The Compendium

Powerful beings of myth credited with the creation and management of all the natural aspects of Miljah. They are primarily aligned to the myriad elements, orders of life and so forth. They are otherly and move to their own plans within their immortal perspective.

Aashahl & Divine

Common curse phrase in the north.

Curses & Sayings

The sacred tongue; the liturgical language of hymn and rite in which the Aashahl are praised. The Cantèl de Dannitar is sung in it. The Andohrase call it the Old Tongue and hold that the Ancients gifted it to them when they set them apart from the other kindreds of men; their war host sang its death hymns in it upon the Bont’Pywr. Compare Ancients

Words & Tongues

Curse phrase referencing the sorrow of the aashahl at the state of mortal lands.

Curses & Sayings

A greater Aashahl. Of the firstborn after the breath of Miljah. Actively undermined Anthos’ plans by seducing and corrupting many, including Xydrii and her children. Worked to keep the children of the greater aashahl at war with each other.

Aashahl & Divine

Adversary named in accounts of the Great War, spoken of alongside Drashtaa as a power whose favor the cruel seek. Castle Angleneth’s older defensive works are said to have been raised for the war against Achylle.

Aashahl & DivineCharacters

Nomadic people that live south of Mantorah. Frequently launch raids into the north. Seen as primitive by most in the High Sun Realms due to stark religious differences in their view of the Aashahl.

Peoples & Kindreds

A collection of battles that marked a deliberate expansion effort by Adohr into Mantorah. The assault was repelled with great loss by the Mantorahns. This war helped to unify the sub-castes within Mantorah, resulting in the realm growing in strength after the conflict.

Warfare & Battles

Title of the elder who rules the village of the Gale Lords. When the storm gryphons dropped Epri near the village, it was the Aduwahk who decreed she belonged to the storm lord and must be given back to him at the T’alter. Compare Storm Lord

Titles & Ranks

Andohrase for “Hearth-Missives,” letters sent home from campaign. Grieydn of the Rowan wrote such letters to his wife Elyri throughout the march to the Bont’Pywr. Compare Elyri

Words & TonguesTales & Texts

The Aya Dao’Tai and supreme ruler of the Subjugate. Fallen and winged in origin, spurned by her maker and cast out of a southern primal domain; she commands the Dao’Tai hosts, the Ty’kahl generals, and the Ikthii emissary Sethel. She seeks the Tears of the Aashahl for her own ends, intending to shed the yoke of Ach’Juln and Drashtaa once they are hers. Afyreen’s lineage links back to the oldest of legends among the realms. The truth of her is at the center of several Sunshadow efforts.

Characters

Ailc was a ship captain and revered hero within several oral sagas in the northwestern realms of Miljah. His name is given to a navigational star in the eastern sky.

CharactersStars & Sky

A single bright star that appears due east in the northern realms no matter the season. Used for navigation and in religious architecture.

Stars & Sky

Gallant Serjent of the Alabaster Guard and named Champion of Lady Re’alis Ta’Angleneth. Bears white armor and a long silvery halberd; his blade carries the sigils of the Alabaster Guard and a script naming him Re’alis’ champion. Serves alongside Gallant Ercoln. From the northern borders of Lea’Angleneth, his father was slain in a rare Ylack raid.

Characters

Tundraihn word for mortal, used of those without arcane descent.

Words & Tongues

Term for the people of Akarii. They live exclusively in the hidden realm of Akaroche. The Akarr River north of Kali’Kern also bears this name.

Peoples & Kindreds

A fallen Aashahl and primal mistress of creation and reformation of elements. Triplet sister of Xydrii and Shayar. She is the Mistress of creation and endurance. Loves her people and seeing their works multiply. Stubborn but slow to anger or to any reaction. Patience and deliberate action mark her course.

Aashahl & Divine

A great hidden realm in the far north, hidden in a labyrinth of slot canyons and plateaus. Akaroche has all but faded into myth for most people in the High Sun Realms.

Realms & Regions

Principal Castle in Lea’Angleneth. Built with the aid of the Akarii long before Lea’Angleneth was a realm unto itself.

Cities & Strongholds

Large navigable river flowing from the Freeholdn south into Lake Akarr. Many significant cities are upon its banks such as Thenill.

Lands & Waters

The wide fertile river valley that surrounds Lake Akarr. Populated by the people of Lea’Angleneth, with Thenill denoting the far northern edge of the area.

Lands & Waters

Name of the personal guard to Lady Re’alis. Sometimes called the Angleneth Guard. Their armor is made from the finest evergleam steel decorated with pearlescent enamel and bronze. Aireathyn and Ercoln are two of their numbers noted for surviving a battle with an Ikthii-led Grishkii ambush. Their armor is so difficult to produce, and the methods so secretive, that significant battles have been fought to recover lost panoply.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Anothn prefix for King or supreme ruler.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Anothn prefix for Female ruler.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Island chain across the western seas. Home of the Allitorii and Shayar the Aashahl. There are thousands of islands, many of which are large with lush jungles and pleasant climates. Various familial clans of Allitorii populate the islands, each following their own rulers yet unified should Shayar make her will known unto them. Mariners avoid these islands due to the dangerous plants and animals and the militant nature of the Allitorii themselves.

Realms & RegionsLands & Waters

Small mountain village high in the Vagath’Oth Mountains. Once part of Vagath’Oth proper, it was lost in the Sundering War from the concerns of any realm. Home to one of the oldest Anthosn temples as well as ancient steam works from the time of old Andohra.

Cities & Strongholds

Kindred from the Alliix Isles. A large contingent of the Allitorii served as the Royal Guard of Anoth up until the sack of Ell’Anoth. A martial society with large family units formed of multiple females who select and share a male in order to sire cohorts of children in large numbers and matched ages. The Allitorii are the scions of Shayar and her first and only mortal lover. Among certain sagely circles, their status as Andeo kindred is hotly debated. Regardless, they are not like other mortals. They seem to physically defy aging, and they heal from wounds swift beyond reason. Their eyes appear to have a dull light all their own, though they do not command any overt types of magics.

Peoples & Kindreds

A greater Aashahl. The Seeker, Wanderer’s shield. Of the firstborn after the first breath of Miljah. Protector of the wanderer, seeker of the lost. Often offers people opportunities to help her avatars in need. Is keen to repay kindness to the less fortunate. Swift to aid the lost traveler and the road weary. The remote and isolated kindreds of men venerate her most often. Most cities have small monastic orders in her name, dedicated to the poor and road weary. Hostels and open kitchens for the poor are often dedicated to her.

Aashahl & Divine

A northern constellation. Useful as a navigational reference and important in many religions for its symbology. Many cults time rituals around this constellation’s movement.

Stars & Sky

Arcane implements most often worn over the hand, into which a caster releases their power and the amithyle then focuses and amplifies the power. In form they are typically cuffs, bracelets and so forth. Dangerous to those unschooled in their use. They can be crafted into other types and forms, though this is difficult and thus these amithyles are most rare.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & Healing

Those who, by Andohrase tradition, set the Andohrase apart from the other kindreds of men and gifted them the Old Tongue, Aashahlic. See Aashahlic

Aashahl & DivineWords & Tongues

Term for kindreds of magical beings who are the offspring of the Aashahl or other beings of arcane power. Often collectively referred to as simply "andeo". Andeo can be of mortal and immortal lineage or of two immortal beings. The term is considered derogatory among many groups of such beings, especially those who are entirely the immortal kin of powerful Aashahl. The term is applied to the Akarii, Ilysh, Shedim, Atha’Tarrii, Pali’andeo, Allitorii, the eastern giants, the southern drakes, and to bloodlines that carry traits explicable only by an arcane connection.

Peoples & Kindreds

An alliance of linguistically and culturally similar people. Loosely organized into a confederation of villages and fortress cities in the Vagath’Oth Mountains bordering the old realm of Vagath proper to the north, Syrah to the west, Lea’Angleneth to the east. Running from Mount Anthos in the south, north through the mountains to about the west road into Lea’Angleneth. Dræll’Oth is the principal city of the realm. The Andohrase elect a chief to represent them as a realm when dealing with outside powers. Their warriors are famous for high-quality archers and spearmen. Andohra was once part of the realm of Vagath but fought a successful war of secession. Andohra resisted the Subjugate invasion fiercely and suffered greatly during the ensuing conflict. Toward the end of the war with the Subjugate, the Aya Dao’Tai leveraged the darkest of her powers to curse the realm of Andohra, leaving it uninhabitable, a place of nightmare, shadows and rumors of dark entities.

Realms & Regions

Term for the people of Andohra.

Peoples & Kindreds

Companion of Feldorell in The Sojourn of Feldorell. Plucked from the chill waters off Dinas Gelwyn by the outlander, he swore himself to Feldorell and turned from his own kin to walk new paths at his side. Compare Feldorell

Peoples & KindredsCharacters

Water-powered clock built and kept in Angleneth. Used as the standard time there. The two largest hold a Kugtre and must be refilled every halfmoon. Many smaller versions have been made and sold. Despite the recent invention of a mechanical moon clock, water clocks are still more popular for home use due to their pleasing sounds and aesthetic.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsTime & Calendar

Principal city of Lea’Angleneth. Home to the preponderance of the realm’s people. Angleneth is built upon an extensive island in Lake Akarr.

Cities & Strongholds

Castle in Lea’Angleneth, built to defend the causeway that connects the island of Angleneth to the mainland.

Cities & Strongholds

Term for a person of Lea’Angleneth.

Peoples & Kindreds

Last Queen of Anoth. Killed when the Subjugate sacked the capital of Ell’Anoth.

Characters

Major city-state within the Freeholdn. East past Thenill upon the West Way, Anken serves as the last major settlement before a traveler crosses the Loss River. Anken was the site of a protracted battle and siege during the Subjugate invasion.

Cities & Strongholds

A reef remembered by Kaileth Hirradahn from his youth, where he swam with his sister Kail’ar beneath the light of a distant sun.

Lands & Waters

Once-powerful realm that controlled the central region of the High Sun Realms. Anoth was the center for culture, learning, art, military, and diplomatic power. Anoth was also a hub of novel banking systems that empowered extensive trade with the island realms of the sea. Anoth was principally a city-state with several significant smaller cities, many villages, border fortresses, and towns spread through the expanse of territory she controlled directly. Anoth operated a vast diplomatic corps with emissaries in most major cities of allied realms. The capital city of Anoth was Ell’Anoth. Anoth fought many wars on behalf of their allies, asking nothing in return. Culturally the realm held honor, altruism, and self-improvement as the measure of greatness. Anoth fell after a protracted war with the invading Dao’Tai Subjugate.

Realms & Regions

Adjectival and demonymic form of Anoth. Used for the people, language, calendar, temple rites, and royal line of the fallen realm, and of the servitude class taken from it after the sack of Ell’Anoth.

Peoples & KindredsWords & Tongues

Known as The Patient Father in the High Sun Realms and the Mistress Eternal in the south. In reality Anthos is two beings intertwined into a perfect harmony of will and thought. They created their children, the Aashahl, in several generations, each successive generation being an order of magnitude lesser than the one prior, forming a hierarchy. Each generation is counted as siblings to each other and in the eyes of Anthos. Some believe that Miljah is the female portion of Anthos and that she gave her form and essence to give life to the planet that now bears her name.

Aashahl & Divine

A widespread monastic order dedicated to the creeds and philosophies accredited to Anthos and his chosen prophets. This order is organized into a common structure across Miljah: Acolytes, Priest Wardens, Priest Knowers, and Defenders of the Altar. These ranks have more to do with wisdom gifted from Anthos than years in the order. Some ranks are more pragmatic and are given to members who perform a specific role or trade within the order. Priest Wardens, for example, are often prior members of military orders and armies of the various realms.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Major frontier city of Mantorah. Situated upon the outlet of the Amber River where the flow empties into the Mantellis Inlet. Anuar was occupied by Subjugate forces after the fall of Anoth. The population suffered all manner of abuses during this period.

Cities & Strongholds

A highly trained herbalist and medicinal sage. Able to use very simple incantations to augment their repertoire of herbal compound-based medicines. Typically employed by the powerful or working in public houses of healing, apothatrists can deal with most common illnesses and injuries. Their remedies are primarily practical skills and quality medicinal potions and compounds. They eschew the term healer, as healers rely almost entirely on the power of the arcane for their craft. True healers are very rare in most realms.

Arcane & Healing

Series of large mountain peaks in the central Vagath’Oth Mountains. Unpopulated by man, the area is rife with beasts of mythic natures. Sometimes bands of adventurous hunters explore the peaks hoping to make their name by slaying a creature of legend.

Lands & Waters

High Spring. Third month of the year.

Time & Calendar

Ending of spring in Old Andohrase — fourth month of the year.

Time & Calendar

Mid spring. The second month of the year.

Time & Calendar

Start of spring. First month of the year.

Time & Calendar

Cursed waste of the far south where the arcane fails. The Trials of Fahdryll tells of its seas of sand, a realm laid waste by arcane war, and of the towered keep of pearl and stone within it where the Oracle dwells. The Jendayi live near its borders, and it is said the epi’tharo keeps its powers of healing even there. Some hold that the arcane doldrums, as much as fear of the Xydar, kept the Subjugate from marching south. Compare Oracle

Realms & RegionsLands & WatersArcane & Healing

Practitioner of the arcane arts. Many arcanists of Lea’Angleneth and the old army of Anoth were taken captive and set to forced labor building the Subjugate’s machines of war. They once possessed the knowledge to craft many wondrous items imbued with practical glamours.

Arcane & Healing

Large navigable river that starts in the Vagath’Oth Mountains and runs mostly south parallel to the Anvil Mountains down through the Tundraihn forest toward the Dark Realms. Used as a waterway for commerce where it passes through the verdant plains near Syrah and further south past the Red Gates of Mantorah. During the Adohr Wars, the river played host to several shipboard actions as the Adohr used large paddle barges to push deep into the northern lands.

Lands & Waters

Mantorahn river fortress on their northeastern frontier.

Cities & Strongholds

Lord of war, master of battle. He believes that only the strongest deserve to live and that life is for testing prowess. Loves a good laugh and a good fight. An Aashahl of the third order of power. He is particularly venerated by the Taivadeans.

Aashahl & Divine

Archer of the Rowan war-band of Andohra during the Subjugate invasion. Cousin to Grieydn and beloved of Briahlen of Dræll’Oth. Present for the fall of the Bont’Pywr and among the few of his kin to survive it.

Characters

Swift Sister, Lady on High — Mistress of birds of prey, the air, and the hunt. Lover of the chase, a thrill-seeker and an excitable being with a hot temper. An Aashahl of the second order of power. She serves as a foster mother to the Jendayi. She is rumored to indulge in mortal trysts when the mood takes her.

Aashahl & Divine

Immortal kindred of beings that exist just outside of the mortal plane. They are beyond elusive and otherworldly. Many believe they are older than the Aashahl and of an entirely different form of power and magic.

Aashahl & DivinePeoples & Kindreds

Fierce warrior servants of the Aashahl. Exalted humans in appearance. They cannot reproduce, nor do they share all the same emotions as mortals. Normally entirely focused on their charge from the Aashahl they serve.

Aashahl & DivinePeoples & Kindreds

A black metal used in armor and weapons. Made from crystalline secretions in active lava tubes. Only arcane power can heat the metal to its melting point. The Xydar, Dactyls, and Akar are the only known kindreds to readily work the metal. It is obsidian black in color and sheen, both durable and flexible when worked with skill. Next to unbreakable, it is said avertyyn can never lose an edge. Once formed into a shape it resists magic forces exerted upon it with a violent reaction.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

600 men and horse — Mantorahn unit of heavy horse.

Warfare & Battles

River of Andohra; “Black-Flow” in Old Andohrase for the swift, dark current of its waters. Grieydn of the Rowan first met his wife Elyri upon its banks.

Lands & WatersWords & Tongues

Sovereign title of the ruler of the Dao’Tai and, through them, of the Subjugate. Held during the Subjugate Wars by Afyreen. The Aya commands the Ty’kahl generals directly and is attended by a chancellor. The Dao’Tai see their Aya as a divine figure whose will is beyond question.

Titles & Ranks

Large city-state within the Freeholdn. Fiercely proud of their realm, they maintain a small but highly professional host. The city lost nearly half of all the fighting-aged men during the war to resist the Subjugate invasion. Baldrees Vail now serves as a secretive enclave for the Sunshadow.

