Halus

The Halus are a broad order of Jatthirae nobles and warriors from the Jatthirae Empire and surrounding kingdoms. They are all Hethaskae, marked by their distinctive wood-skin caused by Aplaima, the acid rains from the Katorus Peaks. While "Hethaskae" refers to anyone with wooden skin, "Halus" specifically refers to one of two classes: Halus Nobles, Lords, or Archons, who are aristocrats of the empire and wish to build a powerful enough dominion to conquer the Tarshir Empire; and Halus Blades or Halites, who are prestigious warriors who make use of the natural armour provided by wood-skin. Sometimes Halite weapons are also bathed in Aplaima, which corrodes and weakens them, but imbues them with the devouring power of Ahegaalwa, whose remains are believed to be the source of Aplaima. They also make use of acid salts, which are a widely-feared weapon in combat.

To become Halus, one must make the pilgrimage beyond the city of Wethosis to be bathed in Aplaima. Higher positions make more pilgrimages, and have more layers of wood. One bath gives leathery skin, marking the person immediately as an important member of society. Two baths gives hardened pieces to the skin which are sometimes carved to look more beautiful or intimidating. This begins to slow the person's movement. Three baths covers the skin entirely with wood, and even though there are joints that allow the user to move, this is generally not done by warriors as it becomes too restrictive. Only royalty go beyond three baths.

Wethosis and the lands beyond are ever-shrouded in bleak billowing clouds that rain Aplaima down on the lands. There are plants and animals that have adapted to the devouring rains, and the people who live here use the fibers, leaves, and hides to protect themselves from the rain. Heavy cloaks and hoods are common, and armour is designed to let the rain run off before it has enough time to seriously damage anything. It is punishable by death to become Halus without the appropriate permissions.