Glossary

A note of caution: Descriptions may contain “spoilers.” This comprehensive list of characters, locations, events, races, creatures, plants, and unique terminology is provided for convenience to accompany and explain the world introduced in An Occasion to Mourn. Entities are listed alphabetically and attended by a phonetic spelling enclosed by parentheses (stressed syllables are capitalized) followed by a brief description.

A note on keeping time: Tracking time during a single day is done using hands, which refers to how long required by the sun to travel the width of a hand. The first hand is aligned with the lowest point on the eastern horizon and the other is stacked atop it so the palm (or fingers of a fist) faces inward. The hands are stacked until the point of the sun is reached. Midday typically occurs around six hands, depending on season and location. Also, a tick is a fifth of a hand, or the width of one finger. Obviously, this is not a very accurate system. 

A moon turn, or simply a turn, includes nine days or twenty-seven, which is how long Aletath or Kalika require to cycle through one phase. The days of Aletath are Parrew, when Aletath is absent in the sky, Rassid, Eestlia, Zaidi, Harrus, Orshay, Trallis, Orin, and Nimeth, when the red moon is full. 

The golden moon, Kalika, proceeds through one phase for every three of Aletath’s phases. She has nine turns per season, which are Ermicallim (the first day of Ermicallim is also the first day of Nysttaminna), Zeirmcallim, Bryvcallim, Mieriscallim, Trivincallim, Yerracallim, Wymalcallim, Yrrucallim, and Vaascallim. 

A season is the time from one harvest to the next, or from one Nysttaminna to the nest. Nysttaminna refers to nine days of earnest labor when all shops are closed for harvesting or civil work (road repairs, building or repairing churches and public houses, etc.). Nysttaminna ends with the Fete of Nights (or Fete of Lights). 

The people of Alytha number their seasons from the time of Alytha’s Voyage, abbreviated AV. 

A note on units of distance: A far, an informal unit, is the distance a loaden wagon pulled by an ox can travel in approximately two hands. It is roughly half-a-league. 

An arrow’s flight or simply an arrow is the distance an arrow will travel when loosed from a fully drawn bow. Usually this is two to three hundred paces. 

A league is the distance a loaded wagon can travel in half-a-day. 

A pace is the length of one step. 

A rod, usually only used by traders and builders, is eight paces. 

A span is roughly half of one pace. 

A note on units of weight: One stone is the weight of a newborn lamb or goat. A heft is how much an adult male can lift, which is around ten stones. A hoist four hefts.  A heave is how much weight can be loaded into a wagon, or one hundred fifty stones. 

A

A Modern Woman’s Rules for Polite Society: A book written by Brinwissa Vantilli in 133 AV detailing a woman’s role in court, how to organize a home, and proper etiquette for high society. It is widely read by the upper class in Meridia. 

A Treatise of Common Ailments: A collection of spells, potions, and treatments for many common diseases written by The High Vigil of Yaridmuns. 

Aarok Kestrel (eh-RUCK KESS-trul) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Imperator of Kezzah at the time of the scrag invasion.

Achreios (ack-REE-os) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A madman who travels with Osin Braydor across Meridia and western Olithia in search of the root of the rumors of the living heiress. He commits unspeakable atrocities as directed by Osin, then on his own after Osin dies. He develops an obsession with Vale, thinking he will be cured of his confusion if he kills her. 

Adalyn (ADD-uh-linn) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies during the Battle For Meridia. 

Adan Mockbee (EH-dun MOCK-bee) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A lumber merchant who acquires a lordship through wealth and establishes his holdings near the center of the Blackwood. His home is the site of the Battle of the Blackwood.

Adeltrik (add-ol-TRICK) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: One of two fray mages sent by King Kennon Adelwin to protect his family during the journey to Rislynnad, Braytonia. See Annaka.

Adelwin, House (ADD-ull-win): The royal bloodline in Olithia and a noble family respected across Alytha. The line is broken when Morgallen seizes the throne and slaughters all those belonging to the royal house. Men who marry into House Adelwin take the woman’s name, and the fruit of their marriage is always a daughter first. The house is known to produce heiresses capable of wielding Evne, which is largely responsible for their strength and longstanding rule.

Adok (eh-DOCK) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A commander in the Queen’s Men. He leads the vanguard and oversees special assignments.

Aelshi (eh-EL-she): The kingdom across the Aterna Sea. Once the center of the Heartwater empire, the land’s name changed following the same civil war that drove Alytha Adelwin from her home.

Aelshi Sworders (eh-EL-she): Founded by Emaliah Aelshi in the latter part of the Laic Wars, the Sworders are highly trained, highly skilled fighters whose sole purpose is to overturn their matriarch’s prophecy regarding the end of Ismorund. Their ideology revolves around capturing and controlling the queen who rises after the stars fall. And if she proves uncontrollable, then they are to kill her to spare their world greater pain.

The Sworders are as much a religious group and a family as they are soldiers. They refuse to speak after a battle begins, which gave rise to the belief that any who speaks in battle, even to cry out in pain, will never enter heaven. Only the oracle may speak once a battle begins. All others must fall silent and listen for her words.

Aetharovyr (aye-THAR-oh-VEER) – IMMORTAL: The principal deity and the embodiment of the sun worshiped by the kingdoms of Alytha. He made the world and most of the living creatures that fill it. Humans are considered his favored creations. Also: The Light That Is, Light of Heaven, Lord of Heaven, Creator, etc. 

Ah’elti (EYE-el-tee) – DYRET: Glezyl’s mount.

Aileron Falls (EYE-leer-on): A waterfall south of Lake Meridia. it is a popular retreat for people wanting to escape the city for a time. 

Ailin (A-linn) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A prominent member of the Black Herons. 

Ainyeld (AIN-yeld): A small township near Ulanta.

Aisli (AZE-lee) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A pip captain.

Ajanna (eh-SHAN-awe) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Second commander of the pips.

Akash (uh-CASH) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher who survives the initial scrag invasion to travel south with Darith Forhild. Kalika blesses him with strength. He falls during the Battle of the Blackwood.

Akello (uh-KELL-oh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Three Sheaves with many sons, all dedicated to the rebellion.

Akinelai (uh-KIN-ul-EYE) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Alama’Nistandel (AL-uh-ma NIE-stan-del) – IMMORTAL/SHARD: A creature of power. One of seven shards. She is reflected in the mortal world as a sword of glass. She dwells within the spate, symbolizing the distinction between good and evil, light and dark, but she can attend a mortal creature, granting power and clairvoyance. She is instructed by Kalika to guide Darith for as long as he serves Aetharovyr. Also: Nist, Zanna, The Countervail Blade.

Alamin, Chief (ALL-uh-men) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An officer of the Queen’s Men who Vale encounters during the Battle for Meridia. He takes possession of Rizyl for a time, until Adok murders him and takes the sword. 

Alaminadon (AL-uh-min-uh-DON) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Captain in Olithia’s Grand Lancers. He leads the line of Lancers pursuing Vale and ultimately contends with Karuma’s camp. He is killed during the Battle of the Wagons. 

Alanna Adelwin (ull-ANN-uh ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: The youngest of Alytha’s children. She is famous for building the red castle that rests on an island in the bay between Old Olithia and New Olithia.

Alanna, Castle (ull-ANN-uh): A castle in the center of the bay built of red stone blocks that Alanna Adelwin carved from the red cliffs north of Olithia. It is a haven for Olithia’s citizens. From atop the keep, the nation’s leaders can see as far south as The Spires, look westward across the steppes, and watch for ships approaching from the east. Alanna, Alytha’s youngest, started the keep during the War of Heroes.

Aldgyth, House (AL-de-gith): A Meridian house of low nobility. 

Aleid, Prince (al-EE-id) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Nephew to the fabled Meridan, he, his brothers, and his cousins were chief among those who led the opposition against Braytonia during the Borderland Skirmishes (19-39 AV). While his sword play was nothing to earn himself a place in the histories, many of his ballads survived. He also had a fascination with prophecy and based many of his works on the most obscure predictions he could find.

Aletath (AL-ay-tath) – IMMORTAL: The embodiment of the moon worshipped as a symbol of justice and the god of war. He is brother to Kalika and attendant to Aetharovyr. His work is principally outside the mortal realm, so his influence is minimal. He is often depicted in a gold breastplate and carrying a flaming sword. Also: The Red Moon.

Alfairra (all-FAIR-uh) – CELEAT/KEZZAN: A runner from the seventh watch at the time of the scrag invasion. She survives long enough to carry warning back the Ulanta. 

Aliya Kadletz (uh-LIE-uh KAD-lits) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: A prophetess who lives and dies nearly five hundred seasons before the scrag invasion. She joins Alytha on her journey across the Aterna Sea, guiding the queen with wisdom and warning. She predicts the rise of Alytha’s kingdoms as well as the inevitable demise of her legacy.

Allegory of the Wyvern: A poem of Olithian origin, though the author is unknown, comprising the follies of a wicked and selfish ruling class. In this tale, the wyvern comes to avenge the grievances borne by the working class by slaughtering the nobility.

Allevec (AL-luh-VICK) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher who dies during the scrag invasion.

Almyra (all-MEER-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: The first watcher of the seventh watch at the time of the scrag invasion.

Altus (ALL-tuss) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of Fain’s band who helps ambush Lady Ameio. 

Aluafe (AWE-loo-awe-FAY): A snow lion pride. Refers to those who wander. They are some of the few who can be found alone or embedded in other tribes. The pride is largely made of those with access to Evne, especially those gifted with prophecy and healing. While most prides forbid the use of magic, the Aluafe encourage it. Common law forbids attacking an Aluafe.

Alvar (AL-var) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: a boy from Riverton of an age with Louck and Vale. His father owns the local mill.

Alytha Adelwin (uh-LIE-thuh ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/FOUNDER: A woman of legend who leads her followers out of the Heartwater Empire at the height of civil war. She navigates the Aterna Sea, landing on what would become Old Olithia. She first treats with the natives but is quickly dragged into a bloody conflict that the histories call The War of Heroes or The Great War. Her victory secured her peoples’ future, allowing them to build an empire bearing her name.

Alytha, Kingdoms of (Uh-LIE-thuh): A confederacy of kingdoms founded by Alytha Adelwin’s generals after defeating the scrag and celeat during the War of Heroes. The empire includes Olithia, Kezzah, Meridia, and Ruuma.

Morgallen seizes Olithia, the political capital of the empire, and murders the royal family. He establishes himself as king and sends his agents into the surrounding territories to solidify his control.

Alytha’s Sword (uh-LIE-thuh): The Queen’s Men elite composed mostly of displaced Kezzans. 

Alytha’s Voyage: Abbreviated AV. Alytha’s arrival and establishment of a new empire serves as a reference for the history of her peoples. Events are recorded based on how many seasons have passed since she settled the new world. While arguments exist whether the timeline began when her ship reached the shore or when the War of Heroes ended, most accept the former as the standard. 

Ameio Wat (uh-MAY-oh WATT) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The heiress of a Meridian high house. She aids the Queen’s Men to depose Bordel by providing information. Her involvement with the rebellion is discovered and she is executed for her crimes.

An Apothecary’s Guide to Herbs and Roots: A tome commonly owned and referenced by healers and apothecaries across Alytha. It is the most comprehensive volume available. It was written by at least a dozen scribes and schloras and has been updated and added upon with time.

An Initiate’s Guide to Elementary Devotions: A book compiled by several Kezzan schloras that details the fundamentals of using Evne in battle. Master Witchel gifted Vale with a copy. 

Ancients: See Oikana.

Andrun (ANN-drunn) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: One of the homesteaders who attacks Vale on the hilltop above her cabin.

Anlela (ANN-lel-luh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A homesteader who shelters Vale during her travels south to join the Queen’s Men. Wife of Walid.

Annadamin (ANN-uh-DAY-min) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men who is also a healer’s apprentice. 

Annaka (ANN-uh-kuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: One of two fray mages sent by King Kennon Adelwin to protect his family during the journey to Rislynnad, Braytonia. See Adeltrik.

Annessa (ANN-ess-uh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A Black Heron who died during the Battle for Meridia. 

Anntwella Rourke, Countess (ANN-twell-uh row-ORK) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: House Rourke is the largest estate in Olithia West of the Queen’s Highway. Anntwella assumed the estate when her parents were killed during Morgallen’s Cleansing. She has sworn herself to the rebellion and supports them with soldiers, gold, and information.

Appagoga’Erisdan (AP-pa-GO-gaw EAR-iss-dan) – IMMORTAL/SHARD: One of the seven shards of creation. He reaches into the mortal realm through the scepter carried by the arbiter of the Oikana, and he chooses the next arbiter during a succession. To check his power, he was split, with part of him being hidden among the sea people. He represents that waters, including the rains and the seas. 

Aracel (OUR-uh-cell) – HUMAN/OLITHIA: A girl in Riverton of an age with Vale.

Arbiter: The title of the one chosen to lead the Oikana.

Arend Adelwin (AIR-end ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Named First Prince of House Adelwin by his elder sister, who became Queen of Olithia. The two were close, and when she came to power, she granted him control of her military. Arend founded the Lancers in 147 AV and served as the first grand champion. He lived from 135 to 199 AV and was killed while leading a charge against marauders attacking fishing villages in the shallows beneath the red cliffs.

Arioch (uh-RYE-osh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher who survives the scrag invasion to journey with Darith.

Arsola (ARE-soul-uh): An independent city-state at the base of the mountain where Lotynia resides. It is the home of the Paida.

Asdis (AZ-diss) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Louck’s training squad under Chief Walmond. 

Ash Sprig – FAY: Small, mischievous creatures native to thick woodlands. Their skin resembles bark on their backs, arms, and legs, but their chests are often vibrant, as are their eyes. Instead of caps of hair, they grow leaves on their heads and shoulders. 

Ashna Chirossyl, High Lady (ASH-nuh CHEER-oh-sill) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Also called the Forgotten Oracle. A reclusive and eccentric woman of Olithia whose prophecies were largely ignored for over two hundred seasons until rediscovered in the vaults beneath Old Olithia’s citadel. She lived from 109 to 187 AV.

Asilla (UH-sill-UH) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the Black Herons who was forced to leave Meridia after she assassinates a lord loyal to Morgallen. A sketch of her face is disseminated through the south, accompanied by the promise of a generous reward for her capture. She barters her service to Adam Mockbee in exchange for a pair of kalwa that are to be sent to the queen.

Asley (AZ-lee) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the Black Herons charged by Vale with crossing Ruuma and enlisting the Ruumana for help. 

Aspara (AWES-par-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A prominent member of the Black Herons. 

Astana (awe-STAN-uh) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A prophetess, or a fa’atu among her people. She encounters Vale during her travels and introduces her to magic.

Atalie (aw-TALL-ee): An oread tribe that allies with the Queen’s Men. 

Atanakasi (ah-TAN-uh-KASS-ee): See Kalika. Also: Kalika, The Night Guardian.

Aterna Sea (eh-TURN-uh): The impassable expanse of water that separates Alytha from her former homeland. Alytha flees across the sea when war claims her husband’s life and threatens her children. She braves deadly cephalopods, cruel pirates, and unstable weather in search of a haven to protect her followers from war.

Atrunos (AH-troon-oss) – IMMORTAL: Twin to Zerias. When these two wellsprings align for a few days once every ten seasons, they bathe the heavens with their power. It is a celebration among the stars, a time of creation, when new planets and new races are meant to spring into being. 

Aukri (OWE-cree) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A deceased member of Alytha’s Sword and brother of Noreva, a Black Heron. 

Aurela (Awe-RELL-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A sunburst in Riverton.

