An elite group of warriors who are also wizards, or wizards who are also warriors. Formed by Sethra Lavode, from whom they take their group name as well as surname, and led by her when she is not in disgrace at the Court. They are tasked with defending the Orb and the cycle, (though not necessarily the Emperor) from threats that are fundamentally non-military. While they are not beholden to anyone, their services are nevertheless invaluable. The name itself is from a Serioli word meaning "versatile", or if pronounced slightly differently, "of mountains".