Diem
| Diem | |
|---|---|
| Leader | Lord Mastrell Kenton |
| Headquarters | The Diem |
| World of Origin | Taldain |
The Diem refers to both the guild of sand masters, known formally as the Diem of the Sand, and the building used as their headquarters. The Diem of the Sand is one of the eight recognized Lossandin Professions.
Headquarters
The Diem of the Sand is headquartered in a building also known as the Diem. The Diem itself predates the existence of the sand masters. It is made of a single block of white sandstone that is thought to be eternal and everlasting.[1]
The Diem is located on the outskirts of Kezare. It includes housing for all members of the guild. With no stairs, the upper levels were only accessible by use of sand mastery until Lord Mastrell Kenton's order that ladders be set up.[2]
Guild recruitment
Lossandin children who wish to gain entry into the Diem of the Sand and become sand masters are subjected to a demanding entrance exam. Those who display any talent at all are entitled by law to enter the guild with the rank of acolent, although those of very weak talent are discouraged from entering. Once a student is accepted as an acolent, they are trained in the ways of sand mastery until they are deemed worthy for advancement into one of the seven permanent sand master ranks by the Lord Mastrell. It takes approximately four years for a child to graduate into the permanent ranks, although it may take longer for those who are weak or who refuse the initial advancement.[3]
Organization
The sand masters maintain a strict hierarchy of ranks. All sand masters wear a colored sash at their waist indicating their rank. Ranks are permanent upon advancement from acolent. The sole criteria for advancement is one's ability in sand mastery.[3] The Lord Mastrell, himself a mastrell, leads the Diem and serves as Taisha for the Sand Profession.
The Diem's ranks are:
- Mastrell (golden sash)
- Undermastrell (yellow sash)
- Lesstrell (gray sash)
- Underlesstrell (blue sash)
- Diemfen (brown sash)
- Fen (tan sash)
- Underfen (cream sash)
- Acolent (white sash)
Trivia
The word "diem" means "day" in Latin.