World Glossary

Abandonment, the: The event which is responsible for the disappearance of the Haestan. (For further information see Haestan)

Academies, the: Originally established in M’Den as a way to rediscover the technologies of the Haestan, their descendents now simply seek to preserve all existing knowledge. The chief centers of medicine and education in the world. They have locations in Tall, Alarunde, M’Doun, Larin, and Angard.

After, the: The name ascribed to the existence beyond death. Most popular in Essentialist religions. (For further information see Essentialism)

Akrin: A legendary figure, who was physically incapable of wrong-doing. In legend, he guarded the greatest treasure of the Haestan.

Akrin’s Eye: A reptile’s eye edged in gold, with a green iris, and a black slanted pupil named for the legendary figure. Generally embroidered on the bandanna of a Metal Weaver. It is a sign of purity and allegiance to justice. (For further information see Akrin)

Alarell: The War-Leader of the Haestan. In the classical structure of the Haestan his proper address would have been Alarell Eld Talos Eld Lathendross, Eld meaning “son of.” He was considered foremost of the Haestan in the war against the Drakkan’mirr.

In legend, he died at the city of Ragnad, and set forth the unknown series of events that led to the Abandonment. According to legend before he died, Alarell promised that should the Tide ever rise again that he would return to meet it in battle. His promise to return and save the world has become known, simply as “The Promise.” It is a central tenent of Projectionism.

In the Witness religion, Alarell is elevated to the status of Supreme Being. (For further information see Haestan and War of Tides)

Alarunde: A peninsula nation, bordered to the east by Larin. Known best for its ruthless trade policy, and the frugality of its people, Alarunde is the chief trade center of the known world. The people by and large follow a non-dogmatic form of Projectionist Religion.

Algni Midnight: A term derived from legend. In legend, the Haestan Talarell  prolonged the day by creating a second dimmer sun to shine in the night. As the name of one of the Haestan controlled continents was Algn, any bleak lighting conditions are described as “Algni Midnight.” Overcast days are often said to be in “Algni Midnight.”

Angard: An island nation in the Sea of Swords, whose people live in eight different clans. These clans are named after animals considered noble by the  ancient Angardi; they are: the Wolf Clan, Tiger Clan, Horse Clan, Raven Clan, Lion Clan, Hawk Clan, Bear Clan, and the ruling Waymaker Clan. Each clan has its own set of customs and rules and marrying outside of one’s clan is considered odd and irregular, although in most other circumstances Clan affiliation is seen as trivial and observed only as a matter of convenience for the defining the districts of the Angardi representative government.

Angard is both the home of the Metal Weavers and the Mender’s Academy. It has the most powerful naval force in the known world, and is the largest producer of manufactured goods. The people follow a dogmatic form of an Essentialist Religion. (For further information see Metal Weavers and Bathlaen)

Aodani: The inhabitants of Sheymara Launeva, the Aodani are commonly believed to be mythical due to the fact that they rarely leave their island. In myth, the Aodani could manipulate the Essential Fields and wielded great powers that were bestowed upon them by the Haestan. The name Aodani literally translates to “Lightborn.” They have had virtually no contact with the outside world since the second War of Tides. (For further information see Sheymara Launeva)

Babadill: A character from a series of on-going fictional children’s book by an anonymous author. Babadill is a strange, adventurous child who goes to many fictitious nations to perform amazing exploits. Anyone who is being foolish is said to be “acting the part of Babadill.”

Bathlaen: An island surrounded by jagged rocks, known as Ewil’s Fangs, in the Sea of Swords. It is a stronghold of the Shaen and lays off of the eastern coast of Angard. Their existence is primarily responsible for the strength of the Angardi military. (For further information see Metal Weaver)

Biza Kinzang: An author who lived during the rule of Nemaes Veren, in the Empire of M’Den. Her books were considered to be “smutty” and “pornographic” due to their explicit depiction of physical romance. They also contained action, adventure, and little character depth. To present day, the name of Biza Kinzang is associated with bravado and romance.

Blazing Ones, the: Creatures of Legend. Before the Abandonment the world was ruled by the Haestan. Beneath the Haestan was a group of powerful beings, known as the Blazing Ones. The Blazing Ones had great physical strength and speed and served the Masters in times of peace and war. What became of them during the Abandonment is unknown. Also known as the Nimble. (For further information see Haestan)

Blood Tongue, the: The language spoken in most of the known world, with the exception of eastern Shen Anrath where the language has been isolated so long it has begun to schism into a distinct dialect known as Grit. The Blood Tongue has four tenses: the past, the present, the future, and the eternal.