Cities & Strongholds

Andohrase war-band captained by Ule’Ardro. At the Bont’Pywr it marched with Dveargo’s vanguard to slow and harass the approaching Dao’Tai.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Andohrase war-band captained by Ka’Drennog, marching beneath a sable hart banner. Men of the band dressed the game taken on the final march to the Bont’Pywr.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Common swear word. Considered highly offensive.

Curses & Sayings

Species of giant bird of prey. Similar in appearance to a falcon but of extraordinary size. Exclusively bred by the Royal Guard of Anoth from stock they brought from the Alliix Isles. They are extremely intelligent and loyal. Most were lost after the fall of Anoth. Known to be able to speak and to live much longer than man.

Creatures

The first of the battles fought near the West Way in the Subjugate War. The Tyraneth vanguard broke through the Dao’Tai center, slaying several Ikthii and both Ty’kahls in command, though their small number could not carry the day. Mantorah was said to have surrendered once the West Way fell.

Warfare & Battles

Dialect of old Anothn in which the war hounds and battle falcons of the Anothn royal guard are commanded. Ralenn gives Riidak and Mirris their orders in it, and Mirris speaks it herself. Compare Battle Falcon, Hyphron; Riidak

Words & Tongues

Member of a highway band known as The Howe Keepers, a reference to their lair deep in the Fell Track forest among the ancient burial mounds there. Many Anothn refugees call the catacombs of the Fell Track home.

Characters

Freeholdn celebration held in most freeholds after the wheat harvest is collected. Dannitar is especially revered at this time as she is believed to renew the earth and bring fresh hope and a plentiful harvest. It is tradition in most Freeholdn communities for couples to join at this time and for those now promised to also know each other. Any child that results from this celebration is marked as a chosen of Dannitar and many are raised into her monastic orders.

Festivals & Rites

Soldier in old Anothn. Has older connotations that few now understand.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Young ruler of the freehold of Kali’Kern and the appointed representative of the Freeholdn to the Subjugate. After the execution of her uncle by the Subjugate she was forced to assume his role at a very young age. Being both young and extremely beautiful, nearly all the major houses within the Freeholdn have actively made attempts to influence and control her by means overt and covert.

Characters

Arena battles to the death between criminals, slaves and exotic animals. A new institution to the High Sun Realms introduced and managed by the Subjugate. Used as a public reminder of the power of the Subjugate. Many political enemies of the Subjugate find their death during these games.

Warfare & BattlesFestivals & Rites

Nuntak. Large and swift but thankfully rare, the Blue Drake primarily lives in the warmer southern climes. Unlike their smaller cousins, blue drakes can glide thanks to their very wide membraned wings that stretch between their four limbs and a tail. Primarily ambush predators, they prefer to strike from the upper reaches of the jungle canopy or from the tops of desert buttes, silently gliding down to attack their prey. It is contested as to their ability to project any form of fire or acidic slime.

Creatures

Queen of the Dark Waters, Lady Blue Sea — She is an Aashahl of the third order of power. Worshiped extensively by the Taivadeans. She is believed to aid those upon the oceans. Many shrines are raised to her upon the western shores of Mantorah.

Aashahl & Divine

Warrior’s guild common in many cities. They offer protective services, facility guards, personal guards, bounty collection, and similar things. Under the Subjugate’s rule they refused to cooperate directly with the Dao’Tai wherever they could, preferring to maintain their prewar contracts, focusing on trade caravan protection.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Ancient bridge built by the people of Akaroche long before the names Andohrase or Mantorahn were known, spanning a sheer-sided gorge in the Vagath’Oth Mountains that no army could otherwise cross. Held and ultimately destroyed by the Andohrase war host to deny its use to the invading Dao’Tai during the Subjugate War.

Cities & StrongholdsLands & WatersWarfare & Battles

Powerful and extensive trade guild. This guild has outposts on the western continents and several isles of the sea. No outsider knows the exact size of their wide network, but they seem able to source any item given enough time and coin. Under the Subjugate they have turned a blind eye to their members who have chosen to add human chattel to their inventories.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Andohrase for brother.

Words & Tongues

Healer of the Freeholdn, of the berg of Crywmhred. She was present in Lea’Angleneth when the Dao’Tai army attacked. Attending the wounded in the healer’s hall during the fighting, she earned the personal debt of the Lord of Mantorah after the battle of Castle Angleneth.

Characters

Father of fate, Split of the Coin, Lord of the Winds — He is an endless prankster who enjoys the twists and turns of life and the unexpected. Also, the hand of fate and karma. An Aashahl of the second order. He is one of the most frequently prayed-to aashahl as those who call to him ask for luck to tip toward their favor.

Aashahl & Divine

Considered a fairly harsh expletive.

Curses & Sayings

South by southeast constellation. Used in navigation.

Stars & Sky

Western Freeholdn fortress. Built in ages past, the fastness is beyond the understanding of mortal kindreds. Walls and bastions without flaw. Bren’Tir remains a stronghold of note within the Freeholdn.

Cities & Strongholds

Villager of Allinth whose union feast with Droiwn was held in the grand hall of the village broch, where the maidens played Crowns and Candles for a true circlet of silver.

Characters

About 16 miles. Term used commonly.

Measures & Coin

6 men and horse of Mantorahn cavalry.

Warfare & Battles

A breed of large, swift warhorse native to Mantorah, a carefully protected bloodline. Often used for both battle and patrol; the breed does well in both roles and is prized for this ability. Ridden by the Mantorahn lancers and heavy escort.

Creatures

Beloved of Arryn of the Rowan, awaiting his return in Dræll’Oth through the Subjugate invasion.

Characters

Large hard-shell nuts about the size of a child’s fist.

PlantsFood & Drink

Like baklava. A popular pastry in many realms.

Food & Drink

Considered the base operational unit of Mantorahn heavy infantry. Generally, about 2,048 men. To command a brontar is typically reserved for the noble born only. Harthyn Diahc was the first and only low caste descendant to ever command a brontar in battle.

Warfare & Battles

Hospitality Hall guild that is well established in most large cities. They operate inns, gambling houses, and in some locations, bordellos. The largest temple to Brek in the realms is also operated by them, where they actively venerate the Aashahl. This temple complex also contains a massive casino.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Acolyte of Anthos who lived at the Allinth monastery. A war orphan from the Subjugate invasion.

Characters

Third of an ounce of silver, electrum, or gold coin. Generally an accepted standard denomination of currency.

Measures & Coin

A small brass or copper kettle used for brewing and serving warmed drinks and restorative draughts. Favored by apothatrists and camp healers for their portability, a cacabi is often slung from a cord or belt to keep its contents close at hand on the march.

Food & DrinkArms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & Healing

Lord of Mantorah and father of High Lord Rahdan Devick Tolkol. Schooled his son from a young age in the logistics of war and in command upon the field. Killed fighting Adohr during the Subjugate’s invasion.

Characters

Priestess of Allinth. Childhood friend to Lirah. She fully embraced the feminine expression of the Anthosn order. Cailli was a war orphan from the Subjugate invasion.

Characters

Council of all the High Daradar of Mantorah. It selects the family that provides the High Lord Rahdan and may replace that family should it fail in its duties; it also reviews and alters reports passing to the Rahdan. Historically it has acted on its own authority in crisis, as when it broke a siege by a returning foe.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsTitles & Ranks

The Hymn to Dannitar, sung in Aashahlic. It praises Dannitar as mother of the seasons and of the green, who binds the wounded earth, teaches the balance of flower and blade, and promises that after the ash the root is born.

Tales & Texts

See Angleneth Castle Compare Knower’s Tower

Cities & Strongholds

The constellations Layr set in the heavens for the delight of Anthos, praised in Anothn devotion. The broad river of stars that divides the night sky is counted among them. See Layr

Aashahl & DivineStars & Sky

Massive bear, resistant to magic. Thrice the height of a man when standing. Sometimes the target of professional hunts by lordlings looking for local fame. Attempts have been made to train these beasts to serve in battle.

Creatures

One of the running battles of the Subjugate War in which a Mantorahn army suffered losses alongside the Andohrase. Compare Gr’frved, Il’hredt, Luy’prd

Warfare & Battles

A rather forward-thinking Grishkii Chaitan. Noted for his willingness to form alliances and cooperate with other species, something his kin are not known for. Under his leadership his clan was positioned as the dominant Grishkii ally to the Subjugate.

Characters

A small, spiny, columned plant which produces lime-sized pods from a central stalk. Flourishes in and around Thry’gorh warrens. The pods dry out over time, growing increasingly sensitive to kinetic stimuli or changes in barometric pressures. Once ripe, they’ll burst from any significant disturbance, releasing a thick, inky, red-colored cloud as it oxidizes. The spore cloud is a very powerful irritant, prompting acute, sudden allergic reactions in the respiratory and ocular regions, affecting all senses besides touch. It is often lethal.

Plants

Andohrase for sister.

Words & Tongues

Trained in the practical treatment of wounds, serving alongside the apothatrist. Anoth was home to the most renowned colleges of study for the chyrurgeon’s art. There is no magical aspect to their work.

Arcane & Healing

The everyday rune script of the realms, as distinct from the ancient tok runes. The emblem of the Dao’Tai sets the common rune for P over a deep-purple tok-rune. Compare Tok runes

Words & Tongues

Captain of the Rowan war-band of Andohra. Adoptive father to the camp-maker Fëolahc, whom he claimed as ward after the loss of her family to ruby-fever.

Characters

Also Candles and Crowns. A game of wits and guile played at harvest festivals in Allinth. Each player holds candles, and the winner is rewarded with a crown, most often a harvest wreath.

Festivals & Rites

Powerful berg within the Freeholdn. Situated on the north-central shores of Lake Crywmhred. A robust trade alliance exists with Tor’Crywm on the opposite southern shore of the lake.

Cities & Strongholds

An old tongue of the deep mountains, spoken by the wardens who came down from them to trade and by the men of the village of the Gale Lords. Epri knew a little of it from the songs of her mother’s mother.

Words & Tongues

Also known as Cave or Cavern Wraiths. They are the central figures in many folk tales. This beyond-reclusive species of beings dwells exclusively within the deep parts of the largest mountain ranges. Responsible for many tunnels used by the surface folk to traverse under impassable mountains. Dactyls are generally regarded as benevolent though dangerous if disturbed or provoked. Some claim that they will take certain mortals as pupils, occasionally sharing their great skill in artifice and inventions.

Peoples & KindredsCreatures

Andohrase for father, used fondly. Fëolahc calls Cordrin her Dah.

Words & Tongues

Freeholdn full moon festival. Observed on each full moon, this day serves as a reminder that time is ever flowing, and it should be savored. Families take time away from daily routine to be together, and general rest and relaxation is the norm. Often music, songs and every art are enjoyed. Oliar, mistress of time, is especially revered during this festival. The bardic colleges also hold special musical concerts or recitals of oral history.

Festivals & Rites

Mistress Evernew, Mistress of Renewal, Mistress of Mercy, Merciful Sister, Sister of Seasons — Known by many names and among the most venerated of the Aashahl. Mistress of the seasons, nature, renewal, rebirth, and healing. An ally of all who love the earth and serve the balance of nature. Kindhearted and quick to sorrow for the pain she sees in the mortal realms. With Anthos’ blessing she created her children the Yiillyar to ease the suffering she saw. An Aashahl of the second order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Mortal kin of unknown origin. Generally, very large and muscled, seemingly bred for war. They shun the use of horses and favor heavy infantry in battle. Their females and children are kept in isolation from other mortal kindreds, and little is known about their culture and habits. They do use slaves of every sort, and their officers are known to enjoy the company of non-Dao’Tai consorts. They worship the Aya Dao’Tai Afyreen despite her clearly being a different kindred altogether. They do not venerate any other Aashahl.

Peoples & Kindreds

Landed lords of Mantorah, each holding their own lands and vassals and bending to the rule of the High Lord Rahdan. The High Daradar together form the Camarilla. See also High Daradar, Camarilla Daradar

Titles & Ranks

Hard campaign ration of the Andohrase war-bands, boiled and eaten with dried meat. Compare Ord tack

Food & DrinkWarfare & Battles

Old name in the north for the Xydar, now also a curse. Irem of the Tundraihn named Vishaya a Dark Tear when she first saw her. In The Trials of Fahdryll the Dark Tears are the raiding host that fell upon Y’drellyn’s people. Compare Xydar, Xydarii

Peoples & KindredsCurses & Sayings

Aashahl, twin of Nique’Shay, sired by Ach’Juln upon Paldrii. An Aashahl of the fourth order of power and Nique’Shay’s matched pair: he the mastery of the dark, she the fury within it. With his sister he is invoked in prayers for the dying, that they guide the departed with dance and song to Paldrii’s keeping. Compare Nique’Shay; Paldrii

Aashahl & Divine

Old realm of the High Sun Realms, kindred to Andohra. Both rebelled against Vagath some hundred sulsta past. Upon their victory over Vagath, Dashra and Andohra held the length of the mountain range between them, leaving the eastern foothills and plains as the principal remnant of Vagath. Dashran axemen fought during the Subjugate War of invasion in the eastern line beside Anoth, Andohra, Akaroche, and the northern Freeholdn. Their realm fell into disarray after their high king and all his sons fell in battle. The Dao’Tai were swift to rush forces into the realm, capitalizing upon the power vacuum to fully conquer Dashra. Though the people persist in smaller numbers, no one calls Dashra a living realm anymore. Extensive Sunshadow cells populate the mountain vastness now, ready to lift high their banners should a new Dashran king command them to.

Realms & Regions

Title of a ruling lord in the north. A High Dayrn holds the greater rank, as did Chalid of Thenill. Compare Dayrn Halor; High Dayrn Chalid of Thenill

Titles & Ranks

Lord of the Freeholdn whose land and people were taken wholly into the Subjugate’s possession, every holding made the Dao’Tai’s and given back only as their governor saw fit. His fate served the other realms as warning of what defiance would cost.

Characters

A pass cut through the northern Vagath’Oth Mountains during the Vagath’Oth Sundering War by Dashran partisan forces. It was used to avoid Vagath patrols upon the King’s Road that crosses the mountains from east to west using the ancient bridge called the Bont’Pywr to cross a dramatic ravine in the high mountain valleys.

Lands & WatersWarfare & Battles

Oyster whose venom is among the ingredients of sulf-char. See Sulf-char

Creatures

Company of Sh’Tar. A demi-troop sent by the army of Anoth from north of Thenill to bolster the defense of the Bont’Pywr was slain by the Thalyphonid warriors marching with it.

Warfare & Battles

Anthosn Priest of the Allinth monastery and friend to Lirah. An orphan from the Subjugate invasion, he took to the martial aspect of the Anthosn order.

Characters

Powerful beings counted among the Shedim. See Shedim

Aashahl & Divine

Tundraihn princess, daughter of the Eolai’Mahtair Telistia. Taken captive by the Subjugate, she was freed from the In Kind slave complex in the escape led by Lirah and Vishaya, and lay for days in a fevered fugue under Lirah’s care before waking aboard ship to name herself. Compare Eolai’Mahtair; Farseeker

Characters

Freeholdn fortified city. Situated upon the northeastern shores of Lake Gelwyn, directly across the lake from Kali’Kar. Dinas Gelwyn boasts a proud shipbuilding culture both in river barks and ocean-going vessels, using the Gelwyn River to reach the sea. Dinas Gelwyn once served as the export hub for goods flowing from Akaroche.

Cities & Strongholds

Thalyphonid warship. Threydn Drogemyna sought leave to send two diremes into Subjugate service to search for his missing merchant vessels. Compare Pentareme

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsWarfare & Battles

A wool-ox from Allinth taken into the care and service of Lirah.

CharactersCreatures

About the length of an adult man’s arm. About a yard.

Measures & Coin

Freeholdn fortress. Mountain fastness in the northeastern Freeholdn, due north of Kali’Toreen. The fortress is one of the furthest north and east population centers. It is the final launching point before the wilderness that extends from the Freeholdn to the east. The fortress is older than lore, built upon the slopes of Mount Trynn’Due; its works include a subterranean city of spectacular beauty.

Cities & Strongholds

Large venomous bird. Brightly colored with a beautiful song. Chest and tail hold poisonous barbed quills. Not overly aggressive unless you are near its nest.

Creatures

Four-legged rodent, short-snouted, no tail. Primarily eats roots and succulent plants. Common in the Fell Track and other deep forests. Used as a food source by some people.