Aurem (ARE-um) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Compiles many records from The War of Heroes in the office of record keeper for Meridia’s royal court. He is blessed with one prophesy, which predicts a girl rising to power to conquer a usurper. He is murdered in his sleep and his killer is never caught.

Avita (AH-vee-tuh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A servant in Ribah’s house.

Awakening: Refers to the events surrounding Morgallen’s rise to power. Also: Cleansing.

Awnoa (awe-NO-wah) – HUMAN/OLITHAN: One of Morgallen’s hand-picked servants that he labels as his Exalted, granting the power and authority to fulfill his will.

Ayarwa (EYE-yarr-wuh) – CELEAT/VANTARI/KEZZAN: A celeat of the Vantari tribe who assimilated with the humans occupying Kezzah. She is respected in military circles for her ferocity and leadership. She faces Cephani during the battle for Ulanta and is killed. She is Kaisa’s mother.

B

Balemares, Caves of: A massive cave system north of the Scrag Lands that holds religious significance for those of the White Isles. Ancient writings cover its walls, which birthed the religion of the Seven Winds.

Ballavos, King of Knaves – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A low class citizen of Meridia’s slums who runs a gang of thieves and cutthroats. 

Bannatyne (BAN-uh-TINE) – FAY/ASH SPRIG: A friend of and scout for Namraya who the Heron questions before heading back to the Queen’s Men’s camp with Adok and Vale. 

Banyar (Bahn-YURR) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: A criminal outcast that fled Kezzah. He lives in the Whitewood.

Bark sprites – FAY: They are ubiquitous but rarely seen, as they have an enhanced ability to camouflage themselves. They like to trail other creatures, especially humans that are strangers to their region, and scavenge anything left behind. While they live off insects and birds and are harmless, they will chew saddled and boot leather. 

Barril (BEAR-rill) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men serving in Chief Breymer’s squad. 

Baskel Uakker (BASK-ull oo-wuh-KER) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: One of Kezza Uakker’s nephews who dies during the War of Heroes.

Also: One of three shallow tarns three days’ worth of pony travel northwest of Ulanta. Each of the pools is formed by a freshwater spring.

Bastille: a small black sphere that serves as a gateway into the abyss. Bastille’s are formed from sacrificial souls, one soul per sphere. The strength of the bastille is proportional to the purity, not the power, of the soul that was sacrificed to summon it. Children are preferred—a rare and discouraged practice.

Baton: Meridia’s common foot soldiers, who also act as the city watch, man the walls and gates, and perform routine patrols in and immediately around the city. Also called bluecoats. 

Battle for Meridia: The first major engagement between Vale and Morgallen, in which she claimed the city, routed Severa, and trapped Bordel in a bastille. 

Battle of Boar’s Beak: A battle during the War of Heroes between Prince Gargan Adelwin and the scrag. 

Battle of Broken Hollow: A battle between scrag hunters and a small expeditionary force led by General Meidan. All save his personal guard were routed. 4 AV. 

Battle of the Blackwood: A conflict at the Mockbee estate with Darith’s watchers and Adan’s house defending against the scrag led by Prijarti. During the battle, Darith slays Prijarti and forces the remaining scrag to retreat.

Battle of the Blood Tide: A battle on the strip of sandy beach beneath the Red Cliffs between Olithia’s Lancers and the sea folk. The soft sand encumbered the massive horses and hundreds of Olithia’s elite were slaughtered. Histories wrote the contest as a victory for King Morgallen, but any who lived through it knew that it was one of the kingdom’s bitterest defeats. Summer of 483 AV.

Battle of Stormhollow: A battle on the shores of the Aterna Sea between Prince Gargan’s forces and a pack of celeat. The celeat ambushed him and his soldiers to capture someone from Alytha’s family. They failed, but the assault left hundreds dead and the survivors running for their stronghold, 4 AV. 

Battle of the Wagons: The battle between Karuma’s snow lions and Olithia’s Grand Lancers. 499 AV.

Beckon: A magical feat by which people speak between their minds. They can cast their thoughts across great distances. The ability is made more potent if the spate is involved. 

Beggar’s Bluff: A low bluff half a league inside the southern border of the Whitewood.

Bellwether, High House: A Meridian high house that dabbles in breeding sprinters. 

Bendle (ben-DULL) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Known as the town drunk in Riverton. He is prone to wander the streets, especially after dark, and spout nonsense.

Betim (bay-TEM) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Son of a fisherman living near Riverton.

Bexton (bex-DUN) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: An assassin who infiltrates the Bastion to attack Bordel. Also: Bexton the Bold.

Birkan (burr-CAN) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A master healer employed by Adan Mockbee. He participates in the Battle of the Blackwood.

Bivvik (bih-VICK) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A guardsman in the service of House Wat.

Black Herons: A small faction within the Queen’s Men composed of women who have had their families ripped from them by Morgallen. They initiate Vale into the group before swearing loyalty to her. They operate outside the normal chain of command. 

Black Uprising – A terrible civil war that shattered the Heavenstride Empire into thousands of islands. 

Blackwood: A bountiful, ancient forest that shelter’s Ulanta’s eastern approach. Timber merchants harvest trees there and freight the lumber south to Olithia.

Bloodbrook: A small stream on the northern reaches of the Olithian Plains. It is small enough to forge on foot. It is the site of a battle during the War of Heroes.

Bloodrun curse: A curse tied to the blood, and thus passed from one generation to the next. The binding oath Alytha placed on the celeat is a prominent example. 

Blook – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

Bluewell: The capital of central Braytonia ruled by Prince Lutrellick Reinveld. It is the first place with potable water after leaving Eversun and traveling The Sun Road. 

Bobbin: The name of Vale’s family horse. It was used mostly for plowing and travel, but Vale learned to ride on it before it died while she was still young. 

Bogglebane – PLANT: Its shoots germinate in fall, favoring marshes and lowlands, though they can be found everywhere in decaying plant material. The shoots act as a mild pain moderator. 

Bordel (BOAR-dell) – IMMORTAL: As one of Morgallen’s trusted allies, Bordel is charged with occupying Meridia. He executes their leaders and the heads of many influential houses, raising others of his choosing. He is known for his cruelty and anger. Meridians call him Bordel the Butcher, or simply The Mongrel.

Borderland Skirmishes: Small battles between Alytha’s Empire, principally Meridia, and Braytonia before the two powers struck a treaty. The Skirmishes began 19 AV and lasted a full twenty seasons. Prince Gargan Eventually aided Prince Aleid of Meridia in an incursion into enemy territory to force peace.

Borderwatch: A series of twelve watchtowers that mark Kezzah’s northern border.

Botart, House (bo-TART): A Meridian house of Moderate nobility. The house trades in sprinters and was under contract with Lord Eldard Wat to provide pastures. The house also operates a winery. See ‘Rold, Lord’ and ‘Catin, Lady’. 

Brakkire (BRACK-KIRE): Grand Captain Alaminadon’s war beast.

Bralidus, Master (BRAL-eh-duss) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A master healer classically trained in Olithia who has forty seasons of experience. 

Brandle (BRAN-dull) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Second watcher over the fifth watch. He is Darith Forhild’s childhood friend. Brandle is captured by the scrag, tortured, and converted to darkness. Also: Rhevarodrin.

Braytin (BRAY-tin) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men from Plethel, who Louck faces in the matches. 

Braytonia (BRRAT-oñ-yuh): A human kingdom south of Meridia. Braytonia is a distant land beyond Alytha’s borders. Commerce between the foreigners and Olithia is common. Merchants follow the Trade Road to transport their wares to the capital. The nation is massive and technologically advanced, embracing intellect and discipline rather than archaic religious practices. Braytonia maintained a peaceful relationship with the peoples of Alytha until Morgallen’s rise to power. 

The people have night-black skin with a glossy sheen and veins like wood, or gold skins with veins of black. 

Brear (BRARE) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A chief among the Queen’s Men. 

Breidon (BRI-den) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A citizen Severa murders following her defeat in Meridia. 

Bretto (BRET-oh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Dies unexpectedly during Vale’s fifteenth summer, when the rebellion begins to take form.

Breymer Bovin (BRAY-murr BO-vin) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A chief among the Queen’s Men who thinks his nobility makes him better than everyone else. He has a reputation for harassing new recruits, and has an altercation with Louck, which ultimately leads to Vale accidently ordering his execution. 

Bridal Band: A ring of outer wall that protects most of Ulanta. The fortification was nicknamed the Bridal Band, or simply the Band, because it was a wedding gift from Kezza to Ulianntha.

Brimveld, Mount: A prominent peak in the upper Meridian Mountains near Vale’s home.

Brimveld Skirmish: A pair of battles between the Three Sheaves and Morgallen’s sunbursts. The smaller of the two conflicts occurred when a patrol stumbled upon them, and the second and much larger happened simultaneously to the attack on Vale’s cabin. 

Brinwissa Vantilli, Lady (BRINN-wiss-uh VAN-til-ee) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: She is famous for her book A Modern Woman’s Rules for Polite Society, written 133 AV. 

Broken Water: Also: The Cursed Straight and The Shallows of a Thousand Shipwrecks. At low tide, the stretch becomes too shallow to navigate without following a narrow, winding current unknown to all but the savviest ship captains. Unwary mariners frequently lose their cargos and their crews to the rocks and sandbars that lurk beneath the surface.

Brown butchers: A derogatory name given to Morgallen’s priests. 

Bruamlis Maurundif (broom-LISS m-HOUR-un-DIFF) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: An ancient scholar from Bluewell, Braytonia. 

Brumus, General (BROOM-us) – HUMAN: An officer among the Queen’s Men. 

Brux (BRUCKS): Vale’s ram.

Buran (BEUR-ran) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Three Sheaves who took part in the battle at Vale’s cabin.

Buras (BEUR-az) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Lancer in Herrick’s company. 

Burning Badgers: Riverton’s local policing force. Many call them the Bloated Badgers because they spend more time in taverns than patrolling the streets.

Burri (BUR-ee) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: A scout that meets Darith upon his return to the Whitewood.

Bustleroot: Bland but filling red and white tubers with long stems. Nutritional, but lacking any medicinal or alchemical properties.

Byrchess (BURR-chess): A small village in southern Olithia. 

C

Cadman (CAD-min) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Lancer in Herrick’s company. 

Cambryssi, Lady (cam-BRISS-ee) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A lady of a moderate Meridian house. 

Camirel (cam-EAR-el) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A local merchant in Riverton who sells vegetables from a cart she parks in the town square.

Camiya (cam-EYE-uh) – HUMAN: A Black Heron who died during the Battle for Meridia. 

Cansen (CAN-son) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: An employee of Ribah. He perishes during the initial scrag invasion.

Catin Botart, Lady (CAT-in bo-TART – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: She and her husband demonstrate a greater, though still tenuous, willingness to follow Vale after her victory. Vale rewards them with advisory positions to Lord Temothi Randmayr. 

Celeat (see-lee-AT) – A native race occupying the territories that Alytha sought to claim during the Founding. After the Great War, many of these wild, ferocious people assimilated into what became Kezzah. Society forbids them from holding titles because of their former opposition, but they can gain respect through military service. Celeat males are bound by a blood oath that prevents them from partaking in violence. This same oath also locks away their magic. They cannot use or accept the arcane, making them immune to magic but also unable to receive healing.

Females are lean and graceful while males are muscly brutes. They have skins as pale as snow that glow softly in moonlight, hair as black as night, and purple or blue irises. Celeats have thicker bones, flared ribs, and a large sternum that make them resilient to blades. Males also have boney plates over their brows and at the base of the necks, and larger scapulae than humans. Also: setelak.

Celia (SEE-lee-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the firth watch. She is caught and killed by scrag while on patrol.

Cephani (SEFF-uh-nee) – IMMORTAL: One of seven entities that survives being driven from the eternal realms by Aetharovyr during the Perfidy. She adores the scrag. She gathers the despised creatures and leads them against Kezzah, cursing Ulanta and slaughtering thousands.

Cerrel (SARE-ul) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A homesteader that lives in the foothills of the Meridian Mountains near Matias. When Matias leads Vale south, he charges Cerrel with watching over Reain.

Ceyda Uakker (SAY-duh oo-wuh-KER) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: She lives during the time of the Founding and is the illegitimate daughter of the legendary Kezza. She actively studies the scrag, their language, habits, and weaknesses, and is key to many of her father’s victories.

The Charred Island: An island off the southern coast of Aelshi rich in volcanic activity but largely barren of life. The native people build boats of sarsen, a type of rock that floats in water. 

Chathia (chay-THEE-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. 

Churach Mountains (chew-RATCH): The Churach Mountains separate the northern border of civilization from the Scrag Lands and guard the realms of humans. The mountains and the vacant lands to the north are considered uninhabitable and undesirable. Hunters and prospectors frequent the peaks in search of glory and fortune, though most fail to return from their quests.

Chyrixis Lanwaven, Lord (KAI-ricks-iss LAN-wave-in) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: A philosopher whose ideology is popular among elitist circles. His thoughts are disparaging towards women and the lower classes. He pushed for, and succeeded in banning women from the court at Bluewell. Many consider him little more than a drunkard and a bigot, and thus call him the Landworm. 

Cleansing: The time of Morgallen’s rise to power when he ravages Alytha’s political powers and challenges their religious practices. Also: Awakening. 

Cobbart, Chief (coe-BART) – HALF-BREED: A member of the Queen’s Men who teaches an advance course to recruits with promise. 

Codai (co-DYE): The power that is contained within an entity, great or small. It is a form of glory wielded by Eternities. There are many degrees of power, just as there are many levels of brightness among the stars. One power can be stronger or weaker than another. Weaker entities feel compelled to offer deference to stronger ones. Codai allows its holder to do anything except create new life, which is a responsibility earned by Wellsprings, those with the highest and purest form of magic. All celestial entities—stars, moons, asteroids, etc.—carry power, while worlds are their creative environments.

One being may allow another to access their magic. When one borrows power, this is called evne. Power is cumulative: Kalika is strongest while using both her codai and evne from Aetharovyr.

A being of codai cannot be created, but blossoms into existence as an act of fate that may occur when a creative environment is organized.

Collen (KULL-en) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher of the fifth watch who perishes during the initial scrag invasion while on patrol.

Corvin (core-VIN) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher from the fifth watch who dies in the tower during the initial scrag invasion.

Corwin (CORE-win) – HUMAN/OLITHAN: Commander of the Queen’s Guard when the queen’s caravan is attacked during the Cleansing. He dies in the ambush.

The Countervail Blade: See Alama’Nistandel.

Courser: Kezzah’s ranged cavalry.

Crackbill buzzard – CREATURE: A bird common to Alytha with feathers sought by tasters. 

Craven’s Nest: A small settlement on Kezzah’s southern border where deserters and other reprobates have formed a community.

Crifelda (CRY-fell-duh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: an old woman and resident of Riverton. She is a known gossip.

Crippin, Chief (CRIP-pin): A Queen’s Men chief who is over Nobber and Zyrm. 

Crossing: The means of using magic to move quickly between physical locations. Those with Evne and Codai can travel safely, while those with lesser forms of or no magic risks acquiring crossing sickness. 

Crossing sickness: A range of ailments from death or destruction of the mind to simply fever and chills for a few hands or days. Only those with lessor forms of magic and those without magic will suffer the sickness after a crossing. Only crossings made using Evne cause this. All are safe to pass through a crossing made of Codai. All fay races can cross without risk of ill effect. 

Cuff: A fame played by youths in which boys thwack each other with sticks until someone quits. 

D

Dannel (DAN-ull) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: A scout under Adan Mockbee’s command.

