[Note for anyone knew to this particular posting: I am no longer going to separate the glossary for each book but rather going to keep a running one comprised of all terms found within each book as it gets written. As a result, there may be terms that contain spoilers for later books, though when giving a definition, I will do my best to be as broad/vague as possible without diminishing the information given. That being said, each list of proper nouns and their pronunciations will be separated by book under the “Proper Nouns & Pronunciations” tab.]

After, the part of the Realm of the Dead. Those who have not done anything that warrants being sent to the Cliffs go here. It is a paradise, seen differently (to a degree) by each Dhaoine who goes to it upon their death. While it shares a small boundary with the Cliffs, it is the polar opposite of the Cliffs of Oblivion. Most Dhaoine who are sent here upon death end up being reborn. Those who don’t have made the choice consciously when presented with the opportunity.

Anglë’lylel [aang-glee-lee-lell] language of the Anglë race. When spoken by a native it sounds as though the speaker is actually singing, and to a degree they are. Heralded as the most beautifully sounding language in the Seven Worlds and also the most difficult to learn to speak if one is not an Anglëtinean. Written form is flowing, looping scroll-like runes with dots placed where emphasis or tonal shifts are needed. One of the only languages in the Worlds that does not have punctuation when written.

Anheil [ein-hey-elle] is a Sinxhët word meaning “blessed one” or “angel.” Often used a term of endearment though at its creation it was used to refer to a god or member of the Anglë race (respectively).

Anjiirt [Ahn-jee-eert] the official fighting style of the Sinner Demon race’s warriors. Made up of short, swift, clipped movements designed to deliver powerful, debilitating blows that take down an opponent in as few moves as possible. It is also one of the fastest fighting styles within the Worlds and also, by virtue of that, one of the most difficult to master.

Attend order [also known as simply an attend] an order spoken by – or with – the power of a Qishir. Unlike other acts of magick that compel a Dhaoine to do or not do something by forcing the body to move, attend orders compel the Self. No Shield, Barrier, ward, or other act of magick is powerful enough to protect a Dhaoine from an attend. Only 151 Dhaoine throughout history have been known to be able to fight off and/or ignore an attend spoken by a Qishir. Only one of that number has been known to fight off/ignore the attend spoken by the Eighth Qishir – the only Qishir in the Worlds whose attends should be unbreakable, unfightable.

Barriers are, like Shields, made of pure magick, but rather than protecting something (though they are also capable of doing that), they provide a warning system. More commonly are placed anywhere from inches to leagues away from what they’re protecting/warning. Most are made of a single layer but there have been Dhaoine who make them several layers thick, as well as weave them in and around a Shield that is tethered to them.

Clergy part of the Sacred Three, often sits/stands in tandem (or opposite, as it were) to the Warrior. This position makes sure that the religious needs of the Court are met, whatever those may be. They are the shadow of the Warrior for the Warrior protects the body of the Qishir, the Clergy protects the Self (and the magick that Self allows the Qishir to control/have). While it is not uncommon, many Dhaoine who are qahllyn to this Court position do not subscribe to a single faith or set of gods, but rather are expertly versed in all the Worlds religions, both major and minor (and every shade in between).

Companion (first seat of the Triad, sits/stands at the heart hand (left) of the Qishir) This position is the most powerful in that it is the only one in which the Dhaoine who occupies it can speak with the same weight and power of their Qishir. While often it is the second qahllyn Court position to be filled/found, it has been known to be encountered first. It is also always the first one to be Blood Oathed in permanence because if the Qishir should fall, and the Companion survive that death, the Companion steps into the position of Qishir until another steps up to take care of the Court until they either all die, disband, or agree to operate with the Companion as their ad-regent Qishir. Almost always the Companion is a life mate/partner of the Qishir. The Companion’s primary duty(ies) is to be the Qishir’s confidante, their adviser, the one that keeps them steady and grounded, the one the Qishir can trust explicitly above all others.