Creatures

Legendary high king of Andohra given the byname gryphon-bane. Once served by the shield bearer Orywr’Fal.

Characters

Principal city of Andohra. A bastion of defensive works with few peers among the holds and walled cities across the realms. Built upon the ground cleared by Træmür’Wäk’s fire. The citadel at the city’s heart is tall enough to see out of the valley that the city is built within. Atop this tower Orphyl’Minowyr caused an astro-augury to be constructed shortly after Andohra was freed from the rule of Vagath. No word of the city has been heard since the coming of the Dao’Tai.

Cities & Strongholds

Andohrase war-band captained by Tywnn. At the Bont’Pywr it held the southeastern flank of the bridgehead and sent skirmishers ranging into the forest.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

About 4,050 feet, Anothn standard of measurement.

Measures & Coin

Gargantuan old-growth trees found in the deep forests near Andohra, said to grow taller and broader than any other tree common to the High Sun Realms. Their vast canopies shelter roundhouses and glades alike, and a stand of dralevom is counted among a village’s oldest treasures.

Plants

About 1,350 feet, Anothn standard of measurement.

Measures & Coin

Master of Murder and defilement. An ally to Ach’Juln. Petty, selfish, and bloodthirsty to a fault. He delights in exploiting the weak, defiling the pure and murdering to gain power. Most of his followers can be marked by their blood sacrifice rites and the violations of innocents and the weak. Aashahl of the fourth order of power, he is venerated by the Srellites and Ikthii among others.

Aashahl & Divine

Taivadean Kyrg. Led the Taivadean force that marched south to Syrah. One of the youngest leaders of his kin. A fervent follower of their spiritual traditions.

Characters

About 21 miles. Anothn standard of measurement.

Measures & Coin

About 63 miles. Anothn standard of measurement.

Measures & Coin

Commonly used expletive. Not considered overly offensive in lowborn company.

Curses & Sayings

Andohrase word meaning dismount.

Words & Tongues

Villager of Allinth whose union feast with Breshel was held in the grand hall of the village broch. See Breshel

Characters

Calamity that destroyed the old western homeland of the Anothn. Ryvadale I was warned of it in vision and led his people north before it fell, and the new realm of Anoth was founded in AR 0 by those who came away. Anoth reckoning is counted from that founding.

Warfare & Battles

Anothn for Master of War.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Mantorahn cavalry formation of about 60 men and horse.

Warfare & Battles

Freeholdn word for sovereign defender or servant of the people. Title given to person elected by all the Freeholdn to rule as a high king or queen.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Captain of the Andohrase host at the Bont’Pywr; twin brother to Fievgo, son of an Adohr father and an Andohrase mother. Voted to lead the host by his fellow captains.

Characters

Hot, bright red draught given out by Eyrr’Ahwla to warm and fortify the Rowan war-band on the march.

Food & DrinkArcane & Healing

Freeholdn word for a duchess.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Roughly 3-gallon style of popular clay pottery. Used interchangeably for a span of time of about six hours on a water clock.

Time & CalendarMeasures & Coin

Narrow canyon south of Ell’Anoth. It played host to a disastrous battle during the invasion of the Subjugate. The forests near the canyon bear the same name. Home to many ancient ruins that predate known lore.

Lands & Waters

The dead raised by the Ikthii and made to walk, fielded in massed ranks as the Subjugate’s unnatural and unholy advantage in battle. They act in sudden perfect unison and increase in prowess the closer their controlling Ikthii is to them. They retain whatever martial skill they held in life. Anything the dzum can see and hear the Ikthii also knows. They can be raised from only the freshly slain or those taken alive by the dark powers of the Ikthii. See Desecrator, Ikthii

CreaturesArcane & Healing

Female Tundraihn warrior of Orodan’s war party. She takes a special sisterly liking to Lirah.

Characters

Navigational constellation in the west by southwest.

Stars & Sky

Legendary hunter of only the most spectacular beasts of legend. Many stories feature the impossible feats of Ect’ar in days long past.

CharactersTales & Texts

Strategic mountain passes through the Vagath’Oth Mountains. Difficult to find and traverse, they are one of the few paths through the mountains.

Lands & Waters

Fords north of which a great battle against the Dao’Tai was fought early in the Subjugate War. Rahmith and Epri repaired several hundred breastplates damaged there by Dao’Tai war hammers.

Lands & WatersWarfare & Battles

Dark effervescent cider of Xydarii make. Considered an exotic import item from southern trade caravans, its actual origins are obscured deliberately in order to sell it without repercussions.

Food & Drink

Bread made from oats, dark wheat, and verdm berries.

Food & Drink

Anothn messenger of Ty’kahl Acotas, the tenth sent and the only one to reach Afyreen, traveling alone by lonely ways with no sigil, mark, or purse. Son of a Sh’Tar of Anoth, he bears a forbidden Anothn name and does not hide it. He brought word of the Taivadean rebellion and the loss of Chancellor Rovik at the investment of Syrah, and Afyreen took him into her service.

Characters

Anothn prefix for Golden ray, or bright sunlight.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Ell’Anoth is the most populous city in the High Sun Realms. Being the capital of Anoth, Ell’Anoth was the principal target of the Subjugate invasions and now plays host to their occupational government and military camps. Ell’Anoth is situated on the north Kray’Bahn Plateau, in the bend of the Vryl’Bahn River. At its prime Ell’Anoth was a marvelous, sprawling metropolis with entire districts dedicated to trade, the arts, colleges of learning, and all manner of the best craft and works civilized kindreds have to offer.

Cities & Strongholds

Wife of Grieydn of the Rowan, to whom his letters home during the Subjugate War were addressed.

Characters

Crested birds about the size of a mountain blue jay. Their top feathers are a shiny metallic black; however, their contour feathers and down are vibrant shades of orange and red, lending the appearance of being made from ash and embers. Their songs are melodic and low, considered among the most beautiful in Miljah. Ember-larks are a traditional gift during formal courtships among several realms. They are considered a good omen when sighted during weddings or festivals of renewal.

Creatures

Daughter of Allinth’s Reve. Young and soft-spoken. Known in the community for her gentle kindness. Taken captive during a Grishkii raid upon the village.

Characters

Arcane art drawing on both arcane power and the blessing of the Aashahl. Natural empathy is the trait most prized in a healer of Anthos or of any of the Aashahl. Few are actually able to heal in this manner as it cannot be learned without the hereditary gift.

Arcane & Healing

Andohrase for the one with whom a person is fated to share their life; soul’s mate.

Words & Tongues

Tundraihn queen or matriarch. More than just a leader, the Eolai’Mahtair is essential in the perpetuation of their people. She plays a critical role in a ritual that brings new Tundraihn females into Miljah. This ability is passed from mother to daughter. The term is used interchangeably between the matron and her daughters.

Titles & Ranks

Equine creature with a singular horn. Very rare and usually associated with either great or terrible events. Imbued with arcane powers. Seen in either the deepest forests or the shifting sands of the southern deserts. Known to roam the arcane doldrums, and it is said their powers of healing are not sapped by those cursed lands.

Creatures

Daughter of Rahmith the armorsmith. Of the kindreds who lived along the Aril River south of Syrah. An ethnically separate people from the larger realms in that area. Lover and soul-mate to Kaileth. She and her father escaped the invasion of the Subjugate to live in Allinth after the war. She raised the war orphan Ralenn as her own in the remote village.

Characters

End of summer-start of fall. The eighth month.

Time & Calendar

Middling summer. The sixth month.

Time & Calendar

High summer. The seventh month.

Time & Calendar

Start of summer. The fifth month.

Time & Calendar

Gallant of the Alabaster Guard and guardian to Lady Re’alis Ta’Angleneth, serving beside Gallant Serjent Aireathyn. Both owe their lives and their restored place at Re’alis’ side to Lord Devick who aided them after a deadly ambush at the hands of an Ikthii.

Characters

Eel of the reefs of the Alliix Isles. They avoid man but are deadly when cornered or surprised. Their skin is prized as a source of leather.

Creatures

Large six-legged rodents, 2-3 feet long. Sharp-snouted and very aggressive. Will attack anything that seems to be threatening their dens. A source of food in hard times.

Creatures

Mantorahn unit of sixty-four men, most often led by a serjent valorous. The Taivadeans field their chariots in escadrons as well. Compare Serjent Valorous

Warfare & Battles

Denizen of Ell’Anoth and the Dao’Tai’s military camps. Servant to a Dao’Tai officers’ mess.

Characters

Anothn devotional text of the Aashahl, their rites, and the peril of seeking their favor wrongly. Attributed to an anonymous author. Much debate surrounds who authored them. Copies in various forms date back long before Anoth rose to greatness.

Tales & Texts

Grassy plain at the base of the Arah peaks above Allinth, said to grow green all year no matter the season. Caverns open nearby, and men who went up seeking violus nectar and treasure there did not return. Ralenn went there to hunt the grand frost lion for his Imer’Antras and faced the ice sphinx in its caverns.

Lands & Waters

Lea’Angleneth white steel. Multi-layered white steel that is resistant to rust. Regarded as the finest steel commonly known. Used for weapons and armor. Can be polished to a white mother-of-pearl sheen. Extremely expensive and difficult to make. Not in widespread use even in Lea’Angleneth due to the difficulty in its production.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Military order dedicated to Sheibrok. They maintain numerous monastery citadels, primarily on well-traveled roads, near remote bridges, and in a few cities. They are known for declaring crusades against what they deem threats to the balance of Justice and Mercy. They follow the directive of their Exalted Sibyl. They often work in concert with other militant monastic orders. The Everguard has been openly suppressed by the Subjugate with many of their installations being seized.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Epithet of Jillii, invoked in prayer for swift aid and for the return of what is lost. See Jillii

Aashahl & Divine

Epithet of Jillii, invoked in prayer for favor in uncertain outcomes. See Jillii

Aashahl & Divine

Epithet of Dannitar, Mistress of Seasons, honored with a festival each Arah’Ashli as the land warms and the flowers open. See Dannitar

Aashahl & DivineFestivals & Rites

Warrior of the Rowan war-band of Andohra. Slain by treacherous Thalyphonid slingers during the defense of the Bont’Pywr.

Characters

Apothatrist attached to the Rowan war-band during the defense of the Bont’Pywr. Not of Andohrase kindred herself, she was renowned for her healing and her uncanny, unsettling connection to the old magics of Miljah.

Characters

Tale of heroes from the old days, told to children and sung by the folk of the realms. The Trials of Fahdryll is counted among them. Compare Far’thonnin’s Ford

Tales & Texts

Tapestry that hung in Gaileng’s room at the temple of Allinth. The ship upon it is the same Lirah and Vishaya walked in a shared dream. Compare Feldorell

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsTales & Texts

A woodland deer of the Vagath’Oth forests, similar in size to the common stag but marked by pale dappled flanks and low, close-set antlers suited to threading dense undergrowth. Farro-hart are prized game among the Andohrase for both meat and hide.

Creatures

Tundraihn war-band of the Eolai’Mahtair Telistia. Led by Orodan, it pursued the Grishkii and Srellites who carried off her daughter toward the Taiw’Tai Fortress.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Northernmost ford of the Aril River. Named after a fablette hero, the ford was well maintained and guarded during the golden age of Anoth. The fortifications commanding the ford remain ungarrisoned by the Subjugate.

Lands & Waters

Mistress of Slaughter, Death’s Daughter, Scythe of the Fates — Neither good nor evil, she revels in the struggle of battle for its own sake. Prowess and might in the slaughter of foes draw her attention. Many cults worship her in the hopes they will be empowered by her and spared from death. Dark covens of arcane sorcerers often sacrifice sentient beings in her name hoping for a boon. She is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Tundraihn word for their females, meaning wild or unbroken. Among the Tundraihn it is the female who takes the male she wants.

Words & Tongues

Figure of myth and subject of The Sojourn of Feldorell, an old, translated journal held in the Anthosn temple. Also known as Fahdryll in Andohra and elsewhere. With his love Inyltray, alternatively called Y’drellyn, he faced monsters and beings of the elder world, and the two set out to gather the Tears of the Aashahl against a cabal of Drashtaa’s followers, only to be taken captive in the Dark Realms.

CharactersTales & Texts

Dense, uneasy forest near which the Mantorahn army marching to the aid of Anoth was slaughtered almost to the last man. Rahmith and Epri fled through it after the battle. Its ancient burial mounds and catacombs now shelter Anothn refugees and The Howe Keepers.

Lands & Waters

Corrupted beings once the scions of Xydarii, now they serve the forces in open opposition to Anthos and the Aashahl who seek a balance in nature and with mortal kin.

Peoples & Kindreds

Camp-maker of the Rowan war-band, adopted as ward by Cordrin after losing her family to ruby-fever as a small child.

Characters

Captain of scouts and skirmishers among the Andohrase host at the Bont’Pywr; twin sister to Dveargo.

Characters

Son of the fast waters. Master of rivers and lakes — A literal son of Frothvar, Fiivan is master of the swift-running mountain rivers and streams. It is said he can be seen at times walking the shores of alpine lakes, skipping stones upon the mirrored surface. He is good-natured, though a known trickster, often having a little fun at unsuspecting mortal kin’s expense. He is an Aashahl of the fifth order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Common unit of measure. Width of a closed fist.

Measures & Coin

Bay marking the southern bound of the Subjugate’s war maps, which ran from Fist Bay to Issa in the north. Compare Issa

Lands & Waters

Hills named by Lord Devick as the place for his allies to regroup should Aril Watch fall.

Lands & Waters

Acolyte of Anthos at the Monastery of Allinth. Born in Allinth to parents who perished in an outbreak of fever. He was given to the Anthosn order after their deaths.

Characters

A cult of Felairtarh. Outlawed in most realms. Very secretive in their practices. They are blamed for many murders and crimes, though whether they are truly the perpetrators is rarely known.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Seat of House De’Vinor and one of the most substantial fortresses of Mantorah. Compare Har’ayle De’Vinor

Cities & Strongholds

Reckoning of time of eight days.

Time & Calendar

Andohrase word meaning will, force, or command.

Words & Tongues

Andohrase title of the officer who bears the standard of Andohra and sounds the war horn to signal the host. Orywr’Fal was Freathyr of the Van at the Bont’Pywr. Compare Freath; Standard of Andohra

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

A term for a northern realm composed of many cities, villages, and fortresses. Populated by a people unified by language and culture, they are at once fiercely independent but unified in their ideals and the concept of a shared Freeholdn identity. The land is composed largely of numerous rivers, lakes, rolling forested hills and mountains. Bordered by Lea’Angleneth to the south, Thenill, and Vagath’Oth to the southwest, Dashra to the west and Taivadees to the northwest. Due north is the mysterious realm of Akaroche.

Realms & Regions

Northern Freeholdn fortress city. Once known as the gateway to the north as it is the final large berg before the northern wilderness.

Cities & Strongholds

Fortress of Lea’Angleneth. Before the Dao’Tai assault on Castle Angleneth, Lady Re’alis sent all who could not fight, and the youths least ready for battle, to Frost Haven, and called all she could reach to gather there for a last defense.

Cities & Strongholds

Large mountain lion. Generally, a lone predator that patrols a large range of alpine forests. They are prized for their white pelts and medicinal components made from their organs and bones.

Creatures

Father of the High Forests, Gryphon Lord, Icy Father, Lord of the Alpine Forests and mountaintops — He cares little for most mortals, only concerning himself with those who live in his Alpine realms. Known to directly intervene when interlopers disrupt the way of things under his sight. Though a bit arrogant and condescending, he is not cruel or unjust but more a reflection of the harsh nature of the Alpine forests and high mountains. He is an Aashahl of the second order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Common curse phrase.

Curses & Sayings

A common size for wooden casks and amphorae. Holds about 5.8 gallons to 6 gallons.

Measures & Coin

Mantorahn Yeoman. Part of Lord Devick’s entourage.

Characters

Priest of Anthos and steward of the Anthosn temple at Allinth. He brought the infant Lirah into the temple after the fall of Anoth. Gaileng was born in Allinth under a fate star that saw his parents dedicate him to Anthos. He was the youngest priest appointed by his peers as the steward and High Priest of the temple.

Characters

A captain of Mantorahn cavalry and adjutant to High Lord Rahdan Devick. Not highborn and sired to no noble house, he rose through the ranks and for two sulsta commanded the Rahdan’s personal guard; Devick reckons him the equal of any scion of the old houses.