Darith Forhild (DARE-ith FOR-hilled) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: First watcher over the fifth watch. He leads the tower when it is attacked by scrag. Darith is born and raised in Ulanta and is heir to his father’s land and titles. His life is spared by Kalika. She curses him with the prophesy that his home will be destroyed and blesses him with a sentient blade that is to teach him to wield magic. He is also charged with carrying a gemstone. He can sense the power and mystery in the jewel, but he cannot access it. Darith leads his watchers south to aid Ulanta, only to discover the truth of Kalika’s words.

Darmusdun (DARR-muss-DONE) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The fourth king of Meridia. He lost half his navy in a battle that spanned three golden moons. He captured Kaapollum and bartered the king of the merfolk for a truce. A few women were offered each season in exchange for fishing rights and peaceful shores. The attacks ended until Bordel came to power and the truce was broken. 

Dayan (DAY-in) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A local huntsman working out of Riverton.

Dayton (DAY-tun) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A coachman for House Adelwin.

Death – IMMORTAL: A being of the void who scavenges stray souls who are unwilling or unable to return to the god who made them. She is traditionally referenced as a male in Olithian culture, but the Ruumana know her true face and pay her homage. While she travels in and between worlds, she employs demons to patrol specific realms. These servants often act as envoys to lead the dying from one side of the veil to the other, siphoning power in the process, though they and their mistress will not claim the soul entirely unless it is lost. Also: Vorungar.

Delindia Adelwin (day-LIN-DEE-uh ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An Olithian princess and heiress to the kingdom when Morgallen rises to power. She births a child out of wedlock. She and her company are ambushed while traveling home.

Della (DELL-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A homesteader that cares for Matias when he is recovering from infection from wounds sustained during the attack on the queen’s caravan.

Demina (dem-EEN-uh): The name of the horse ridden by Chief Alamin’s brother. 

Demus Marshes: Tributary streams and winter runoff pour out of The Spires in search of the open sea. These waters grow stagnant after fleeing the peaks and form a soggy wetland.

Den fester plague: A contagious disease afflicting canids, including dire wolves, bears, and felids across Ismorund. It causes generalized wasting, stiff fur that is prone to falling out, and erratic behavior driven by starvation. The disease is usually survivable, but it takes several golden moons to recover from and often leaves the animal too lean to live through winter.

Denna (DEN-nuh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch. She dies in the tower during the initial scrag invasion.

Devil’s claw – A plant with roots that act as a weak analgesic. It is favored by amateur healers because it is so common. Its potency can be increased when combined with white willow bark and lavender. 

Devil’s snare – A bitter-tasting herb. If taken in large amounts, its leaves will induce sleep. A little will loosen someone’s tongue. Rarely, ingesting the plant will cause seizures. 

Devrif (DEV-riff) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

Dhennilyn (DEN-neh-linn) – HUMAN: A Black Herons who dies during the Battle for Meridia. 

Dhurric (DURR-rick) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A high-ranking schlora in Ulanta at the time of the scrag invasion. He is familiar with scrag linguistics and history. He attends Commander Hammon Forhild in the signal tower, offering guidance on how to defend the city.

Didian (did-EE-an) – HUMAN: A Queen’s Men’s officer who helps place new recruits. 

Diraven (DEER-uh-vin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton under Wryth Torint’s Command. 

Disciples of the Riven Thorn: Those who believe the Oracle Emaliah Aelshi intended her descendants to aid the prophesied queen rather than fight against her. See also: The Riven Thorn.

Ditrik (DEE-trick) – HUMAN: An officer in the Queen’s Men who Vale encounters while fighting her way to the Bastion. She puts him in charge of a rear guard. When attacked, he abandons his post and flees. He is branded a coward and is to be hanged if he is ever found. 

Doran (DOOR-ANN) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The presumed name of a courier working for the Queen’s Men. He meets Lady Ameio outside Meridia and is intercepted first but Fain, then by Eldard. 

Doskli (DOSK-lee) – HUMAN: Commander Reeve’s personal signalman. 

Dragon’s Fangs: An alternative name for The Spires. 

Dragon’s Scales: An alternative name for high peaks in the Meridian Mountains south of the Gargan River. 

Dragon’s breath – A wild herb with blood-red leaves streaked with dark purple veins. It grows abundantly in the northern Meridian Mountains. Homesteaders mix it into their tea because it has speeds the blood and makes the consumer feel warm. Chewing fresh leaves is effective, but steeping is best. Dried leaves still work, but their benefit is limited. 

Dranyx (DRAN-icks) – FAY: Creatures of living metal. They naturally grow metal on or in them. Their diet consists of metal or bones and occasionally flesh, so they tend toward cities and large camps. Dranyxes are rarely found in the wilderness. They like to live alone or in mating pairs. None care to be around humans or other creatures, but they won’t shy from a fight. They live anywhere metal can be found, including ore, and are responsible for many mining accidents.

Dreja (DRAY-yuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Dreylum (DREY-lumm) – CREATURE: A species of fish common in the Vrondossa Sea. They swim in massive schools and surface to feed. While they are not aggressive, their dorsal fins are stiff and sharp and will saw into the belly of a boat in their path. They are eaten regularly in the Flourishing Isles. 

Drikkin (DRICK-kin): A potent drink used to invoke auditory, tactile, and visual hallucination during a Black Heron funeral ceremony. 

Drissa (DRISS-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Wife of Ribah. She dies while trying to escape the city.

Droile (DROY-ul) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A guardsman in the service of House Wat.

Dromerick (DROMM-er-ick) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men serving as a healer’s apprentice. 

Druftiss Marwin (DRUFF-tuss), Lord – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A Meridian Lord who earned hiself a place in the histories for ending a bloody uprising, called the Uprising of Ten Tears, by convincing citizens of the capital to take up arms.

Drumaussa (drew-MOSS-uh) – ASCENDED HUMAN: Fourth arbiter of the Oikana.

Drunivak Rim (DROON-eh-vack) – A narrow mountain spine that crosses God’s Mouth. It is a treacherous shortcut along the path from Falcon’s Eye in Aelshi to Earthbreak in Southlund. 

Dyraitha Tyndirum (DIE-warith-uh tin-DEER-uhm) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: One of three princes (so called by tradition only, as she is, in fact, a woman) leading Braytonia. Her domain, the Tyndirum Province, fills the western aspect of Braytonia and her people are known for their golden skin. 

Her acceptance of slavery led to a revolt in 495 AV by eight of the Court of Dyrissium’s governors. The revolt was quickly suppressed and the offenders were executed. 

Dyret (DIE-wret): A semi-domesticated felid. They are trained for battle and ridden by celeat females. Runners use dyrets to travel quickly. Dyrets are faster than horses, but their endurance begins to fade after a few days of quick travel. They are better than other mounts when the terrain is rough. They can scale cliffs and jump over gorges that would deter a horse and rider.

E

Egborn (EGG-born) – HUMMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher who perishes while on patrol during the initial scrag invasion.

Eggert (egg-YURT) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who dies during the initial scrag invasion.

Eidi (EYE-dee) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A young girl whose parents Severa murder before stealing her body. 

Eilyn (ee-EYE-lynn) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. She comes from a military family and carries her father’s sword and blackwood bow. 

Eisen, Captain (EYE-sin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A officer of House Wat’s guards and a man loyal to Lord Eldard. He is sent to accompany Lady Ameio on her ride around the city. He dies while defending the high lady. 

Eldard Wat (el-DARD) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A lord in Meridia who heads a moderate house. He increases his fortune by marrying Ameio, the heiress of an estate greater than his, though she manages to keep her holdings separate from his with the help of her late father’s servant.

Eldard discovers his wife’s involvement in the rebellion. He first chastises her and has her placed under guard, but later betrays her to Severa to curry favor with the Fallen.

Elek (EL-ick) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the band Fain gathers to capture Ameio. After Elek stabs Ameio’s sprinter, Fain murders him. 

Elianni (el-ee-AWN-ee) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Ellavy (EL-uh-vee) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Captain of Ulanta’s southern barbican.

Ellern (EL-urn) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men who is in Louck’s training squad under Chief Walmond. 

Ellick (EL-lick) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The leader of a large gang and self-proclaimed king of the southern docks. He is Ballavos’s chief rival. 

Elox (ee-LOCKS) -– CREATURE: A small fox species native to Ruuma, which is famed for its oversized ears and its ability to burrow quickly through the sand. They are typically silver. Their fur is used to line clothing and works as an excellent insulator. 

Elyeva (el-YEA-vah) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: One of Morgallen’s hand-picked servants that he labels as his Exalted, granting them power and authority to fulfill his will.

Emaliah Aelshi (eh-MAL-lee-yuh eh-EL-she) – HUMAN/OLD WORLD: An oracle that visits Alytha on the eve of Alytha’s departure and warns her that her leaving will bring to pass the end of the world.

Embra (EM-braw) – HUMAN: A Black Herons. 

Emrok Ford (em-ROCK): A shallow crossing named for a local lord’s son who drowns during a boar hunt.

Enethryn (en-eh-THRINN) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Enex (en-EX) – HALFBREED: The daughter of Darith and Kaisa and twin to Esfire. She is born after Kezzah’s downfall.

Enlightenment Tomes: A collection of Aetharovyr’s sacred scripture. When Morgallen rose to power, he outlawed the book and ordered all copies burned. Any caught with a copy could be killed. There are twelve volumes in all. 

Enyka (En-eh-KUH) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A gifted healer and a member of the band Fain gathered to capture Ameio. Lord Eldard executes her after reclaiming his wife. 

Ereliss Marsk (ear-EL-iss MARSK) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A minor noble. 

Erendira (air-in-DEER-uh) – CELEAT/KEZZAN: A runner from the seventh watch who survives to warn Ulanta of an impending scrag attack.

Erilliva, Chief (air-RILL-eh-vuh) – HUMAN: An officer of the Queen’s Men. 

Esfire (ez-FIRE) – HALFBREED: Twin to Enex and son to Darith and Kaisa born after the scrag invasion. He is bound by the oath of his ancestors and is unable to commit any violent act.

Esmyrus (EZ-meer-us) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Lord Temothi Randmayr’s late wife. 

Eternity: Immortals living outside the influences of time and decay.

Ethera (eh-THEER-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A citizen of Ulanta employed by Ribah. She is killed while aiding Ribah and his family escape the capital.

Ethylfherra (eh-THILL-fear-uh) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: Also Ethylfherra the Mute, she ruled as queen of Ruuma from 115-120 AV. She spoke many inconsequential predictions, and when she realized her words had a habit of fostering reality, fear drove her to adopt a vow of silence. As her power grew, visions of war, famine, and darkness consumed her thoughts. She eventually claimed her own life to be free of her curse, leaving her little brother to govern in her stead.

Etti Jartin, High Lady (eh-TEE JAR-tin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Matriarch of one of the wealthiest and most influential houses in Meridia. Vale assigns her and her husband, Hugh Jartin, with an ambassadorship. 

Euthor (YOU-THOR) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Chief Breymer’s squad. 

Evan Reinveld (eh-VIN RINE-veld) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: the youngest son of Lutrellick Reinveld, one of three rulers of Braytonia. Queen Lythra Adelwin arranges for the prince to marry her daughter, Delindia, and claim the bastard child, Samrya, as his.

Evania (ee-VANE-yaw) – HUMAN: A Black Heron who is found dead at the Wat estate following the Battle for Meridia. She looked to have been tortured. 

Evenynder, King (ev-in-INE-dur) – HUMAN/HEAVENSTRIDE EMPIRE: The last king of the Heavenstride Empire. 

Evne (eh-vuh-NEE): The use of magic through faith or compulsion. The ability to draw power from a deity.

Exalted: Commonly called High Priests or The Chosen, these fifteen individuals were chosen for their blind faith in Morgallen and gifted with access to his power. They wield Evne through Morgallen as others wield Evne through Aetharovyr.

Ezzin (EHZ-in) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of Darith’s watch who survives the attack on the watchtower. Kalika blesses him clear sight.

F

Fadik (FAD-ick) – TRANSCENDED HUMAN: Arbiter of the Oikana who betrays the order by choosing to follow Morgallen. Fadik pays for his betrayal with his life when Morgallen seizes Pagog and siphons Fadik’s power.

Fain (FAY-in) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A skilled scythe in Meridia who Lady Ameio hires to gather information. He betrays her and is later killed by her husband. 

Fajalina (FAW-shuh-lee-nuh): A snow lion pride founded by Kaj the slayer of Varkagi.

Faleah (fa-LEE-uh) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A wealthy Ruumana merchant traveling with Karuma.

Fallen: Used to describe the powerful beings that appear in the mortal realm with Morgallen. They are beings who wield Codai in defiance of Aetharovyr and seek every opportunity to strike at him.

Fallkynna (fall-KIN-uh) – FAY/OREAD: An oread of the Vassadaur clan. She likes to work with Queen’s Men’s healers. While working wtih them, she encounters Louck and tricks him into a relationship. 

Famyros (FAM-ear-ose) – IMMORTAL: A comet that appears annually above the Churach Mountains, marking the harvest and the beginning of a new season.

Farsight: The gift to see what others do not. It is not prophecy, but an ability to find enemies trying to hide, or an ability to see through obstacles, including darkness. 

Feger (FAY-gurr) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Son of an innkeeper living in Riverton. He and his father run an illicit brothel. 

Ferein (fair-EEN): A member of the royal guard in Ulanta. The warriors are trained in an assortment of weapons and strategies. They wear armor made of zran.

Fete of Greens: Commonly confused with, and often overlooked in favor of the Fete of Springtide, this celebration acknowledges new growth and early planting.

Fete of Harvest: A celebration to give thanks to the gods for the bounty of the season. 

Fete of Midsummer: A festival to mark the end of planting and when younglings are weaned. The fattest lamb or kid or calf is slaughtered for the feast. The festival is usually marked by friendly competitions. 

Fete of Nights or Fete of Lights: It is a time to celebrate the ending of the old season and the start of another and marks the end of Nysttaminna. Most contracts and agreements, terms of employment, etc. start and end with the Fete of Nights. To celebrate, people gather and build a large fire in the town square, which is to be maintained all night. If the fire goes out, then ill fates will befall the village during the next year. 

Fete of the Sea: A celebration in Olithia’s capital city marking the end of the spring storms and the opening of the great Sea Gate.

Fete of the Springtide: A celebration to mark the end of winter.

Fete of the Sun: A religious holiday held in early spring to celebrate winter’s end and rebirth by casting out bad habits. Celebrators mark the occasion by brewing ale from barley left over from the winter stores, hunting, sharing seeds in preparation of planting, dancing, and reading from the Enlightenment Tomes around a bonfire as the sun sets. After somber readings, the fete has a reputation for becoming raucous to scare away Sin. who symbolizes deeds done in the dark, hunger, and fear.

Fever pox: A common illness that spreads quickly and easily among humans but is rarely fatal. Symptoms include rashes, painful boils, aches, coughing, and chills. 

Fhalveas (fal-VEE-az): A Braytonian city. 

Fher (FEAR) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: One of Ribah’s employees during the initial scrag invasion. He escapes the city and is instructed to find Mikel, a master zransmith, and lead him south.

Fiorella (FEE-or-el-uh) – IMMORTAL: A creature of immense power and Morgallen’s mistress. One of the Fallen

Firas (FEAR-as) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton serving under Wryth Torint’s command. 

Firesprites or firelights – FAY: Small, insect-like creatures that appear like a red or yellow flashes in the night. They are peaceful unless a hive is disturbed, which are usually found in caves, whether claimed or dug. A sticky residue made from their saliva coats the area around their hive to attract and trap creatures, large and small, for food. This residue is edible, tastes sweet, and possess some mild healing properties when applied to wounds as a poultice. 