Bloom: A cylinder rolled from burnable papers and dried Shadow Bloom. Smoked by a Bloomer. (See Shadow Bloom)

Bloomer: A person who smokes Shadow Bloom. Bloomers tend to be gaunt, and have fingers and teeth stained yellow by the resin left by the smoke of Shadow Bloom. Short term effects include euphoria, the inability to feel fear, worry, or need. Long term effects include erratic mood swings and madness. Smoking Shadow Bloom leaves the user more susceptible to Infestation. (For further information see Shadow Bloom)

Braynoch: One of the Haestan. Braynoch was the brother of Alarell. He is also known as the White Thorn. Braynoch is usually considered to be the Master of War and Honor in Projectionist religions. (For more information see Haestan)

Ceren: One of the Haestan. His name in the Blood Tongue literally translates to World. He was said to have great power over living things, especially plants. He is seen as connected to the World and all living things in Projectionist Religions. (For further information see Haestan)

Ceren’Ald: Unexplained lines which seem to cross the world. Any plant growing on one of the Ceren’Ald grows more quickly than is natural. Ceren’Ald are also believed to form impenetrable barriers to the Shaen’woa. The exact number of Ceren’Ald is unknown due to the fact that their positions fluctuate and no one has ever been able to track one to its source.  Their existence is highly disputed in Academic Circles. (For further Information see Light Fields, the and Shaen’woa)

Chagraen: (See Metal Weaver)

Chinlea: The nation that once contained all of Nyria and part of southern Tall. It arose from the collapse of M’Den and was dissolved after the second War of Tides.

Citadels, the: The Citadels are large pillars, over a rod in height, made of an unknown substance. The exact nature of this substance is indiscernible due to the fact that proximity to a Citadel is fatal. Any artist attempting to paint a Citadel inevitably paints a different picture than any other artist. No two people looking at a Citadel see exactly the same object.

In legend, the Citadels were the homes of the Guardians. To date only three Citadels are known to exist in Alarunde, Rivengaud, and Sheymara Launeva. In legend there were seven. (For further information see Guardians and War of Tides)

Count-Slide: A device consisting of a number of horizontal poles and beads used for counting.

Dark Blossom, the: (See Shadow Bloom)

Dawn, the: 1. Name given to the period of time before the Abandonment and before the War of Tides, when men lived beneath the rule of the Haestan.

2. The word which describes all things which oppose the Tide.

Dawn, Army of the: Name of the army led by Alarell during the War of Tides.

Dim, the: A person of low mental power, or an insane person. It is commonly believed that the Dim are degraded humans. In some nations this means that a person has no soul and is not far above an animal. In certain cultures the Dim are believed to have supernatural powers, such as foresight and empathy. In superstitious circles they are believed to come from pairings with, or as a product of interference on the part of the Shaen. (For further information see Essential Fields, the)

Doctor: West of the old Empire Line, those who wish to become healers must first go to an Academy for a period of four years in order to earn a Mender’s Certificate. Without this certificate no man or woman is allowed to hold the title of doctor.

Drakkan’mirr: Name of the the beings who lived beyond the Eastern Rim, passed the world’s edge, in Ewil Brenven. They were the adversaries of the Haestan and according to legend they began the War of Tides by destroying the “Jade Arches”. During the war with the Haestan the Drakkan’mirr altered the inhabitants of Ewil Brenven into beings known as the Shaen to serve as soldiers in their army.

Portrayed as the the supreme evil beings in Projectionist religions.

(For further information see Haestan and War of Tides and Shaen)

Drugs: In folk legend, the Lightless created all drugs to tempt people to the Tide. He stuck his thumb in the Earth and the Shadow Bloom sprouted. He opened his mouth and the Gabbo jumped out to live in the swamps. He rubbed his hands together and Hot Sand poured out like flakes of his dead skin. Then he touched the trees and made Fist grow upon them. This legend is granted some credence as any drug use allows the user to be easily Infested.

World Line: (See Ceren’Ald)

Eastern Rim, the: According to legend if a person sails far enough east, they will find a wall of storms as high and as long as the eye can see that marks the end of the world. A person who goes beyond the Eastern Rim is believed to fall eternally into the dark realm where the Drakkan’mirr once lived. (For further information see Ewil Brenven)

Elem: One of the Haestan. Elem was a great general in the Army of Dawn and had only one eye. He is considered the Master of wisdom and cunning in Projectionist religions. (For further information see Haestan)

Elem Rift, the: Between Shen Anrath and the mysterious continent east of it, there is a divide known as the Elem Rift. The Elem Rift is a large, turbulent body of water that no ship can cross.

