Customs and traditions within clusters.

Cluster Culture

Cluster social and work culture is a common manifestation of ancient precedent, Maja direction, including ongoing Maja Gatherings, Elder management, Ministry directives and Majastas Generational Plans. 

Tatchlan biology is at the root of all these elements, and most are common to both Urban and Rural Clusters. Below is a depiction of several circles of eight surrounding their Cluster Pillar during a festival. Many are in costume, and their Companion Animals join their event.

For unique rural institutions, click here.

Cluster Uses

Dynamic Harmony of Uses, Bestowing of Uses

Cluster-to-Cluster Relations

Interdependence between clusters, Reciprocity, Giftings, Gifting Transfer of Ripe Adult Cohort, Ultimate Gifting

Rank and Grade

Circle Ranking, Cluster Grade, Plaques' Most-Ancient Design, Circle Expanding/Retreating/Folding,

Eight Living Jewels

Genius, Genius of Unplumbed Depths, Peerless Living Instruments, Preeminent Spokes, Deep Craft, Superior Operants, Pleasure Monitors, Petal Strokers, Tremor Readers

Cluster Greetings and Chants

Greeting, Yom Sha, Journey Chant, Bowvow Tree or Hungry Rock Chants and Responses, Double Drink chant

Cluster Community Tools

House Masks, Memory Mask, Ceremonial Masks, Cluster Life Pillar, Fertility Sanctuary, Primordial Life Pillar, The Majastas Eye, Singing Bowls, Yeldic Cluster Dances, Yeldic Circle Dance, Spinning Wheel Dance (Danam Yelda), Spinning Wheel Vision, Circle Dance Anthem, Liturgist Circles, Circle-of-Circle/Cluster-of-Clusters Dance, Fertility Dance

Ablution Academy

Communal Cultural Palace, Rural Refuge, Gymnastics Gaming Dancing, Theatre, Erudite Ceremonial Theatres, Ministry representatives professional services legal rulings, Benevolenc e Bowers, Anchor for markets, Refinement Emporium, Seat of research, Artisans Boroughs, Urban and Rural Academies and responsible Ministries, Ketukku Enclaves in remote settings, A Portion of Cluster Takes Ablutions each day

Cluster Life Ceremonies

Truth Taking, Life Cake, Ring of Men, Circle Cloak, Comfort Knot

Cluster Death Ceremonies

Final Touch, Death of Double, Corpse Oil, Bowvow Tree and Hungry Rock offerings

Circle of Eight Walks

Within Cluster: Spinning Wheel Walk, Outside Cluster: Wedge Walk, Linked Line

Encirclements

Group of Clusters, Seats of Collective Districts, Tertiary Unit

Cluster Uses

Dynamic Harmony of Uses 

The activities of each Circle of Eight, Cluster and Encirclements are based on ‘Uses.’ This term is meant to encompass the entire range of productive activity dedicated to bringing about satisfaction within their cluster and those surrounding them and the well-being of Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. Each cluster has various uses carried out by its Fresh Adult and Ripe Adult members according to their region, proximity to other clusters, internal Spoke designation and skill mastery. While a standard set of uses unifies clusters, most clusters have individual circles performing unique services to those around them, often in concert with those performed by other circles within or without their cluster. Some specialized circles of eight may be called upon to travel elsewhere to fulfill their uses or to join distant circles and clusters for unified projects. Cluster Elders oversee this ‘Promenade of Uses,’ balancing harmonizing and complementary elements to ensure smooth operations. A particular form of labour produces a significant amount of this work, passing through different circles in sequence, each bringing distinct skills to its completion. The most widespread example of this is the work of rural clusters on the variety of tasks associated with agriculture and the rearing of animals. Even here, many specific uses are necessary for the healthy functioning of the cluster. Often, other clusters are called on to assist in large-scale activity (see Reciprocity). Occasionally, a single Use may dominate most or all the circles within a cluster, leading to their new designation as possessing one or more Defining Uses. Due to these Uses, the Cluster Signature, including the cluster's Scent Wall and Tone, may take on a distinguishing quality.