These sprites are sensitive to loud noises. Screams and cries may drive them into a frenzy. They will attack when so provoked, but a whistle or a horn blast will stun them for a few moments. 

They are native to the rolling hills south of Meridia, though a few swarms have been spotted as far north as the Churach Mountains. 

Flicker sprites: Small creatures that resemble flower petals while at rest. They prefer high mountain meadows and feed on seeds. 

Forsaken Lands: See Ruuma.

Founding: Refers to the time when Alytha and her followers reached the new world and began to build cities and spread across the land.

Fray mage: A fighting class within the mages’ guild in Olithia, those who specialize in battle magic.

Frostling – FAY: Also called Children of Winter and Winterborn, these fay, considered fable by most, follow the cold. They come on nights when snow falls and lure people from their homes with their songs. They are not directly violent, but once their victim is numb with cold and delirious with their song, they will begin to feed on blood and entrails. 

G

Gaberen (GABE-air-in) – HUMAN: A member of Cheif Cobbart’s squad who briefly trains with Louck. 

Gaila (GAY-la) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A seer from Namraya’s past who was killed during Morgallen’s Cleansing. 

Gain (GAY-in): An Olithian destrier ridden by Adok.

Galldrim (GALL-drim) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A mage employed by House Wat. 

Gamhard (GAM-ard) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Louck’s training squad under Chief Walmond. 

Gani (GAW-nee) – TRANSCENDED HUMAN: One of three members of the Oikana that pre-dates the War of Heroes. He sides with Vatira, choosing to oppose Morgallen’s evil. He proposes the plan of submitting the Fallen to a rending ceremony, intending to use a bastille to trap their spirits in the abyss.

Garash, Chief (GARR-ash) – HUMAN: An officer among the Queen’s Men. 

Garavarin, House (GARR-uh-VARR-in): A moderate Meridian house that is constantly trying to outdo House Wat in the sprinter races. 

Gariska (GAR-iss-KUH) – HUMAN: A young woman serving as a healer’s apprentice among the Queen’s Men. 

Gargan River (gar-GAN): A massive waterway that splits Alytha north to south. It provides a trade route between Olithia and Ruuma.

Gargan Adelwin (gar-GAN ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: Alytha’s only son and her second child. He remained close to his mother until his death many seasons after the War of Heroes.

Garrote bird – CREATURE: Sleek and raptor-like, with night-black wings, an ivory breast and crown, and a flared headdress of various colors. They stand hip high. Their eyes range from red to pink to mauve. Their beaks are curved and sharp and strong enough to snap a Meridian sword. They kill their prey by strangling it into unconsciousness, then tearing open its belly. They will not eat cold flesh. 

Preening behavior coats their feathers in an oil that is absorbed through the skin of anyone who touches it. The oil is a potent narcotic, which dulls pain, slows blood loss, and reduces swelling. Concentrated oil can be found in their saliva, a pair of glands beneath the base of their wings, and within the hollow quills of their flight feathers. 

Once bonded, they are loyal and smart enough to learn dozens of commands. In the wild, they are fiercely aggressive. 

Garvukki’s Stand (GAR-vook-eez): A wall built at the southern tip of Aelshi to hold out the creatures of The Quell. 

Gathering: The meetings mandated by Morgallen’s church. All under his rule are to meet with each new moon to learn his doctrine, praise him, and offer alms.

Gebryl (GEB-rill) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Brother-in-law of Ribah. He is also Ribah’s trusted companion in all his business ventures. He helps Ribah’s family escape Ulanta during the scrag invasion.

Gellan (GELL-in) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Captain of Ulanta’s eastern gate. He is known to accept bribes in exchange for turning blind eye to illegal trafficking.

Genser (GEN-sir) – DYRET: Kaisa’s mount. Kalika touches him during the scrag invasion, granting him long life.

Geshel (geh-SHELL) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A drover living south of the Gargan River.

Gillam – (GILL-um) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: a boy from Riverton of an age with Louck and Vale. He planned to join the Burning Badgers, the local watch.

Gimson (GIM-sun) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A local shepherd with an unruly ram that likes to roam the foothills and fight the rams from other droves.

Gip – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of Fain’s band who helps to ambush Lady Ameio. 

Gisok (GUY-sock) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: One of Ribah’s employees. He dies while attempting to escape Ulanta.

Glezyl (glaze-ILL) – CELEAT/KEZZAN: A runner for the fifth watch. Darith sends her south to warn Ulanta of the scrag attack, but she never reaches the city.

Godlen, Master (GOD-linn) – HUMAN: One of the healers employed by the Queen’s Men. 

Goram Skelton, High Lord (goor-AM SKELL-ton) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: An inventor who seeks to impress Vale with his siege engines and other devices. He is famous throughout Meridia, but not always for good reasons. Husband to High Lady Leava Skelton. 

Gorav (GORE-av) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: One of Ribah’s employees.

Grazzikhal (GRAZ-eh-KALL) – FAY: A fallen fay king whose heart was used to forge Thiri. 

Great War: See War of Heroes.

Grier (GRY-ere) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Lancer in Herrick’s company. 

Grifwik Torsamlund (GRIFF-wick torr-SAM-lund) – HUMAN/HEARTWATER EMPIRE:  Lord of a small but widely acclaimed house in the Heartwater Empire near what became known as Redshard, Aelshi.

Griken (GRICK-en): An insult to say someone’s mind is slipping, usually due to age. 

Grimalkin (grim-AL-kin) – FAY: A race of small creatures that breed quickly and consume more resources than their size demands. They have a hive mentality and care little for life outside their own kind. 

Grimyus root (grim-EYE-us): A slightly toxic tuber that causes tremors. 

Gromnel (GROM-NELL): A moderate township in Olithia. 

Grumefoil Princes (GROOM-foil): The lesser sons from the noble families of the Heartwater Empire who formed an alliance in an attempt to overthrow the emperor. Though their motives were seen as noble, to spread peace and change for the betterment of the people, their actions inadvertently lead to what became known as the Laic Wars.

Grustel (gruss-TELL) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The oldest baton under Wryth Torint’s command. 

Gurlo (GURR-low) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Son of a fisherman living near Riverton.

H

Halden (hall-DEN) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A lancer beneath Grand Captain Alaminadon.

Hall of Champions – a collection of names and associated stories of Lancers, and rarely Paladins, who have reached above and beyond their duties. Such a distinction is usually awarded after a battle, but there are other ways to enter the Hall.

Hallow mend – PLANT: A squatty bush with glossy dark green leaves. Stems are covered in thin, nearly translucent bark that resembles human skin. Its veins hold blue sap. The leaves are used to dress wounds to inhibit rot. The sap can also be used as a topical antiseptic if distilled properly, otherwise it is toxic. 

Hammon Forhild (HAM-MUN FOR-hilled) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: The commander of the March in Ulanta. He commands Kezzah’s military. He is killed by Cephani during the scrag attack on the capital.

The Harker: Also called The One Who Watches, is the title applied to Lord Kittim Librays. He forsook his house and holdings to chase ancient prophecy in a vain hope to learn when the world would end. He founded a church dedicated to warning others of the signs of impending doom. Many seasons after his death, his priests turned from what was written on parchment to what was written in the stars.

Harmonder, House (HARR-mun-der): A Meridian house of moderate nobility. 

Hartley (HART-lee) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: A scout under Adan Mockbee.

Healah (HE-luh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A local homesteader and wife of a swineherd.

Heartwater Empire: The unified confederacy of the old world before it was torn apart by civil war. After the Laic Wars, the empire split into Nordussa, Boarjath, Aelshi, Frimgarr, and Southlund. The Quell was so decimated by war that it is still uninhabitable five hundred seasons later.

Heavenstride Empire: A rich and beautiful kingdom in which humans and fays lived in harmony. It spanned what became the White Isles, Stormbreak, Marcasstun, and Vacurrix, when the islands were all one land mass. 

Heitor (HI-torr) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Louck’s training squad under Chief Walmond. 

Hemet (HEM-et) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: He was driven from Ulanta by the former Commander Iros. He encounters Darith and his watchers in the Whitewood.

Henlus, Mount (HEN-luss): A peak near the southern end of the Meridian Mountains. 

Herkal (her-KULL) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A local fisherman living near Riverton.

Heroes Tomb: The final resting place of Alytha, her children, and her generals. For decades, the tomb was the destination of pilgrimages, though modernly, the edifice has been all but forgotten and abandoned.

Heroes Path: The trek connecting the capital with its outlying territories and is thought to be the path taken by Alytha during her conquest of the new world.

Herrick (HAIR-rick) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Lancer serving under Grand Captain Alaminadon.

Hido (HID-DOE) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The Queen’s Men’s quartermaster. 

High Vigil of Yaridmuns (YARR-ed-moonz) – HUMAN/HEARTWATER EMPIRE: An old-world scholar whose birth name was lost to time. He was a famed healer and recorded his potions and techniques in A Treatise of Common Ailments. 

Hilmy (HILL-me) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A healer in Riverton. She owns an apothecary shop.

History of the Oikana: A compilation of journals written by each Arbiter.

Holy Volant: The title of the head of the church and symbolic embodiment of Aetharovyr, who resides in Olithia’s Grand Temple with a dozen priests and a dozen priestesses. The Volant is the spokesperson for The Light That Is and, by tradition rather than law, must ratify all successions.

Horned Tripidian Worm – CREATURE: A species of large, shelled and horned worms that live in mountains. Their burrows are large enough for a human to crawl through. They are rarely aggressive, and the biggest threat one poses to humans is the damage done to a building’s foundation from an infestation. Their only natural predator is the stoneswift. 

Hubert – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A citizen of Riverton who is beaten to death by Morgallen’s priests when he attempted to spare his daughter from their rough treatment.

Hugh Jartin (HEW JAR-tin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Patriarch of one of the wealthiest and most influential houses in Meridia. Vale grants him and his wife, Lady Etti Jartin, an ambassadorship. 

Hymn of Adoration: A prayer song carried in the hearts of believers. It is a behest for Aetharovyr’s protection.

Hyrax (hi-RACKS) – HUMAN/VURROMARIN: A member of the Queen’s Men. 

Hythasine (HI-thuh-SEEN): An island state in the Ice Sea north and west of Ruuma. 

I

Ibanisi lizard (EYE-BIN-ee-see): A massive reptile that occupies the Churach Mountains and the Scrag Lands. They are fabled to turn invisible when threatened and have hides impervious to weapons made of steel. They are fast and deadly and undergo three molts during their long lives, each accompanied by a change in physical appearance.

Ileander (ILL-ee-AN-der) – HUMAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Imbue: The art of adding magically properties to mundane objects. Also called faith crafting. 

Imer (EYE-mur) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A swineherd living a morning’s walk north of Riverton. He is murdered in the search for Vale.

The Incorruptible Priest: See Rhytin Darrinan.

Iros (EYE-rows) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Former commander of the March. Hammon Forhild’s predecessor.

Iskan, Captain (ICE-kin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The commander of the house guards Lord Temothi Randmayr sent to aid Vale during the Battle for Meridia. 

Ismorund (EYES-more-und) – IMMORTAL: The embodiment of the earth. Note that he is not one of the seven shards of creation. He is an astral body more akin to Kalika and Aletath. The spate is his mind and memories.

Isusa (eye-SUE-suh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Daughter of Master Birkan. She is studying to be a healer. She is a servant in the Mockbee Manor.

Ivka (IVE-kuh) – TRANSCENDED HUMAN: A member of the Oikana who dies during the Battle for Meridia.

J

Jabairn (JAB-air-en) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. Brother to Jabbick. 

Jabbick (JAB-bick) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. Brother to Jabairn. 

Jadria’kur Valley (jaw-DREE-uh-KURR): An oasis marked by steep cliffs, staggered freshwater pools and waterfalls, and bountiful greenery. It is the haven of the celeat near the northern end of the Meridian Mountains.

Jakarta (juh-CAR-tuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Jakkar (JACK-CAR): The true name of the scrag, or what they call themselves. Scrag is the human name for their race. See ‘scrag’.

Janna (JAN-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch. She survives the scrag attack and travels south with Darith. Kalika blesses her with the ability to heal.

Janyk (JAN-yick) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A youth employed by Adan Mockbee as a logger. He uses his woodsman’s ax to slay several scrag during the Battle of the Blackwood. He earns the nickname Janyk the Giant because of his size.

Jartin, House (JAR-tin): A high house of Meridia. See Lady Etti Jartin and Lord Hugh Jartin. 

Jawarta (juh-WARR-tuh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Joross (JORR-oce) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Jotham (SHOW-thum) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: The son of Reain and Bretto who dies as a child.

Jumniok Yurrinni (jum-nee-OCK yer-EE-nee) – HUMAN/AELSHIAN: A historian known for his book Lost Prophecies of Foreigners and Fay published 337 seasons after the conclusion of the Laic Wars. 

K

Kaapollum (CAW-AWE-pull-uhm) – FAY/MERFOLK: King of the merfolk clans living in Lake Meridia. He is known to wear a breastplate of made from the shells of golden crabs and to wield a net of seagrass, which he uses to drown sailors. 

Kaavat (KAH-ah-vaht): A scrag clan.

Kagoatu (CAW-go-AWE-to): A leafy plant native to Ruuma that grows only near the Well of Rumashma. It is said to have magical properties, though those properties remain unclear. Oils distilled from the plant’s leaves and flowers smell and taste sweet and will clear blemishes from the skin. Kagoatu oils is one of the ingredients Astana uses to make the paste she spreads on Vale’s skin prior to her fight with Kakiru. 

Kaisa (KAI-zuh) – CELEAT/KEZZAN: Daughter of Ayarwa, the celeat leader in Ulanta. She is assigned as a runner in the fifth watch and develops a relationship with Darith. She survives the attack on the tower and attends Darith south. Kalika promises her that her blood will unite humans and celeats.

Kaj (KODGE) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: An eight-banded warrior who leads the snow lions in Karuma’s caravan. He founded the Fajalina pride. Also: Kaj the Lion Slayer, Kaj the Slayer of Varkagi. 

Kakiru (caw-KEY-roo) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A six-banded snow lion that fights Vale in single combat. When Vale is victorious, Kakiru sheds her rings. One is offered to Vale to mark her victory.

Kalika (KAHL-ee-kuh) – IMMORTAL: She is Aetharovyr’s right hand and protector of the mortal realm. She is worshipped as a goddess of fertility. During the scrag invasion, Kalika appears in Darith’s tower to spare him from death, casting him north into the heart of the Whitewood and charging him to find and study with Rona. She blesses each of Darith’s surviving watchers with magical talents. Kalika attempts to strike down Morgallen despite a warning from Aetharovyr and is defeated. She is forced to flee into the spate to avoid destruction. There, she finds Nist and prepares to return to the physical world. Also: The Night Guardian, Atanakasi.

Kalwa (KAL-wuh): Massive canines bread and trained for fighting. Most of the kennel masters and their packs are slaughtered during the scrag conquest.

Kama (KAM-muh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies during the Battle for Meridia. 

Karasi (kuh-RASS-ee) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Karra (CAR-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who dies during the scrag invasion.

Karuma (CAW-roo-muh) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: The leader of a merchant train that travels between Ruuma, Olithia, and Meridia. The caravan is well-stocked and well-guarded. Karuma trades in precious stones, but other sundry merchants join him for protection. He employs dozens of snow lions to safeguard his goods against bandits.

Karuma captures Vale and Adok during their journey, uses them for entertainment, and ultimately hides them from Morgallen’s priests. His defiance of the king leads to the Battle of the Wagons. 

