The word Tan'ji refers to several related concepts, but primarily to a bond between an instrument (a powerful Tanu) and a Keeper (a human, Riven, or Altari with the talent for such a bond). "Tan'ji" can also refer to the Keeper, the instrument, bonded members of the rare category of Tanu with the ability to form bonds, and most formally to the act of forming and becoming such a bond.
Background[]
The word Tan'ji means something akin to "the taken route" or "the opened gift" in the Altari Language.
Bond[]
Abilities[]
All Keepers have general abilities related to their status as Tan'ji. Many of these are linked to the nature of the bond.
For instance, a Keeper becomes anxious and strained the farther they move from their instrument. Their sense of proprioception also extends to their instrument, allowing them to be constantly aware of its relative position and motion. A Keeper may be disgusted or even feel physically ill when someone else touches their instrument, fiddles with it, or takes it forcefully. A Keeper may also feel that their instrument is communicating and sharing its emotions with them.
Keepers have the ability to recognize other Keepers' instruments as Tan'ji upon sight. This is not an inherent ability, and takes time and possibly exposure to develop.
Many Keepers feel deep emotional connections to their instrument, conceptualizing it as a part of them and understanding themselves only in combination with their instrument. For this reason, Keepers are unlikely to name their instruments. A Keeper's bond may also grant them a heightened sense of aliveness and connection to the multiverse.
As the Find comes most easily to the young, a disproportionate fraction of human Keepers are children. The reason for this is unknown.
The Find[]
Just after bonding their instruments, many Keepers go through a period known as the Find. This is the process of becoming Tan'ji and discovering the properties of their instrument. The bond must form through curiosity and discovery, and is traditionally a path for the Keeper alone. They may not receive help from others, though Mr. Meister has been known to give convoluted hints.
The Find is known to have multiple stages. The first of these involves a brief period during which the Keeper marvels at their new instrument and the power and awareness created by the bond. Upon first finding their instrument, a Keeper may feel like they have discovered something they never realized was missing, or found the answer to a question they hadn't even asked yet.
The next stage is characterized by deep frustration. The Keeper is troubled by an inability to discover the unique abilities of their instrument. They find it difficult to concentrate on anything beyond their instrument, and may feel mentally strained or even physically ill. The Keeper feels, most of all, as if their instrument is unsatisfied with their progress and not returning the bond.
The third stage consists of experimentation, or is equivalently the period during which a Keeper learns how to use their abilities. During this stage, mental and physical distress associated with the second stage clears, replaced by an intense motivation to discover an instrument's properties.
The Keeper may experience the second and third stages multiple additional times when discovering that their instrument has unknown properties.
Lostlings[]
Paragons[]
Dissolution[]
Severing[]
Severing occurs when a Keeper is separated from their bond, primarily due to the Nevren or the actions of a Tuner. Severing is a term specifically for a temporary state; if a Keeper is severed for too long, they can become dispossessed.
Dispossession[]
Dispossession occurs when a Keeper is severed from their instrument for too long. This can be caused by the effect of the Nevren; according to Mrs. Hapsteade, passing through the center of Vithra's Eye will permanently dispossess any Keeper. A dispossessed Keeper may lose mental capabilities, experience delusions, derealize, and generally sink into despair. Dispossession often and rapidly leads to death, especially if the bond was close.
Cleaving[]
Fading[]
Fusion[]
Daktans[]
Types[]
Kairotics[]
Empathics[]
Loomdaughters[]
Tourmindae[]
Oracula[]
Oracula are Tanu lenses- a fairly common type, and many are not Tan'ji. Some allow the user to see long distances or small objects, while others allow sight through walls, flesh, or lies, though no oraculum can replicate the power of the Fel'Daera. The Mai'tan oraculum, one of Mr. Meister's instruments, grants its Keeper the ability to see the flows of the Medium in Tanu.
Borrowables[]
Passkeys[]
Passkeys grant the power to pass through solid objects. While the vast majority of passkeys are Tan'kindi, a rare few are Tan'ji. Some of these are known by name, but records are sparse and vague. The Alvalaithen is not a passkey, but it is related.
Trivia[]
- Not everyone has the aptitude to become a Keeper.