Characters

Name the people of the village of the Gale Lords give the storm gryphons. See Storm Gryphon; Storm Lord

Creatures

Rank of the Alabaster Guard of Lea’Angleneth, as Gallant Ercoln; a Gallant Serjent holds the higher rank, as Aireathyn. Compare Alabaster Guard

Titles & Ranks

Defender of Allinth. Fights beside Lanos and the archers at the gate and on the walls during the assault upon the village.

Characters

Fifty-first king of Anoth and the twelfth of the line within the High Sun Realms. Reigned AR 1950 to AR 1955; crowned at 44, lost at 49. Last King of Anoth. Sailed from Ji’Tahdiak in Taivadees upon an expedition from which neither he nor any of his company returned. He left Queen Anica under the guard of Kaileth Hirradahn and the people in the charge of Prince Kyrale and High Chancellor Rovik. Six months after his disappearance the Subjugate opened their offensive campaign that ended with the sack of Ell’Anoth.

Characters

Passage through the eastern borders of the High Sun Realms near the Shellidack Mountains, warded by the Ovanec. King Jovis of Lea’Angleneth was taken captive by the Ovanec while exploring them. Compare Ovanec

Lands & Waters

Plant whose dried, velvety leaves fill bedding. Veallja’s hidden grotto held a bed of flax ropes and gayda leaves.

Plants

Bar of precious metal about the length and size of a man’s finger. Divisible by eight and used for larger mercantile exchanges.

Measures & Coin

Subjugate occupational district comprising mostly the western agricultural areas of old Anoth.

Realms & Regions

Taivadean word for 144 chariots or 383 men and horse.

Warfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

Small nocturnal moths whose wings catch and scatter starlight and moonlight in a faint shimmer, giving the appearance of drifting sparks over water and dew-heavy grass at dusk. Considered a gentle omen by those who wander after dark.

Creatures

Name for Anoth. See Anoth

Realms & Regions

Captain of the Gryphon war-band of Andohra.

Characters

Defender of Syrah. Born in the city to serve as a member of its garrison from a young age. He was already a seasoned veteran when the Subjugate laid siege to the fortress city.

Characters

Largest form of drake. Creatures of legend that many do not believe in. Often used in sayings such as "Sure and I’ve kissed a Grand Drake" to emphasize an impossibility.

CreaturesCurses & Sayings

Form of address the Dao’Tai use for Afyreen. See Aya, Aya Dao’Tai

Titles & Ranks

Also known as tiger hounds in the south. Huge hounds used by the Tyraneth and the Anoth as war hounds. They are about the size of a bear some three to four feet to the shoulder when on all fours. Gentle toward their keepers, they can be truly savage in defense or battle.

Creatures

A blood and barley pudding typically cooked inside a cut casing. The exact recipe varies widely by region though most grellit styles result in a strong, earthy, savory taste that results from the inclusion of significant amounts of organ meat, blood reduction, dark herbs and root vegetables. The filler typically is the most prominent grain in the area such as barley, cracked wheat, and rice in the south and the near western islands. A pickled or salted version is popular in Thalyphonie where it is wrapped in grape or fig leaves to then be pickled or salted for longer use aboard their far-sailing vessels.

Food & Drink

One of the running battles of the Subjugate War in which a Mantorahn army suffered losses alongside the Andohrase. Compare Cdre’to, Il’hredt, Luy’prd

Warfare & Battles

Warrior of the Rowan war-band of Andohra, elder cousin and steadying presence to Arryn. Husband to Elyri.

Characters

Intelligent humanoid beasts. They travel in large clan packs and are predominantly nomadic and predatory in their way of life. In appearance they generally possess an enlarged jackal- or hyena-shaped head with a fur-covered, humanoid body and powerful elongated back legs. Their front legs end in hand-like paws with short, hooked claws. Typically, they are larger and stronger than most men and able to outpace a good horse. Their exact origin is hotly contested among scholars though it is agreed they were a contrived species bred for slaughter and war. Whether mad sorcerer or fallen Aashahl is to blame for their existence is not known. The Grishkah, like the Ylack, seem to be devoid of empathy even among their own, only delighting in amassed power and the despoiling of other kindreds for their gain.

Peoples & KindredsCreatures

Andohrase war-band captained by Gordryll, called Gordryll’s Gryphons. It shared the night watch over the Bont’Pywr with the Rowan.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Tundraihn word meaning friend to the fates; fated companion. Used to refer to Lirah by the Tundraihn she encountered near the Aril Falls.

Words & Tongues

Andohrase for the spearmen of the war host. Compare Saethyr

Warfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

Eldest sister to Arryn of the Rowan.

Characters

About 15 minutes.

Time & Calendar

About 4 hours.

Time & Calendar

Reckoning of time of sixteen days.

Time & Calendar

Leader of House De’Vinor, a powerful family within the military structure of Mantorah. Focal point of the family is Fortress De’Vinor, one of the most substantial Mantorahn fortresses. Jayle De’Vinor’s father. The family holdings include many powerful war galleys and some two dozen trade carracks. A staunch traditionalist, Har’ayle voted against every measure to grant further rights to the emancipated lower caste of Mantorah, though at the same time he is well known for the equality of treatment among those who serve his house. So much so that lower caste sailors seek out service upon his well-appointed and honorably captained vessels. Har’ayle was also a loud voice within the Camarilla of Mantorah for renewed war upon the Subjugate. Har’ayle fell in battle with the Dao’Tai armies.

Characters

Walled Mantorahn city on the southern shores of the Orahn Gulf. Populated mostly by descendants of the lower castes of old Mantorah. One of the last places to unify after the Mantorah civil wars. A center for intellectualism and debate, it now serves as a haven for free thinkers, artists, writers and the more academically inclined of the lower classes within Mantorah. Many of noble birth seek out the salons of Ha’Rooh to circulate among the poets and would-be scholars of the city. Also being a port city, Ha’Rooh enjoys relative economic prosperity and has a robust tavern culture lending to an abundance of bards and limerick-smiths. A massive granary complex is situated near the city as a reserve of the people in times of famine. The complex as well as the mills that serve to turn the stored grain into flour in time of need were designed by architects of Lea’Angleneth and are said to be able to supply the whole of Mantorah with flour should the need arise. A significant garrison of Mantorahn soldiers protects the granary and the associated mill works.

Cities & Strongholds

Mantorahn squire to Devick. Born to a noble house of Mantorah, Harrc was elected by his peers to serve Lord Devick as squire and standard bearer. Among the youngest to be nominated, Harrc accompanied Lord Devick to the Subjugate council that preceded the opening of the war of resistance against the Aya Dao’Tai. He was wounded badly at the battle of Castle Angleneth but recovered to continue in his station. His mother Leittril De’Cruire is the Baronet of House De’Cruire and a significant personality within the Camarilla of Mantorah.

Characters

Figure of legend and archetype of the devoted healer-seer, invoked alongside Y’drellyn as an example of heroines from the old tales. Andohrase warriors sometimes liken a healer of great skill and courage to a Havearka among them.

CharactersTales & Texts

A secluded broad fall of the Aril River. Still high in the Vagath’Oth Mountains, it has played host to numerous spiritual rituals by the larger cults of Dannitar and other lesser Aashahl of the natural world. A spectacular natural wonder given more singularity due to the ethereal glow within the water from a unique algae.

Lands & Waters

Master of Works, Hammer and Tongs — Heeth delights in shaping elemental things into works and tools. Many wondrous natural caverns, statues of other Aashahl and architectural marvels are attributed to Heeth. He is venerated by craftsmen and those who live by the works of their hands. He is an Aashahl of the fifth order and patron of the Ovanec.

Aashahl & Divine

Land of the Dark Realms bordering Uthiir’Xyda. Compare Uthiir’Xyda

Realms & Regions

Northeastern province of the Subjugate within old Anoth.

Realms & Regions

Midsummer festival in most High Sun Realms. Typically lasts about a week and is centered on the longest days of the summer. Heavily suppressed under the Subjugate. Under Anoth it was a time when surplus and trade dividends were given back to the people and the king of Anoth reviewed all justiciar rulings for the year to pardon those whom the scales of justice might have tipped too harshly. Children born nine months after the festival to the day were called crown jewels and thought to be lucky. Royal balls, festival halls and a grand tourney also filled the days of the festival.

Festivals & Rites

Last ruler of Thenill before the desolation of the city at the hands of the Ikthii and Subjugate. He ruled the city and the shrunken realm of Vagath for many years, overseeing an economic boom under the Subjugate. Though many saw him as a collaborator, he spent significant amounts of his own fortune to hide the families of the defeated army of Anoth, establishing a network to aid the enemies of the Subjugate. During the Ikthii sack of Thenill, he and the Eagle Guard fought a relentless rearguard action as the populace of the city took to ship and road to flee the slaughter. Thanks to his sacrifice and the sacrifice of the city watch and soldiery of Thenill, many thousands of his subjects were able to escape the horrors the Ikthii put those they captured to. A widower, the fate of his son and three daughters after the sack of Thenill is not known. Their bodies were not found among the dzum after the battle at Castle Angleneth.

Characters

Executive ruler of Mantorah. Historically a position elected by the Camarilla Daradar of Mantorah. After the Camarilla was disbanded in name by order of the Subjugate, the position of Rahdan became hereditary until such a time as the Daradar of Mantorah found fault with the ruling family clan. House Tolkol has held the post of Rahdan for generations with Devick as the current High Lord Rahdan. The position is more or less two-thirds military commander and protector of the realms and one-third executive authority over civil matters.

Characters

The middle of the day, used in greeting as “fair highsun” or “blessed high sun to you” and so forth.

Curses & SayingsTime & Calendar

Term for kingdoms and realms north of Mantorah. Name taken from the position of the sun in the sky and the long mild summers. Anoth served as the unifying heart of these realms and was positioned in the geographical center of the region.

Realms & Regions

See also Kaileth Hirradahn The Hirradahn line was a large cohort of Allitorii sired and raised in Anoth to serve within the Royal Guard to the kings of Anoth. Sired by the legendary Allitorii warrior Hirra’Fel Vyrndahn, the Hirradahn cohort was considered among the best born to the Allitorii. In a break from tradition, four separate members of the line were selected to sire their own cohorts by the Allitorii Matrons of the Lineage.

Peoples & KindredsOrders, Guilds & Councils

A sticky, sweet bread usually formed in short twists. Often topped with brie nuts.

Food & Drink

Taivadean house of Dreannon Ordjua. Rvej Urlon served it through two generations, Dreannon’s father and then Dreannon himself.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Medium to large colorful songbirds. Common in the south. Favored as pets by certain social circles in Mantorah.

Creatures

About 190 miles. Anothn unit of measure.

Measures & Coin

Major Freeholdn city. Situated upon the Gelwyn River about halfway between Dinas Gelwyn and Baldrees Vail, Hredstave is an important trade and layover point upon the river and roads. Also serves as a significant agricultural center in the Freeholdn.

Cities & Strongholds

570 miles. Anothn unit of measure.

Measures & Coin

Brother of Jayle. Youngest son of the De’Vinor family. Fell in battle with his father fighting the Dao’Tai. Hrett was renowned within the tourneys of Mantorah for his skill with the lance. His widow Jeaselah De’Vinor retired to a temple of Alpa taking a vow of silence until the Aashahl herself appeared to release her from her mourning.

Characters

Word for one who is battle-hard or keen for the fight. Meadric named Epri hrh’tor.

Words & Tongues

A small bar of gold, electrum, or orichalcum. Divisible by two half Alen. About the size of the end of a man’s thumb.

Measures & Coin

Young soldier in service to Syrah. From the city of Or’Drel in Mantorah, his family moved to work a river barge when Hysdle was a child. Upon his coming-of-age, Hysdle’s father secured him a position within the professional garrison of Syrah. Hysdle’s family took refuge within the city of their nativity before the Subjugate set siege to Syrah. Hysdle’s promised also fled to Or’Drel with her mother and two younger brothers. Hysdle perished in a daring sortie from Syrah to destroy the Dao’Tai engines of war. His commanding serjent was Taban.

Characters

Color-changing viper with mild psychotropic venom. A bite can kill young or sick people. In healthy people it will result in an extreme hallucination and can cause permanent personality shifts. Used as a dangerous recreational drug and in medicine.

CreaturesArcane & Healing

Powerful arcane creatures of exalted intelligence. Their kin are interconnected with each other and the flow of time on a fundamental level. In the Old World to the west, they served the Kings of Anoth as Seers and Oracles. Benevolent guides to mortal kindreds. It was an Ice Sphinx that warned the kings of Anoth to prepare for the Devastation of the great earthquake in AR 67. Again, they warned the kings of Anoth to prepare for the war with the grand beasts, the Ylacks and finally the Ikthii. During the wars against the Ikthii, the Great Sire of the Sphinx was captured and corrupted by the dark powers behind the Ikthii. As the Great Sire was forever tainted by the insidious powers of the Ikthii’s master, a terrible chain reaction commenced. Due to the connected awareness of all the Sphinx, their entire kindred was swiftly turned into the diabolical predatory beings they are now known as. Most perished in the cataclysm that ended the Anothn-Ikthii wars, though they still cling to the shadows and ancient places of Miljah.

Creatures

Agent of Afyreen who shadows the marching hosts of Mantorah and Lea’Angleneth and reports their movements.

Characters

Also called Desecrators, Carrion Reapers. Ancient enemy of any who seek a life of goodness. Directly connected to the power behind the Subjugate, these necromancers raise the dead as dzum and field them in massed ranks of puppet soldiers. During the war of the Subjugate invasion they turned the tide against all who resisted the Dao’Tai. Ikthii willingly siphon away their souls to their patron in exchange for power over death and the dead. Proscribed knowledge is also given by their maker. During this process they also lose their individuality and physical appearance, morphing into an androgynous form devoid of any distinguishable features. Their bodies become elongated, shifting into a substance at once neither flesh nor pale stone. They often ride ranilacs to war, the beasts being immune to their aura of dread. Ikthii wield powerful magics and often use amithyles. Old Anoth was founded in part against them. The sovereigns of Anoth carried the powers of the sphinx by which the realm was kept free of Ikthii infiltration. Ikthii are driven to subvert, defile and corrupt all who walk the face of Miljah. See Dzum, Ranilac

Peoples & KindredsArcane & Healing

One of the running battles of the Subjugate War in which a Mantorahn army suffered losses alongside the Andohrase. Compare Cdre’to, Gr’frved, Luy’prd

Warfare & Battles

A northern constellation that always points to magnetic north. It is also the name of an ancient character of folklore. Illy’Trai is said to have been a dear friend to Anthos. These tales are not clear as to the nature of Illy’Trai, be her an Aashahl, mortal kin or something else entire. Nevertheless, the Anthosn orders teach a rich doctrine using her as an example of true and earnest friendship and loyalty.

Aashahl & DivineCharactersStars & Sky

Andeo kin. Beings of primal magic and uncanny powers. Known by seafaring people for their beauty and lethal habits of trying to keep mortals as playthings. They are beings of legend and are often the subject of folk song and sea shanties. Most people do not believe they are real. Several powerful black inks that are sold abroad are said to be Ilyshn tears, though most are probably counterfeits.

Peoples & Kindreds

Allitor coming-of-age tradition. The Imer’Antras demands that one hunt a natural predatory creature. One faces this foe in single combat, in its territory. This rite is used to mark the passage from simple manhood to that of a warrior. In the Alliix Isles this tradition also always included a journey of some distance to seek out a monster or creature worthy of this challenge. In exile the Allitorii guards to the kings of Anoth still practiced this tradition.

Festivals & Rites

Rite of manhood in which a youth spends twelve days alone in the woods with only a knife and a cloak. Ralenn passed it at Kaileth’s direction four years before his Imer’Antras. Compare Imer’Antras

Festivals & Rites

A very old guild predominantly active in the slave trade. Once a powerful guild in Mantorah until their civil war and the assimilation of the old Mantorahn slave castes into the broader citizenry. In Kind was all but defunct for hundreds of years, operating in the shadows, dealing in the worst kinds of human chattel and slavery. Under the Subjugate they have been given a station of preeminence among the guilds of commerce and are as powerful as any true realm. They operate massive slave farms on the southern plateau near Anoth where the food and material support for Dao’Tai armies are made. They also operate a lucrative blood sport arena and open slave markets throughout the Subjugate.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Companion and love of Fahdryll Feldorell in tale, The Sojourn of Feldorell. Set out with him to gather the Tears of the Aashahl and was taken captive in the Dark Realms.