Kasima (KASS-eem-uh) – HUMAN: A master healer employed by the Queen’s Men. She is also responsible for distributing wages to the apprentices. 

Katkutu (cat-KOO-TOO): A plant native to Ruuma that grows near the Well of Rumashma. When fermented, its leaves hold potent healing properties. Interestingly, the healing properties can be delayed. Thus, a paste can be applied prior to battle. When the fighter receives the injury, the leaves begin their work. 

Kayben (KAY-ben) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A stableman that coins a rhyme that speaks ill of Morgallen. When he is discovered, Morgallen orders him and his family mutilated and burned alive.

Kayras (kay-RASS) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: One of Kezza’s nephews who perishes during the War of Heroes.

Also: One of three shallow tarns three days’ worth of pony travel northwest of Ulanta. Each of the pools is formed by a freshwater spring.

Kazmarrand (KAZ-marr-AND): A massive city that once filled what is now known as The Quell.

Keeper: One with a limited form of Evne that allows the individual to soothe with the sound of their voice and through touch, particularly animals or creatures of lower intelligence. 

Kennon Adelwin (ken-UNN ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Father of Delindia Adelwin and greatfather of Samrya Adelwin. King of Olithia at the time of Morgallen’s bloody overthrow. He was an Olithian high lord of house Peshas who adopted the house name of Adelwin upon his marriage to Lythra Adelwin.

Kerida (care-EYE-duh): Chief Cobbart’s garrote bird. 

Kernurran Peak: A summit in the southern Meridian Mountains. 

Kezza Uakker (KAY-zaw oo-wuh-KER) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: One of the original four founders. He is a general in Alytha’s army and is invaluable during the War of Heroes. He leads the forces that defeat the scrag. Kezza settles in the north after the war, preferring the rough beauty of the mountainous terrain to the lush lowland. He builds a fortified city and teaches his heirs the dangers of the scrag. Kezza establishes the border watch to ensure no scrag wander south into human territory.

Kezzah’s Valor (KAY-zaws): A white ornamental flower that carpets the Blackwood, blooming in late fall.

Kezzah (KEZZ-uh): Alytha’s northernmost kingdom. The nation’s sigil is a pair of white axes on an ebony field. Founded by Alytha’s trusted general, Kezza Uakker, the country became a military state. As youths, its citizens fulfill a commitment spanning five seasons. Their training culminates with a tour at the towers, a series of outposts that observe the southern face of the Churach Mountains. Modern peace has seen the practice reduced to tradition.

Kezzan (KEZ-zen): Any of the inhabitants of Kezzah.

Kiela (KEY-el-uh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A whore beholden to Ballavos who tries to attack Ameio out of jealousy. 

Kiger (KIE-gurr): A well-bred Olithian destrier that belongs to Matias.

Killip Brifkin, Lord (KILL-ip BRIFF-kin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: Patriarch of a wealthy Meridian house of moderate nobility. 

Kindor (kin-DOOR) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who survives the scrag attack to travel south. Kalika blesses him with discernment.

King’s crown: A tall, yellow-flowering, leafy ground cover plant. Adding it to drinking water can calm a troubled mind, but it also dulls the senses and limits a person’s ability to access magic. It tends to grow in low meadows. 

Kirkar (cur-CAR): A human settlement that precedes Alytha’s conquest. The people have lived in harmony with most indigenous races for hundreds of cycles, struggling to dredge a livelihood from the sea. They endure by befriending the fay that live around them.

Kirkar Sound (cur-CAR): The cove shelters gentle, icy waters that support a small township of whalers and fishmongers.

Kortin (CORE-tin) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who survives the scrag attack to travel south. Kalika blesses her with coercion.

Kotari (co-TAR-ee) – HUMAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Kothistar (KOTH-eh-STAR) – HUMAN/PAIDAN: The original premier of the Paida. 

Kreyling (KRAY-ling) – FAY: Small, crab-like or centipede-like creatures that live underground. When disturbed, they vibrate to the surface. Without the pressure of the ground, their bodies expand until they burst, spilling thousands of tiny, swarming, biting kreylets across the ground that burrow into wounded animals, or those abandoned on a battlefield. The young must feed immediately or perish. Once sated, the parasitic fay return to the earth to molt, grow, and await another chance to feed. Kreylings prefer open plains where there are few rocks to break the vibrations made by wounded creatures.

Kuddir (koo-DEER) – SCRAG: A svoriti that is captured and executed at Wolfthorn Keep during the War of Heroes. Her death is considered the beginning of the end of the war. She is a powerful prophetess, and as her last rite, she predicts the coming of Morgallen and his Fallen, as well as Kalika’s descension.

Kuhlam, Mount (KOO-lum): The tallest peak on the southern side of the Southern Pass through the Churach Mountains.

Kuhlini (COO-lee-nee) – CELEAT/KEZZAN: Daughter of Imikho Malara. She survives the attack on Ulanta and travels to Jadria’kur Valley with all that remain of her race. She encounters Darith’s party and attempts to persuade Kaisa to come with her.

Kupandera, Assistant Commander (KOO-pan-DARE-uh) – HUMAN: An officer among the Queen’s Men. 

Kylaan (KIE-la-ahn) – CREATURE/KALWA: One of two hounds presented to Vale for her eighteenth natal day. He is named for one of Olithia’s twin sons. See also ‘Ravek’. 

Kylissa (KIE-liss-uh) – HUMAN: One of the whores among the Queen’s Men camp followers. 

Kyremeer (KYE-ruh-mere), House: A Meridian house of low nobility. The lord of the house has a business feud with House Vrackmoor.

L

The Lady’s Fist: The highly trained and well outfitted shock troops from House Rourke.

Laic Wars (LIE-ick): A civil war spanning a hundred seasons that split the Heartwater Empire and drove fragments of House Adelwin across the Aterna sea.

Lamentation Era: A full cycle of mourning and reconstruction following the Laic Wars.

Landric, Master (LAN-drick) – HUMAN/OLITHIA: A healer in Low Crossing who bears the king’s conscription to use magic to heal.

Lanna (LAN-uh) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: A nurse hired by Queen Lythra Adelwin to aid with the infant Samrya. She is killed when the queen’s caravan is ambushed.

Laressa (LAR-es-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Laukarume (LAU-car-oo-ME): An oread clan. 

Leah (LEE-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies during the Battle for Meridia. 

Leava Skelton, High Lady (LEE-vaw SKELL-ton) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: She is rumored to manage the Skelton estate because her husband is constantly distraction by his latest invention. A scholar in her own right, some whisper that she is the genius behind her husband’s successes. Married to High Lord Goram Skelton. 

Lectures on Creation: A Tome written by Lord Grifwik Torsamlund of the Heartwater Empire. His writings are considered by many of modern Aelshi, Frimgarr, and Nordussa as scripture, and he is widely spoken of as the father of their faith.

Lekire of Mivunru (lay-KIRE MY-voon-roo) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The venator hired by Grand Captain Alaminadon to hunt Vale. He trained with the pendants at Korsishynd, Citadel of Shadows. 

Lezayri (luh-ZAY-ree): Lady Ameio Wat’s personal sprinter. The horse was a wedding gift from her husband. 

Lode snake – CREATURE: A common snake across most parts of Alytha known for its vibrant coloring. 

Lost Prophecies of Foreigners and Fay: A collection of obscure prophecies gathered and published 337 seasons following Alytha’s betrayal, by Jumniok Yurrinni, an Aelshi historian. 

Lotynia (low-TIÑE-yuh): A semi-sentient citadel that serves as the home of the Oikana.

Louck (LOUCK) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The son of a homesteading family who was raised in the foothills above Riverton. He is Vale’s dearest friend, save perhaps Saylee.

Low Crossing: A small village in Olithia of less than a hundred souls set within the rolling slopes south of the Gargan River and near the base of the Meridian Mountains.

Lutrellick Reinveld (loo-TRELL-ick RINE-veld) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: One of the three princes leading Braytonia. His kingdom encompasses central Braytonia. In appearance, his people are much like their kin to the east. 

Lyafainia, Priestess of the Maiara (LIE-uh-fay-ÑEE-uh, may-EE-are-uh) – HUMAN/AELSHIAN: A priestess of a small religious sect in Aelshi. She has a small talent for prophecy. 

Lyalla Song (LIE-all-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Also Lyalla the Songless. Also Shieldbride of Aetharovyr. A widowed noblewoman of House Song who lives on a large wheat plantation carved out of the Plains of Olithia. An uprising on her estate during the Cleansing resulted in her husband’s death. She opposes both the king and the rebellion, and speaks openly in favor of religious freedom. Her house is massive, with a small, standing army, which has prevented Morgallen from investing in her extermination.

Lykill River (LIE-KILL): The egress of Lake Meridia. 

Lymirilla Hotha (LIE-meer-ILL-uh HO-thuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A famous scholar. 

Lythra Adelwin (lie-THRAW ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Queen of Olithia at the time of the Cleansing. She is murdered on the Trade Road on the outskirts of Meridia.

M

Maartaris (mu-ARE-TARR-iss) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: One of Morgallen’s hand-picked servants that he labels as his Exalted, granting the power and authority to fulfill his will.

Madollat (MAW-dull-lot) – DWARF/OLITHIAN: A master blacksmith living in the mountains above Riverton. Rumors mark him as a dwarf, but his isolation and surly nature keep most from getting close enough to confirm suspicion.

Magister: A high-ranking member of Olithia’s court who acts as a traveling judge, collects taxes, holds tribunals, and oversees elections for new local authorities. Each is assigned a region within Olithia’s borders.

Majkavel (MAHDGE-kuh-VELL): A scrag sacred site that was destroyed during the War of Heroes. Its ruins can be seen by entering the crypts beneath Sedul.

Makar (muh-CAR) – HUMAN/PAIDA: The premier of the Paida.

Malara – CELEAT: An imikho respected among her people for her prowess and wisdom. She lives with the celeat that remain independent of Kezzah.

Malista (MAL-ees-tuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Malla (MAWL-luh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A young woman executed by one of Morgallen’s priests during the search for the lost heiress, Samrya Adelwin.

Maratia, Queen – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A former queen of Meridia whose brief reign ended when her younger brother came of age and had her killed. 

Marcasst (MARR-CAST): The capital city of Marcasstun, an island state north of Alytha. It is famous for its exported textiles. 

March: The foremost military organization in Kezzah. Marchers are trained in a variety of weapons. They are considered the finest footmen in Alytha.

Marisol (Mar-eh-sull) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Ribah’s daughter.

Marlo Hablin (marr-LOW HAB-linn) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A commander in Meridia who died defending the Bastion.

Martin Natahi (nuh-TAW-he) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: He was the heir to the Meridian throne until Bordel had his father killed. He managed to salvage some of his family’s wealth and status. 

Marvada (marr-VAD-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Chief Breymer’s squad. 

Mas (MAHS) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The owner of a butcher shop in Riverton.

Matias (muh-TIE-us) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A former member of the Queen’s Guard who witnesses the ambush on the queen’s convoy. He sustains a wound, falls unconscious in a ditch, and awakes to find his company slaughtered. The royalty he had sworn to protect is dead, leaving him alone. He finds the infant heiress, gathers her in his arms, and wanders aimlessly, mad with infection, until he stumbles upon a farmstead and receives care. He helps organize the movement against Morgallen.

Matrona (MUH-trone-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Mavilla (maw-VILL-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An old woman of Riverton whose mind is waning. She regularly gets herself lost in the hills surrounding the village and people have to go and search for her. 

Mavora (maw-VOOR-uh): A Queen’s Men officer who helps place recruits. 

Mazlaik (MAZZ-lay-ick) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Medina Aldgyth (meh-DEEN-uh AL-de-gith) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A second daughter of a low noble house sent to serve as handmaid to High Lady Vanyus Demissie. 

Mehridran (meer-uh-DRAN): See Meridia.

Meihri Forhild (me-EAR-ee FOR-hilled) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Wife of Hammon Forhild and mother to Darith and Ravelin Forhild. She is slain on the steps of Sedul while fighting alongside Imperator Aarok Kestrel.

Melgladator Vastral (mel-GLAD-eh-TORR VAST-rall), Grand Champion – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: He founded a memorial called the Hall of Champions to honor those who have distinguished themselves in battle or in other ways.

Meridan (MURR-uh-dan): See Meridia

Meridia (MURR-ed-ee-uh) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: Alytha’s youngest general who follows her in search of adventure and fame. He settles the pristine land to the south following the War of Heroes, choosing the topography for its natural beauty. He builds a massive fortress called The Bastion and surrounds his city with walls of immaculate white marble. Also: Meridan, Mehridran.

Meridia (MURR-ed-ee-uh): The southern kingdom of Alytha. Meridia’s sigil is three mountain peaks, stylizations of the mountains that overshadow the city.

Most Meridians live in the capital or The Passage and look down upon those from the countryside. Both high born and low bred trade in horses and ice, coveted commodities throughout Alytha and distant Braytonia. The people are more interested in feasting than fighting, though they enjoy dueling among themselves. The country’s houses are in constant flux, rising and falling with whatever rumor the wind carries.

The capital, which bears the name of its founder, is affectionately called the jewel upon the mountain’s foot or, more simply, the pearl, and is a mark of its founder’s vanity. The city is encompassed by a pristine wall of white marble. Travelers say the city holds the light of the moon and glows faintly at night.

Lake Meridia (MURR-ed-ee-uh): A massive lake that completes the border between Meridia and Ruuma. The lake is largely the reason for Meridia’s wealth. Floe fetchers drag the azure waters for icebergs, which they cut into blocks and sell to neighboring kingdoms. The lake teams with life, providing fresh water, fish, and fowl for much of Alytha and Braytonia. The lake spans many leagues, and one shore cannot be seen from the other.

Meridian River (MURR-ed-ee-an): An icy flow traversing the Ruumana Wasteland, following the body of the mountains. The river carries ice and loamy silt into the vast Lake Meridia, blessing the surrounding territory with a bounty of life and wealth.

Meridian Mountains (MURR-ed-ee-an): An expansive collection of peaks that form the backbone of Alytha, separating the developed kingdoms from the desert surrounding Ruuma. Fay and wild tribes fill its valleys while fierce predators dominate its peaks.

Meridian sprinter (MURR-ed-ee-an): The fastest horses in the four kingdoms. Sprinters are bred for speed and endurance. Some believe that the best of these horses can run indefinitely, with only the need for an occasional stop every few days to eat and drink.

Merruk (mare-RUCK) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Lord Commander Hammon Forhild’s second. He dies in the signal tower with the commander.

Metori (meh-TORR-ee) – IMMORTAL: Nist’s male counterpart. He is embodied in the mortal realm as a shield. He is not one of the seven shards. 

Midwar: Commander Reeve’s destrier. 

Migowa (mih-GOW-wuh) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A one-banded snow lion who travels in Karuma’s camp. His totem is the sand cat.

Mikel (my-KELL) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A master zransmith who is warned to move from Ulanta several seasons before the scrag invasion. He is found by Fher and convinced to travel south. He ultimately joins the rebellion, where his knowledge and skills prove invaluable.

Mila (MEE-luh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who survives the attack. Kalika blesses her with clairvoyance.

Mine (my-NEE) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Commander of the pips. She was raised in Meridia’s countryside but rises through the ranks through grit and savagery. Though age has calmed her, she retains much of her youthful fire. She dies when Cephani burns Ulanta’s signal tower.

Miner (MINE-er) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: a boy from Riverton of an age with Louck and Vale.

Mison (MY-son) – IMMORTAL: One of the Eternities that falls with Morgallen.