Bestowing of Uses

A vital component of cluster life is determining each circle or cluster mate’s ‘uses,’ their abilities and skills, and channelling this potential into one of the cluster’s ‘Principal Uses.’ Some or all of the rest of the cluster practices these or supports the primary activity of the cluster. Uses are a vital part of Elders’ determination of the placement of each cluster member when they attain Ripe Adulthood. Prodigies and others possessing extraordinary gifts, such as manifesting qualities of one of the Eight Living Jewels, may be placed before a cluster mate becoming a Ripe Adult. Their uses may or may not coincide with the uses of others within their Circle of Eight. In most clusters, a series of Defining Uses are practiced in series, complimenting each other towards some larger goal. Most of these series begin in circles within the cluster or other clusters, and often, what the cluster produces moves on to another for further work. As such, Bestowing these Uses is a vital dynamic in determining the arrangement of Cluster Bulbs within the Cluster-of-Cluster community. It is a common cause for individual clusters to bond with others and form chains or other linked formations of cluster bulbs. All these variations are separate from another category, in part determined by one or more Governance Ministries, known as ‘Defining Uses.’ Usually, these activities go beyond their cluster into the larger Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. They tend to involve a high degree of specialization and are subject to ministerial oversight. It is not uncommon for such clusters, and even individual circles, to possess more than one Defining Use. With few exceptions, only two are in any Circle of Eight, the Primary and Secondary Use. Tertiary Uses are known when possessed by an exceptional cluster.

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Cluster to Cluster relations

Interdependence between clusters

As singular Uses enrich the life of their circle and the collected uses of circles benefit the cluster, the works of one or many clusters complement their surrounding Encirclement and the broader Cluster-Of-Clusters community. The linked maxims, ‘Each belongs to all,’ ‘Each works for all,’ and ‘Each shelter all’ find their broader application in the interdependence and reciprocity between two or more clusters dependant on their ‘Companionable,’ ‘Complimentary,’ or ‘Incompatible’ cluster tones.

Reciprocity

This term refers to the need for clusters, primarily rural clusters, to work together on large projects. At peak periods, one cluster will request assistance from the other. This is given and received under cluster reciprocity, where work done by one is returned in time with similar work or some other gift seen as of equal value from the other. While having a specific application in rural areas, the same principles apply to all clusters.

Most rural clusters are twice to three times as large as urban clusters and may approach populations found in urban Encirclements. They engage in various farming, vine/orchard cultivation and herding activities, requiring many tasks to be carried out simultaneously. Large numbers of circles are vital to ensure total productivity while minimizing fatigue during peak activity, such as ploughing, planting and harvesting, and the birth of new animals in their season.

Portions, or the entire cluster, regularly travel to neighbouring clusters to assist their efforts with the implicit understanding of their returning the favour. The common term for this activity is ‘reciprocity,’ meaning when some item or use is rendered by one cluster to another, something of agreed equal value is returned. This is not limited to the particular service. It could also take the form of specialized skill, craft or food gifts of equivalent value. The Second Ministry, the Grandee Secretariat, determines the standards for these values, and updated guidelines are regularly distributed to all clusters. Should any disagreement arise regarding equivalent values, a representative of the Grandee Secretariat is dispatched to adjudicate the matter.

While there are numerous variations, the labour exchange is the most common use between rural clusters. The Grandee Secretariat formalizes the accounting for this work and administers it by the province. When there is a disagreement on value, a Commandant Ministry representative of the Resolution Bureau is brought in to rule. Circles from the visiting cluster are kept together to establish clarity in the work done, and large projects are broken down into smaller sections shared by many circles. There is an understanding that the host cluster will provide for their guest circles in every way during their time with them.

Reciprocity is fundamental to cluster life. It is symbolized in many ways. Here, two hands emanate from the Eighth Principal Face of the Living System, Gavaduru, the Face of Protection, Dignity and Honour. She also represents the Commandant Bureau of Resolution, which determines the reciprocity value of offerings between clusters.

Reciprocity also extended to food and other resources. Given its circumstances, each cluster produces what it can, with surpluses redistributed by the Cycles and other ministries to other clusters in different areas. In this way, those in less bountiful areas received foodstuffs they could not produce themselves. Warehouse stores determined portions of the surplus in central locations in each region for mobile ministry clusters involved in public business and work. While this system is in place throughout the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation, markets and Market Judges operate in larger urban centres where far more sophisticated production and exchanges occur.

The value of Reciprocity would be enshrined by the Danam Yelda early in the Secondary Epoch, incorporating four additional elements to the classic Cluster Virtues. The unique icon for this Virtue of Reciprocity is shown here.

