Difference between revisions of "Seanchan"

Revision as of 20:39, 2 March 2010

Author: Kyria d'Oreyn

SHAWN-CHAN

Introduction

Seanchan is the name of the continent west of the Aryth Ocean. It is also the name of both the people and the empire occupying it.

For about a thousand years the people of the Westlands did not know about the Seanchan, until they recently began invading the continent. They are currently holding Altara, Amadicia and Tarabon, but are faced with resistance from outside.

Geography

Main article: Seanchan (Continent)

Bordered by the Aryth Ocean to the east and the Morenal Ocean to the west, the continent's greatest breadth is estimated to be fifteen hundred miles across on the southern hemisphere. The distance between Mountains of Dhoom in the north and the southernmost point is approximately four thousand miles.

The continent is criss-crossed by mountain ranges and rivers and has four major islands in the south, east and west as well as three more in the dividing channel.

History

Main article: Seanchan (History)

Before Artur Hawkwing's fleet arrived in Seanchan, borders were constantly shifting and the lands were mostly ruled by Aes Sedai. This changed when Luthair Paendrag and his troops infiltrated the land and began to bring everything under their control, establishing the Empire.

Soon, the native Aes Sedai were collared by the means of the a'dam, a ter'angreal made to control channelers, and brought to heel. With their help, Luthair and his descendants conquered the entire continent, which took several hundred years.

The Return

Luthair's descendants planned to return to the Westlands almost as soon as they heard of the fall of Hawkwing's empire, to "take back what was once theirs." Recently, the Seanchan have arrived on the main continent and begun to "retake" the lands.

Politics and Government

Main article: Seanchan (Government)

The Empire of Seanchan is ruled by the Empress. The military under her command uses damane to successfully crush any rebellious acts that might occur. The chain of command follows a strict order, which effectively ensures the safety of the Empire.

• The Blood: Nobility in Seanchan. In the first hundred years, only the direct descendants of Luthair Paendrag were referred to as the Blood. Now that one can be raised to the Blood – most commonly as reward for a noble deed that serves the good of the Empire – the descendants are called the High Blood.

• So'jhin: Servants of the Blood. They are born da'covale, property, but carry considerable authority and are often quite powerful in their own right. Even the Blood are wary around so'jhin of higher-ups.

• Da'covale: Property, slaves. Da'covale can rise to positions of authority and people with authoritative positions can be reduced to da'covale.

People

Main article: Seanchan (People)

As can be expected from a large continent, people look different in every part of it.

Everyone has their place in society and can only rise above their station by being raised to the Blood due to outstanding acts or by being made da'covale of the Blood. The latter means giving up freedom for oneself and the generations to come.

Military and Security

Main article: Seanchan (Military)

The main army in Seanchan is the Ever Victorious Army. As their name might suggest, they have never lost a war.

• Armies of the Night: The exotic beasts of Seanchan are the offspring of the creatures that were imported from mirror worlds via Portal Stones to kill off the Shadowspawn on the continent in the first thousand years after the Breaking. Luthair Paendrag's army mistook them for creatures of the Shadows, giving them the name "Armies of the Night."

• Deathwatch Guard: An elite military formation consisting of both human and Ogier, they are sworn to protect the Imperial family. All human members are personal da'covale to the Empress, either born as such or chosen at a very young age. The Ogier in the Deathwatch Guard are called Gardeners.

• Seekers for Truth/Listeners: Spy organizations. Listeners gather information without revealing themselves, while the Seekers also serve as a kind of police. They have the authority to question anyone they think are a threat to the Empire and root out Darkfriends.

• Sul'dam and damane: Both damane and sul'dam are women who can channel, although the majority does not know this of the latter. Damane have the spark inborn and are thus considered dangerous and must be leashed by the means of an a'dam, a ter'angreal that allows one channeler to control another. Sul'damare the ones to hold that leash and train the damane as well as use them in battle.

Foreign Affairs

Main article: Seanchan (Foreign Affairs)

Being an independent country, Seanchan does not have to trade with foreigners. In fact, the Sea Folk, being the only ones able to because of their seafaring nature, don't dare to cross the Aryth Ocean.

The Seanchan are of the opinion that they, being the descendants of Artur Hawkwing, have a right to rule the Westlands. They make the people of the conquered nations swear the Oath of Return, which basically means serving them, and try to conform the lands to their ruling system.

Prophecies, Viewings and Dreams

Main article: Seanchan (Prophecies)

The Seanchan have their own version of the Prophecies of the Dragon, rewritten by Luthair Paendrag, and are also mentioned in the original Karaethon Cycle. People have had Foretellings, viewings and dreams concerning the Seanchan, too.