Morgallen (more-GAL-en) – IMMORTAL. He inspired the Perfidy. He and his closest followers evaded Aetharovyr’s wrath and escaped into the mortal realm. Morgallen seeks to claim human souls, siphoning their power to wield as his own. His goal is to strike at and destroy Aetharovyr. He believes that he can destroy the Light and take his place.

Morgallen, Priests of (more-GAL-en): A collection of religious zealots who outwardly support and spread Morgallen’s religion. However, more often than not, they commit atrocities on the lower class and use the king’s name to escape the consequences. The law has little or no hold on them. Most consider them a plague on the land. Also ‘brown butchers’. 

Mountain Bear – CREATURE: Massive predators that inhabit the Meridian Mountains. Occasionally, one will wander from the peaks to pillage a farm or steal a sheep. The bears are known for being aggressive and would rather attack a human rather that run from one.

Moryan (MORE-ee-in) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men under Chief Breymer Bovin. 

Myat (MY-AT) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Mynder (MINN-der) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

N

Nabeel (nuh-BEEL) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A Grand Lancer in Herrick’s company. 

Naken (NAKE-in) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A former member of Alytha’s Sword who was disbanded when he followed through on Vale’s whim to have Chief Breymer’s hands removed. He is the first to be truly loyal to Vale independent of Reeve’s orders. 

Nalia (NAL-ee-uh): A member of the Black Herons. 

Namraya Stumbra (NAM-ray-uh STOOM-bruh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: She is the youngest daughter of a moderate Meridian house that was eradicated when Bordel rose to power. She escapes into the city, and then later into the Meridian mountains. She joins the rebellion in its infancy and founds the Black Herons. Vale suspects her of having fay blood because of her extraordinary speed and endurance. Vatira, upon meeting Namraya, comments on the “old blood” running through Namraya’s veins. 

Nan-Dooka Floodplains (none DOO-kaw): A stretch of sandy beach beneath the red cliffs that serves as the breeding grounds for pelagic nymphs and a gathering place for many island tribes. At low tide, the strand embraces the Red Cliffs, revealing an array of tunnels that span for leagues beneath the Blackwood. During high tide, the caves are submerged, discouraging a thorough exploration of the passageways.

Naomhan Adelwin (nay-OH-monn ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The fourth king of Olithia who lived from 165-227 AV.

Nent – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

Nesrine, Commander (nez-REEN) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The head of logistics for the Queen’s Men. 

Nessiah Renlun (ness-EYE-uh ren-LUHN) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The head of a large noble family in Meridia. When Bordel attacks the capital, she gathers an armload of prophesies from the archives and flees to a country estate. There, she copies and disseminates prophesies that predict Morgallen’s downfall. Her daughter betrays her to Bordel, and she is executed.

Night Guardian: See Kalika. Also: Kalika, Atanakasi.

Nikala (nee-COWL-uh) – TRANCENDED HUMAN: A member of the Oikana that sides with Vatira.

Nilandra, Mistress (nie-LAN-druh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: An overseer of a small guild of healers in Meridia specializing in caring for women and small children. 

Nillan (NILL-in) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A servant close to Severa who Bordel kills out of spite. 

Nist (NIST): See Alama’Nistandel.

Njevik (nih-jeh-VICK) – SCRAG: A respected chieftain who fought Kezza in the Battle of Bloodbrook. His ferocity bears the marks of grisly respect in the histories.

Noas, Master (NO-was): A master scribe working in the Bastion. Vale enlists him to write her treaty with Meridia and also to track the lords and ladies of the city. 

Nobber (KNOB-er) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A youth among the Queen’s Men whose father dies in the Battle for Meridia. Afterword, he becomes silent and withdrawn. Vale takes pity on him and gives him charge over her kalwa, naming him kennel master. 

Noreva (NOR-ee-vuh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of the Black Herons who carries her dead brother’s axes. She dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Northern Pass: A steep, treacherous path through the Churach Mountains. Only the boldest or most foolish hunters brave the trek, as the way is filled with predators and wild fay.

Nubling (NUB-ling) – FAY: Small, brown-skinned humanoids with massive ears and protruding muzzles. Fearful and sneaky by nature, they avoid larger, intelligent creatures like humans, though they will steal from a house or a village from time to time. They horde their treasures in their burrows and caves, which they protect with crude traps. 

They live in generational family units, are blind, and tend to be most active during thunderstorms when other creatures take shelter. Their skins are resistant to most forms of direct magic. The scrag and celeat hunted them near to extinction for their hides. 

They have a simple language, mostly growls and clicks, and nothing written save for a few pictures scrawled on stone. 

O

Oda (OH-duh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: an old woman and resident of Riverton. She is a known gossip.

Ogus (oh-GUS) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Captain of the Burning Badgers during the inquisition that resulted in the destruction of the Three Sheaves.

Oikana (oy-CAW-nuh): An ancient order of beings that have transcended mortality through the study of the arcane and self-mastery. Their lives are dedicated to holding the world in balance and pursuing knowledge. They experience history as record keepers but will intervene if their services are requested and properly compensated. They were once a great society, but their order fell into disrepair after the War of Heroes.

Oirai (oh-EYE-RYE): The kings of the demons. Immortal beings of unfathomable power. 

Old Town: The oldest and still busiest trade district in Old Olithia.

Olithia (o-LIH-thee-uh): Alytha’s largest and oldest city. The sigil of house Adelwin is three sheaves of golden wheat on a field of green, but when Morgallen overthrows the monarchy, he claims the mark of a golden sunburst with three falling rays on a white backdrop. The city is named for Alytha’s eldest. Olithia is known for its vast herds of cattle, stretches of golden grain fields, and political supremacy.

The capital city Olithia is the center of commerce and politics for Alytha. The people are full of pride, believing themselves wiser than those from the other kingdoms. The city enjoys a conglomeration of cultures, collecting citizens from neighboring countries as well as foreigners from across the Aterna Sea and migrants from the north.

As the municipality expanded, the city split. The Gargan River and Alanna Bay separate Old Olithia from New Olithia. New Olithia was formed to facilitate trade between Alytha and Braytonia.

Olithia Adelwin (o-LIH-thee-uh ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: As Alytha’s eldest, she wins many victories in her mother’s name, ultimately securing the celeat surrender. The capital city was named in her honor.

Ollis (OH-LISS): A member of the Queen’s Men in Chief Breymer’s squad. 

Omel (oh-MELL) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: One of Kezza’s nephews. He dies during the War of Heroes.

Also: One of three shallow tarns three days’ worth of pony travel northwest of Ulanta. Each of the pools is formed by a freshwater spring.

Ophidian (oh-fid-EE-in): A fay race with the blended features of both snakes and humans. They are highly intelligent and move with an attractive grace. 

Oread (or-EE-ADD) – FAY: The race is composed of family clans. They look like humans at a glance, though they have silver or golden scales on their shoulders and around their eyes, silver sclera, long, dark, talon-like fingernails, fine white hair, and an uncanny ability to mimic sounds. They have limited telepathic abilities. Short-lived by human standards. Any who reaches twenty seasons is considered ancient. 

Oriezzus (OH-rise-us) – FAY/OREAD: Lord of the Laukarume clan. 

Osin Braydor (o-SHIN BRAY-door) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The keeper of a sentient blade that poisons his mind. He pledges his services to Morgallen in exchange for promises of land and titles. He attacks the queen’s caravan on the Trade Road, allegedly murdering three generations of House Adelwin. Eighteen seasons later, he is accused of and beaten for failure. He labors to correct his error and regain his standing with the Fallen by traveling north in search of the lost heiress.

Oterell Briggek (Oh-tear-uhl BRY-geck) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: A commander beneath Olithia Adelwin. He is captured and tortured by celeat, but never divulges Olithia’s plans. When the celeat surrender, he pens the words to what becomes The March Anthem.

P

Paanat (PAW-nit) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Captain of the northern redoubt at the time of the scrag invasion.

Padora (puh-DOOR-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Wife of Lord Thesvan, mayor of Riverton.

Pagog (PA-GOG): See ‘Appagoga’Erisdan’. 

Paida(ns) (PIE-duh): Arsola’s warrior class. They are dedicated to serving and protecting the Oikana. Many are capable of magic. More have weapons or armor imbued with magical properties.

Pale Maidens: The young women employed by Lord Eldard Wat to ride his sprinters in the races. Lady Ameio was once one of them. 

Parable of the Desert: The last lesson taught to young Ruumana warriors before departing alone into the desert on their rite of passage quest.

The Passage: A fortified township atop a hill overlooking the Trade Road. The Passage is more of an outpost than a municipality, with high walls, narrow gates, and a standing military presence. The fort is governed by a captain dispatched from Meridia. The Passage deters bandits from harassing travelers following the Trade Road and exacts a tax for their labors. A vault in the heart of the castle holds a store of gold used to pay a generous bounty to any who separates a bandit from his head.

Peck: A unit of measure common in Olithia, demarcated in gold, silver, and copper.

Perfidy: The battle that Morgallen waged against Aetharovyr. Hundreds of Eternities were cast out or destroyed because of his beguilement. A few escape destruction and flee with Morgallen into the mortal realm.

Pessic (PESS-ick) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword and one of the first to swear loyalty to Vale. 

Peyta (PAY-tuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Phandruni’s Eye (FAN-droon-eez): A large freshwater lake in eastern Braytonia. The Lykill River drains Lake Meridia and fills the Eye. 

Pinestone: A small settlement south of Meridia’s capital city. 

Pip(s): Kezzah’s common foot soldier. Rarely: Pipper(s).

Pison (PIE-son) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A sunburst in Riverton

Plains of Olithia: The massive, sweeping steppes that cover much of Olithia’s countryside. The grassland is wild and untillable. Farmers have struggled against the prairie for generations, but the grass sinks its roots deep and reclaims every span of cultivated soil by the end of the harvest.

Planish, Chief (PLANE-ish): A Queen’s Men officer. 

Plethel (pleth-EL): A small village in Olithia. 

Plide, Captain (PLIDE) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: An officer in the batons. 

Povi (PO-vee): Small beasts of burden that approximate the size and build of stout goats. The Ruumana have domesticated and trained them to pull wagons or sleds, to bear packs, and to produce milk and fiber. They are typically docile, even when encountered in the wilds of Ruuma.

Prellush (PRAY-loosh): A member of the Queen’s Men. 

Prem – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Chief Breymer’s squad. 

Priests of the Harker: Followers of a sect founded by Lord Kittim Librays, The Harker, The One Who Watches.

Prijarti (prrih-JAR-TEE) – SCRAG: A respected chieftain that follows Cephani’s council and leads a confederacy of several clans across the Churach Mountains into Kezzah. He razes Ulanta and leads his warriors into the Blackwood in search of conquest. He faces Darith in the Battle of the Blackwood, where he is defeated and his warriors are routed.

Prime Edict: Morgallen’s decree outlawing religious practices focused on Aetharovyr.

Prista (PRISS-tuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Black Herons who died in the Battle for Meridia. 

Proctor: A low-ranking member of Olithia’s court who assists the magisters. They can oversee inquisitions, but they cannot to pass judgment or issue sentencing.

Q

Queen’s Guard: The knights granted the honor of attending and protecting the queen of Olithia. The Queen’s Guard was slaughtered when the queen was assassinated at the opening of Morgallen’s Cleansing.

Queen’s Highway: A trade route between Olithia and Kezzah. Olithia ordered the path paved with massive slabs of red rock cut from the Red Cliffs, but only fragments of the once grand path remain five hundred seasons later.

Queen’s Men: The designation chosen by the rebels when they begin to organize against Morgallen. They follow the heiress, the true queen of Olithia.

R

Raildranna (RAIL-drawn-nuh) – IMMORTAL: A goddess of the old races. 

Raikal (RYE-kell) – TRANSCENDED HALF-OPHIDIAN: The newest member of the Oikana.

Raisa (RICE-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Rana (RAHN-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Ribah’s son. He is killed while the family is trying to escape Ulanta.

Ratnik (RAHT-NICK) – SCRAG: A scragling at the time his father Prijarti leads the clans over the Churach and conquers Kezzah. After razing Ulanta, those most loyal to Cephani, including Ratnik, follow her back to the Scrag Lands with thousands of slaves. On the slopes on the Southern Pass, Ratnik learns of his father’s death and swears an oath of vengeance.

Ravek (RAV-ick) – KALWA: One of two hounds given to Vale on her eighteenth natal day. He is named for one of Olithia’s twin sons. See also ‘Kylaan’.

Ravelin Forhild (RAVE-el-in FOR-hilled) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Darith’s younger sister. She is captured and taken as a slave during the razing of Ulanta.

Reain (re-YAY-in) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: Matias charges her with caring for and raising the child. She was a watcher who escaped the scrag and fled south.

Red Cliffs: Vast cliffs north of Olithia. The location of an abandoned quarry from which stones were harvested to construct Castle Alanna and the Queen’s Highway. The bluffs rise between the floodplains and the Blackwood at the edge of the Aterna Sea.

The Red Moon: See Aletath.

Redveld: A small village at the southern aspect of Olithia, near The Spires.

Reeve, Commander (REEV) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The commander of the Queen’s Men. He oversees and coordinates the resistance as a whole, and directly supervises the main rebel host outside Meridia.

Relmyan (rell-MY-ann) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Three Sheaves who battled at Vale’s cabin.

Renda (REN-duh) – HUMAN/OUTLANDER: One of many refugees led by Adan Mockbee. She fosters an amorous relationship with Esfire.

Rending Ceremony: The process by which an unworthy arbiter is deposed. The soul is stripped from the body and locked in the abyss using a bastille.

Rendira, Assistant Commander (REN-deer-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An officer in the Queen’s Men. 

Renkella Kadletz (RAIN-kell-uh KAD-lits) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: The greatdaughter of the famous prophetess Aliya. She crosses the Aterna Sea as Olithia’s handmaid, attending both the heiress and her greatmother. She never shows the talent for prophesy, but she records many of her predecessor’s foretellings.

Ressie, Lady (RESS-ee): A term of endearment the batons have given the southern gate. 

Rhevarodrin (rev-ARE-oh-DRIN) – HUMAN/KEZZAN. The name that Brandle assumes after his conversion. Also: Brandle.

Rhyjus (RYE-juss) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Rhys (RISS) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A sunburst sent to Riverton.

Rhytin Darrinan (RYE-ten DARR-in-an) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A well-loved priest and prophet who is better known for his drunkenness and jesting than piety. He is accredited with several prophesies regarding a child rising to save the world. Also: The Incorruptible Priest.

Ribah (RYE-buh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A Ulantan smuggler turned merchant who becomes wealthy and famous for his brazen disregard for Kezzan law. He specializes in weapons trafficking, especially blackwood bows and ornamental knives. He has dabbled in running zran to his wealthiest patrons but elected to quit the illegal practice when his son was born.

When the scrag attack Ulanta, he attempts to lead his family out of the city. He fails miserably. Rather than continue to safety, he turns wild and charges into the burning, smoking ruin of Ulanta to slaughter scrag until he is too weak to stand. Miraculously, he survives his recklessness and leads a few grim souls south and they become an integral part of the rebellion.

Ridarrun Diklerri (RIDE-are-rune die-CLEAR-ee) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: He lives through the War of Heroes and later writes many tomes on scrag culture and linguistics. His texts are still used by modern schloras.

Rijukko (RYE-jew-co) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A snow lion with two bands serving in Karuma’s guard.

Rillganna (RILL-gann-uh) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A famous lakeside whore who likes to attend batons. 