Court (always spelled with a capital “C”) is the term for the group that follows and/or is qahllyn to a Qishir. Originally was only applied to those who occupied the positions of the Triad and Sacred Three but as cultural norms shifted, the term began to be applied to anyone who bent knee to a Qishir, whether they were Blood Oathed or not in the process. There are more commonly no more than thirteen positions within a Court – six of which are made up by the Triad (first circle) and the Sacred Three (second circle). The remaining seven “official” positions are split between the Triad and Sacred Three (one for each position, the Dhaoine who occupy those shadow positions are known as apprentices, as “backups” should the Dhaoine in the position they shadow fall for any reason) and one to shadow the Qishir who heads the Court itself. Courts, like the Qishir who head them, are often given nicknames. Most of the time these nicknames are based off the one(s) assigned to the Qishir who heads them. [For example the Crimson Qishir, also known as Qishir Lulphé’s, Court would be known as the Crimson Court. Though it is also known as the Eighth Court because Lulphé is also the Eighth Qishir, the highest ranking of the Seven Worlds, so that “nickname” is also assigned to her Court.]

Currents akin to Lines but are unable to traversed. They are river-like and made of pure magick. Believed to be what feeds the Worlds the ambient magick that powers them. When the gods still walked the Worlds among Their children, it was believed They touched the Currents and kept them fed with the gods’ own life energy.

d’Shday [shh-daye] Sinxhët word meaning “death” or “dead.” When posed as a question using just the word itself, it is the shortened form of “I am dead” or the equivalent.

Eil’hael [Eel-hay-elle] the official fighting style of the Anglë race’s warriors. It looks more like an elaborate dance than a fighting style but each flowing, dance-like movement is designed to gather one’s strength so that when the blow lands it is far stronger than it would have been otherwise.

Faceless the god of Time. One of the Old Ones. Also known as Father Time, Wielder of Sands, and Hourglass Keeper. Was originally worshiped by the Greywalker Race.

Fahmen [faa-men] means “father.” Was originally the Tengú Elaèy term fahtahven [faa-taa-venn] but was adopted by the Sinner Demon race who made it closer to their native language of Sinxhët by altering the pronunciation and the length of the word over all. (This is the formal form of the word “father.”)

Fields, the another term for battlefields or the swaths of land where warriors and soldiers engage in some form of combat. Not always a physical place, but when spoke of with a capital “F”, it denotes something more than just a skirmish in an alley or some other such place or a sparring match that takes place in a training place.

First Children (1) also known as the Original Seven Races, the children born of the gods the Great Mother and Father birthed. (2) a group of fundamentalist Dhaoine who believe that the only way to keep Dhaoinic magick and blood pure is to stay away from mixed communities and to stay as faithful to the Old Ways and the Old Gods as possible. Are often found living “off grid” and in isolation. First Children family groups are not made up of one race over the other but are one of the few times when multiple races, even those who normally don’t get along, can be found peacefully cohabiting.

G’agsha [guh-ahg-shuh] Gretlök term normally given to a revered leader; this can be a Soul Healer who is either a Gret’yinl or a general or a spiritual leader. It is a term of high respect.

G’bròltr [guh-broil-ter] Gretlök term that translates to Common as “brother” but when spoken by a Grey Soul Healer about a male, it can have a secondary meaning of “male lover” or “male who holds a piece of my heart” depending on how it is used in a sentence.

G’dmayè [duh-may-uh] the Gretlök word for a specific kind of alcohol, the only kind the Grey Soul Healer race doesn’t have that is watered down. It is like a mixture of ale and whiskey, brewed from herbs that grow on the ice shelves where the Grey Soul Healer’s harvest their gretkewqi and allowed to steep for decades to centuries. The long it steeps, the more potent it is. The most potent g’dmayè bottle had been steeped for two thousand years before it was opened.

G’hetlaqk [het-law-kuh] Gretlök derogatory term for “mother.” There is no direct or simplified translation to Common. Just that it is borderline a slur for someone’s birth giver.

G’Higdë [hig-dee] type of bear found living on the northern ice shelves of Txiwteb World known for being at least seven feet tall (when standing on all four paws) with a shoulder span of at least three and a half feet.

