Wychlaran

The Witches of Rashemen (also known as Wychlaran, meaning wise old women) are the spiritual leaders of Rashemen, communing with the spirits and guiding the souls of the Rashemi people. The formal term for a member of this group is a hathran (learned sister), however the most powerful and respected are called othlor (true one). In Rashemen, a member of the Wychlaran can do no wrong. Her word is law and to disobey it is punishable by death.

The Witches of Rashemen are based in Urlingwood, an area forbidden to any non-Wychlaran. Any who are found in the wood are killed. The witches meet here to brew Rashemi firewine, to bind and control hostile spirits and to spy on Thayan forces.

While most Witches of Rashemen seek to protect the land and ensure peace, some merely desire power. These are known as the Durthan. These cruel women focus on the spirits of destuction and vengeance that reside in the land. They dream of attacking Thay and Narfell and making Thesk pay tribute to use the Gold Road. Also unlike Wychlaran they include many non-humans among their ranks, such as hags.