The Grishaverse
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The Grishaverse


The Second Army is the principal land warfare force of Ravka along with the First Army. It is based in the Little Palace and in contrast to the First Army, which is composed of otkazat'sya, the Second Army is made up entirely of Grisha.

History[]

The Second Army was founded by the the Darkling during King Yevgeni's rule. The Darkling summoned shadows to blind soldiers from Shu Han, with whom Ravka was at war. After Ravka's victory, he turned down a monetary reward and instead requested protection for Grisha in the form of the Little Palace. The Darkling then traveled throughout Ravka to recruit Grisha, who became the first soldiers of the Second Army.[1] Many Grisha came to the Second Army from outside Ravka after being mistreated in their home country.[2]

At the beginning of the trilogy, the Darkling leads the Second Army, as he has done for hundreds of years.[3] Later, Alina Starkov makes a decision to rebuild and lead the Second Army so they can defeat the Darkling.[4] After Alina loses her Grisha abilities, she and Nikolai Lantsov decide to have Zoya Nazyalensky, David Kostyk and Genya Safin share the leadership of the Second Army, so that every order would be represented.[5]

Overview[]

The soldiers of the First Army look at the members of the Second Army with mistrust and distance, knowing that most of the Grisha consider themselves as better than the "normal" soldiers. In return, the Grisha of the Second Army detest the members of the First Army and regard them as weak, less gifted, inferior, and less valuable.

There is a fear that the Second Army and Grisha power will become obsolete as other nations begin to industrialize.

There was also a mandatory draft that required all Grisha to serve in the Second Army. This was later abolished under the rule of King Nikolai Lantsov.

Uniforms[]

Every soldier of the Second Army wears a kefta in the color of their order, which differentiates the different orders, acts as a symbol for Grisha, and indicates members of the Second Army.

Grisha Orders[]

Main article: Grisha

Corporalki wear crimson kefta. Their powers affect the human body. They are the highest ranking soldiers of the Second Army and are also considered the most feared. The order is divided into two types: Heartrenders and Healers.

Etherealki wear blue kefta. The order is divided into three types: Squallers, who can control the pressure and movement of air; Inferni, who can generate and control fire using a flint; and Tidemakers, who can summon and control water. Usually, they work and fight in pairs.

Materialki wear purple kefta. They are the least respected order due to having no use in a fight. Nevertheless, their products, such as Grisha steel, armor, and blasting powders are very important for the Second Army. The order is divided into two types: Alkemi and Durasts.

References[]

  1. Rule of Wolves, chapter 33
  2. Shadow and Bone, chapter 5
  3. Shadow and Bone, chapter 3
  4. Siege and Storm, chapter 9
  5. Ruin and Rising, chapter 18
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