Rilliny Khyna, High Lady (rill-EYE-nee KINE-uh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Matriarch of a prominent house in Olithia who plays a similar role in her capital as Ameio does in Meridia. 

Rinjal (wrin-JAL) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: Second daughter to Kaj (i.e. his niece).

Rirsk – HUMAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Rislynnad (RICE-lynn-awed) – Also called the First Capital of Braytonia, it is the third largest if not the most influential city in the Braytonian Empire. It’s position along The Trade Road makes it ideal for commerce with Alytha. The city is ruled by House Tyndirum.

Ritter (RIT-ter) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton under Captain Wryth Torint’s command. 

The Riven Thorn: Kyrissiva Aelshi, a scion of House Aelshi who interpreted her house matriarch’s prophecy differently than her cousins. She believes those who share her noble lineage are meant to aid the foretold queen, not rise against her. She and her disciples fled to Nordussa when banished.

River Road: The main road through Riverton, which runs parallel to the Gargan River.

Rizyl (RYE-ZILL): See ‘Rizyllan-mekarro’. 

Rizyllan-mekarro (RYE-ZILL-awn meh-CARE-oh) – IMMORTAL/SHARD: One of the seven shards of creation. He represents the land and the vegetation it supports. He tends to go his own way, rather than side with Aetharovyr. 

Rojn (RAW-shin) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: One of Ribah’s most faithful employees.

Rold Botart, Lady (ROLD bo-TART – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: He and his wife demonstrate a greater, though still tenuous, willingness to follow Vale after her victory. Vale rewards them with advisory positions to Lord Temothi Randmayr. 

Rona (ROW-nuh) – TRANSENDED HUMAN/OUTLANDER: She wields her talent for prophesy like a soldier wields a sword. She is widely known among her followers for her gift, but she struggles to hide her knowledge from the outside world. She worships Kalika, who instructs her to guide Darith and teach him the subtleties of magic.

Rooker – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An innkeeper in Riverton.

Rovi (ROW-vee) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A young maid that serves in the Bastion. She is first in service to Severa, then later to Vale.

Rullel (ROO-lell) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

Ruum (raw-OOM): HUMAN/ALYTHAN: One of Alytha’s generals. He grows disenchanted with humanity and leads his followers into a terrible desert of ice and fire, hoping to secure peace. He discovers a haven, which bears his name.

Ruuma (raw-OO-muh): Western kingdom of Alytha. Their sigil is a golden lion head detailed on a background of icy gray. The Ruumana remain disparate from the rest of Alytha, holding to old traditions and ideologies. Merchants will occasionally ride the Gargan River through the mountains and across the plains to sell exotic pelts and gems in Olithia.

Ruuma Oasis (raw-OO-muh): A delicate circle of safety in a wilderness plagued by capricious snowstorms, intolerable heat, and rapacious creatures. Ruum, one of Alytha’s generals, founded the Oasis to escape the frivolities of humanity, trusting the brutal land to shield his people. Sheltered by a fathomless wellspring, the haven has remained isolated since the War of Heroes.

Ruumana (raw-OO-ma-nuh): The designation for the heirs of Ruum, the founder of the Ruuma Oasis.

Runner: A rank in Kezzah’s military that is assigned to young celeat females. Each is bonded with a dyret and is used to carry messages. Two are assigned to each watch.

Riverton: Warmly called Trader Town by the borough’s inhabitants, this rough hamlet is a gathering place for hunters, trappers, and farmers. However, the township will occasionally greet a Ruumana merchant riding the Gargan River toward Olithia. Also: ‘Trader Town’.

Rymelian (RYE-MELL-ee-an): Alytha Adelwin’s husband’s finest sword. Alytha passed the sword to her daughter, Alanna, when she sent her to seek the Ancients. 

Rysbend, Master (RICE-bend) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of Ameio’s deceased father’s house who was employed by her husband to oversee one of his many stables. He is also a keeper. 

Rysmi (RICE-me) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An officer in the Queen’s Men who serves the Three Sheaves. She dies when the Brimveld camp is attacked.

S

Safipa (soff-EE-puh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A citizen of Riverton that was attacked by Morgallen’s priests during their search for Vale.

Samrya Adelwin (SAM-ree-uh ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Born to Delindia Adelwin on the eve of Morgallen’s Cleansing, she is believed to have been murdered with her mother and greatmother on the Trade Road. Matias finds her after the ambush and carries her to a farmstead. Eighteen seasons later, he spreads a tale that the heiress is alive, breathing life into his rebellion.

Sandrew (SAHN-drew) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of the fifth watch who was injured by a mountain bear and ordered to return to Ulanta for healing.

Sanyara (san-YAR-uh) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of the fifth watch who survives the scrag attack and is gifted with stealth. She dies on the journey to Ulanta.

Sarih (SARE-eh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies during the Battle for Meridia. 

Sarona, Magis/Magister (saw-ROW-nuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The magister overseeing the inquisition in Riverton. She organizes the battle that burns out the Three Sheaves.

Savitha (SA-vith-thuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A young woman serving as Vale’s handmaid while in camp. 

Saylee (SAY-lee) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Daughter of Healah and Imer—homesteaders living north of Riverton. A friend of Vale’s who is captured and tortured into revealing the location of Vale’s cabin.

Scabran (SCAB-wrin): A foolish person. A severe insult not used in polite company. 

Scad – The lowest denomination of Olithian currency. They are shaped like rings and are traditionally worn openly. Each denomination (scads, pecks, reams, sheaves) comes in copper, silver, and gold. A copper scad is often worn for luck. 

Scavenger of Souls: An alternative name for Death. 

Schlora (SKLORE-uh): a class of sages and mages, allegedly the most educated people in Kezzah. The schloras organize the schools and are responsible for teaching Kezzah’s youth.

Schikalisk (shick-AHL-isk) – SCRAG: A chieftain chosen by Cephani to lead the clans after Prijarti strays deeper into Kezzah.

Scrag (SCRAG): A race of fay. Lesser males and females are not as tall or heavy as humans, but their shoulders are broader and they are strong. Their legs are short and thick, their arms are long and heavily muscled. They can walk on two limbs, but often drop to four for added speed and agility. Their faces display heavy folds, with wide noses and mouths with tusks that curl upward from their upper jaws. The size of their tusks reflects their physical strength and thus social status, as do the manes on the males—longer, fuller manes suggest a stronger scrag. Great chieftains, which have green or gray skins, have the longest manes while low males, which are typically black, have patches of fur on the backs of their necks. Their heads are bare save for the tufts of hair that sprout from erect, angular ears—mobile and expressive like a horse. Their eyes are solid black, though a few of those with pure bloodlines from ancient clan leaders contain flecks of amber. Those higher in the hierarchy also have blood that is blue rather than gray.

They have thick hides, often augmented by svoriti magic through symbols painted on their skins, and heavy muscling. Their skeletons are heavier than a similarly sized human’s. They mature faster and die typically in their mid-thirties.

Only select females breed, and the females choose the strongest males to breed with. The schalk’i, lower scrag, are not allowed to breed. Females birth litters of ten to twelve schalk’i. When they birth a singleton, the pup is larger and becomes a hunter or a chieftain. The young are spread among a class of lower males that have skin pouches on their backs, one behind each shoulder, for nursing and early development. Young move from these pouches at two to three moons old.

Scrag are sensitive to fire, though later generations have developed oily secretions to minimize the draining effects of open flames. They are also sensitive to bright light.

Strong males can project a roar that will cause a fleeting, weak paralysis in others; otherwise only females have magic, though the females often paint symbols on their warriors to add strength, stamina, resilience, etc. Great chieftains can bolster their warriors by their presence, and especially with their bugling.

Scrag Lands: The rough territory was once the retreat of the ferocious scrag, a barbaric race that occupied the southern regions prior to Alytha’s arrival. The scrag fought Alytha and her armies, though they ultimately lost what came to be known as the War of Heroes and were driven north of the Churach Mountains. Kezza vowed to hunt the race into extinction, and for more than a hundred seasons all believed the scrag were eliminated from the realm.

Scrawler – CREATURE: A small lizard species that feeds on insects and rodents. 

Scythe: Meridian slang for a leader in organized crime. 

Searpoint beetles – CREATURE: Golden beetles with a metallic appearance and a venomous bite. Their larvae, when smashed into a paste, are smeared on the heads of particularly pious priests of Morgallen. The mixture will burn and blister. It is done to show a greater faith in Morgallen. 

Sedul (seh-JEWEL): Ulanta’s central keep and home of the imperator. The keep is seven-sided. Each side housed a turret. Later, two wings were added as political centers. The keep is the heart of Ulanta.

Sef – TRANSCENDED HUMAN: A former member of the Oikana and once lover to Vatira.

Seggi (SEG-ee) – HUMAN: A Queen’s Men general who commands a contingent of archers. She joins Vale during the attack on the Bastion and dies covering the charge. 

Semo (SEE-mo) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A shopkeeper in Riverton. He owns an outfitters store, specializing in goods made from fur and other animal parts.

Sepi (sep-EE) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. She dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Serini Allasha, High Lady (sir-EE-nee al-ASH-uh) – HUMAN/OITHIAN: As the third in line for Meridia’s throne before bordel murdered the old steward, she wields both wealth and influence. When she attempts to seduce Bordel, he tricks her into stepping from the top of the Bastion. The fall, of course, kills her. 

Setelak (say-TALL-ak): What the celeat call themselves in their native tongue, as the designation “celeat” is considered an insult among prouder tribes that refuse to assimilate with humans. Also: ‘celeat’.

Seven Winds: The common religion of the White Isles. Unlike the faithful of Alytha’s Empire, worshipers of the Seven Winds focus on the seven virtues. They believe in reincarnation, and that adherence to the virtues in each cycle of living will bring them closer to enlightenment. Both the light and the dark have deific significance, and to them, all life is sacred and nothing is inherently evil. Their leaders are called shepherds.

Severa (sev-EAR-uh) – IMMORTAL: One of Morgallen’s Fallen. She is often seen stalking Meridia’s Bastion, tormenting servants and citizens. She has a fascination with death and kills many out of curiosity. She briefly occupies her time searching for Vale in Riverton, though she quickly bores and abandons the pursuit.

Shard: A being of power that is a biproduct of creating a new world. These beings become the guardians of the world, though they are not always considered good. They are fallible. Shards live within the spate, though they can touch the mortal realm through totems, which often assume the form of a weapon, armor, or jewel.

Sheaf: The largest denomination of Olithian currency. 

Also, an alternative designation for a spearman in the Queen’s Men. 

Sherrow, Mistress (SHARE-row) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The operator of the brothel in the Queen’s Men’s camp followers. 

Sibret (SIB-rit) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Silver Sprinters: The guards of House Wat. 

Sin: An embodiment of human weakness and the dark that lives in everyone. During the Fete of the Sun, someone is chosen to dress in black and red rags to taunt and tempt patrons attending the feast. Toward the end of the festival, everyone in attendance takes up a switch of ash and drives Sin from their midst. Once gone, they pile their branches and set them aflame. The light scattered by the bonfire is meant to break the dark and keep Sin from returning. 

The one chosen to play Sin at the Fete of the Sun is usually a troublemaker. The switches and humiliation are a done in hopes of changing the person’s behavior. Rarely, a serious criminal is chosen for the role, and the person ends the night on the fire along with the switches. 

Sinna (SIN-nuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Skelton, House (SKELL-ton): A Meridian high house. See ‘Leava Skelton’ and ‘Goram Skelton’. 

Skruggen (SS-krug-en): A humanoid fay race of low intelligence. Generally considered ugly. 

Sleeper’s dyspathy: A condition among immortals where prolonged periods of sleep lead to incoordination and slowed wits. It passes within a few days of wakefulness, or sooner with more activity. 

Slickrock: A site along the Red Cliffs that marks the first battle in the War of Heroes.

Slip – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the band Fain gathered to ambush Ameio Wat. 

Slipfinger: an Olithian slang term to mean a petty thief. The thief will slip the scad off a finger. 

Snow Lion: A title earned by Ruuma’s best fighters. They all endure an ordeal in which they hunt and kill the worthiest enemy they can find. The foe can be anything from a fox to an ibanisi lizard or an actual snow lion, Ruuma’s fiercest natural predator. They are not allowed to use magic, as this is a sign of weakness. When they return successfully from their ordeal, they earn a tattoo that they design to memorialize their initiation. During the ordeal they are left to wander the waste naked and alone. They must forge weapons, survive, kill, and return. They can claim a token from their experience, usually a piece of the animal they killed, to wear in a pouch around their necks. These are to be kept secret and sacred, always worn over their hearts in homage to their first kill and to the journey they have begun. They only reveal this item with a lifemate.

Snow lions are awarded copper bands to memorialize subsequent victories—left wrist, right wrist, left bicep, right bicep, left ankle, right ankle, left calf, right calf—for a total of eight. More rings implies more skill. They are to boast of these tales of bravery, so lions only accept rings for victories they wish to brag about to other warriors. If they accept a ring for a trivial victory, then they will be scorned by their pride, a fate worse than death. If a lion survives a defeat, then they forfeit their rings to their victor and begin again. If the victor does not accept the rings, then it is a grievous insult because the lion can never reclaim their honor and they are bound to remain a ringless warrior. Suicide following disgrace is considered a coward’s path and families will strike the name of the departed from their family tree and thus their soul is left without family ties in the afterlife, so they must live with their shame to maintain their place in the hereafter. However, the week and infirm are encouraged to give their lives to the land, as in roam out into the desert until a predator or the elements kill them. 

Rings can be passed from one warrior to another if the warrior is aided in a way that saves their life. They give the ring as a sign of appreciation and respect. These are the only rings that can be worn by one who has not undertaken the ordeal.

If one is caught pretending to be a snow lion, then they are stripped, flogged, and cast from society into the waste, never to return to the oasis in the heart of Ruuma. Though many who are not killed by the elements or wild beasts are hunted and killed quietly by lions because they do not want a coward claiming they are from their pride.

Snow lion – CREATURE: A magical beast that loves fire but fears water, and the largest predator in the Ruuma Desert. They are massive white lions with silver manes. They possess a natural immunity to magic. 

Sonach leopard (so-NATCH): A small, fierce semi-intelligent felid that is native to the western borders of Ruuma and the Meridian Mountains. They are rumored to be a mix of man and beast with the ability to sneak into homes and attack people in their beds. They are rumored to only eat the hearts of their kills, and, therefore, be able to sense a heartbeat across great distances, especially a heart beating in fear. Other stories say they vanish in moonlight. 

Southern Pass: The lower path across the Churach Mountains that is commonly used by hunters who wish to pursue exotic game in the Scrag Lands.

Southrock: A small township in southern Olithia. 

Spate: Each realm is shrouded within a spate, which holds wandering spirits, mortals’ deepest dreams, and a plethora of magical creatures. The seven shards of creation also live within. While it is possible to pass into the spate while living, it is dangerous to do so. The time between times, essentially the consciousness of the mortal realm. Each creation has a distinct spate. It is the memories, hopes, and dreams of a world.

The Spires: Massive, steep mountains marking the southern boundary of Olithia and the northern boundary of Braytonia. Both countries claim them, but not fiercely enough to war over them. Also called The Dragon Fangs.

Spradlin (SPRAD-lin) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch. He survives the scrag attack to travel south with Darith. Kalika blesses him with speed and endurance.

Sprawl: A Meridian sprinter that Matias gives to Vale when they begin to travel south.

Srelaje (shrey-lay-SHAY) – HUMAN/RUUMANA: A snow lion with two bands serving in Karuma’s caravan.

Stonesleeper – CREATURE: A rock giant. 