G’hitshé [guh-hit-shee] root is a root harvested by the Grey Soul Healer race that has medicinal properties (is most often used to lessen minor pain) but is more commonly used as an active substance that the smoker uses to reach a level of distorted euphoria, or a high. Addictions of g’hitshé root can get violent if forced to withdraw suddenly from smoking it. Most Healers will try to ween smokers slowly off the root until they are completely free of it for depending on how much and how often one smokes it, the withdraws can kill the smoker.

G’luôs g’Av [Loo-oohs guh-ahve] Gretlök term meaning “Soul Wave,” the only offensive bit of magick that Grey Soul Healers have. Is a devastating attack that wipes out everything within a certain radius of the caster, how wide that radius is depends on the strength and power level of the caster – though the widest ever recorded was five leagues. Is a blast made up of the anger and righteous need to protect others channeled directing into pure magick.

G’mii g’Shieke [mee shee-ekk-ee] Gretlök phrase meaning, “my beloved one” or “my respected love.” It is a phrase commonly only used between lovers. G’Shieke is a shortened, more informal form of this phrase.

G’möhyt [guh-moy-tuh] the Gretlök word for “mother.” Is neither informal or formal, but rather used interchangeably for all variations of “mother” save for “birth giver.”

G’agshaïrt [guh-ahg-shear-tuh] Gretlök term that means “second in command” or “revered leader ad regent.” Normally this title is only assigned by a Gret’yinl to the one they named as their successor in the event that the next generation Gret’yinl has not been born. However, the title has been given by consensus to an individual who is either a Gret’yinl’s personal guard, close friend, mate, or confidante (this practice is very rare for when the Gret’yinl is absent or unable to give directions/orders, the g’agshaïrt speaks in their stead with the same weight and finality as the Gret’yinl whom they serve).

Gheczyk [guh-heck-zick] the Gretlök word for a traditional meal of meat and vegetables cooked at times of mourning loved ones who have crossed into the After. Usually cooked by family and friends with each Dhaoine helping out while sharing memories of those lost following the burial rites.

Ghert’qik [gurt-kik] the Gretlök word used by the Grey Soul Healer race to describe a sound one makes that is heart stopping when heard. Any time it is heard, a Grey Soul Healer knows the maker of it is in great distress. (Originally believed to be the noise that precedes a death rattle.)

Grekxhiw [greck-shew] the language of the Greywalker race. Lost when the Genocide wiped them out ten millennia before the birth of Rhyshladlyn Ka’ahne, it was one of the most complicated to learn to speak, read, and write languages in the Seven Worlds if only because every time one spoke it, power and magick flowed. It word, phrase, sentence, was an act of magick, was the creation of a spell, a curse, a hex, a charm; was the birth of a Barrier, a Shield, a ward. It was only ever safe spoken by a Dhaoine who had a least a quarter Greywalker in their blood and even then, that amount wasn’t always strong enough to control the ambient magick that lived within the language itself.

Gret’yinl [gret-yill-n] true-born leader of the Grey Soul Healer race. Chosen at random and from all walks of life within the race, a Gret’yinl is usually exceptionally powerful, nearly on par with the weakest of Qishir in the Worlds, and capable of performing magick that all of the Ildir combined cannot counter.

Gretkewq/gretkewqi [gret-kewk/gret-kewk-ee] a small grey jewel harvested from the ice shelfs near the Grey Soul Healer homeland in the northernmost part of Ikunae Province, Txiwteb World. Each Grey Soul Healer harvests their own gretkewq that calls to them during the final part of their Initiations. Each Soul Healer is tied to the heart of their kind through their gretluos and gretkewq. It is thought that if their belief in their god, the Many, ever waivers, they will be cut off from their race, from the magick that gives them their power(s), and be lost.

Gretlök [gret-lOCk] language of the Grey Soul Healer race. Syllables are harsh and is mostly spoken on the back of the tongue, with clipped vowels, and sharp edged consonants. Has a very complicated written form, mainly complicated because it shows with a “g” in front of nearly every word, even if it isn’t actually pronounced when spoken.