This icon shows circles of eight from two different clusters, one larger than the other, linked together. Cluster mates are depicted as the hand icons of the Eighth Face of the Tatchlan System, Gavaduru, associated with the Virtue of Reciprocity as the Face of Honour, Dignity, and Protection. The aromas of their Maja bind them into the hoop of their circle.

Giftings

If the Betweens and Completes create a vital culture among ‘The Beautiful Accomplishments,’ the Maja fashion a transforming culture around possessions. Growing out of Maja Gatherings, the Maja began the process early in the Primary Epoch to free their clusters of one of the last vestiges of the old, destructive ways—the tendency to hoard possessions. They did so by initiating the custom of ‘Gifting .’

While liberating their cluster, Giftings also help deepen relations between clusters near and far at all levels. The most intensive form of this may involve selected circles, known for their proficiency in each cluster, enacting a portion of The Nine Petals for the amusement and delight of the surrounding two clusters. Such ecstatic rites are accompanied by music and may also include Circle Dances.

Long after rectifying the initial need, the custom continued unchanged throughout the Primary and Secondary Epochs. These gatherings, which may include Dances of Fertility and Nurturing Ceremonies, serve many other purposes. Often fuelled by Vision Windows and Vendupash, they may address a shared tragedy, jubilation, or the transferring of new Ripe Adults, as seen below. Fresh Adults from each cluster attend to the ‘Conception Count’ of any Doubles in other attending clusters. The ultimate goal is achieving an ‘Each Belongs to All Bonding’ to strengthen the deep values of ‘Impartial Love and Caring’ within and between clusters.

Along with this internal decision by a cluster's Leadership Ring, the Gifting can also be determined at Maja Gatherings by looking at the history of the clusters within a given Encirclement or larger province. The size of the Gifting is carefully selected and balanced against how many will come to ensure universal abundance. Due to the size of the gathering, Giftings usually take place outside, either near the hosting cluster’s compound or a larger public venue such as a suitable Mantle Establishment. The Spokes of the Cluster Wheel all have specific jobs during these events, which include feasting, performances, dances and many songs. The Maja of the host cluster oversees the actual Gifting, which involves presenting items and services to members of the guest clusters. Spokes generally bestow gifts to other Spokes and renew ties each has with others doing their work. The cluster Elders use this time to determine the quality of latent pre-adults conceived during the festivities due to the aromas of so many Maja and Cluster Spokes. This ceremony strengthens bonds between all aspects of cluster life where disputes are settled.

At the end of the event, the cluster gave away most of its possessions and retained what was essential to its life. Traditionally, this leads to one of the guest clusters having a Gifting at some point, inviting this cluster and others. The original Gifting cluster then receives some of their gifts along with others. An added tradition involves the new host adding or improving some of the items given back and creating new conferments for them, so the original giving cluster is enhanced because they gave initially.

Gifting Transfer of Ripe Adult Cohort

Another vital function of Giftings is the transference of new Ripe Adult Cohorts from one cluster to another. ‘Gifting Transfers' occurs between two or more clusters of unequal size, as in one large cluster in association with one or more smaller clusters.

Elders determine the distribution of the percentage of new young Ripe Adults throughout their home cluster. This seeding ranges from relatively informal, as when small groups of individual cluster mates are presented or exchanged, to more significant Gifting Transfers of Gem Siblings to aid an ailing cluster. Beyond the health and vitality of the cluster, these exchanges may take place for many reasons, including social and regional considerations and directives from the Wellbeing Ministry, particularly this ministry's Ratio Bureau. Typically, cluster Elders plan these cohorts twelve to fourteen years in advance.

The more substantial cluster may produce up to six young men per new circle, who may or may not be members of the Eight Gems class of identical siblings. Usually, these Gems are divided into groups of two per circle. A total of six males are required to complete any Circle of Eight, and Elders determine the size and configuration of these groups over the years leading up to the transference. The smaller cluster will produce one or two young women to complete each of these circles. If they are Gems, they usually go in pairs to these new circles. There always needs to be at least one Maja per circle and a portion of those born with the rest are set aside to form the core of these eventual new circles. Others growing into one of the Spokes of the Cluster Wheel may also be exchanged, bestowing an enhanced value to the recipient cluster. The joining of a Ripe Adult Maja, Elder, Double or other mature cluster mates with these new circles for various reasons. While the Ratio Bureau monitors the overall percentages of Spokes of the Cluster Wheel in all participating clusters, that cluster's Elders are responsible for their distribution within their cluster.