Stoneswift – CREATURE: A massive cliff-dwelling sea bird native to the White Isles. They are nearly extinct by the time of Morgallen’s fall into mortality. 

Stormhollow, Battle of: See entry under ‘battle’. 

Stormwind Peak: One of the summits at the southern end of the Meridian Mountains. 

Sunburst: Olithia’s light infantry, so named because of the golden sunburst they wear on their capes and as an insignia upon their chests. Derogatory: ‘fly’.

Svamajka (vah-MAUDGE-kuh) – IMMORTAL: A distant star worshipped by the scrag. She is fabled to have created the scrag and hidden them on one of Aetharovyr’s worlds.

Svoriti, pl. svoriti’i (s-vore-EE-TEE, pl s-vore-EE-TEE’EYE): female scrag capable of wielding crude magic.

T

Talbot, Grand Saber: An officer in Olithia’s Grand Lancers who penned a poem describing the equality of all men in the face of violence. His words were discovered on his body after he died in the Battle of the Blood Tide, 483 AV.

Talturim, Mount (tall-TURR-im): The highest peak in The Spires. Also an active volcano known to shed his wrath once every hundred seasons.

Tarak (tuh-RACK) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton stationed at the northern gate. 

Taster: A person addicted to mind altering potions, brews, or other harmful substances. 

Taylin (TAY-lin) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A youth employed by Adan Mockbee. She encounters Darith while running for aid after her master’s estate is attacked by scrag.

Temothi Randmayr, High Lord (TIM-oh-thee RAND-may-er) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A Meridian high lord who commits his house guard to fight alongside Vale during the Battle for Meridia. Once victorious, Vale rewards him with stewardship over the city. His short reign is ended when he is murdered by Severa. 

Tey (TAY) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Teymur (tay-MURE) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: An aid to Commander Hammon Forhild.

Tezdon (TEZ-done) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. 

Thaksin, Sergeant (THACKS-in) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton under Wryth Torint’s command. 

Thax (THACKS) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: One of Namraya’s male conquests. His nickname is The Bastion. 

Thesvan Rivers (THEZ-vin) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Mayor of Riverton who was raised to the station after his predecessor was executed during the Cleansing. Many suspect him of helping to cover Bretto’s murder.

Thiri (THEER-REE): The spear carried by the premier of the Paida, currently wielded by Makar. 

Three Leagues Serpent: The track used to hold sprinter races. It is located south of Meridia, the capital city. A cliff, called the ladder, on the southern side of the track holds watch boxes built into its face by the wealthiest of Meridia’s nobility.

Three Sheaves: A faction of the organized resistance centered in Riverton. They have a small retreat in the mountains near the village and work to forestall threats both to Vale and their counterparts outside Meridia. All but a few are killed during the battle at Vale’s cabin. Those who survive either flee south, toward Meridia, or east, toward Olithia.

Tibbin, General (TIB-bin): A member of the Queen’s Men and Chief Walmond’s commanding officer. 

Tiercel (TEER-sull) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A youth in Adan Mockbee’s employ. He encounters Darith while running for aid after his master’s estate is attacked by scrag. He guides Darith to the manor and fights alongside him during the Battle of the Blackwood.

Torenia (TORR-ee-ñuh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Torrin (TORR-in) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher who Darith orders to accompany Sandrew to Ulanta, ending his watch early.

Torryl Renlun (TOAR-ill ren-LUHN) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The heiress of a large Meridian house. She betrays her mother to Bordel.

Trade Road: The merchant road that links Alytha and the lands to the south. Merchants and migrants follow this road, moving freely between the empires.

Trader Town: See ‘Riverton’.

Tragen (TRAY-gin) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton under Wryth Torint’s command. 

Travarinni (TRAV-are-EE-nee) – HUMAN: One of the healers employed by the Queen’s Men. 

Trencher’s boils: A catching sickness first recorded among the wild fay, causing deep-chested coughing fits and painful blisters on the backside. When the lesions rupture, they ooze black infection and leave gaping holes in the flesh. It is one of the few conditions that cannot, but any known means, be healed magically. It is lingering and uncomfortable, but rarely fatal. 

Triggling: A general term for small, generally insignificant pests, especially fay. It is often used as an insult. 

Trisban River (triss-BAN): The largest waterway in Kezzah. The River runs southeast through the Blackwood, ending as a waterfall that spills over the Red Cliffs. The Battle of the Blackwood occurs on its southern bank.

Truemark: The talent for making things land where desired. They make excellent archers, but the skill applies to all ranged weapons and anything thrown. Tracking comes naturally to them as well. The gift is relatively common compared to others, though various in quality. 

Trymlin (TRIME-lin) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men under Chief Breymer. 

Tug: Louck’s family’s farm horse.

Tumaria (TOO-MARR-ee-uh) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Tunjo (TON-show) – HUMAN/KEZZAN: A watcher in the fifth watch who dies during the initial scrag invasion.

U

Uddinim (YOU-dih-nimm) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men under Cheif Breymer. 

Ulanta (you-LAN-tuh): The capital of Kezza named for his bride Ulianntha. Kezza founded the city as an outpost for Olithia, believing that humankind would never be safe from the scrag. He taught his people duty and vigilance, training them in warfare and survival so that his nation could be the shield for the southern kingdoms.

Ulanta is home for many celeat, a race that fought against Alytha and her allies during the War of Heroes. Unlike the scrag, which were thought to be hunted to extinction, the celeat accepted a blood oath to live peacefully among their conquerors.

Ulantan (you-LAN-tin): Any of the inhabitants of Ulanta.

Ulianntha (oo-lee-ANN-thaw) – HUMAN/ALYTHAN: Kezza’s betrothed. She follows him across the Aterna Sea, joining Alytha’s expedition.

Undra (oon-DRUH) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A woman captured, tortured, and murdered by Achreios during the hunt for Vale.

Uprising of Ten Tears: A rebellion of Meridian farmers, homesteaders, and common laborers that left an entire harvest to rot in the fields. Thousands of sprinters were stolen, slaughtered, or scattered, and parts of the capital were burned.

Urian Adelwin, King (YURR-rye-an ADD-ull-win) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An Olithian king coronated 224 AV.

V

Vadis (VADD-iss) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A baton beneath Wryth Torint’s command. 

Vaghe (VAY-gee) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons who looks similar to Vale. After Vale succumbs to fatigue during the Battle for Meridia, Vaghe puts on the queen’s armor and lets herself be seen the keep the Queen’s Men motivated. 

Valant (VAL-lant) – HUMAN: An assistant commander in the Queen’s Men who leads a charge of lightly armored calvary against the Bastion. He is killed in the process. 

Vale: A red-haired young woman that Matias brought to Reain and Bretto as a girl to raise in secret. Matias tells Vale that she is the heiress of Olithia and is destined to lead a rebellion against Morgallen. When her mother is murdered by Morgallen’s high priestess, she accepts her fate and travels south to join and ultimately lead the Queen’s Men.

Valiri (vuh-LEER-ee) – HUMAN: A member of the Black Herons. 

Vantari (vun-TAR-ee): A celeat tribe.

Vantony Graklin, Lord Commander (VAN-toe-nee GRACK-linn) – HUMAN/MERDIAN: An officer in the Meridian military who assumes command after his predecessor is killed during the Battle for Meridia. 

Vanyus Demissie, High Lady (VAN-yez DEM-ee-see) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A prominent member of Meridia’s upper nobility. 

Varnadron (VARN-uh-DRON): A city in along the coast of Nordussa that is home to bees as large as ships. Their three-honey mead is coveted by all. 

Vartanna, General (var-TAN-nuh) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: An officer in the Queen’s Men. Walmond, Louck’s training chiefs, is one of her subordinates. She helps place new recruits in the various training programs. 

Vassadaur (VASS-uh-DOW-ER): An oread tribe that allies with the Queen’s Men. 

Vatira (vuh-TEER-uh) – TRANSCNEDED DRYAD: As a member of the Oikana, she convinces her order to aid Vale. Without her, the rebellion would have ended with a defeat in Meridia.

Vayfing (VAY-fing) – PLANT: A rare flowering plant. Distilling the oils from its flower creates an effective anesthetic, which healers apply to a cloth draped over a patient’s mouth to maintain the desired level of consciousness. 

Velatok (vel-uh-TOCK) – HUMAN/WHITE ISLES: A Shepherd of the Seven Winds. A religious leader from Graylus known for his clever prose.

Venator/Venatrix: A hunter/huntress trained in the academy in Olithia. They seek the deadliest, and most profitable, beasts and fay to hunt for gold. Or they can be hired to find a high-profile criminal, like the one set after Vale. Armed with weapons imbued with magic and innate talents, they are formidable. Their code, which is literally bound to their blood, demands they see a task to completion or die. Once a job is accepted, no amount of money or persuasion can turn one aside.

Veralda Missik, High Lady (vare-AL-duh MISS-ick) – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: The matriarch of an influential house in Meridia. 

Vhaddus blade (VAY-duss): The traditional weapon carried by a Braytonian mercenary. 

Vibriss Mountains (VIE-briss): Massive, steep peaks and plummeting valley’s west of Ruuma. The mountains are wild and packed with aggressive predators and fay. Lotynia, home of the Oikana, is at the heart of these mountains.

Villus (VILL-iss) – HUMAN: A member of the Queen’s Men in Chief Breymer’s squad. He is also Louck’s tent mate for a time. 

Violacia Luvamble (VIE-ol-LAY-shuh LOVE-am-bowl) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: The daughter of a high lord in Olithia who spent her inheritance traveling Olithia and writing. She is famous for three books on philosophy and several poems, many of which were put to music. She lived from 297 to 348 AV, though she had always been in good health and her body was never found. Many suspect those offended by her words to have killed her, though those who loved her most believed Aetharovyr plucked her out of the world to live among the stars.

The Virtue of Truth: A collection of scrolls detailing Morgallen’s holy precepts.

Volant: Highest ranking priest in Olithia and the symbolic embodiment of Aetharovyr.

Voltussarin (VAULT-us-ARE-in): Lord Eldar Wat’s Meridian sprinter. 

Vomkradin the Bloodful (vom-KRAY-din) – FAY: The king of the dranyx who recorded a prophecy during the astral turmoil that accompanied Morgallen’s fall. He is the leader of the fay race during the Annals of Alytha.

Vorungar (VOOR-un-GARR): The Ruumana name for death. See ‘Death’.

Voya (VOY-uh) – A blade master and a prominent member of the Black Herons. She dies in the Battle for Meridia. 

Vrackmoor (VRACK-more), House: A Meridian house of moderate nobility. Its sigil is the horned fish. The lord of the house has a business feud with House Kyremeer. 

Vryanna (VRY-ANN-uh) – FAY/OREAD: The First and Last of the Vassadaur. Also, Fallkynna’s mother. 

Vurromar (VOOR-oh-MAR): The northernmost inhabited White Isle. 

W

Walid (WAY-lid) – HALF-FAY/OLITHIAN: A homesteader that shelters Vale during her travels. Husband of Anlela.

Wallon (wuh-LAWN) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A homesteader on the Olithian Plains that finds Matias wandering with fever with a baby in his arms. He takes Matias to his home where his wife cares for him until he recovers.

Walmond, Chief (WALL-mond) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: Louck’s chief while training as a spearman. 

War of Heroes: The conflict in which Alytha and her generals conquered the combined forces of the celeat and the scrag. The scrag were driven from the land while the celeat accepted a blood oath to abstain from violence. The end of the war ushered in an era of peace that lasted until Morgallen’s bloody purge nearly five hundred seasons later.

Waris (WEAR-iss) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A captain in Morgallen’s army who is sent to validate the truth behind the rumors regarding the living heiress. He leads, beneath the magister, the search for Vale in Riverton, commandeering Way’s End as his outpost.

Warning of the Mendicant: Described as the fear of the common man, this is a loose, unscholared interpretation of ancient prophecy weakly put to song. The work remains unattributed.

Warrigal Borimundi (WAR-eh-GALL BOAR-em-UN-dee) – HUMAN/BRAYTONIAN: One of three princes leading Braytonia. His kingdom encompasses eastern Braytonia. His people have shining black skin like obsidian. His capital city is Eversun. 

Water of a Thousand Isles: The water that encompasses the White Isles. Also, the Sea of a Thousand Islands. 

Waters of Vatan (vay-TAN): A scattering of small lakes near the eastern edge of the Heartwater Empire.

Way’s End: The name of the mayor’s home in Riverton, which also serves as an inn for traveling dignitaries and the political center for the township.

Well of Rumashma (ROO-mash-muh): A well near the Ruumana Oasis that produces thick silver water that tastes sweet. Drinking from the well is said to cure illnesses, wounds, or worries. The water can remove curses or be used to create blessings. The region around the well is fertile, and there are many plants there that cannot be found elsewhere on Ismorund. It is where prideless, young male snow lions gather. None are permitted to fight within sight of the well.

Wellspring: An Eternity who carries a scepter and wields the authority to create new life.

Wen – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A member of the band Fain gathers to ambush Lady Ameio. 

Whitewood: A haven for bandits and outcasts. The Whitewood borders civilization. The thick, uncharted forest is full of reprobates unfit for respectable society and feral creatures that do not welcome visitors.

Witchel (WITCH-ol) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A master healer employed by the Queen’s Men. He takes on Vale as an apprentice. 

Wolfthorn Keep: An outpost both built and destroyed during the War of Heroes. It stands in ruins at the time of Morgallen’s Cleansing.

Wryth Torint, Second Captain – HUMAN/MERIDIAN: A second captain in Meridia’s third baton. He is the captain over the southern gatehouse on Meridia’s outer wall. The Torint house colors are scarlet and silver, and their sigil is a red crab with oversized silver pincers backed by a field of silver. 

Wumistat (WUM-iss-TAT) – HUMAN/PAIDAN: Makar’s wife. 

Wydras (WHY-druss): An insult applied to a healer with suspect or archaic practices. 

X

Y

Yennis (YEN-iss), House: A Meridian house of low nobility. 

Yurruk (yerr-UCK): A small village in Olithia. 

Z

Zanna (ZA-nuh): See Alama’Nistandel.

Zemel (zuh-MELL) – HUMAN: A member of Alytha’s Sword. 

Zerias (zur-EYE-us) – IMMORTAL: Twin to Atrunos. When these two wellsprings align for a few days every ten seasons, they bathe the heavens with their power. It is a celebration among the stars, a time of creation, when new planets and new races are meant to spring into being. 

Zoar (zo-ARE) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A sunburst sent to Riverton.

Zolxayis (ZALK-shay-us) – IMMORTAL: One of the Eternities that falls with Morgallen. He is charged with crossing the Aterna Sea and bringing back a staff covered in runes that will complete Pagog, scepter of the ancients. He completes his task, enabling Morgallen to strike at Aetharovyr from the mortal realm. He also recruits the Aelshi Sworders, leading them across the Aterna Sea to oppose the rebellion.

Zran (zz-RAN): An alloy grown specifically to kill scrag that was developed during the War of Heroes. The alloy uses scrag blood in its conception, though the secrets of zransmithing are heavily guarded. Zran appears like a hole in the fabric of tangibility to the scrag but like a pale metal to humans. Red zran is stronger than white, though there are many degrees between. Gray infusions also mark impurity, but less so than white.

Each Kezzan is gifted with a pair of zran axes when they turn twelve and are conscripted into the military. The axes of those fallen in battle are displayed in Sedul.

Red zran is exceedingly rare and incredibly expensive. The Imperator wears a crown of red zran with a few gray streaks.

Zyrm (ZIRM) – HUMAN/OLITHIAN: A member of the Queen’s Men. Nobber’s father.