Gretluos [gret-loo-oohs] the tattooed, intricate knotwork that denotes a Grey Soul Healer’s skills, power level, and Clan. Usually marked on the right bicep from shoulder curve to just below the elbow. Is inked when the Soul Healer comes of age within the race and finished when they complete their Initiations and earn their gretkewq.

Healer part of the Sacred Three, often sits/stands in tandem (or opposite, as it were) to the Companion. The primary, often sole, duty of this position is to be the Courts Healer, taking care of first the Qishir and then triaging those who are in most need from there. The Dhaoine who occupies this position is often naturally or professionally trained in Healing not just the body but the Self as well.

High Ones the gods of the Anglë race.

Ildir [ill-deer] the Council that rules over the Grey Soul Healer race in lieu of a Gret’yinl. Is made up of thirteen members chosen from the race itself. Though, unlike its Anglëtinean equivalent, it is not comprised fully of the elite, but rather a mixture of all castes and wealth levels.

Je dú velknaden [jeh doo velk-na-den] a Tengú Elaèy phrase that means “I love you.” This particular form is used most often between Dhaoine who are in love with each other.

Kè [kah] the Tengú Elaèy term applied to a Dhaoine who has Others. Mostly the Heart’s Others will use this term when referencing their Heart, but other Dhaoine, as well as Otherborn of a different kè, will use this term as well about Hearts who are not their own.

Kè-Oktür bròtr [kah-awk-ter bro-ter] a Tengú Elaèy phrase meaning “brother of my heart.” Most often used by a Dhaoine who is the Heart, the kè, to an Other; more specifically an Other who is said Heart’s twin brother.

Kijet [kee-zzz-ette] a Sinxhët slur for those of the Anglë race. Has no direct translation from Sinxhët to Common.

Kiklaq [kick-lawk] a Tengú Elaèy term that loosely translates to Common and has several meanings which change depending on tone and context in which its spoken. The most used two are “someone with gods-sized balls” and “someone whose honor or Will is weaker than a newborn’s neck.”

Kjeiru [kuh-jay-roo] Sinxhët term for “dear one” that is only ever spoken between romantic partners.

-kyn [key-in] honorific Tengú Elaèy term that means “Qishir” when added to the end of a Dhaoine’s name. It is a familiar/informal way of referring to a Qishir. The formal way is to simply put the title of Qishir before the name.

Lil’it ahshan-bròtr [lil-it ahh-shawn bro-ter] Tengú Elaèy term that means, “baby brother” or “brother who is last born.” Often spoken as a term of endearment between the youngest male of a sibling set and an elder sibling of any gender.

Lil’it bròtr [lil-it bro-ter] a Tengú Elaèy term that means “little brother.” Is usually used by an older sibling for their younger brother whom they respect and who holds some form of rank either in warrior service or royalty.

Lil’it uhn [lil-it oon] a Tengú Elaèy term meaning “little one.” Often used as a term of endearment for a Dhaoine one greatly respects who is younger than oneself either in age or experience. It can also be used to belittle someone or demean them.

Lines essentially highways made out of pure energy/magick. Exist, technically in the physical plane, but also removed from it enough that their existence does not obstruct the view of the skies. Can be traversed on foot or via Line Carriage. The stronger the Dhaoine, the faster they can travel on the Lines.

Lord King the title given to the highest ranking, in power and sometimes magickal ability, male of the Sinner Demon race; the only ruler in the Worlds who is always male as dictated by culture and tradition and law.

Lu’kè-anh [loo-kah-awn] a Tengú Elaèy term, means “Balanced Heart” or “Heart of Balance.” Was the honorific title applied to the Soullessly Heartfelt by Her followers.

Maequïn/maequïnlae [may-keen/mae-keen-lay] female/male (respectively) who fall under the slave caste; Dhaoine who submit themselves to the whims, be it physical, sexual, or otherwise, of what the slave caste often calls their “betters” or “owners.” Those called to this caste are always willing. There is no forcing one to be a maequïn or maequïnlae. To do so is a death sentence.