The Elders of each cluster gather many times before the Gifting to determine all of these details of the Gifting Transference for their mutual benefit. Usually, the smaller cluster will produce enough young women to transfer a few to the more abundant cluster while retaining most to create new circles from the larger cluster's batches of young men bestowed on them. The Maja of their original infant circle then stimulates the Scent Separation process at the Gifting, and the Maja of their Ripe Adult Circle draws them home with a powerful Scent Integration signal. On a smaller scale, such transfers occur at each Gifting, and clusters meet on every other occasion. Completes may serve as both women and men in a circle, but given their deep status, they are reserved for giftings of significance.

Ultimate Gifting

This is a rare occurrence, but on occasion, two clusters are determined to have a Gifting where they ultimately exchange all but essential elements of their identity. This includes switching Cluster Compounds.

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Rank and Grade

Circle Ranking

This term refers to the hierarchy of circles of eight within a cluster. Deeper ranked circles often contain many Maja and other Wheel Spokes. Next are the Elder Clusters. The deepest circles form the Leadership Ring. Those circles attending the Leadership Ring and Elder circles follow these two deep-ranking circles. The next is the Healing Circles for the cluster. After that, the ranking of the cluster is determined through the various Principal and Secondary Uses and those attending to them. The Elders determine the disposition of Fresh Adult Spokes of the Cluster Wheel to their first adult circle of eight. In doing so, the host Circle is ‘Improved by Depth.’ See also ‘Increments of Perfection.’

Cluster Grade

This official term describes how many circles of eight are in a cluster. The First Grade has eight circles of eight, composed of sixty-four Ripe Adults. Clusters with less than eight circles are considered incomplete. While in the census, their existence is noted by various ministries who see to their gaining First-Grade status. The Second Grade has sixteen circles of eight with one hundred and twenty-eight Ripe Adults. The Twenty-First Grade has one hundred and sixty-eight Circles of Eight with one thousand, three hundred and forty-four Ripe Adults. Besides the Majastas Cluster, no Danam Yeldic cluster has ever reached the Twenty-Second Grade (The most-ancient Tolku seldom exceeded the Twentieth Grade, whereas the Venerable Koru have a limit of Twenty-Four Grades). These numbers are only accurate for complete circles at the time of the annual census. During Scent Separations, there are occasions where circles are broken. The results, usually two, four or six individuals, are called Circle Fragments. These exist briefly and quickly form new circles of eight with other fragments or find a home within a new cluster. These fragments are deemed temporary and are not included in the annual census.

These are the twenty-one plaques, one of which is affixed to every cluster compound each year by the Census Bureau of the Enumerator Ministry to advertise the population grade of the cluster. While the ministry bestows the plaque, the cluster elders determine which of the four gates it is set over. It is customary to mount it above the Western Gateway, commonly known as the Gate of Uses. It may appear over the Northern Gateway, the Gate of Sorrows, in times of adversity or loss. Conversely, in times of plenty or celebration, it may be set above the Southern Gateway, known as the Noble Gate, or the Eastern Gateway, the Gate of Delight. It is customary for guests arriving at the cluster to make a circuit to find the plaque, noting the cluster’s Grade and disposition at the time of its designation. The plaque is retained or replaced yearly based on the current cluster population. These traditions continued throughout the Danam Yelda’s Nantu Age in the early portion of the Secondary Epoch. With the introduction of Upata Bulbs during the Emaxul Age, these plaques may be hung from poles outside the appropriate entrance or displayed by other methods, including fabric banners.

Plaque’s Most-Ancient Design 

The design of the plaques is made up of a unique boundary of extended circles containing eight circles within them. The first twelve images are of the Twelve Faces of Tatchlan; the following nine are combinations of these Twelve Faces, one advancing and one retreating.

As with the Primary Epoch Icon border, these images and their ordering date back to the Primary Epoch with little or no change down to the present. The first plaque features the Face of Alatanda, representing the cluster as the First Grade, containing eight circles of eight.

The detailed image here is of the Fifteenth Grade, which contains one hundred and twenty Circles of Eight for a total of nine hundred and sixty Ripe Adults. The image is of the Living System's Third and Fourth Primary Faces. Humma, the Fish Face of Recollection, is advancing while Naprahath, the Complete Face restoring balance and harmony, retreats. This informally represents the ideal size for a cluster given their uses and the times of the particular generation.