Elem’s Rose: A circle cut into four equal pieces by a cross, displayed such that one leg of the cross is perpendicular to the ground and the other is horizontal. A symbol of Essentialism representing the unity of the sea, the sky, the land, and man, as well as the natural law that both binds and defines them.

Erill: The peninsula nation south of Nyria. Erill is home to the Ghiamsha and is surrounded by sprawling Cainden groves. Very few humans are allowed to enter Erill. No map of its interior is known to exist. The Ghiamsha have had no contact with the outside world since the second War of Tides. (For further information see Ghiamsha)

Essential Fields, the: Around all things in the universe, living and dead, there exists a sort of field binding its place in reality. Manipulation of the Essential Field causes a change in the object that the Field surrounds. This is the source of the Aodani’s power. The Essential Fields are the main component of most Essentialist Religions.

Essentialism: The belief that nature is supreme. Essentialists worship the light of the sun, the wind, and the water, not as divine beings, but as an extention of the Essential Fields. The Essentialists have no anthropomorphized figure of worship, and believe the Universe itself is conscious. Their symbol is Elem’s Rose.

Ewil Brenven: Home of the Drakkan’mirr. Ewil Brenven exists beyond the Eastern Rim, passed the world’s edge, and is a place of fire, death, and agony. In Projectionist religions it is believed that when the wicked die they go to Ewil Brenven and are eternally punished for their sins. (For further information see Drakkan’mirr, the, Lightless, the, and Eastern Rim, the)

Ewil’s Fangs: (See Bathlaen)

Fathers: (See Haestan, the)

Fathers, Line of: On Angard it is believed that everyone has a line of fathers

and each father, by doing good works creates a link in a chain of honor. The worst thing someone on Angard can do is disgrace the line of their fathers and break their chain of honor. (For further information see Metal Weaver and Angard)

Finger: (See Units of Measure)

Fire Wand: A red flower whose crushed petals can be used to stop infection and numb flesh. In legend, Fire Wand is fatal to the Ghiamsha.

Flame: The name of a law keeper in Larin. A Flame wears a red-enamel fire burst as a badge and carries a sword at his waist.

Foul Maker: A name for Verdwha Eld Coumre Kabroll Shithi. (For further information see Kabroll, Verdwha Eld Coumre)

Frog-Licker: In the swamps of Shen Anrath there exists a frog known as a Gabbo. Licking a Gabbo’s back causes severe hallucinations and hysteria. Repetition of this act leads to permanent insanity.

People who lick the back of a Gabbo are considered to be the lowest of the low in the social hierarchy. Even Bloomers are held in higher esteem than Frog-Lickers. (For further information see Shadow Bloom, Shen Anrath, and Bloomer)

Ghiamsha: The Ghiamsha are the mysterious inhabitants of Erill. Little is known of them except in legend. According to the stories, the Ghiamsha are small people with green skin and leaf-like hair. The Ghiamsha are also said to possess beautiful voices that will draw tears from even the stoniest heart.  Their visage is used to frighten children in Nyria. (For further information see Erill)

Great Sending, the: Name given to event which occurred on the Standing Day of 2976 AA when a great light appeared from out of the sky and struck the Bastion of Shaohad. This light is thought to be a sign of the rebirth of Alarell Eld Talos Eld Lathendross. The same day as the Great Sending the child of Queen Bestna Rovan of Nyria mysteriously disappeared. It is commonly believed that this child is Alarell. (For further information see Alarell, War of Souls, and Shaohad, Bastion of)

Guardians: In legend there were seven humans who served the Masters, and from the Masters received great powers. These humans were known as the Guardians and in legend they watched the over the world and warned the Masters of the rising of the Tide. (For more information see Citadels, the)

Guardian Constellation, the: Name given to the seven-starred constellation in the night sky. Each star of the Guardian Constellation is given the name of one of the Guardians. They are Tarotin, Lugredi, Azraem, Malin, Odain, Garaedamesh, and Haiddon. It is possible to use the Guardian Constellation as a reference to find Lorien Len, the North Star. (For further information see Guardians)

Haestan, the: The Haestan ruled over all parts of the world West of the Eastern Rim. The Drakkan’mirr began a war with the Haestan and over the course of this war the number of Drakkan’mirr and Haestan decreased dramatically.  By the end of the war, at the Surrender of Ragnad it is beleived only Alarell and the Lightless survived the event which caused the Abandonment. (For further information see Alarell, Drakkan’mirr, Lightless, and War of Souls, the)