Maest [mace-st] the root word of the four titles for Awakened, fully trained Greywalkers. The suffix that gets added denotes gender or rank in the case of Maestrelan.

Maestra [mace-trah] one of the four titles for Awakened, fully trained Greywalkers. This one is only ever assigned to the female gender.

Maestrelan [mace-tray-len] one of the four titles for Awakened, fully trained Greywalkers. This is given to the most powerful, and highest ranking, Greywalker in a City or region/World. It is the only title that is genderless.

Maestrer [mace-trur] one of the four titles for Awakened, fully trained Greywalkers. This one is only ever assigned to the male gender.

Maestrx [mace-tricks] one of the four titles for Awakened, fully trained Greywalkers. This one is only ever assigned to the neodrach gender.

Magickal signature(s) are essentially the DNA of something. Everyone and every thing in the Worlds that is alive has a signature, one that is unique to that Dhaoine or thing. Even identical mirror twins have different magickal signatures (though in the case of identical mirror twins, the signatures may be very similar but ultimately different). The only time a magickal signature is altered in any way, but is not made unrecognizable, is when a qahllyn performs a Blood Oath to a Qishir. Otherwise there is no way to change, alter, or mask a magickal signature. And each Dhaoine in the Worlds “reads” a signature differently across all the senses: taste, sight, hearing, smell, touch. It is rare for a Dhaoine to be able to read a magickal signature with more than one sense.

Mah-avtmen [mah-ought-men] means “mother.” Like with fahmen, this was originally a Tengú Elaèy term that was adopted by the Sinner Demon race. However, unlike with the male equivalent term, Sinners didn’t modify it, merely kept it as it was. (Scholars believe the reason for this is because the Sinner race is purely patriarchal and as such has no true honorific term for those who give birth.)

Mïn Leipkin [meen leap-kin] Tengú Elaèy phrase meaning, “my beloved” or “my brilliant darkness.” It is spoken primarily as a term of an endearment from one Dhaoine to another.

Monotones is commonly what those within the Anglë race are called whose eyes, hair, and wings are all the exact same color. Those who qualify as monotones are considered the most pure, with bi-tones being a close second only if they have a combination of wings, eyes, or hair that are the exact same shade. Tri- and multi-tones are considered abominations in the eyes of the Race, to the point that tri- and multi-tones will will dye their hair or sheer it off if that is the one color that doesn’t match their wings or eyes. Others, especially multi-tones (those Anglëtineans who have four or more different colors), will outright mutilate themselves or be mutilated by family members in an effort to “purify” themselves. Whilst this practice has largely be done away with once Qishir Lulphé took the Eighth Throne, in some of the Thirteen Houses it is still practiced, just far more quietly.

Name modifiers there are few of these within the Worlds and are used to denote when one Dhaoine “belongs” to another in a way that negates the use of the “owned” Dhaoine’s family name. The most notable instance is between a Qishir and their qahllyn. The two most commonly used modifiers (placed between the given name and the new family name) are ïlr [eel-ear] and nóh [no-wuh]. The former is predominately used to denote if one is qahllyn to a Qishir, with the Qishir’s family name being the name that immediately follows the modifier. For example, the Eighth Companion to Qishir Lulphé’s name with modifier would be Kírtlaq ïlr Akkensahn (given name, modifier, family name of Qishir). The latter of the two most common modifiers, nóh, is also used to denote qahllyn of Qishir, though usually only if the qahllyn has not been Blood Oathed, but is more often seen used by one who has denounced their family name and been accepted as chosen kin or handfasted into another family/clan.

Nameless god of Death and Destruction. One of the Old Ones and is also known as the Ferryman. Was originally first worshiped by the Greywalker race.

Neodrach [node-rack] the androgynous gender within the Worlds, the only one of the three that can change both physical and biologically between male and female and androgynous. Is also the only gender capable of both siring and giving birth to children.

