This article deals with Sekkumaya, a spiritualistic philosophy that is rather obscure in comparison with the rest of the religious system of Adylheim. It is mainly practiced in the southern fiefdoms, though its monastaries are scattered all throughout the country.

As recited by the bard Petrosius Ulsnesos

Beyond the seas,
Aloft the tallest the mountain,
laid a place sprawling with life
as water in a fountain.

The people had nothing to fear,
no danger ever got near,
the gods protected them like a faithful guard dog
until one child got lost, blind man in the fog.

In the worlds of magic and alchemy there are certain families which have been known to dominate both in learning and power. This article contains a tentative list of some of the major families and their relative expertise and other facts concerning them.

Wizarding Families

In the world of magic it is not rare for wizards to choose celibacy over procreation, believing this will remove potential distractions from their study of the arcane and increase their power. Some have chosen a different path though and have taken their own children as apprentices, passing the magic staves from one generation to the next.

In some cases, these die out after a few generations and create little by way of a legacy, certain families have had a different fate though and have created what may be considered the great wizarding houses. To claim progeny from one of these houses, or to have been taught by one of them is a sure sign of respect among wizards.

The der Whurlitz Griffin riders are a tightly knit band of raiders that reside in the middle-eastern region of the Ribs. Their fortress is named Anthelcraig and is nearly impossible to approach except through the air. The Riders are bonded through blood, affection for their griffins, and a common goal of exacting revenge upon Nevros for their traitorous to the Empire—of which the Riders are the only surviving remnant. They are comprised solely of humans and are somewhat inbred, if not for the northern barbarians whom they trade and intermarry with. The Griffin Riders reside outside of Nevros within a highly fortified portion of the Ribs called Anthelcraig. As the griffin flies they are only one hundred twenty-five kilometers outside of the Nevros capital of Alden.

The Griffin Riders are never referred to as such, but either as “der Whurlitz’ Raiders” or “the Griffin Raiders”. They are spoken of with trepidation by all except those under the direct protection of a garrison or fortress. While they aren't considered evil, they are considered to be quite a nuisance.

Organization

Edgar der Whurlitz: is the current leader of the Riders, and bears the title of Duke der Whurlitz. In the event of his death his son Eustace will then bear the title of duke, and all the leadership of the riders.