Hajjiah: A sport popular in most parts of the world. It is played on a rectangular field with two goals called Huts, each one defended by a Guardian. Seven players, not counting the Guardian, play for each team and there is a maximum of two balls on the field at any time. Two of the players for each team are allowed to carry the ball with their hands for a maximum of five-steps, the rest of the players must kick the ball. The goal of Hajjiah is to knock the ball past the Guardian, who will try to knock it away from himself with a large stick called a Hajjiah Wand. Most goals are usually scored by the Handlers, the players who carry the balls, because the way the Hut is built it is very hard to kick a ball into it.

Hajjiah Man: In some countries, before a Hajjiah game, a man is made out of hay and clothed in the colors of the opposing team. This man is then passed around the village before the game and is usually beat back to stuffing. This is done for the luck of the home team. (For further information see Hajjiah)

Hands: (See Units of Measure)

Honor, Chain of: (See Fathers, Line of)

Infestation: During the War of Tides, the Drakkan’mirr made terrible weapons called the Shaen. Some of these Shaen were ethereal entities who took over the minds of humans in a process known as Infestation.

Infested: A person whose mind has been taken over by one of the Shaen’woa. (For further information see Shaen’woa)

Heart Killer, The: (See Shadow Bloom)

Jimroar: A region in southern Shen Anrath that has declared independance, taking away all access to sea from the north of the country and monopolizing the mining industry. Religion is unofficially Witness.

Joyful Return, the: (See Great Sending, the)

Kabroll, Verdwha Eld Coumre: During the second War of Tides, the only Aodani held in higher esteem than Mok Eld Easan Thornaud was Verdwha Eld Coumre Kabroll. Verdwha was an explorer of human and animal anatomy and claimed to have found a device that allowed for the alteration of the “essential structure” of all living things before his downfall.

During the War of Tides Verdwha performed experiments upon the Shaen he was able to capture in battle. As a result of one of these experiments Verdwha went mad. This madness inspired Verdwha to alter the physiology of a group of warriors known as the Battle Masters.

The Battle Masters later went insane and degenerated into creatures more animal than man. Verdwha escaped prosecution from the other Aodani by escaping into the ongoing battle. If he was killed during the  second War of Tides his body was never found. Verdwha is sometimes known as the Foul Maker. In folk legend, Verdwha made a pact with the Lightless so that he could live forever and continue his experiments. This legend is lent no credence by the educated. (For further information see War of Tides and Thornaud, Mok Eld Easan)

Kaero Saul: A region of the world that has been destroyed by the War of Tides. Living in proximity to Kaero Saul raises the likelihood of children being born with defects. It is not controlled by any government.

Larin: 1. A nation bordered by M’Doun, Tall, and Alarunde named for the Haestan Larin. Has a Constitutional Monarchy and a Projectionist religion. Part of the M’Deni triumvurate.

2. One of the Haestan. Larin was a female Master who had great power to heal the wounded with a liquid known as the Water of Restoration that in legend sprang from the Flesh Pools. She is commonly thought of as the Master of healing and medicine in Projectionist religions. (For further information see Haestan)

Lightborn, the: Another name for Aodani or Nymphioradi. (For further information see Aodani and Essential Fields, the)

Lightless, the: The ruler of the Drakkan’mirr and the enemy of Alarell Eld Talos Eld Lathendross during the Dawn. As Akrin is said to be incapable of wrongdoing the Lightless is said to be incapable of love or happiness. It is believed that he lives still, past the Eastern Rim imprisoned on Ewil Brenven. In Projectionist Cultures the Lightless is considered the source of all wrong in the world. (For further information see Drakkan’mirr, Haestan, and War of Souls)

Lords, the: (See Haestan, the)

Lords of the World, the: (See Haestan, the)

Lovely Leaf, the: (See Shadow Bloom)

Madd Dendrai: In legend Madd Dendrai was the most beautiful city controlled by the Haestan. Madd Dendrai was where Talarell created the Aodani. In Projectionist religions the blessed dead go to Madd Dendrai and live forever. (For further information see Aodani, Haestan, and Talarell)

Master, The One True: A name given to Alarell Eld Talos Eld Lathendross, the leader of the Haestan. Alarell is also referred to as the Master of the Masters. The recent religious group known as the Witnesses believe that Alarell is the only divine being in existence, and that worship of other Haestan is heresy.

