Art, if you’re dead-set on visiting Clearwall, then I figure I’d better tell you what I know of it. Not just the town, that entire country is… different. And you better know a few things before you go getting yourself killed. Read through this. Carefully. And don’t ask how I know any of it.

-Andarian

Faoii (Fah-yee): Leave it to women to make their most important word the most complex one. The word faoii is a title. And an adjective. And probably some sort of curse word. Mostly, it’s used to describe an entire order of women that serve the Goddess Illindria. They’re Her soldiers, healers, speakers, whatever. If you see a woman with a sword, she’s a faoii of some sort. If you see a woman using magic, she’s a faoii of some sort. If you see a woman that looks like she could kill you without much thought, just assume she’s faoii of some sort and act accordingly. It doesn’t matter if she’s in full armor or not. They can look like a baker, a prostitute, even some mad woman talking to herself—those witches can be anywhere and everywhere (AND FOR THE LOVE OF THE ETERNAL BLADE NEVER CALL THEM WITCHES).

Oh, yeah. There are different types of faoii, too. I’ll tell you about the others in a minute, but if you can’t tell at a glance what one is, just call her faoii. Out of the three branches, the faoii (which translates into “peacekeeper” or “warrior”) are the most common, and the entire organization answers to it without offense.

If one gives you her name and she says faoii at the beginning of it, it means she’s ascended—like a graduate of the order. She’s proven herself and has earned more respect than the girls with faoii at the end of their names. Even if a girl is unascended though—like someone named Dawn-faoii—she still might cut your eyes out if you offend her or the Goddess. So please please don’t be your regular self around any of them. If they figure out what a philanderer you are they might kill you on principle.

Preoii (Preh-yee): Translates into “Speaker.” There aren’t many of these women, but they’re still part of the faoii order. Supposedly, they used to be the ones that could see the Goddess’ Tapestry—and could use it to see the past, present and future. I guess there hasn’t been a true preoii in generations—the ones that are around now are more of a political head of the society rather than true oracles. Still, they’re as good at fighting as a regular faoii, so don’t say anything stupid and you’ll be fine. Knowing you, though, you’d still get your head chopped off, so thank the Blade that they pretty much only stay in their monasteries. If you ever have the chance to meet one, then it means something is very very wrong. Keep your head down and get the hell out of there.

Cleroii (Cler-yee): Translates into “Healer.” More common than preoii and less common than faoii, these women are the best at using magic to heal others. They are also trained to be diplomats rather than warriors most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, every branch of the faoii can use a sword better than you or me, but these women are the ones most likely to be found in Clearwall. I’ve heard they’re less likely to draw steel than the others in the order, but don’t push it, okay?

Fantoii (font-yee): This is the long, etched sword the faoii carry. Each one is unique and tied to the woman that wields it. Some say the blades scream in battle. Others say they sing. I’m pretty sure that what you hear depends on what side of the fight you’re on, so just do your best to never hear one at all, okay?

The Oath: (If you need me to tell you how to pronounce this you’re dumber than you look). The Oath is the promise that the faoii make every time they wake up, go into battle, take a sword, help someone, or whatever else it is they do. Blades, they might say it before they take a piss. All I know is that they say it. A lot. It’s absolutely sacred to them and apparently gives them access to the magic they use. If you ever make fun of it, or try to get a faoii to break it in ANY way, they will probably kill you. I’ve attached a copy of it for you so you’re less likely to mess something up and sprout a fantoii from your stupid, ugly face.

Croeli (crow-el-ee): No one knows about any of this, so keep your trap shut about it, okay? The croeli used to be part of the faoii order. Don’t ask me how I know. And if you ask any of the faoii today about it they 1) won’t believe you and 2) will probably kill you for saying so. But it’s true. Centuries ago the croeli and faoii were part of the same order, but they interpreted the Oath differently and it caused a divide. Then a war. Eventually what we know as the faoii today came out on top and banished the croeli to the Untamed North. No one has seen them since. But I’m telling you, they’re out there, and they’re going to want revenge someday. I don’t know when, but it will happen. It’s best to be prepared.

Cruikli (Krew-ee-klee): The croeli blade of choice. Shorter and broader than the fantoii, these swords are often slightly jagged. They tend to maim rather than kill, so if you ever see one RUN THE OTHER WAY.

Tonicloran (Tah-nic-lore-ahn): A plant with flat, broad leaves. Legend says that it used to be use for some sort of faoii ritual. I don’t know how since it’s literally the most poisonous substance on the planet. That stuff will make your flesh boil and your skin will come off in ribbons. Stay away from it.

I know I’ve told you all the reasons that a faoii might kill you, but truth be told, they actually seem like good people. Most everyone reveres them and respects them. Most people don’t have any problems with them, and are grateful that they’re around. But, unlike most people, you’re an idiot, so I had to get the point across somehow.

Take care of yourself. Come home safe.

Andarian.

Next Chapter: Chapter I