The kalashtar are a mysterious race of humans touched by spirits from another world, and are an enigma to the people of the Five Nations. They believe in a celestial force they call il-Yannah, "the Great Light." The followers of the Light engage in meditation and strict physical discipline, preparing mind and body for battle against a force they call the Dreaming Dark. However, the nature of this conflict is difficult for outsiders to understand. While the kalashtar occasionally engage in physical combat with their foes, the true struggle is one based in philosophy and dreams, something that cannot be seen by the eye.