One of the primary tasks of the Elders is to watch the ‘grading’ of their cluster. They do so by controlling the number of births to complement deaths, and some circles separate and leave the cluster while others arrive. These dynamic events often occur during cluster Giftings with another cluster or clusters. The Leadership Ring of any sized cluster is ideally composed of the deepest circles containing the Elders and other Spokes of the Cluster Wheel. Naturally, this grading is continuously fluctuating. ‘Increments of Perfection’ is another way of referring to the Grade of a cluster. While the first term is expected in the Majastas Court, the phrase ‘Increments of Perfection’ is more likely to be heard within the cluster.

Circle Expanding/Retreating/Folding

These terms refer to a process occurring over several centuries, where a cluster goes through a series of developmental stages. By their control over cluster fertility, the Elders bring these changes about. They also can, and often do, happen spontaneously. Initially, the cluster expands within its given range. Then, Scent Separations occur, breaking up the original grouping. This and other factors, good and bad, lead to a ‘retreat’ in the size of the cluster. A cluster is said to ‘fold’ when a series of Scent Integrations increase their numbers.

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Eight Living Jewels

What follows is a listing of the eight most precious and treasured members of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. The images accompanying these descriptions are badges. They are worn by those so designated, along with medallions of the same design proudly displayed by their home cluster and the Enclaves and other Mantle Establishments housing them during their lifetimes. Some may have conferred on them the title of ‘Cluster-of-Clusters Treasure’ by their reigning Majastas due to their exceptional distinction within their area of mastery. This title may also be conferred posthumously.

Genius

This first of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels is primarily composed of Mundanes. While any Spoke of the Cluster Wheel may distinguish themselves as possessing superior mental endowment in various fields, like many professional and academic disciplines and vocations, Mundanes dominate these ranks. As with other echelons, an official determination is made upon the cluster-mate achieving Ripe Adulthood.

There are also instances where certain specialized Operants may discern exceptional signatures within a particular aspect of the general intelligence of the Splendid Yeldic Body within Tatchlan. This would lead to a search on the Skin of Anu for a Fresh Adult possessing certain traits. On such occasions, they may be presented with various enquiries and examinations. These may include the presentation of specific tokens to distinguish or transform. By whatever means the determination is made, a Genius is acclaimed as having achieved a ‘Surpassing Depth’ in one or many potentialities.

Depending on the nature of their Genius, they may be left in place, attend specialized training, or be permanently relocated to Upata-Shepsus, Bhampay or another relevant provincial centre catering to their grandiose abilities.

Perhaps the most venerated of all are Savant Geniuses. Distinguished from Savant Touched, these figures are commonly known as ‘bottom-heavy,’ meaning their specialty consumes a portion of what would otherwise be the standard suite of mental attributes of a Ripe Adult. As such, they are both preeminent and dependant.

Their birth cluster, or whatever encompassing Majastas Property they reside in, devotes a significant portion of their resources to their upkeep and facilitates in various ways appropriate to their exceptional mastery and uses. Their distinguishing badge ensures an honoured welcome to any Mantle Establishment, a joyful reception in any Artisan Borough, Ablution Academy, or Erudite Ceremonial Theatre, and songs and gifts in the street. Many spoken and sung verses laud them as the best of their generation.

Genius of Unplumbed Depths

From the beginning to the end of the Secondary Epoch, only seven thousand and twenty-one members of this first Jewel classification have received this historic appellation. Such distinctions result from at least a century of scrutiny of their achievements and impact after death. Perhaps the most famous of all recipients of this honour also lived to see its attachment to their name, the Majastas Multitude Sheshisana X. She was the Mother of both the final incarnation of the Acoon and the vital juices known as Shashash, the key component to the eventual perfection of the Upata Bulb.

Peerless Living Instruments

This second of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels covers all Living Instruments, although those associated with Invocates are foremost on the lists. Differentiating strains, enriched from diverse sources, are always set aside and serve as dams for subsequent generations. During times of danger and chaos, these are secured before all others.