Njiet [gee-ette] Sinxhët word meaning “silence” or “shut up.” Usually spoken with vehemence and anger, it is often also considered an epithet to native speakers. For Sinxhët native speakers consider any form of rudeness to be disrespectful and therefore any word or order given in such a tone is an epithet.

Nshiiet [Neh-sh-yiet] a Sinxhët-Tengú hybrid term only known to native Sinxhët speakers. The direct translation to Common is not known though it is thought to mean something equivalent to “bitch,” “idiot,” or some related epithet. The original Tengú meaning was “one who is without honor and therefore deserves no accordance under Law.”

Nyehs [nuh-yeh-ss] Sinxhët word meaning “no,” or “not accepted.” It is another word where it can hold the meaning of an entire sentence.

Ol’tir bròtr [ole-tier bro-ter] a Tengú Elaèy term that means “older brother.” Is usually used by a younger sibling for their older brother whom they respect and who holds some form of rank either in warrior service or royalty.

Ootierkaveph [ooh-ot-ee-err-kah-veff] a Grekxhiw word meaning “oathbreaker,” “dishonorable,” and “liar.” It carries with it the full brunt of the words fïtshäna and fïtshänŷr only unlike those terms, which affect the Dhaoine who is called them, ootierkaveph attaches a literal blood curse that affects the entire bloodline of the Dhaoine who is called it. A blood curse so powerful, that it not only touched those related by blood but also those related by chosen ties and magickal ones as well.   

Pahmpa [paa-aam-paa] the Sinxhët word for “father.” (This is the informal form of the word. The formal version being fahmen.)

Patrons gods that have Marked or Touched a Dhaoine in some way. Those who have Patrons are often treated with caution and greater respect because it is understood that if one crosses a Patron Touched/Marked Dhaoine, they are crossing that Dhaoine as well as their Patron.

Pherinet [fair-in-ette] the language of the Lupherinre Demon race. Characterized by an uptick on the first vowel in a word and a rolling lilt on the last vowel of the word with the consonants that connect them being muted in comparison, almost mumbled.

Prec’cin [preh-sin] means “prince” or “son of royalty” of “male heir”; a Tengú Elaèy term, one of the few where there is no direct translation into Common

Qah’bròtr [cah-bro-ter] a Tengú Elaèy term of endearment used between two Dhaoine who are qahllyn to the same Qishir. Literally translates into Common as, “Question brother.”

Qahllyn [cahl-lin] the term applied to individuals who are Called to be part of a Qishir’s Court. When translated from Tengú Elaèy it literally means “questioner” or “question.” Only the Qishir to whom a Dhaoine is qahllyn can hear what that Question specifically says, though other Dhaoine who are qahllyn to the same Qishir can sense that a Question is held for said Qishir. Nearly every Dhaoine who is qahllyn ends up offering their wrist and Speaking a Blood Oath to their Qishir appropriate for the position in the Court that they are called to fill.

Qahllyn’qir [cahl-lin keer] these are the markings that show up on a Dhaoine’s skin as a physical manifestation of their qahllyn. Each qahllyn’qir is unique to the Dhaoine as well as the Qishir. All Dhaoine, even those who are not qahllyn, have been but are not any longer, or are but to a different Qishir, can read the qahllyn’qir of a Dhaoine and tell what their qahllyn is and to which Qishir they are qahllyn. However, until the moment when the qahllyn Dhaoine is Blood Oathed to their Qishir the only one who can see their qahllyn’qir and bring them into the visible spectrum is their Qishir. All qahllyn’qir show up as interlocking, spider web-like strands, only the color and any added intricacy or dots or knotwork etc. are different from one qahllyn Dhaoine to another (though Dhaoine who are qahllyn to the same Qishir will often have the same color of qahllyn’qir as well as the same intricacy, dots, knotwork or any other extras).