CharactersTales & Texts

Counselor whom Afyreen calls “my I’olus,” with whom she meant to set Elaric his next task.

Characters

Andohrase battle cry, “Unto Death,” raised by the war host at the Bont’Pywr.

Warfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

Female Tundraihn warrior of Orodan’s band. Wounded near to death, she was saved by the empathic healer Lirah.

Characters

Slave traders and exotic items merchants. Operated by proxy agents from Adohr. They own many shops and use most as covers for unsavory business operations. They do offer reliable caravan travel far to the south for those who can pay.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Large island that plays host to Castle Angleneth and the capital city of Angleneth. Located in Lake Akarr in Lea’Angleneth.

Cities & StrongholdsLands & Waters

Islands beyond the eastern realms. Kaileth once thought he should have carried Ralenn there, to be raised as a prince of Anoth should be.

Lands & Waters

Place marking the northern bound of the Subjugate’s war maps. Compare Fist Bay

Lands & Waters

Anthosn Acolyte of the Allinth monastery. Being about the same age as Lirah, she made efforts to serve as a sister to her, teaching her how to braid Lirah’s long fall of hair and sharing her love of the stars.

Characters

Syrahn soldier in the service of Paladin Valskar, sent to verify the muster during the war council at Syrah.

Characters

Anothn refugee and fugitive from the Subjugate. Cell Leader of The Howe Keepers. Jahllia and her band were in fact unwitting servants of the Sunshadow, seeing to many small tasks for the larger clandestine organization.

Characters

Jahllia’s younger brother. Anothn refugee and fugitive from the Subjugate. Member of The Howe Keepers.

Characters

Uran or warrior of noble title of Mantorah.

Characters

Andeo kindred. Elegant, winged humanoids who are lithe and graceful men and women with very large, feathered wings that allow them to fly no differently from great birds of prey. They live on the tops of the desert mountains and plateaus of the far southern lands near the arcane doldrums and Tir’Luthryel. After the death of their Pali’andeo patriarch, they lost most of their intrinsic magic abilities. The Jendayi were involved in a multi-century blood feud with the Xydarii, ending only after the final cataclysm that ended the war.

Peoples & Kindreds

Everhope, Kindeye, Lady Kindeye, Mistress Everkind — Kind, gentle and tenderhearted, she is the mistress of the small and vulnerable, and keeper of hope. The daughter of Dannitar; like her mother she seeks to aid all she can, especially the outcast, forsaken and hopeless. She is particularly venerated by mortal kindreds of men. She has widespread houses of healing and sanctuaries in her name. Most orphanages are operated in her name. She is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Major Taivadean port city heavily upbuilt by Anoth into a joint port city during Anoth’s height. The deep-water port is a singular work of engineering still serving even the largest ships.

Cities & Strongholds

About 45 minutes. A measurement that originated from the marks on the inside of Anglenethn water clocks.

Time & Calendar

Last king of Lea’Angleneth under the Subjugate occupation. Known for his wisdom in judgment and his love of exploration. In his youth he spent part of every year exploring. In particular, he explored the east of the Shellidack Mountains. He is famous for leading the furthest mapping expedition past the gates of the east.

Characters

The War Hound constellation used for navigation. North by northwest in all seasons in the north.

Stars & Sky

Secret true name of Nique’Shay’s followers. They never openly admit the name of this cult, and it serves as a watchword.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWords & Tongues

Dao’Tai term for the Ikthii.

Words & Tongues

Aashahl of the fifth order of power. Secretive in nature, little is known about Juthobrii, just as Juthobrii intended.

Aashahl & Divine

Honey drink; mead. From the Xydarii jvre, honey or sweet amber, and djt, to drink.

Food & DrinkWords & Tongues

Captain of the Band of the Sable Hart, an Andohrase war-band.

Characters

Sister of Kaileth Hirradahn, of the Allitorii. Originally bred and trained for shipboard battle, she was a strong swimmer and skilled warrior. She perished in battle against the Dao’Tai.

Characters

Allitorii guard to the royal family of Anoth. Born to an Allitorii harem of high status. He was initially raised to serve aboard warships before being transferred to the Royal Guard of Anoth, then the Queen’s Guard of Anoth. His closest companion then was a sister named Kail’ar. After the fall of Ell’Anoth, Kaileth saved a male heir of the realm and fled to the Vagath’Oth Mountains.

Characters

Very large warrior servants to the greater Aashahl. Imbued with undeniable strength, they are reserved for only the direst of situations where the will of the Aashahl will not be denied.

Aashahl & DivinePeoples & Kindreds

Seat from which dispatch riders bore word along the Dashran King’s Road toward Oth’Kali during the defense of the Bont’Pywr.

Cities & Strongholds

Fortress tower in Lea’Angleneth. Home to several renowned artificers’ houses. Also, home to a grand library. A regency unto themselves, Kali’Anglen does not answer to any of the great realms, though they often sally forth to aid those they can.

Cities & Strongholds

Subjugate supply cache raided by rebelling Taivadeans after the investment of Syrah. Compare Oren’mere; White Asha

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn fortress. Situated west and slightly north of Hredstave upon a tributary of the Gelwyn, Kali’Dareys was once the northernmost fortress of the Freeholdn in centuries past. It now serves as a quiet place of defense and pastoral peace. A portage road from the Akarr River to the Gelwyn River runs past the fortress that is at about the halfway point between the two great rivers.

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn city situated upon a cluster of hilltops north of Dash’Tir next to the western shores of Lake Gelwyn.

Cities & Strongholds

Quasi-capital of the Freeholdn. Large fortified city and castle complex. Traditional home of the Freeholdn high kings. Situated north of Baldrees Vail, nestled at the headwaters of the Azure Fall River and north end of Lake Kern. With the Gelwyn River to the west and the Loss River to the east, Kali’Kern is easily defended and proved to be not worth assailing when the Subjugate invaded, the rivers proving an impassable barrier when fiercely contested.

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn stronghold and keep. A secluded place of deep forested mountains and fast-running waters. Built near the shores of myth-wreathed Sable Lake, Kali’Tir is rarely heard of in the wider realms.

Cities & Strongholds

Fortress beneath which the Subjugate holds Anothn sable maille and most of the arms and armor of the old armies of Anoth. Compare Sable Maille

Cities & Strongholds

Massive Freeholdn castle due south of Doran’Due upon the eastern borders of the settled realms. Kali’Toreen was built as a bastion against Ylack raids in the dark centuries past. A defensive work with few equals, the construction of the fortress predates reliable records. Another location of a failed Dao’Tai siege during their initial invasion of the High Sun Realms. The garrison held out until the end of open fighting. To this day Kali’Toreen is fiercely proud of having not been conquered by the Dao’Tai.

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn fortress and walled city residing upon the Loss River where the smaller Yrtar River joins the flow south.

Cities & Strongholds

Celestial body that appears in the sky during the Karah’Nuith. While it shines the tides run stronger, the days are slightly brighter, and the nights less dark. See Karah’Nuith

Time & CalendarStars & Sky

Every eight years there are sixteen extra days of winter. These extra sixteen days are known as the Karah’Nuith. This event is universally observed as a sacred time of renewal and thanksgiving. Pageants and festivals of all kinds are undertaken. During this time, a celestial body called Karah appears in the sky. Tides are more powerful, and the days are slightly brighter and the nights less dark.

Festivals & RitesTime & Calendar

Tree sap can be used as an intoxicant. Most often used in beverages. Pure sap can render a person unconscious for several days with suppressed signs of life. Can kill in large doses.

PlantsFood & Drink

Sunshadow agent from Ell’Anoth.

Characters

Freeholdn for a Kerrig-fort or castle.

Words & Tongues

Tall, fast, four-legged herbivores who prefer open plains. They have sets of curving and spiraling antlers that are prized for their medicinal uses and for ornamentation. Common near the southern Mantorahn borders.

Creatures

Led Anothn refugees to the High Sun Realms after the final catastrophe in the old Anothn homelands. He and his people found the land in cultural darkness, divided by internal wars, many of which were later discovered to have been orchestrated by the Ikthii and their master. He dedicated his entire reign to forging alliances, striving to end the wars, and driving out the Ikthii and their supporters. Tyralenn found and united the Tears of the Aashahl to finally free the land. As peace was restored under his leadership and the formidable battle prowess of the Anothn army, the realms granted him the territory that would become the realm of Anoth. Ell’Anoth was also founded by him during this era. Fortieth king of Anoth and the first of the line within the High Sun Realms; reigned AR 1521 to AR 1617, crowned at 18 and died at 114. Akaroche gave the ground upon which he founded Ell’Anoth. From his crowning the sovereigns of Anoth carried the powers of the sphinx, by which the realm was kept free of Ikthii infiltration.

Characters

Named road distinct from the West Way; the Dashran King’s Road runs from Thenill up toward the Bont’Pywr and beyond. Compare West Way

Lands & Waters

The speech of old Anoth. Veallja spoke a little of it, haltingly.

Words & Tongues

Ovanec name for Castle Angleneth, home of Jovis the Knower and Wise. The Ovanec swore to his line to come to its aid should the fires of war ever touch it. See Angleneth Castle

Cities & Strongholds

Soft fleshy fruit with a sharp tangy flavor. Used primarily by travelers and sailors as a dried food source. Prevents scurvy and other malnutrition ailments.

PlantsFood & Drink

An expansive elevated plateau cut in half by the Vryl’Bahn River system. The northern plateau is the location of Ell’Anoth and is a verdant plain of gently rolling hills, artesian springs, and lush old-growth forests. The City of Ell’Anoth is built where the river bends to the west, making the precipitous cliffs of the plateau’s edge part of the city defense.

Lands & Waters

A common size of wooden barrel. Holds about 48 gallons.

Measures & Coin

Anthosn Acolyte of the Allinth monastery.

Characters

Tundraihn captain and member of Orodan’s war-band.

Characters

Prince of Anoth, son of King Garadale and Queen Anica. Left in charge of the people with High Chancellor Rovik when his father sailed from Ji’Tahdiak. Killed when the Subjugate took Ell’Anoth.

Characters

Hero of ancient Andohra. Kyre’Drê led a small war-band to free his lands from the threat of the blue drake Træmür’Wäk. They fought a terrible battle that started a destructive forest fire. Kyre’Drê was badly wounded and most of his clan slain. Træmür’Wäk was felled as the survivors coordinated the use of spear and bow, Kyre’Drê striking the killing blow. The amethyst gem set into his silver helm is remembered in Andohra’s lilac star, set over the mountains on the Standard of Andohra and worked there in coppery crimson thread so it stands out against the field.

CharactersTales & Texts

War-band leader, Taivadean war chief. Second only to their Ornurgr.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Powerful magical birds. Notable for their jet-black top feathers, fiery crimson flight feathers and long tails. They are unfathomably rare to the point of being mythical. Living mostly in the south, it is said they cannot die but are perpetually reborn from the ashes of their fiery demise.

Creatures

Mantorahn town, birthplace of Serjent Taban.

Cities & Strongholds

Ruler of Lea’Angleneth during the Second Subjugate Wars. Granddaughter of Jovis the Wise, last King of Lea’Angleneth.

Characters

Large alpine lake that forms the central heart of Lea’Angleneth, serving as a critical source of food and easy transportation from one side of the valley to the other.

Lands & Waters

Lake named for the moon-shimmer upon its waters.

Lands & Waters

Veteran of the Vagath army and third-generation citizen of Allinth. Lanos traveled more than most in Allinth while he was a soldier but returned to live in Allinth when he started his family. He served as the captain of the town guard as his father and his father’s father had before him. He was greatly respected in the village.

Characters

Sacred day for most realms held in the last days of the year. Fasting and praying are typically observed. Pyre altars are used to offer appropriate sacrifices to the Aashahl. The culmination of these events is centered around a solar eclipse that spans from high sun to nightfall. The devotees spend this time in fervent worship and thanksgiving for life as they hold the vigil of the Last Watch until the sun rises anew on the first day of spring. Zealots see this as an entirely new sun rising for the next year.

Festivals & Rites

Guild master with the In Kind Mercantile. He was specifically charged with overseeing the breeding of slave stock. Though this practice was not strictly legal within the Subjugate, no enforcement efforts were made upon it. La’vohr died in a fire that tore through the guild’s slave complex during an apparent slave uprising. Many slaves managed to escape during the chaos, and the exact number of slain In Kind soldiery is unknown. Some put the number well into the hundreds.

Characters

Mistress of the Stars, sister to Anthos, of the first order. Considered by many to be a myth. The Casts of Layr are the constellations she set for the delight of Anthos and are praised in Anothn devotion.

Aashahl & DivineStars & Sky

Realm of the high lakes. A verdant and remote alpine realm of wondrous beauty and civilization. The center of advanced sciences, metallurgy, and artifice in the High Sun Realms. The sparse mountain passes and marshy north lands have kept this realm free of major war and isolated for generations, allowing arts and learning to flourish alongside a robust trade in finished goods.

Realms & Regions

Captain of the Alabaster Guard of Lea’Angleneth. Slain by a desecrator during the taking of Lady Re’alis.

Characters

Sister of Strife, Mistress of Strife, Suffering Sister, Wailing Loss, Hard Master — Dour and stern yet quick to aid those who seek her. She sees the pain in life as the only way to progress. Many believe that the painful struggles of life are her gifts to help purify and strengthen the soul. Others believe she stands to aid those caught by the bitterness of a hard mortal life. Venerated by the Adohr and some pods of Ilysh. She is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

A common curse phrase used in most realms. Referring to the lethal nature of Leshay’ar herself. Also, a lethal poison popular in the southern realms. The poison is completely lethal, but it takes nearly a month to kill. It causes a slow-onset hemorrhagic fever after weeks of debilitating abdominal cramping.

Arcane & HealingCurses & Sayings

War orphan from Ell’Anoth. She was saved by a priest of Anthos during the sack of Ell’Anoth and taken to live in Allinth where she was reared to be a healer of the Anthosn order.

Characters

River of the Freeholdn, flowing south past Kali’Tyrtar and guarding Kali’Kern to the east. Anken stands as the last great settlement before it. During the defense of the Bont’Pywr, the Dashran army lay trapped near it in the Tiryn Salient.

Lands & Waters

Lunar-based unit of time measurement. 64 days.

Time & Calendar

One of the running battles of the Subjugate War in which a Mantorahn army suffered losses alongside the Andohrase. Compare Cdre’to, Gr’frved, Il’hredt

Warfare & Battles

Bright crimson, almost neon red-pink, flower. Used in many herbal concoctions.

PlantsArcane & Healing

Andohrase for mother.

Words & Tongues

Peninsula upon which Mantorah is founded. See Mantorah

Realms & RegionsLands & Waters

Powerful and ancient realm based on the Mantor peninsula. Mantorah maintains a massive professional army due in part to the robust economy and trade surplus it enjoys with the realms of the seas. Mantorah’s powerful families operate organized large-scale production of many finished goods, allowing the realm to enjoy total self-sufficiency in all sectors. They have a knack for taking the refined machinery from Lea’Angleneth and putting it into practical military and agricultural use. Populated by two primary kindreds, in centuries past a bitter civil war was fought to end the practice of slavery and castes between the kindreds. Though now united for many centuries, some areas of Mantorah still serve as ethnic enclaves for the prior lower castes. Mantorah was only able to be contained by the Subjugate during the first Subjugate War and never was fully occupied or forced to disarm after the war. Agents of the Subjugate have put significant efforts into reigniting the old feuds of the era of civil war within Mantorah, though they have had poor success.

Realms & Regions

Generations-old alliance between the city-state of Syrah and the Camarilla Daradar of Mantorah. Essentially allows Syrah to enjoy independence in governance but gives Mantorah the right to call upon them for defense in the territory under Syrah’s control. Syrah benefits from being part of the Mantorahn trade sphere.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Referring to the people of Mantorah, its cavalry and infantry formations, its yeomen and Uran, and its battle wagons.

Peoples & Kindreds

Enormous defensive structures that block off the land bridge into Mantorah from the mainland. A series of walls, moats, earthworks and fortresses. Name comes from the dark red stone that the largest of the walls is made from. Due to the size of the garrison, the Red Gates are also a significant population center.