Next in depth among this Second Rank are the healers. While slightly less profound than full Living Instruments, the presence of Healing Vats secured the status of all these entities. With the commencement of the Secondary Epoch and the institution of Healing Vats as full cluster mates in every cluster, all other animate Living Instruments were also deemed cluster mates. In particular, distinguished members of the Mother Vat class, able to produce eggs, are consistently segregated for specialized care. Equal to these are those Acoons who have procured the classification of ‘Eminence.’ Like most living things, the Venerably Aged will most likely attain this honorific. What is judged to be the exceptional examples of Shesha, Nara and Cohort Jelly are also granted a place in this category.

Among more responsive classes of Living Instruments, Krall and Cousins, particularly Varku, are extolled by those in close association with them. They are ever associated with engendering subsequent generations. In times of upheaval, they are sequestered to ensure their survival.

Preeminent Spokes

This third of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels pertains to all those Spokes of the Cluster Wheel. They have distinguished themselves as preeminent exemplars of their biological calling. The cluster's Elders initially make this assessment. This is followed by acclamation by the cluster’s surrounding Encirclement. Depending upon their Spoke potency, provincial and even Cluster-of-Clusters National ministries determine their inclusion in their Role of Honour.

Except for the Touched, many of these approach being Elders themselves and mentor others of their Spoke designation. One example is a Double granted the acclamation as an Elder of Many Conceptions by the Wellbeing Ministry’s Doubles and Vats Bureau. Their standing is further enhanced if many of those conceptions were with Maja. Touched may have just attained their Ripe Adulthood status and still be swiftly deepened in their designation as a Living Jewel due to a unique or incredibly intensive level of their sensitivity.

Deep Craft

This fourth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels may be seen as a specialized designation of the First Rank of Genius. They are distinguished from others by their aesthetic focus. For example, every generation has seen one or more ‘Masters of Masks.’ They begin by displaying promise in their interest and developing a profound clarity beyond the capacity of all others in their craft. Depending on their focus, they may be moved to an Artisan Borough to deepen their mastery. Many specialties emerged, ranging from the fashioning of Masks composed entirely of feathers to those cast in metal.

This Fourth Jewel includes a vast spectrum of abilities. Some exceptional Ripe Adults may attain this status; it is primarily Elders who are admitted to this rank. This designation recognizes a living legacy by one or more ministries, including the Grandee Secretariat, Enumerators, Wellbeing, Preeminent Works and Ceremonies Ministries.

The Crafter Badge displays two ancient emblems of civilization, the Haklu and Dramsus.

With this appellation, a ministry enacts measures to ensure the wide distribution of their craft. This may include producing exacting facsimiles or training practitioners to enact their wonders in diverse locales over the remainder of their lifetime. Recipients of any physical artifacts may include Encirclement’s Seats of Collective Districts, Fertility Sanctuaries, Maja Cloister Halls, Face Shrines, Erudite Ceremonial Theatres, and Artisans’ Boroughs. On an infrequent occasion, the Deep Crafter may be granted the honour of contributing to the current or a former Mantle Museum. Upon the Deep Crafter’s death, their birth cluster and any subsequent sheltering enclaves and Mantle Establishments are bestowed with final honours and gifts for their part in facilitating the Deep Crafter’s treasured use.

Given the abundance of such manifestations of Genius throughout the vast populations of the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation, it is left to the determination of history as to how lasting an impact their output has been after the death of the Deep Crafter and their generation. The Common Desire is like a pre-adult - changeable and possessing but a short memory. The much-lauded in one age is forgotten by the next. True and lasting regard by posterity is unknown until at least one to two centuries after the Deep Crafter's death. This is one of the areas where Honoured Historians discern cyclical patterns in expressing specific creative trends over the ages.

As with the Genius designation, most of those possessing this wonder are Mundanes.

Superior Operants

This fifth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels comprises what are known as Superior Operants. All Operants are a rare bridge between the multitude of Invocates accessing Tatchlan via their Living Instruments and the singular Majastas wearing the Twelve Principal Faces as Masks.

While there have been periods when Operants were fundamental in reviving the Living System, particularly during The Interim, they are now a small, stable population directly serving the Majastas for specialized tasks. With notable exceptions, Danam Yeldic Operants are primarily found in the ‘sister cites’ of Upata-Shepsus and Bhampay as deep functionaries of the Cluster-of-Clusters Ministries. As such, they are directly under the protection of the Majastas Cluster.

Superior Operants are those possessing exceptional depth, even among their fellow Operants. In particular, they are known for their ability to work in portions of The Living System known as The General Plain.

