The Ptajma (ᵖtɑjmɑ)
Formally called Mwerl am Apterlsuu /mwɚlɑmæptɚlsuː/ which means “the Dominator’s Soldiers"; Mwerl is the dominator in question and the Ptarshakkian name for the goddess Vhàrnàh.
The Ptajma are the Knights of Vhàrnàh in Ptarshakk. In Qh'Raa they are called the Vharvharhyi
Ptajma literally means, “song” or “music” with the sense of that what compels/enthralls. Ptajma serves as the clipped, common name for the elite knighthood and is derived from the phrase, Ptajma’amMwerl which translates as the Song of the Dominatrix.”
Among the military structure of the bellicose Ptarshakkians, the Ptajma serve as the elite among the general soldiery. They are generally not bound to the strictures of the military hierarchy, although do tend to work under the command of the generals of the five orders of The Grand Army of the Ptarshakkian Empire, in practice they answer only to the religious leaders of the Cult of Vhàrnàh, bishops called the Ptajmwerl (lit. “music of control/domination”). However, the Ptajma are accountable always to the Field Marshal of the Grand Army.
Bishops of Mwerl/Vhàrnàh guide their actions and command them to take clandestine actions, spycraft, assassinations, and full military action (along with soldiers of the Grand Army of Ptarshakkian Empire as their support troops).
Ptajma knights wear porcelain masks among the commonfolk and in Ptarshakkian courts. At war they have more resilient metal masks sometimes built into great helms. Their various divisions are denoted by the colour pattern of their robes and surcoats. Their armour is usually black.
Structure
Like the majority of the cultuses in Gruthe, the Cult of Vhàrnàh is based on a 17-scale hierarchy, which the Ptajma knighthood also follow. However, both the clergy and the knighthood are answerable ultimately to the Triarchy of Archbishops. Although both streams—knights and clerics—are functionally dependent, senior clerics rank above junior knights and vice versa.
Ptajma stained jade mask
Jade Mask
by
包德強
The Ptajma elite wear masks of various materials when dressed in their uniforms, in battle, and in the streets to intimidate and enhance their mystique.
Jade, being magically porous, is particularly sought after.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Capital
Alternative Names
Ptajma, Ptajma'amMwerl, Mwerl am Apterlsuu; Vharvharhyi (Qh'énnish)
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Official Languages
Related Traditions
Related Ethnicities
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