Cities & Strongholds

Mantorahn command of the northeastern frontier, held by the family of Marshal Penetrah for five generations. Penetrah’s father fell holding it while defending the refugees from Ell’Anoth. Compare Marshal Penetrah

Warfare & BattlesTitles & Ranks

Marshal of the East, Mantorahn cavalry commander of the frontier-patrolling forces on Mantorah’s northeastern frontier. A unique position in the Mantorah military as he commands more than a dozen Du’Bre of cavalry and war wagons spread across a host of watchtowers and garrison houses. He also commands the infantry that garrisons the forts.

Characters

Warrior of the Tyraneth, a rod and a half taller than Veallja and twice as broad, his bright hair braided in a ridge from brow to back. His eyes shine with a light his mother called the mark of the Atha’Tarrii. Beloved of Veallja, he carried the injured Epri from her hiding place and offered his kin’s aid against the storm lord who had claimed her. A deadly hand with the sling. Compare Tyraneth; Veallja

Characters

A magical extraction apparatus contrived in Akaroche. It functions through the insertion of any substance with innate magical properties and activates them. Essentially functions as a magical conduit for a layman. Only one has ever escaped Akaroche.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & Healing

Rovik’s principal servant. Rovik had ensured that her family kept their position in the old royal palace after the Subjugate took control of Ell’Anoth. Milda’s status allowed her to avoid the branding and enslavement that was the fate of a majority of Ell’Anoth’s denizens.

Characters

Name of the planet that all life is formed on, including the literal and figurative spirit of the planet. Also used to describe the soil underfoot. Some believe Miljah is a member of the Aashahl who gave her body to Anthos from which to form the planet. There are cults who worship Miljah in this manner.

Aashahl & DivineRealms & Regions

Rahdan Devick’s breydfar charger. A prime example of the best warhorses that Mantorah can produce.

CharactersCreatures

A hyphron raised to serve the Anothn royal guards within Ell’Anoth. She has been in the service of Kaileth since his appointment in the royal family’s guard.

CharactersCreatures

Aashahl served by the ilysh who came to Kaileth in his grief and gave him a black tear as a boon. Kaileth took her to be Leshay’ar. Compare Leshay’ar

Aashahl & Divine

Allitorii term for a band of youths sired by the same father amongst an Allitorii harem. The principal unit of Allitorii society, allowing large numbers of deliberately batched children. Women of the harem council select which males serve as sire based upon the needed attributes within the society such as warriors, artisans, sailors, etc. This council is known as the Matrons of the Lineage. The children of the mistthray are raised together in close familial clans to imbue them with fierce sibling loyalty and unity. A high matron keeps careful records of the lineage of each child to keep the bloodlines strong.

Peoples & KindredsOrders, Guilds & CouncilsFestivals & Rites

Single cycle of the moon. 32 days.

Time & Calendar

Recitation by which Vishaya restores the wards that bind her true form.

Arcane & HealingFestivals & Rites

Flower growing thick about springs and marshy ground in the high glades of the Vagath’Oth.

Plants

The crown of the kings of Anoth.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Mountain marking the southern end of Andohra’s lands in the Vagath’Oth. Compare Andohra

Lands & Waters

Small woolly mountain goats common in the north. Used for milk, wool and food.

Creatures

A root vegetable common to the kitchen gardens of Andohra, simmered into the savory stews that are a staple of Andohrase village cooking.

PlantsFood & Drink

Commonly celebrated festival.

Festivals & Rites

Xydar realm of the far south, among the lands of Tir’Luthryel, bordering Uthiir’Xyda. Compare Smolder Woods; Uthiir’Xyda

Realms & RegionsLands & Waters

Mistress of Night, dance, song, and passions — Truly mercurial in character, she is wild and free. Fast to love and fast to forget. She is the embodiment of lust, jubilation, and ecstasy, personifying the climactic release of complete carnal satisfaction even unto death and complete oblivion. She often takes mortal lovers, never to be heard from again. Enjoys tempting mortals with her beauty. She frequents dark and secretive corners of civilization and the deep darkness of ancient forests and glens. Nique’Shay is known to dance for nights on end, often cursing those who have wronged her to dance with her until they perish from the exertions. She is liberal with gifts to mortals, but there is always a price to be paid, a debt to be called for at her leisure. She is the daughter of Paldrii and Ach’Juln by way of his deception and assault upon Paldrii. She is the mother of the true Nique’Tarri. She tries to aid those who find themselves cast into dark and frightening paths. She is known to answer the desperate and fragile when the strong prey upon them. Many venerate her in myriad manners, asking for her to watch over them in their shadowed paths. She is an Aashahl of the fourth order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Accidental creation of Nique’Shay. The Nique’Tarri are those who have survived the prolonged physical affection of Nique’Shay herself. The term is also used to refer to the cults of worshipers who form around these individuals. These mortals who share intimacy with Nique’Shay typically do not survive; the few who do are fundamentally changed. They can no longer withstand sunlight, nor can they satisfy their hunger and thirst by simple food and drink. These true Nique’Tarri do not age and cannot be killed by normal means. Through close physical contact they infect others with this power for short amounts of time. This they use to control their cults. True Nique’Tarri are dangerous and predatory in the extreme.

Peoples & Kindreds

384 days, or three shifts. Every eighth Nuith has 400 days, the extra sixteen being the Karah’Nuith. Nuith and year are used interchangeably in many realms.

Time & Calendar

Giant flightless birds of prey. Primarily live in the lands south of Mantorah.

Creatures

Used as a sweetener in many foods.

PlantsFood & Drink

The founding oaths of Mantorah’s unification, still sworn by her warriors before battle. Their closing line is “and mercy temper our wrath.”

Warfare & BattlesFestivals & Rites

One joint of the finger long. About an inch and a half.

Measures & Coin

Thick, chitinous-shelled beetles that resemble an armored dog. No tail. Thick carapace on the body and head. They are dangerous in large numbers. Uncommon in the north.

Creatures

The older form of the Andohrase language, in which many old names of Andohra are rendered, such as Avonn Dhu’Llif and Tarann’Llaid. Not to be confused with the Old Tongue. Compare Old Tongue

Words & Tongues

Aashahlic, the sacred speech the Ancients gifted the Andohrase when they set them apart from the other kindreds of men. See Aashahlic

Words & Tongues

Mistress of time. Patient and uninterested in interfering with the events on Miljah. Oliar sees that the flow of time is protected from meddling beings of all types. An Aashahl of the second order of power. Her existence is theoretical to most. She has but one secretive order of followers who venerate her.

Aashahl & Divine

Vine bearing dangling bunches of bright red flowers.

Plants

Jendayi warrior of noble birth. Taken captive by the Subjugate in a plot to restart war with the Xydar.

Characters

Seer of the towered keep of pearl and stone within the arcane waste, by whose sight truth was shown to Fahdryll. Compare Arcane Doldrums

CharactersTales & Texts

Huge predatory toads.

Creatures

Type of brittle cake using ord nuts as a primary flavor, making a sweet, salty food.

Food & Drink

Dense biscuits made of ord and tuntar flour.

Food & Drink

Large hard-shelled nuts. They are savory and garlic-like to the taste and keep in virtually any climate for years. Used to make meals and bread. Often stored as siege food.

PlantsFood & Drink

Hard dry crackers made from ord, pepper, and a few other spices.

Food & DrinkWarfare & Battles

Mantorahn frontier port city on the north-central shores of the Mantellis Inlet, due north of the Rook Islands. Founded as a trading town on the mouth of the Ar’Kahn River, it is large and still growing. Many youths of the city find service to Syrah or the Mantorahn frontier yeomanry the best option for employment as the trade guilds have become more closed to outsiders under the Subjugate.

Cities & Strongholds

Taivadean word for captain.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Subjugate supply cache raided by rebelling Taivadeans after the investment of Syrah. Compare Kali’Aril; White Asha

Cities & Strongholds

Precious metal used with electrum and gold in the striking of hrid and vert coinage.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsMeasures & Coin

A broad-boughed forest tree common in the higher glades of the Vagath’Oth, known for its long, drooping, fern-like fronds that form dense blue-green canopies. In season the fronds’ fine pollen fills the air with a strong peppermint-like scent.

Plants

Master of battles or high king in Taivadees. The Ornurgr is the supreme leader of their war host and is typically elected by the leaders of the most powerful families to rule based on battle prowess and wisdom.

Titles & Ranks

Nevicore is the Ornurgr or High King of the Taivadeans during the Subjugate rule over the High Sun Realms. He manages an alliance with the Subjugate that sees much of his kin serve the Subjugate as cavalry and scouts.

Characters

Leader of a hunting band of Tundraihn sent to recover the daughter of their leader and queen, the Eolai’Mahtair.

Characters

Considered the only true wizard in recorded history. He has been encountered by many of the great and noble figures throughout the realms though he called Andohra and the Freeholdn home for most of his known days. If all that is written is to be believed, he is many centuries old. He shared his knowledge with all who wished to learn. Under the patronage of several realms, he oversaw the construction of wonders of architecture. A cult arose surrounding him in Lea’Angleneth, evolving into the monastic order at Kali’Anglen. To this day the realm of the high lakes enjoys the best applications of his many inventions and ideas. Many scholars suspect him to be of the shedim or a lesser Aashahl. Others propose he is an avatar of Anthos himself. He has not been encountered since the Subjugate invasion.

CharactersArcane & Healing

Freathyr of the vanguard at the Bont’Pywr, bearing the standard of Andohra and sounding the war horn for the host. Once served the legendary high king Dræg’Kywn gryphon-bane as shield bearer.

Characters

Immortal offspring of the Aashahl. Held, with the shedim, to be of the same order as their divine parentage. Also appears in the shortened form othea.

Aashahl & DivinePeoples & Kindreds

Large prosperous city of Anoth, situated where the northern Vagath’Oth Mountains meet the western plains at the headwaters of the Swiftflow River. Held under a heavy Subjugate occupation after their invasion, the city still thrives with trade from nearby Taivadees and what is left of Dashra.

Cities & Strongholds

Kindred of giant humanoids who live on the eastern borders of the Shellidack Mountains, primarily near the gates of the east. Most of their tribes are dangerous and savage. At least one tribe of Ovanec, however, has developed an honor-based culture after capturing Jovis, the last king of Lea’Angleneth. While in captivity he swiftly learned their language and shared many of the simpler points of civilization with these Ovanec. Ovanec are believed by many to be the children of Heeth and so kindred of the Andeo. They are in form typically twice the height of a man. Strong in body with long equine or bovine faces and curling horns that mostly sweep down from their brows to protect the sides of their heads.

Peoples & Kindreds

Grease rubbed with beeswax into boots and hoods to keep out the damp on campaign.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Full title of the Paladin of Syrah. See Paladin Valskar

Titles & Ranks

Ruler of Syrah and the lands under her protection. The Paladin is an old word given to the master of the fortress of Syrah. Valskar is a lifelong denizen of the fortress city and a veteran of many wars and military actions.

Characters

Mistress of the Lost, Merciful Shepherd, Guardian of the Dead, Keeper of Souls — She guides the dead to the afterlife they merit. Calm and fair, she is the judge of souls and can connect to any being and feel their true nature, letting the reality of their life serve as witness to the quality of their soul. Mother of Nique’Shay and Dar’Nique’Tar, she was consort to Ach’Juln before his fall was openly known and he took her unwillingly to sire the twins. Men venerate Paldrii hoping for mercy in death and nearly all placate her for aid in the face of danger and lethal threat. Numerous orders claim her as their patron, including a few military orders and monastic cults. She is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Curse phrase common to most. Normally used to express the feeling of death being near.

Curses & Sayings

Bright red fluid kept by healers in small tins. A single drop poured into a wound sends sparks into the air.

Arcane & Healing

The fallen ones, or the fallen from heaven. Exiles cast out of the divine order who took on the joy and bitterness of a mortal world, bore children, and became peoples after their own kind. Certain of the Aashahl held their punishment too light and were angered by their increase.

Aashahl & DivinePeoples & Kindreds

Major Freeholdn city upon the western shores of Lake Palrun where the Alru River flows into the lake.

Cities & Strongholds

Barricades of spars set in sockets along a central post, forming a line of bristling spikes more than a man high to check enemy cavalry. Palrun, having no great tradition of mounted warriors, invented them some hundreds of years ago.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsWarfare & Battles

Simple woolen leg-wrappings worn beneath the boot for added warmth on long marches, commonly sent to soldiers in the field by family back home.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Eldest son of Marshal Penetrah of Mantorah. Receives his father’s arms after his death.

Characters

The swift march to the High Lakes under Marshal Penetrah before the battle of Castle Angleneth, which Lord Devick judged a record for skains traveled in so short a time and worthy of a lay of its own.

Warfare & Battles

Ram-prowed warship of Thalyphonie. Compare Direme

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsWarfare & Battles

Devick’s mother. Born to a noble house of Mantorah, Photiin’s male relatives are the next heirs apparent. Her line is considered the more noble and her marriage to Devick’s father was controversial. The Tolkol line was seen as an expendable military lineage, and her line is seen as a core of Mantorahn blood and nobility.

Characters

Cat-sized armored insects. They feed on carrion and decaying plant matter. Common in boggy wet areas. Need warmer weather to live. Many river folk raise Phrio as livestock in the hotter areas of the south.

Creatures

Flying lizards about the size of a large eagle. Common in the far south. Dangerous in large numbers or if threatened.

Creatures

Garden vegetable gathered for stews, cooked with cabbage and wild onion.

PlantsFood & Drink

Childhood friend to Ralenn and Lirah. Killed under unusual circumstances during a devastating storm that swept over Allinth.

Characters

Primal summoning gate for elemental powers. Ancient religious artifacts used for sacrifice, burning of the dead, and even ritual summoning efforts for the Aashahl and their servants. Many are unsettled by the esoteric nature of pyre altars and choose to bury their dead or build wooden pyres. For the most faithful, however, the pyre altar is the only acceptable way to send the remains of the departed to the next world. Rudimentary functions of these altars are accessible to most trained in the ways of the Aashahl and their worship. The deeper and more powerful functions like summoning or teleportation are only known to a few.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & HealingFestivals & Rites

Executive title of the ruler of Mantorah, held during the Subjugate Wars by Devick Tolkol. The Rahdan is provided by a family chosen by the Camarilla Daradar and may not hold lands or vassals beyond those granted by law. See High Lord Rahdan Devick Tolkol

Titles & Ranks

12th month of the Anothn Calendar. The end of winter.

Time & Calendar

Serjent of Mantorahn cavalry serving under Captain Gairrle. Rahim had served with the southern marshal of Mantorah for several years before being selected to serve upon Devick’s retinue.

Characters

10th month of the Anothn Calendar. The start of winter.

Time & Calendar

Master armorer of Syrah, and father of Epri. Fled the destruction of a Mantorahn army during the war of the Subjugate invasion. He took refuge in Allinth with his daughter. He was slain under unsettling circumstances during a terrible storm many years after settling in Allinth.

Characters

11th month of the Anothn Calendar. Mid-winter.

Time & Calendar

9th month of the Anothn Calendar. The end of fall.

Time & Calendar

War orphan from Ell’Anoth. Saved from the sack of the city by Kaileth and Epri who raised him as their own in Allinth, a village in the Vagath’Oth Mountains.

Characters

Monstrous four-legged creature. Located in the far north, it is armored with bony scales and features a horned, bone-plated head and beak. Able to spray a combustible mist into the air to then be ignited with a static charge from the monster’s beak. A favored mount of the Ikthii in open battle. A fearsome fusion of a drake and a massive war hound, it wields a whip-like armored tail and can effortlessly tear through armored men and horses alike. Mercifully they are difficult to train, and typically only powerful Ikthii employ them as steeds and servants.

Creatures

A southern species of drake. Unable to fly, they rely on great speed over ground to hunt their prey. More common than many of their kin, though they are thankfully smaller.

Creatures

Used nearly exclusively by the Sunshadow as a smoke screen/gas weapon. Made from Choke Spore pods, harvested while green and covered in clay to protect them.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Anothn war hound saved from the sack of Ell’Anoth by Kaileth. Member of the true war hound line, Riidak is tall as a man’s waist at the shoulder, an imposing and loyal protector. He now is principally bound to Ralenn. His kind are highly intelligent and able to understand complex commands given in the Beastmaster’s tongue, a dialect of old Anothn.