The Metal Weavers also use this name as they believe that they are the living servants of Alarell and that one day he will return to lead them against the Shaen. The above reason is why the Metal Weavers refer to themselves as “Servants and Swords of the One True Master.” Metal Weavers, however, do not acknowledge the divinity of Alarell. (For further information see Alarell, Angard, and Metal Weaver)

Masters, the: (See Haestan, the)

Masters’ Eyes, the: Name given to the stars that shoot across the sky every few minutes. There are four of these stars.

M’Den: The first substantial empire that formed after the Abandonment. M’Den was first ruled by Eldren Veren and up until the very end of the Empire each king that sat on the throne of M’Den was a Veren king. M’Den is responsible for the existing units of measure, the calendar, the continued tradition of public schooling, and the formalized training of healers, as well as the tradition of Constitutional Monarchies. M’Den collapsed during the war with Rideen, known as the War of the Empires.

M’Doun: A nation existing in the common era, on the lands once ruled by M’Den. A center of culture and eduction, it has the second best Academy in the known world, second only to the Mender’s Academy on Angard. Has a constitutional monarchy and a Projectionist religion. Part of the M’Deni triumvurate.

Meranor: One of the Haestan. Meranor was the mother of Alarell and the most beautiful of all of the Haestan. She was also the wife of Talos. Meranor was slain by the Lightless before the Gates of Fan Nadarem while trying to discuss peace. She was also known as the All Mother. In Projectionist religions she is seen as Mistress of the child bearing, the home, and cooking. (For further information see Haestan)

Metal Weavers: Metal Weavers are the elite warriors of Angard. They are stronger and faster than normal people. They are believed to be so because their ancestors were blessed by the Haestan to make them better weapons against the Shaen.

Metal Weavers enter training at thirteen, and this training ensues until they are twenty-one. The teacher of a Metal Weaver is known as a War Hammer, due to the fact that they forge and shape the Metal Weaver into a “human weapon.” As well as learning all forms of combat, Metal Weavers are also taught about the Shaen and how to recognize each breed. Every Metal Weaver is also required to learn a vocation, such as medicine or philosophy in the course of their studies.

Upon graduation a Metal Weaver is branded on the forehead with a sign known as Elem’s Rose. Ever after the branding a Metal Weaver will wear a bandanna with their clan colors to cover the marking. Before preparing to do battle with the Shaen, Metal Weavers will take off their bandanna. They refer to this action as “unsheathing” themselves. (For further information see Angard and Bathlaen)

Moon, Phases of the: The phases of the moon are named as though the moon is a great, blinking eye. When the moon is full it is referred to as a “Wakened Moon” and when the moon is new it is referred to as a “Sleeping Moon”. The other two phases in the lunar cycle are the “Dreary Moon” or gibbous and the “Slanted Moon” or crescent. Depending on whether the moon is waxing or waning it is referred to as either an Opening or a Closing Moon.

Narick: One of the Haestan. One of Narick’s many feats in legend was creating “metal skin” for humans to wear in battle. In Projectionist religions he is commonly thought of as a Master of the loom and cloth as well as metal work. (For further information see Haestan)

Nimble, The: (See Blazing Ones, the)

Nodes: The crossing of two or more Ceren’Ald. Nodes are sources of great power for Aodani and are sites of protection for humans. Nodes are sometimes referred to as, “The Places of Protection.” The position of Nodes constantly fluctuates but the general location of a Node is marked by a large cross. The largest Node in the known world is beneath the Bastion of Shaohad. (For further information see Ceren’Ald, Light Fields, and Shaen’woa)

Nymphioradi: There are very few humans that can be referred to as Lightborn. One of the few breeds of human that can be considered Lightborn are the Nymphioradi. Nymphioradi cannot see or directly use the Essential Fields but by detecting their presence, they are able to use the Essential Fields to achieve a sort of “unseeing eye” that allows them to tell things about their surroundings that others cannot.

Nymphioradi are often left untrained as how it is hard to distinguish how a particular Nymphioradai extrasensory ability works and how to tap it. Nymphioradi bare an immunity to Infestation. The gift of a Nymphioradi is often known as the Touch or the Knack. (See Aodani and Shaen’woa)

Nyria: A country bordered to the west by the Silver Ocean. Nyria is also bordered by Erill, Shen Anrath, and Tall. Nyria is best known for the arrogance and sexism of its people. In Nyria woman are considered to be far less than men and are not allowed last names. Since the Great Sending Nyria has been a land filled with religious fervor and has amassed a large army containing men of every nation. It is the only nation which has acknowledged Witnessing as its official religion. It is ruled by a monarch.

