Shaftal
Shaftal is the fantasy world created by Laurie J. Marks for her Elemental Logic series.
Thirty-five years ago, the Sainnite army invaded the land of Shaftal. In vain they have waited for reinforcements, and due to constant guerilla attacks by Shaftali Paladin forces, the occupiers won't be able to hold out much longer, and they now fear reprisals.
By killing the ruling elemental witches, the Sainnites thought they'd eradicated all magic in this world. But the potential for magic is inherent in the Shaftali's blood, and occasionally children are born who carry on the lines of magic. This magic arises from the four elements of water, air, earth, and fire.
Elemental magics
What are the elemental magics and how do they create elemental logic? The people in the land of Shaftal believe that the four elements determine a person's personality, talents, and way of thinking. A fire blood is passionate, intuitive, and artistic. An earth blood is practical, instinctual, and obstinate. A water blood is humorous, unpredictable, and organized. An air blood is logical, principled, and manipulative.
Your elemental profile
If you lived in Shaftal, what kind of person would you be? Find out your elemental profile.
Maps, glyphs, artwork
Fans of the Elemental Logic series have created some wonderful artwork: glyphs and a map of Shaftal.
Music
A recording and sheet music for the ballad “The Loyal General,” by Rosemary Kirstein, and the story behind it, told by Laurie.