CharactersCreatures

Plains along the Aril River, just south of where the Ydril joins it. The Grishkii and Srellites holding the Tundraihn captives were last seen heading north through them.

Lands & Waters

Squat furry primates with short, thick limbs. Favor open grasslands and warm temperate forests. Live in warrens built from piles of boulders. Rockroll will travel miles for boulders and spend days rolling them back to their warrens.

Creatures

Unit of common measurement. About the length of an arrow shaft, 32 inches.

Measures & Coin

Last chancellor to the king of Anoth. Born to a noble family of Ell’Anoth. Survived the fall of Anoth to serve as an advisor and aide to the new Subjugate ruler of Anoth and the High Sun Realms. Many speculate about his role in the fall of Ell’Anoth.

Characters

War-band of Andohra, named for the rowan tree and its protective magics. Captained by Cordrin during the Subjugate War.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Guard of the kings of Anoth, drawn in great part from the Allitorii until the sack of Ell’Anoth. Its guards bred and trained the hyphron battle falcons. Compare Hirradahn; Kaileth Hirradahn

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Largest hospitality guild in Miljah, operating a network of inns, bordellos, and smaller taverns. Generally viewed in a favorable light with a long-standing reputation for fairness, cleanliness and generosity to staff and patrons. Bitter rivals of In Kind Mercantile.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Chieftain of the Ovanec and warden of the Gates of the East. The Ovanec under him come to the aid of Lea’Angleneth upon seeing the fires at Castle Angleneth to repay a debt owed to King Jovis the Knower and Wise.

Characters

Ancestor of Ruork, named in the Ovanec chieftain’s recitation of his line.

Characters

Taivadean warrior and scout who served in the war against the Subjugate invasion. He continued to serve his people as a veteran and skilled horseman.

Characters

First king of Anoth, AR 0 to AR 50; crowned at 28, died at 78. Unified the family clans of the realm and created a set of laws, which many claimed were given him by the aashahl. Warned in vision of the destruction to come, he led his people north out of the old western lands and so escaped the calamity known as the Drowning of I’Bick.

Characters

Avertyyn maille shirts with plates woven into an armored hauberk. A solid plackart often covers the chest with larger plates over the neck, spine, and back. Finely woven four-in-one maille weave covers the limbs, with six-and-one weave over the more vital areas of the torso. This armor was used by the Sh’Tar, Allitorii, and a substantial portion of the army of Anoth. Nearly all the maille was seized by the Subjugate when they invaded and crushed the Anothn army. Anothn sable maille and most of the old armies’ arms and armor are held in the vaults under the Kali’Tirlan fortress.

Arms, Armor & Artifacts

Andohrase for the archers of the war host. Compare Gwaefyr

Warfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

The servitude caste of Ell’Anoth under the Subjugate, descended in great part from the once-defenders of Anoth and their families. A scur may be killed or misused without crime so long as the owner is paid; those without a private owner belong to the Subjugate. Compare Scurry

Peoples & Kindreds

Quarter of Ell’Anoth, easily a fifth of the city, where the scur live. Once a clean and bright district housing the garrison’s families and the tradesmen who outfitted the Anothn army, it is now a place of disease, filth, and misery, which the Dao’Tai mostly leave alone at Afyreen’s order. Compare Scur

Cities & Strongholds

A large monastic order of Alpa devotees who operate waystations and inns across the civilized realms. These houses generally offer shelter and simple food to any in need.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Syrahn man-at-arms serjent. Trusted with the defense of one of Syrah’s causeway keep-towers.

Characters

Mantorahn serjent, born in Lad’Vinor and squired at seven to a Syrahn knight, after which the fortress city of Syrah was his home. Led the Syrah vanguard of cavalry and chariots with the Mantorahn battle wagons in a sweeping charge upon the Dao’Tai siege camp. A trusted servant of Paladin Valskar.

Characters

Rank in the Mantorahn army. Typically, lowborn soldiers who have demonstrated prowess in battle. Normally leads an escadron of sixty-four men, and in rare circumstances far larger units; smaller commands of twenty, mounted or afoot, are also common. Compare Escadron

Titles & Ranks

Ikthii emissary to Afyreen. Sethel is among the oldest and most powerful of his kin. He predates the war with Anoth and was active in the High Sun Realms long before any Dao’Tai had crossed the Shellidack Mountains. Sethel serves Afyreen diligently, but he also sees that the will of his true master is seen to.

Characters

About 15 minutes.

Time & Calendar

Xydarii festival of renewal.

Festivals & Rites

Term used for cultist followers of Nique’Tarri. This term is used by non-cultists for anyone who venerates and shows the gifts of the Nique’Tarri.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

A rare and little-credited creature said to appear only in the half-light between night and day, at the edge of camps and clearings, vanishing the instant it is looked at directly. Those who claim a sighting are seldom believed, though some hold the shade-stag to be a mark of favor or quiet guardianship upon those it visits.

Creatures

Common curse phrase.

Curses & Sayings

Watery porridge often flavored with drippings from rendered lard or fatty meats. A staple of the poor in the northern realms.

Food & Drink

Armed militant guild that primarily operates as personal protectors and bounty hunters.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Mother of the Allitorii, Matron of War, The Relentless Spear — Warlike and savage to a degree, she is also very calculated at times and clings to self-imposed rules to control her powerful emotions. Sometimes lover of Arontarh and the elder triplet sister to Xydrii and Akarii. Her children, the Allitorii, take their name from Allitor, Shayar’s original mortal lover. She is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

A class of powerful and individually unique lesser Aashahl and other magical beings. They are otherworldly and often dangerous. Most are truly inhuman in their thoughts and ethics. They are the subjects of many stories where unwitting mortals fall prey to their uncanny charms or malfeasance. The Shedim take many forms and names and include the powerful Devas. They typically assume the role of an avatar of a very specific sphere such as a central grove of trees, a stream, a herd or type of animal, etc.

Aashahl & Divine

Relentless Defender, Dauntless Shield, Just Hammer, Swift Justice, Master of Justice, Arbiter of Retribution — An absolute rule-keeper and avenger of the wronged. Strives to keep the scales balanced. His ethos and mantras are venerated by many who serve as shire reeves, agents of the law and so forth. He is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Phrase used to express a karma rebalance or just deserts.

Curses & Sayings

Massive range of north-south-running mountains that form a natural barrier between the High Sun Realms and the eastern lands. They are poorly mapped and mostly unexplored.

Lands & Waters

128 days.

Time & Calendar

Professional soldier of noble birth in Anoth, similar to a knight. The first knightly order of the Sh’Tar was raised by Daleorn, AR 169 to AR 171, out of the old clan champion tradition of warriors; further orders were established under Ryvadale II.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & BattlesTitles & Ranks

Semi-magical creatures who prey upon other beings for food or torturous entertainment. Winged humanoids with avian feathers and the talons of a bird of prey. They possess only the female sex. They are a pestilence wherever they thrive.

Peoples & KindredsCreatures

Male Tundraihn warrior of Orodan’s band.

Characters

Anothn-born servant to Afyreen. She was arrested and sent to the Dao’Tai military camp for suspicion of espionage after helping to conceal Rovik after he overheard the Dao’Tai’s war plans. Sister to KaTyle. The Sunshadow helped place her in Afyreen’s employ as a passive spy.

Characters

Used to treat cough, sore throat, fever, indigestion, aches and pains, and warts. Primarily used as a contraceptive. Very expensive, and Silphium birth control counterfeits are common.

PlantsArcane & Healing

6 days at the start of Rah’Shern when the moon shrinks and appears silver rather than gold.

Time & CalendarStars & Sky

Common curse phrase.

Curses & Sayings

About 2.5 miles.

Measures & Coin

About half an hour.

Time & Calendar

Commonly observed festival.

Festivals & Rites

Xydar realm of the far south, among the lands of Tir’Luthryel. Compare Nightfall Forests

Realms & RegionsLands & Waters

Large breed of alpine rabbit about the size of a working dog. Possessing a long prehensile tail and very large snowshoe-like feet. Known as giant alpine hares in some regions.

Creatures

A large, soft, ethereal white-wooded willow tree that flourishes in Syrnii’s domain. It is valued for its medicinal and aesthetic properties. Sorrow Wood is difficult to harvest as the Tundraihn fiercely defend it. The leaves of the tree can be boiled to create an alleviating tea, but the leaves themselves are lethally toxic to consume raw. This tree is empathic and projects its pain into those who harm it.

PlantsArcane & Healing

About an hour on a water clock.

Time & Calendar

Crystalline stone of varied color. Blue and off-white are most common, but colors vary from red to yellow. When struck with an iron striker, the stone starts to “burn” with a bright heatless light. A stone the size of an apple will burn for over a month of nights. Once a stone is fully burned it becomes very brittle but remains the same size. These spent stones are easily turned into a fine iridescent powder. Spent spark stone is used in many other compounds. Cosmetics are one of the most popular uses for used spark stone.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & Healing

Epithet of Shayar. See Shayar

Aashahl & Divine

Lithe beings, humanoid in shape. Appearance varies based upon the area they are encountered in. They are likely members of the shedim. They are dangerous and unpredictable. Known to keep mortals as pets and to also kill them outright.

Aashahl & DivineCreatures

Reptilian humanoids who primarily inhabit cave systems. They are tribal and savage in the extreme, hostile to almost all surface kin, and live mostly near the larger mountains and to the south of Mantorah.

Peoples & KindredsCreatures

Battle banner of the Andohrase war host, embroidered with white and green mountains under a dark blue sky, a bow, a shield, and a spear, and a solitary evening star. The star is Kyre’Drê’s lilac star, worked in coppery crimson thread so it stands out against the field. Orywr’Fal bore the standard at the Bont’Pywr. Compare Freathyr; Kyre’Drê

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsWarfare & Battles

Flowering plant used by apothatrists in restorative draughts and elixirs.

PlantsArcane & Healing

Powerful magical creatures who inhabit the heights of the tallest mountains. They can alter the weather to suit their needs, causing terrific and destructive thunderstorms. They are known to keep mortal slaves to tend their flocks and aerie. They are very territorial and so only the greatest of mountain ranges plays host to one or perhaps two drifts of gryphons.

Creatures

Title of the mightiest of the storm gryphons. In The Trials of Fahdryll, the Storm Lord, Lord of Storm and Gale, met Fahdryll upon the heights of Frothvar’s realm and laid him low. A storm lord called the Lord of Gales holds claim over the village of the Gale Lords near the southern bounds of old Andohra, whose elders worship him as an Aashahl and pay him sacrifice; it was he who seized Epri in a storm. A storm lord’s claim is held to die with him, for only Frothvar can hold all the gryphon kin to one course. Compare Storm Gryphon; Frothvar

CreaturesTitles & Ranks

Council of the Subjugate’s provincial rulers convened by Afyreen in the old Anothn palace at Ell’Anoth. Its nobles made their reports to separate review boards, and any shortfall brought harsher quotas. At the council before the war of resistance, High Dayrn Chalid, Threydn Drogemyna, Lady Re’alis, Ornurgr Nevicore, Dyne Biellah, and High Lord Rahdan Devick attended, and Devick and Re’alis openly denounced the Subjugate’s patrols and occupations. Compare Treaty of Rule

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Lengthy war of invasion waged by the Subjugate on the Anothn alliance of the High Sun Realms. War was typified by large set-piece battles with lengthy periods of maneuvers by both armies for the best positions to attack. After years of steady setbacks the Anothn alliance fragmented; Ell’Anoth, the Anothn capital, was besieged and eventually sacked. This was the last major action of the war.

Warfare & Battles

Magical healing powder made from sulfur, charcoal, desiccated spark stone, juthood mushroom, karran tree pollen, dried blood, and Deeduif Oyster venom. Exact recipes vary by region and kindred.

Arcane & Healing

About 1,600 days or 4 Anothn years.

Time & Calendar

Anothn underground resistance born out of surviving portions of the Anothn army. Coordinates closely with Mantorah though it fiercely defends its operational independence.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Large, fast type of deer. Many believe they are more than just deer as they manifest quasi-magical abilities during a chase.

Creatures

Maritime military order. Primarily manned by Thalyphonid sailors.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

A poisonous paste concocted from ground Sorrow Wood leaves. The paste gives off a distinct tart fragrance.

Arcane & Healing

Magical beings of the air and ether. They can take the form of living flames. They are possibly members of the shedim, but none truly knows. Always female in form, they can be a danger if they take a fancy to a mortal. Typically, they are benevolent and seem to enjoy helping mortal kin in times of peril. Intimate knowledge of a sylph leaves one permanently touched in uncanny ways. These folk generally become struck with an insatiable melancholy wanderlust and slip away from their mortal life and kin without a word.

Aashahl & DivineCreatures

Powerful semi-independent city-state on the northeastern frontiers of Mantorah. Possesses a unique culture and vernacular despite being well assimilated as noble brother kindred in arms with Mantorah. A military state, ruled by the most veteran knight of Syrah called the Paladin.

Realms & RegionsCities & Strongholds

Referring to the people of Syrah.

Peoples & Kindreds

Mother of the Tundraihn, Mistress of Forests — Somewhat aloof and detached from many of the cares of her siblings. She places nearly all her attention on her many daughters, including the female Tundraihn. She is also venerated by the Yiillyar, who are powerfully connected to her. An Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Tundraihn birthplace. A sacred pool at the heart of the Tundraihn forest from which all Tundraihn females originate. The Tundraihn defend this sacred and essential place with all their strength.

Lands & Waters

Of Syrnii/From Syrnii, refers to anything that comes from Syrnii, including the Tundraihn, but usually refers to the specific willow tree that grows in her domains. Referred to as Sorrow Wood by the mundane races.

Plants

Name element marking origin in or descent from Lea’Angleneth, as in Jovis Ta’Angleneth and Lady Re’alis Ta’Angleneth. Compare Ta’Crywmhred

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Name element of the Freeholdn marking origin in or descent from the berg of Crywmhred, as in Breahslle Ta’Crywmhred. Compare Ta’Angleneth

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

The people of Taivadees.

Peoples & Kindreds

Powerful warrior people who populate a realm north of Anoth, northwest of Dashra and west of the Freeholdn. They are a people highly skilled in horsemanship and assault via their long, shallow-draft river ships. They often face internal strife between familial clans. They presently have many warriors in service to the Subjugate as a cavalry force.

Realms & Regions

Principal Dao’Tai military city. Built on the plateau south of Ell’Anoth. Host to vast slave farms and military support infrastructure. Also, home to the civilian population of Dao’Tai.

Cities & Strongholds

Rovik’s aging horse, a gift from a woman he will not let himself remember.

CharactersCreatures

Stone raised to the storm lord near the village of the Gale Lords, upon which those he claims are given back to him.

Cities & Strongholds

Andohrase for a war-band’s camp-maker. Fëolahc was tanethyr of the Rowan.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Alchemical incendiary compound, literally “thunder-clay” in Old Andohrase. Sealed within homespun sacks and thrown into fire to shatter stonework, as was done to bring down the Bont’Pywr.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsWarfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

Dao’Tai military formation of about 60 warriors; four Jult.

Warfare & Battles

Dao’Tai military formation of about 30,720 warriors; the largest standing host.

Warfare & Battles

Dao’Tai military formation of about 15,360 warriors.

Warfare & Battles

Dao’Tai military formation of about 7,680 warriors.

Warfare & Battles

Eolai’Mahtair of the Tundraihn and mother of Diiano. Her Farseeker war-band under Orodan pursued her daughter’s captors. Compare Eolai’Mahtair

Characters

Denizen of Ell’Anoth and the Dao’Tai’s military camps. Servant to a Dao’Tai officers’ mess. Associate to Esea.

Characters

About 25 miles.

Measures & Coin

Adjectival and demonymic form of Thalyphonie, used of its people, warriors, and ships. See Thalyphonie

Peoples & KindredsWords & Tongues

Maritime realm of the Thalyphonie Islands. Consisting of the populations of several thousand islands and several massive "city ships". They are the preeminent force on the oceans. A highly militant culture, they also are driven to explore the seas and possess the most complete maps of Miljah in existence.

Realms & Regions

A weeklong festival held at the start of Erah’Kaldor in Thenill. The festival is centered around an expansive tournament, hosting competitions from pugilism to single combat, jousting, and even team combat.

