It is a woman-only order that binds members to the crystal matrices that they use to activate their talent. All crystals of the order are stones that were brought to Athera and, as such, are not protected under the Compact (unlike crystals mined on the planet). Koriani crystals have not given consent to their bearers to use them, as such their crystals are often chaotic and have vast trapped energies. In the case of the Great Waystone (which is the most powerful of their crystals) it carries the shades of all past, failed Matriarchs. The sisterhood draws power from talented children foundlings. Elaira herself was a street child found by them. Male children are released from their service once they reach their majority and they leave, while the girls are bound to the order for life. The order's goal within the Wars of Light and Shadow has always been to break the Compact that prevents them from doing what they believe is their right, which is to meddle in the affairs of the world with their power. During the uprising, the Great Waystone was lost. The order sustains itself by providing acts of magic and healing, but these come with a price. Any action taken by the Koriani must be repaid in kind. Paravian races Athlien Paravians — Sunchildren, akin to elves or pixies Ilitharis Paravians — Centaurs, though of enormous stature Riathan Paravians — Unicorns Timeline The world of Athera timeline is divided up into Eras and Ages: Era of Creation Era of Destruction (also Ages of Dragons) Era of Redemption is the era where the stories occur and has (currently) three ages: First Age - Marked by arrival of the Paravians Second Age - Marked by the arrival of the Fellowship Sorcerers Third Age - Marked by the arrival of Mankind, where the main story takes place Era of Exaltation The series opens in Third Age 5637. The satellite short stories to the main series take place many years prior. Locations Alestron — Home of the s'Brydion family, this was one of the few cities not to fall in the uprising against the clans after the invasion of the Mistwraith. Althain Tower — Built in the second age by the Paravians, Althain Tower houses many records and artifacts from Athera's history, and is the current home of Sethvir of the Fellowship. Erdane — A significant city in Tysan.