Obaeraen: The most powerful of the Blazing Ones. Obaeraen was often times considered a Master himself. He served both Alarell and Talos during the Soul War. In Projectionist religions he is the messenger of the Haestan. (For further information see Blazing Ones, the)

Pale, the: A childhood illness, affecting adults only rarely. The Pale is a fever named for the unnaturally bleached quality it bestows upon its victims’ skin. The Pale is usually caught only once, in childhood, though in some rare cases it can be caught a second time in adulthood. Though it is a very serious illness, it is usually not fatal and causes no lasting damage.

Passage, Rights of: Due to the poor quality of the medical services in Shen Anrath people are sometimes accidentally buried alive. “Rights of Passage” are performed to verify death. Rights of Passage are also used to make sure that a body is not intact enough to be Infested by one of the Shaen’woa. Although this concern is more traditional than practical.

A corpse is left alone in a room for three days, or until the first full moon. The fingers of the corpse are sewn together, as well as the legs, and the arms are then sewn to the abdomen. After a few more such rights the corpse is taken by a friend of the family to an unknown location and buried in an unmarked grave. It is believed that if the Rights of Passage are not performed that a person cannot find true peace in the Madd Dendrai. (For further information see Shen Anrath)

Projectionism: The belief that the Haestan were divine beings, and that prayer to the Haestan can influence one’s own life. Each of the Haestan has a particular realm of influence in Projectionism to the exclusion of the other Haestan. There are many forms of Projectionism including:

1. Paternal Projectionism: the belief that a child dedicated at birth to one of the Haestan is forever protected by that Haestan in life and in death.

2. Intercessionary Projectionism: the belief that the the seasons of the year are controlled by different Haestan and that every natural process is similarly controlled directly by the Haestan.

Ragnad: Ragnad was the place where the Masters went to surrender themselves to the Drakkan’mirr. It is believed Alarell died there to set forth the chain of events that caused the Abandonment, and imprisoned the Lightless in Ewil Brenven. (For further information see Drakkan’mirr, Haestan, and War of Souls)

Red Union Man: A term derived from history. Any person who is too concerned about financial matters is said to be a Red Union Man. The Red Union at one time was the ruling power in Alarunde.

Rideen: An Empire that arose a few hundred years after the formation of M’Den, just after the Abandonment. Rideen tortured and killed many of its citizens and drugged the rest into docility. It started the war that caused the collapse of M’Den. Today, the nations that were once part of Rideen still suffer from the drug-addiction of their ancestors. (For further information see M’Den)

Ring Hill: In legend, the Ring Hill is a place on Sheymara Launeva, over a great Node. During the second War of Tides Mok Eld Easan Thornaud stood upon the Ring Hill and performed an amazing feat that drove all of the Shaen back to Ewil Brenven and Bathlaen. This feat killed Mok. Standing Day is celebrated to commemorate his sacrifice and remember that one day the Tide will rise again. (For further information see Thornaud, Mok Eld Easan and War of Tides)

Rivenguad: A wilderness region, north of M’Doun not controlled by any government

Rods: (See Units of Measure)

Samaerael: An island nation off of the Eastern Coast of Erill. The Samaeraeli are the only known people to have any contact with the Ghiamsha. They are a strange and mysterious people, who paint their faces and light candles to curse their enemies. They are not allowed to have social interaction with people of other nations up to the pain of death.

Samaerael is most well known for its obsession with the Dim. The Samaeraeli will pay large sums of money to buy Dim children from their parents. This practice has led to the kidnapping of the Dim from their parents to be sold for profit. It is widely believed the Samaeraeli eat Dim children as part of their strange customs.

Sairain: The swords used by the Metal Weavers. Sairain are long single-edged swords with an encapsulated tang. They are made in the nation that lies beyond the Elem Rift of an unknown material. Sairain are generally worn, crisscrossed, on the small of the Metal Weaver’s back. Everywhere in the world they are the recognized symbol of a Metal Weaver. (For further information see Angard and Metal Weaver)

Sea of Swords: The ocean that lays in the Erilli Gulf and to the North of Angard. It is named for the large jagged rock formations within it that will tear boats to shreds if not avoided.