Festivals & Rites

One of the most formal cults of Alpa. They operate roadhouses and large establishments to serve the weary traveler. They also take in many orphans and street urchins from the cities to their compounds that are built nearby.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Anothn resistance band whose lair lies deep in the Fell Track among the ancient burial mounds. Jahllia led one of its cells, unwitting servants of the Sunshadow. Compare Jahllia

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Powerful and famous Freeholdn military order. Steeped in much folklore and mystery. The Lady’s Favor seems to appear when least looked for and in the hour of greatest need only to vanish once the peril is passed.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Andohrase lay of Kyre’Drê’s battle against the blue drake Træmür’Wäk. The war-bands recited it on the march to the Bont’Pywr to take strength from the heroes of the past.

Tales & Texts

Maritime guild based upon the massive Browin Island situated about ten days by ship from the coastal cities of Anoth. Relatively unaffected by the Subjugate invasion, it still enjoys a robust trade with the continental realms.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Very old, translated journal, rendered as a tale, held in the Anthosn temple. Recounts Feldorell and Inyltray’s passage through the young world, their meeting, adventures and finally their search for the Tears of the Aashahl.

Tales & Texts

Preferred name of the empire of conquest established by the Dao’Tai and their allies over the preponderance of the High Sun Realms.

Realms & RegionsOrders, Guilds & Councils

Commonly believed to be a collection of ancient magic objects given to the denizens of Miljah to use in times of great need. Found and united by King Tyralenn III of Anoth during his reign, AR 1521 to AR 1617, to liberate and unite the High Sun Realms, leading them into a golden era of peace. Both Afyreen and the powers behind her seek them; it is held that those who seek the Tears for anything but the will of Anthos hasten to their own destruction.

Arms, Armor & ArtifactsArcane & HealingTales & Texts

Epic of Fahdryll and Y’drellyn, translated from delicate vellum that grows illegible after the tale of Nique’Shay’s boon. It tells how Fahdryll took up his blade in Y’drellyn’s defense, swore to seek her when raiders bore her away, was laid low by the Storm Lord and restored by Varii, and crossed the arcane waste to the Oracle. Briahlen’s favorite among the fablettes, its melody is sung often in Andohra. Compare The Sojourn of Feldorell

Tales & Texts

Anthosn priestess of Allinth.

Characters

Capital city of the realm of Vagath’Oth. Powerful city-state, it also is the old capital of the reduced realm of Vagath.

Cities & Strongholds

Andohrase fortress destroyed by the Dao’Tai.

Cities & Strongholds

Term for the joint defense pact among Anoth, Mantorah and Akaroche.

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Title of the high king of Thalyphonie.

Titles & Ranks

The High King or Threydn of Thalyphonie.

Characters

Powerful magical spirits that inhabit liminal spaces in the far southern deserts. Very powerful and very dangerous.

Aashahl & DivineCreatures

Quasi-mythical monster from the eastern deserts.

Creatures

Dao’Tai military formation of about 480 warriors.

Warfare & Battles

Unit of length. Ralenn’s black blade measures almost a tilldra, and the hyphron Mirris stands a full tilldra tall from talons to crest.

Measures & Coin

Major Anothn city.

Cities & Strongholds

The Dark Realms. Term for the kingdoms and realms of the far south, as the High Sun Realms is for those of the north. The name is northern in origin, not Xydarii. Among its lands are the Xydar regions of Uthiir’Xyda, the Nightfall Forests, and Smolder Woods. Home of the Xydar, and the place where Feldorell and Inyltray were taken captive. Very old texts out of Tir’Luthryel survive in a few noble libraries. Compare Uthiir’Xyda

Realms & Regions

Salient near the Loss River in which the Dashran army lay trapped during the defense of the Bont’Pywr. Compare Tor Tiryn

Lands & WatersWarfare & Battles

Pictographic runes that convey complex emotions and ideas. An ancient system of runes that is now used primarily in jewelry inscriptions and in academic writings.

Words & Tongues

Freeholdn stronghold south of Kali’Toreen upon the eastern borders of the Freeholdn.

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn city of significant size and population upon a large circuit of land surrounded on three sides by Lake Fallowdeep.

Cities & Strongholds

Blue drake that claimed the vale and plain of ancient Andohra until Kyre’Drê and his kindred brought it down. Its fire burned the forest and most of Kyre’Drê’s kin; Kyre’Drê struck the killing blow beneath its wing, and Dræll’Oth was later built upon the ground its fire cleared. Compare Blue Drakes; Kyre’Drê

CharactersCreaturesTales & Texts

Accord made at the surrender of the realms to the Subjugate. Under it Dao’Tai soldiers may occupy only Anoth proper and any city, province, or realm in rebellion or breach of treaty. Lady Re’alis invoked it to refuse Subjugate patrols in Lea’Angleneth. Compare Subjugate Council

Orders, Guilds & Councils

Vulgar term for a professional lady or paramour for hire.

Words & TonguesCurses & Sayings

Large tributary river of the Aril.

Lands & Waters

In Veallja’s saga, the one bade to claim the natural things, growth and green, when Miljah was new.

Aashahl & DivineTales & Texts

In Veallja’s saga, the one bade to claim the high lands when Miljah was new.

Aashahl & DivineTales & Texts

The dark maiden, the dark tear of Veallja’s saga, who weeps for her children and begs that their deeds be their own to choose. Fair and wild, fire and stone, she danced in the newing of Miljah and found a love that birthed harm and slaughter. Compare Dark Tears

Aashahl & DivineTales & Texts

Andeo kindred and the grandchildren or children of Syrnii, depending on who you talk to. They are a fierce and secretive people. It is believed they share a powerful connection to all living things of Miljah. They defend their forest home with great prowess. Their females are very much apart from the males in many ways and seem feral to most outsiders. The Tundraihn actively avoid contact with all others and violently defend their homeland.

Peoples & Kindreds

Blue-purple long-grain rice grown in southern Mantorah. Unique as it is able to prevent scurvy. Mantorah carefully controls this crop as it is a major export item.

PlantsFood & Drink

Named by Veallja as one who would know of Allinth and could carry Epri’s message to Kaileth.

Characters

Celestial constellation that can be used to navigate and help determine seasons.

Stars & Sky

Dao’Tai honorific for general.

Titles & Ranks

Dao’Tai general. Commanding general over all Dao’Tai forces. He is unusually calculating and levelheaded for a Dao’Tai officer. Open to new ideas and tactics.

Characters

Dao’Tai general. Junior of the three commanding officers of the Subjugate.

Characters

Dao’Tai general.

Characters

Dao’Tai general. One of the three commanding officers of their forces.

Characters

Dao’Tai general. Supreme of the three commanding officers of the Subjugate.

Characters

Tundraihn healer for Orodan’s hunting band.

Characters

Savior King of Anoth. See King Tyralenn III Three sovereigns bear the name: Tyralenn, AR 794 to AR 817, and Tyralenn II, AR 821 to AR 892, both of the old western lands; and Tyralenn III, AR 1521 to AR 1617, who led the people into the High Sun Realms and united the Tears of the Aashahl. The savior king is the third of the name.

Characters

Mythical warriors from the deepest and most ancient forested mountains. Rumored to be giants able to withstand even the magical attacks of monsters of legend. It is rumored that they used to treat with the court of Andohra in the realm’s golden age. Many claim to have seen them active during the invasion of the Subjugate.

Peoples & Kindreds

Captain of the Drake war-band of Andohra.

Characters

Captain of the Band of the Boar, an Andohrase war-band; among the more traditional and superstitious of the war captains.

Characters

Elusive spirits of elemental water. Only present in the purest waters and only appear to those of the purest heart.

Aashahl & DivineCreatures

Title of a knighted warrior of noble rank in Mantorah and Syrah. A squire wins it by keeping the vigil and swearing its oaths. Jayle De’Vinor is Uran. Compare Jayle De’Vinor

Titles & Ranks

Captain of the Violus war-band of Andohra.

Characters

Deep Father, Gem Caster — Slow and deliberate, fast to forgive, quick to trust. Utarb avoids others as he has learned the hard way that his trusting nature can be exploited. Father of the Dactyls. Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Region of the Dark Realms, lying between the Nightfall Forests and Hel’Atyrn. Homeland of Vishaya Jurdoitav Xydarii. Uthiir’Xyda is the Xydar’s own name for the region. Compare Tir’Luthryel

Realms & Regions

Referring to the division of greater Vagath’Oth as a political state into three independent realms of Vagath or Vagath’Oth, Andohra, and Dashra. The war was swift and only saw a few true battles. It was characterized by maneuver in the difficult mountain terrain.

Warfare & Battles

Both a realm and a massive chain of mountains running north and south dividing the High Sun Realms about in half. The realm of Vagath’Oth once encompassed the entire mountain range until Dashra and Andohra fought a joint war for independence, splitting the realm along ethnic and cultural lines.

Realms & RegionsLands & Waters

Lady Lost Heart, Haven’s Maiden, Mistress Ever-yearn, Lady of Love, Passion’s Touch — Deep-thinking Varii is slow to anger, but her moods dominate her awareness to the point of complete exclusion of anything else. She loves the thrill of romance and the ecstasy of love and passions between mortals and Aashahl alike. She often seeks to play matchmaker and finds joy in star-crossed lovers finding a way to unite. She is the mother of the Shedim in their myriad forms. She is difficult to predict and incomprehensibly powerful. Only her focus in the small interactions of love keeps her from dominating the higher orders of power in Miljah. Many see her existence as theoretical. An Aashahl of the second order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Young healer of the village of the Gale Lords. She tended Epri after the storm gryphons dropped her near the village, and when the Aduwahk decreed Epri must be returned to the storm lord, Veallja stole her away by river to a hidden grotto and brought Meadric of the Tyraneth, whom she loves, to aid them. She speaks the King’s Tongue haltingly and sings the saga of Tuil’Fvresff Xycicii. Compare Meadric

Characters

Similar to currants in size and shape, this tart fruit is used primarily as an ingredient in pies and other foods.

PlantsFood & Drink

Taivadean unit of 12 chariots or 32 men and horse.

Warfare & BattlesWords & Tongues

Maker of battles or warlord in the Taivadean.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

Common currency size whose values vary by what material it is made from, be it silver, electrum, or orichalcum.

Measures & Coin

Locally powerful northern Taivadean city-state.

Cities & Strongholds

Serjent Valorous of Mantorah. A veteran of the professional army of Mantorah since his youth, he was charged by Lord Devick to lead the slower portion of the lord’s retinue to Syrah after the Grishkii ambush that saw Re’alis taken. Vertk is not far from his final years as a fighting man, having accepted an invitation to assume a role as a master of arms at the Bronze Edge Scholum in Mantellis.

Characters

Anothn-born cell member of The Howe Keepers. Member of Jahllia’s resistance cell. A twin and orphan from the Subjugate War.

Characters

Anothn-born cell member of The Howe Keepers. Member of Jahllia’s resistance cell. A twin to Vestad and orphan from the Subjugate War.

Characters

Village of thatched roundhouses near the southern bounds of old Andohra, on no map, perhaps a hundred skains from the Mantorahn frontier. Its people keep flocks of woolly goats, call the storm gryphons the lords of the gale, and live under the claim of a storm lord to whom their elders give sacrifice. Home of Veallja. Compare Aduwahk; Storm Lord; T’alter

Cities & Strongholds

Freeholdn word for soldier or man-at-arms.

Titles & RanksWords & Tongues

A citrus fruit about the size of a large pear. Used as food in many forms. Processed into perfumes and confections.

PlantsFood & Drink

Andohrase war-band captained by Urielyne.

Orders, Guilds & CouncilsWarfare & Battles

Xydar noble-born entropic sorceress traveling with Kaileth’s company. She is eldest of the first clutch of the Xydar royal line. She names herself freely as Vishaya. Wielder of a pair of powerful amithyles. She ensured the escape of Lirah and her associates from the In Kind slave complex was a success. The first Xydar to be seen in the High Sun Realms in many centuries.

Characters

Mantorahn serjent of heavy infantry in the retinue of Lord Devick at the battle of Castle Angleneth. Commanded sixteen men in a holding action upon the breastworks against the Dao’Tai. Nearly all his company bore wounds or broken armor though they held their line at a pivotal moment in the struggle.

Characters

Large mild peppercorn. Used as a spice.

PlantsFood & Drink

River whose great bend forms the eastern and southern border of Ell’Anoth, dividing the city from the Taiw’Tai Fortress to the east and the slavers’ camp to the southeast.

Lands & Waters

Ancient war for whose needs Ach’Juln brought forth the Xydar. Compare Ach’Juln; Xydar, Xydarii

Warfare & Battles

Watchman of the Syrahn causeway towers who first sights the approaching Subjugate host and carries the warning to the fortress city.

Characters

The customary duration of a single watch shift kept by warriors on campaign, commonly a few hours in length and varying somewhat by realm and unit.

Warfare & BattlesTime & Calendar

Named road running through the Vagath’Oth Mountains, distinct from the Dashran King’s Road. Compare King’s Road

Lands & Waters

The sea bounding the High Sun Realms to the west.

Lands & Waters

Subjugate supply cache raided by rebelling Taivadeans after the investment of Syrah. Compare Kali’Aril; Oren’mere

Cities & Strongholds

Type of vibrant blue-purple rose. The plant is very useful. Petals are used to create a decongestant tea and a type of very sweet and potent wine. The bulbs are used to create an antiseptic poultice, and the stems and buds can be used to create soothing broths for ailments of the throat and stomach.

PlantsArcane & Healing

Large, powerful six-legged animals with long, shaggy wool and pronounced curling horns. Short, round tail. Resistant to cold and high altitude. Able to carry massive loads. Front legs end in semi-prehensile, four-toed hooves. Back legs also have four-toed cloven hooves. Wool-ox construct large nests to impress mates. These nests are used to rear the litters of small wool-ox who are more akin to unseeing baby rodents of massive size after their birth than to a bovine calf. The larger and more exotic the trees and brush used to build these, the more impressive it is to the prospective mate. Wool-oxen typically mate for life, and over time will build massive warren complexes for their familial band.

Creatures

Passage through the mountains made by the dactyl, or cave wraiths, by which the Andohrase war host took a shortcut to the Bont’Pywr. Arryn and Eyrr’Ahwla found it while following a cave wraith into the deep passages, though the captains received word of it coldly; once the host had passed, its mouth vanished into smooth, unmarked stone. Compare Dactyl, Dactyls

Lands & WatersWarfare & Battles

Andeo kindred and the children of Xydrii. Their realms are in the far south in Uthiir’Xyda, The Nightfall Forests, and Smolder Woods. Exotic in appearance and savagely fierce in war, they are a kindred apart from most, beings of darkest folk songs in the north. Many people raise their children to fear the Xydar. Stories of Xydar taking wicked children in the night are a common theme. They are in fact masters of the arcane powers and in working avertyyn into weapons and armor. Spoken of in the north as creatures of nightmare, and the Anthosn priests scarcely speak of them at all. Their royalty was taken captive in a Subjugate plot that set them and the Jendayi on the brink of war.

Peoples & Kindreds

Dark Matron, Shadow’s Wroth, Mistress of Smoke and Flame — Mistress of primal forces, destruction and arcane powers of war. A being of powerful passions tempered by years of heartbreaking suffering. Mother to the Xydar. She is the betrayed lover of Ach’Juln. Discarded by him after he took what he needed from her powers. Few in the north know of her in real detail. Of the few who do have knowledge, they do not willingly speak of her or her children. She lives with her children deep within Tir’Luthryel. Xydrii is an Aashahl of the third order of power.

Aashahl & Divine

Dangerous magical chimera. A creature of legend.

Creatures

Large tributary of the Aril River. Joining the Aril just north of the Rividall plains. Aril Watch is built near the joining of these two rivers to give it command of both the waterways and the principal lands that are near.

Lands & Waters

A kindred of Pali’andeo imbued with a powerful connection to the spirit of Miljah. Able to heal almost any wound given the right circumstances. They once operated several houses of healing in the High Sun Realms. During the Subjugate invasion these refugees were sought out with aggression. The Ikthii, in particular, saw that the Yiillyar were hunted to virtual extinction. Some few mixed-blood Yiillyar yet live in slave service to the wealthy, though their powers of healing are a paltry shadow when compared to pure-blood Yiillyar. A precious few true Yiillyar live as fugitives and hermits in the most remote corners of the realms. Some believe they are the literal children of Dannitar.

Peoples & KindredsArcane & Healing

Turnip-like sweet root.

PlantsFood & Drink