, witches. At least according to Wikipedia, it was their word for magic, though Isis was too considered a goddess of Magic. But I plan to use her name for the Sakhrath’s Hersiths. Wolkhviernas of the Dusk-Weavers I had to look up. Not a hundred percent sure, but it is based on the volkhv or volhv, who were priests of Slavic pagan religion as far as I looked into it. Though in this case, used and altered the polish name with the W. 
  • Regarding Skelierna Silk, it is the Ginnuerna Satin/Silk featured in some of last years story. Though ditched the Ginnung usage, went for the Skel (Shell in old Norse), for the whole Silken Shell moniker. And for the world’s vibe of sorcerous clothing equaling a full panoply. Look wise, still going for the liquid mercurial/quicksilver or metallic look captured into the substance of silks. Partly because silk is sexy, and to further accentuate the vanity of mages, of Thulyandiv.
  • Now regarding progress. The April story is finished mostly. Still need some editing, and more importantly a segment of action and bondage. The abovementioned block kicked in here with the last two chapters (it will be three chapters long) came in, in regards of certain elements. Mostly regarding the antagonists, and me finally deciding on to sow the seed of a small drama, alongside the fate of a certain new character, who may get featured in other tales and a storyline. Without spoiling too much.
  • On a slight tangent, decided on changing my process of writing. Usually, I write down what I have in mind immediately then rewrite if I don’t feel satisfied with them. But for this, went and started with the non-erotic, non-bondage elements first. Included bits, glances, but as of now the action focusing on some ‘fortunate’ red shirts haven’t been written yet. But I did write a peek at them bound and gagged.
  • Because of my fixation on figuring these out, skipped outlining the may story this week. Though instead, outlined the third chapter of the revised Shadow Over the Academy story. It nearly led to another tangent, regarding Fiend-Tainted kynd, as that one featured a tiefling elf at the time. I went through her looks a few times. First kept the idea of just devilish looking elf, then took her eyes, given her a serpentine tongue, pronounced black veins, sangria red skin, and maybe two slim tendrils hanging from her sharp chin. 
  • And probably, the Fiend-Tainted will have a less uniform ‘appearance’ (for a lack of a better word). Just to accentuate the chaotic nature of fiends. And because Astrydril also changed greatly, from a tiefling elf with one dragon horn. Recently reread the Great God Pan and read Peter Straub’s Ghost Story, and both gave me a few ideas for her, how to describe her from the POV of other characters. 
  • Anyhow, enough rambling. Time to end it here. Thank you for reading these journals of mind, and till next week–where I ramble on elements of the three march stories–take care and have a pleasant week and weekend.