Shadow Bloom: A seven-leafed plant, whose stem and leaves can be dried and smoked to induce a feeling of peace and contentment. Shadow Bloom is most commonly grown in Shen Anrath and smoking it leaves the person who does so extremely vulnerable to Infestation. Shadow Bloom is addictive and though it is not physically harmful, the people who smoke it will often times simply stop caring for themselves in their yearning to smoke more of it.  Bloom addicts generally die of exposure to the elements. (For further information see Bloomers)

Shadow Crowned, the: (See Drakkan’mirr, the)

Shaen: During the War of Tides the Drakkan’mirr created human weapons, and they called these weapons the Shaen. The Shaen are either physical or ethereal beings who take over the minds of human hosts. (See Drakkan’mirr, Shaen, son of a, and War of Tides)

Shaen’Loke: Shaen with physical bodies. They are divided into two phylum based upon whether or not they spend part of their life cycle with a human appearance. (For further information see Drakkan’mirr and War of Tides)

Shaen, Son of a: Certain species of Shaen’Loke need humans to reproduce. These Shaen will impregnate women, usually by rape. The women who become pregnant will generally carry the child for either a much longer or shorter period of time than is normal. Events at the labor vary by species. Some Shaen’Loke are fairly normal after they are born and do not take on their true forms until many years later.

Calling someone a “Son of a Shaen” is meant to say that they are touched by the Tide, although over time the insult has become more general. In the M’Deni triumvurate it is equivalent of calling someone’s mother a whore. In countries and places where Shaen often times do interfere in human pregnancies this term is not used due to the painful memories it invokes. (For further information see Shaen and Shaen, Loke)

Shaen’woa: These Shaen take over the minds of human hosts. Shaen’woa are divided into four separate phylum depending upon what they do to their hosts. The process by which a Shaen’woa takes over the mind of a human  host is known as Infestation. Once Infested a person who carries a Shaen’woa parasite is susceptible to injury by sunlight and the touch of any metal carried by a non-infested individual.

Shaohad: The capitol city of Nyria.

Shaohad, Bastion of: A fortress in the city of Shaohad in Nyria. The Bastion of Shaohad was built during the second War of Tides on the orders of Tavaraum Eld Tumand Veade and was erected with the aid of Aodani. The Bastion is directly over the largest Node in the known world. (For further information see Great Sending, the, Ceren’Ald, Niria, and Node)

Shen Anrath: Both the largest and poorest nation in the known world. The people of Shen Anrath live their lives without much interference from their central government. Shen Anrath is most known for the widespread drug-addiction of its people. It is divided into many Baronies the borders of which are in constant dispute. It has no official religion. (For further information see Shadow Bloom)

Sheymara Launeva: Sheymara Launeva is an island far to the south of Angard. It is the home of Aodani and is said to be protected by great storms that will not let any ship through. (For further information see Aodani)

Spun Fire: A material used in the making of a Sairain. Spun Fire is an incredibly durable metal that will neither chip, dull, or crack. It comes from the land beyond the Elem Rift. (For further information see Angard, Metal Weaver, and Sairain)

Standing Day: (See Thornaud, Mok Eld Easan)

Sun Lords, The: (See Haestan, the)

Sun Wheel: A pattern that represents Talos, Meranor, and their five children, who were the noblest of the Haestan. The Sun Wheel is a sun contained within a circle surrounded by seven large jutting sword-like spikes. Each spike represents one of the “Circle”, as the children of Talos were once referred. The members of the Circle were Talos, Meranor, Vernor, Shev’hon, Alarell, Braynoch, and Talarell. It is a poweful symbol in Projectionist religions. (For further information see above mentioned names and Haestan)

Talarell: One of the Haestan. Talarell was the brother of Alarell and the cleverest Master. Talarell, among other things, created the Aodani in the city of Madd Dendrai. In Projectionist religions he is considerd the Master of scholarship and learning. (For further information see Haestan)

Tall: A nation south of M’Doun and North of Nyria. Tall is best known for its fine metal work. Part of the M’Deni Triumvurate.

Talos: One of the Haestan and the Father of Alarell. Talos is often depicted as having a flowing white beard and sparkling blue eyes. He is also known as the All Father. In Projectionist religions he is seen as the Master of wisdom, government, and fathers. (For further information see Haestan)

Tant: In the scholarly sense means to have been altered or changed in a way that suggests interference by the Masters. For example Metal Weavers, Aodani, and animals with light-colored eyes are Tant. In the vernacular Tant means an animal of unusual intelligence.