This may be the earliest part of the original Tatchlan Masters work, being the foundation of all to come. While most of this General Plain is now grown into the vital profusion of the ‘Living Orb,’ one grand expanse, and on occasion several smaller ones, remain. These broad areas contain the most understated indicators of the prevalent, comprehensive and underlying states of the entire Living System. Before the full development of the Living Instruments, the Tatchlan Cubes primarily delved into this area. The Cubes continue to be used as an initial diagnostic, informing these Superior Operants to seek out the subtlest variations. Directed by their Majastas, they stroke and take the aroma of the surface for messages inscribed with near-invisible delicacy.

Members of this fifth Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels may serve as Mentors for others entering the relatively modest ranks of Operants, primarily in the Sister Cities. Superior Operants are often integrated directly into the Majastas Cluster in Upata-Shepsus. As such, they occupy the deepest levels of regard within the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation. At the same time, they are nearly invisible to the majority of its subjects.

Pleasure Monitors

The sixth of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels tends to be composed of an equal number of Mundanes and Skin Touched. They are a specialized Healers and Soothers branch administered by the Pacifier, Doubles and Vats, and Nostrum Bureaus of the Wellbeing Ministry. This marks this Jewel with the distinction of serving three different bureaus within one ministry. A variety of native and cultivated sensitivities characterize Pleasure Monitors. They can seek out and rectify various dysfunctions in circles and clusters around realizing the full complement of integrating pleasures necessary to properly functioning clusters and between clusters, particularly during Giftings.

Their offices bear the title ‘Pleasure Unites. Pain Separates.’ This is a most-ancient Uluvatu Master dictum, denoting the importance of pleasure in nurturing and preserving all embodied beings. Pleasure unites all aspects within a body and links this unity with all other bodies. Pain distorts that sense of integration, leading to ills in circles and entire clusters.

These Pleasure Monitors have often been the first to discern disturbances within localized areas of the Living System, manifesting in the achievement of some or all of The Nine Petals within one or more clusters. They are seen as the guardians of the vital glue holding the Cluster-of-Clusters Nation together. The Chancellery or other ministries may dispatch Pleasure Monitors to determine if dysfunction in a region falls under their purview. If so, they are empowered to bring in one or more Acoons from the Nostrum Bureau if the issue is profound.

While not universal, most Skin Touched embracing this vocation do so within the guiding disciplines of Healers. Their powers of subtle alteration by their skin allow for addressing numerous physical maladies affecting circle functioning. Mundanes attending to cluster health in this field do so principally as Soothers, treating emotional and mental dysfunctions that occasionally emerge within otherwise whole clusters. This puts both under the Doubles and Vats Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry, allowing them to display the most-ancient Blue Hands Emblem. As their Pleasure Monitor Badge (above) suggests, sexual healing is vital to their service.

Petal Strokers

The seventh of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels can perform wonders with all forms of plant life. As the name suggests, they may shape flowers by touch, gently leading them to bend and twist without harming them. They can transform entire groves and gardens into extraordinary swirling and other intricate patterns for critical ceremonial occasions. Such surface alterations last a day before all return to their previous state.

More profound craft leads to far more subtle alterations in plant structures, allowing for swift hybridization and other agricultural uses. Their most significant facility is with soft tissue, but some have been known to modify solid tree trunks over time gently. Their most exceptional service is assisting crops and other agriculture to repel infestations and attacks. Their signature abilities have been located by specialized Invocates within Tatchlan, leading to the discovery of root malaise or unbalanced predation patterns. Several times during the Secondary Epoch, this combination of rare specialists has averted widespread crop failure.

This is a near-unique attribute of the Danam Yeldic Cluster-of-Clusters Nation, rooted in an even more distinctive feature: a single source. The fourth member of the founding Yeldic dynasty, Majastas Complete Upata-Shepsus IV, manifested one of the most potent affinities with plant life ever exhibited by any Majastas. Due to HerHis labours, the foundations of what would eventually be the Upata Bulbs were laid. From this early time in the Yeldic Nantu Age forward, ensuing generations of the new plant beings Shehe brings into being are all named Upata in Herhis honour.

As with all Complete Majastas, Upata-Shepsus IV bore hundreds of offspring and fathered many thousands throughout Herhis six hundred and eighty-seven-year reign. Honoured Historians have traced many wonders in succeeding generations of this progeny, the chief being the emergence of those later given the title of Petal Strokers.

The cluster of those confirmed as manifesting this gift is immediately decorated. They are further added to a list by the Pacifier Bureau of the Wellbeing Ministry. This bureau is responsible in part for all forms of agricultural disruption. On short notice, one or more cluster mates imbued with this ability may be conducted, with their circles, to remote locations to practice their craft.

Tremor Readers

The eighth and final of the Cluster-of-Cluster Nation’s Living Jewels is, with few exceptions, composed of exceedingly sensitive Skin Touched. While they may share many abilities with others of this Spoke of the Cluster Wheel, their deep responsiveness is to the Skin of Anu.

They are unique in doing most of their readings through their feet. They will stand at a particular juncture and peruse what to them are the myriad of understated vibrations beneath them. They can scrutinize various quaking signatures by distinguishing between shallow and deep events and ongoing patterns. With this powerful sensitivity, they may discern many conditions, diagnose subdued anomalies, and forecast coming events.

With time, Tremor Readers can ‘flatten’ their feet, pressing more of their soles onto the Skin of Anu. There are different methods for diverse sets of reading. A Tremor Reader first selects a conducive plot to begin their work.

They may commence by walking at a slow pace in concentric circles before stopping to pause and ‘flatten’ their feet for a time before continuing. If the situation is unusual or challenging, they may sit with their legs fully pressed down or lie down on a given spot for a partial or complete body reading. These exceptional abilities are known to benefit the Commandant Ministry, specifically its Engineering and Calamity Bureaus.

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Cluster Greetings and Chants

Greeting 

The following simple words and gestures (see also Truth Taking) are, with period and location variations, universal among the Koru and Yelda.

Greeter: “Your portion of Anu fares well?” 

Greeted: “Living Loam sinks deep beneath our feet.”

 Greeter: “Your cluster-of-clusters thrive?” 

Greeted: “Our nation is vital and harmonious.” 

Greeter: “Your own cluster is at peace?” 

Greeted: “Our desires are full and our wants empty.” 

Greeter: “Your circle sleeps well?” 

Greeted: “Our dreams are many and rich.” 

Greeter: “Your cluster and circle bear illness?” 

Greeted: “Naught but the follies of our Fresh Adults and indignities of our Aged.”

 Greeter: “Your raw infants are born well? Your enriched Elders die well?” 

Greeted: “Beauty and dignity accompany our generations.”

 Greeter: “Your feet caress Anu and your hands their uses?”

 Greeted: “We are rooted and steadfast.” 

Greeter: “As are we. As are we.”

Yom Sha

This refers to a series of chants used by Invocates during their Invocate Training. Many are also used by Maja during certain special rites, including Majastas Gatherings. The most common goes:

Yom Sha Yom Sha

Vuna Sana Ya

Wonal Chinnal Ya

Sosu Yaso Jas

 Pana Musha Shay

 Sen! Sen!

Sen! Suv!

Suv! Suv! 

Sha! Sha! Sha!

A powerful variation of this includes all the names of the Twelve Principal Faces of Tatchlan, and is meant to bring them as witnesses to the event:

Yom Sha, Yom Sha, Alatanda, Alatanda! 

Alatanda, Alatanda, Skarashing, Skarashing, Vuna Sana Ya! 

Yom Sha, Yom Sha, Skarashing, Naprahath, Naprahath, Vuna Sana Ya, Yuna Sana Ya, Humma, Humma Ya!

Wonal Chinnal Ya, Wonal Chinnal Ya, Heshavira, Heshavira, Wonal Chinnal Ya! Neferdush, Sosu Yaso Jas, Sosu Yaso Jas, Neferdush, Muramal, Neferdush, Muramal Jas! Pana Musha Shay, Gavaduru, Gavaduru, Pana Musha Shay!

Sen! Sen! Sen! Kava-Kura, Kava-Kura Sen! Vashivonos, Kava-Kura, Vashivonos Sen!

Sha! Sha! Sha! Sukakap, Hashahanu Sha! Sha! Sha! Sha! Sha! Sha! Sukakap, Hashahanu Sha! Sha! Sha!

Sen! Sen! Sen! 

Suv! Suv! Suv! 

Sha! Sha! Sha!

On rare occasions, Invocates and Operants are known to employ these sung chants within Tatchlan for meaningful work.

Journey Chant

The following is known as a journey chant, which has many extended variations. What is presented here is as close to a universal version, including material familiar to most clusters.

“Step! Step! Step! Step!