Thornaud, Mok Eld Easan: The Leader of the Aodani during the second War of Tides, Mok held the title of both Chosen and Voice of the Lights. Mok was the most powerful living Aodani in his time, and the youngest ever to be named Chosen. His sacrifice on the Ring Hill ended the War of Tides and is remembered and celebrated during Standing Day. (For further information see Standing DayRing Hill) and

Tide, the: The name commonly used to identify the Shaen. This name has existed throughout recorded time and it is believed to stem from  the fact that during the War of Tides nature itself was harnessed as a weapon. Certain cyclical natural processes were seen as indicative of either side. For the Haestan it was the Dawn. For the Drakkan’mirr it was the Tide. (For further information see Drakkan’mirr, Shaen, Shaen’woa, War of Tides, and War of Tides II)

Town School: A practice of the M’Deni triumvurate. A child enters a school after harvest time. Depending on the education of the teacher this schooling can consist of geography, geometry, and astronomy. In rural areas however, most children simply learn legends until they can recite them verbatim. This is often also a religious education put on by the town’s place of worship. Because of Town School the greater portion of the world, excepting Shen Anrath and certain rural regions, is literate.

Units of Measure: The existing units of measure were established in M’Den by Palan Veren, the second king to hold the throne of the nation, some time around the establishment of the first calendar. A hand was designated as the length between his thumb and farthest finger when his hand was splayed outward. A finger is one tenth of hand. A staff is the exact height of Palan Veren and there are eight hands to one staff. One rod is the length of one thousand staffs. (For further information see M’Den)

Units of Time: The existing units of time have been used since before the Abandonment. There are one hundred seconds in a minute, one hundred minutes in an hour, twenty hours in one day, and three hundred and sixty-five days in a year. Please note that the literal translations of these time units can respectively be better translated as passings, steps, leaps, turns, and revolutions.

Units of Weight: Units of weight were established alongside the existing units of measure. One bucket is the weight of a cylinder of water with a height of one hand and a diameter of one hand. A cup is the weight of one-tenth of a bucket, and a spoon is the weight of one-tenth of a cup. A barrel is the weight of one hundred buckets.

Valaen: An island nation off the western coast of Nyria that is divided into two large land masses. It has the second strongest naval power in the known world. Religious affiliation unknown.

Veade, Tavaraum Eld Tumand: The ancient king of Chinlea. Tavaraum Eld Tumand Veade was also the only Aodani ever to hold the throne of Chinlea. He is remembered most for his attempts to equalize the status of women with men and for trying to rid Chinlea of drug-trade. (For further information see War of Tides)

Vernor: One of the Haestan. Vernor was the sister of Alarell and was one of the wisest and shrewdest Haestan. She is remembered in legend for her honeyed tongue and her ability to show people the truth. In Projectionist religions she is seen as the Mistress of orators, debate, and truth. (For further information see Haestan)

Walkers, The: (See Haestan, the)

War Hammer: The teacher of a Metal Weaver. When a boy from a warrior family turns thirteen, on Angard, he is sent off to a Metal Weaver School. At this school he learns to fight and recognize all types of Shaen as well as various other things useful in combating the Tide. (For further information see Angard and Metal Weaver)

War of Tides II, the: In 1192 AA, the Shaen attacked all of the nations of the world without warning. The war to stop them lasted eleven years, and ended when the Aodani Mok Eld Easan Thornaud stood on the Ring Hill and sacrificed his life to stop the Shaen advance and drive them back from whence they came. Mok took his stand on the ring hill on the fifth day of Meranor in the year 2002 AA, and completed his stand the next morning.

The War of Tides II, ended exactly eleven years after it began. The War of Tides was the only time during which the mainland had contact with the nations beyond the Elem Rift. Since the war these nations will only communicate with Angard. Most of the nations involved in the war, such as Benloed, Chinlea, and Horiku were dissolved after the war’s end, due to the subsequent destruction of each nation’s central government. (For further information see Ring Hill and Thornaud, Mok Eld Easan)

Witness: Since the Joyous Return there have been many people who preach that the end times are soon at hand and the Long Night is soon to fall. These people believe that the entire world must fall in line behind the royal family of Nyria and wait for the Tide to rise. Though originally Witnesses were only people who saw the great light in the sky on the Standing Day of 2976 AA, Witnesses are now people who merely believe in spreading the word of the coming battle. Their central tenet is that Alarell Eld Talos Eld Lathendross is a divine being who will deliver salvation. (For further information see Great Sending, the)

Woven Moonlight: A material used in the making of a Sairain. Woven Moonlight is a nearly indestructible metal that is lethal to the Infested. When a sword made from Woven Moonlight makes contact with a Shaen’woa it begins to flash light and emits a sound like tolling bells. If held outside during a stormy day Woven Moonlight will almost always draw a bolt of lightning from the sky. (For further information see Angard, Metal Weaver, and Sairain)