Qishir [kih-sheer] the ruling caste within the Seven Worlds. Is also, to some lesser degree than the rest, one of the twenty Dhaoinic races; though it is believed that Qishir as a race have died out entirely and instead show up as traits that manifest strongly enough to have a Dhaoine be part of the caste or just given an extra boost of power that they otherwise wouldn’t have. Each Qishir is given a nickname that makes it easier to denote who is being referenced without adding their name behind the title. [For example, the Eighth Qishir, Qishir Lulphé, is nicknamed/known as the Crimson Qishir. All nicknames are a collectively agreed upon decision made by the Seven Worlds at large for a Qishir based upon either a trait that Qishir has/displays, some act they have done, or any other number of reasons. Once that nickname is assigned, it is permanent.]

R’eht-mo [ruh-ette-moh] Anglë’lylel term for “mother” spoken often with reverence or as an honorific title to denote greater standing between child and parent when the two share a caste placement. I.e., if both mother and child are Qishir, then R’eht-mo would be used to denote that the mother is of higher rank than the child.

Rhetjivik [ret-jev-ick] Pherinet term used to reference a Dhaoine who is dishonorable, specifically a female.

Rŷantja [ree-aunt-jaa] Pherinet term of endearment usually reserved for one’s child or younger sibling.

Sacred Three is the collective term applied to the Scribe, Healer, and Clergy of a Qishir. There is no particular order in which a Qishir will discover each of these qahllyn Court positions. [See each individual Sacred Three position’s definitions for more information.]

Scribe part of the Sacred Three, often sits/stands in tandem (or opposite, as it were) to the Steward. The duties of the Dhaoine who holds this position is often similar to that of the Steward with the key differences being that they often do not leave the confines of the Court – meaning they do not act as ambassador or envoy to other Courts. Instead they act as what their title means: they take down records of all interactions they, the Court and the Qishir they are a part of and qahllyn to (respectively), have. They are the literal history keeper(s) of Courts.

Self is the thing that gives a Dhaoine their personality, their uniqueness. A Dhaoine’s magickal signature is rooted in the Self as well as the power/magick a Dhaoine pulls on. If a Self is damaged, the ability of the Dhaoine to perform magick well, at all, or with an degree of accuracy/permanence is greatly diminished. It is believed that the Self is the true mind of a Dhaoine and that to break it means that one breaks the connection a Dhaoine has to the Worlds and to what gives them magick. (Breaking a Dhaoine’s Self or mind is one of the few acts punishable by an excruciating and slow death.)

Shakxha [shack-sha] Sinxhët word for an cow sized creature that has antlers like a moose, but whereas a moose’s antlers flare and have only some areas that are pointed, the antlers of a shakxha have the same flaring but each narrowed point is at least a foot long, with the animal itself standing, at full height and at peak adulthood, roughly six and a half feet tall.

Shër [share] a Nochresi term of endearment spoken between close friends. Translates to Common as “love,” “darling,” or “dear friend” depending on how it is used in a sentence.

Shields are made of pure magick and are as powerful as the Dhaoine who made it, whether it be a single Dhaoine or a group. Often Shields are placed flush against whatever they are protecting and are several layers thick. Each Dhaoine crafts a Shield differently but the way that it is crafted is as unique to that Dhaoine as a magickal signature. Only a handful of Dhaoine throughout history have been known to alter how they craft a Shield with each one made. They are often the last line of defense between an adversary and whatever said adversary is after.

Sinxhët [sin-shett] the language of the Sinner Demon race. Thought to be one of the most melodic languages in the Seven Worlds, with only Anglë’lylel beating it. Most of the language itself is derived from Tengú Elaèy, with several words being close enough to the original Tengú forms that non-native speakers or non-speakers often mistake Sinner’s who speak Sinxhët or Common as also being Tengú speakers.

Snakat a creature in the Worlds that has the body of a snake with cat-like ears and head as well as a set of front paws. It is usually kept as a domesticated pet but is also found in the wild. The largest known one in the Worlds was roughly six feet long and weighed nearly 150lbs.

Soullessly Heartfelt god of Justice and Judgment. One of the Old Ones and is also known as Balanced heart, Heart of Balance, or Lu’kè-ahn. Was originally first worshiped by the Greywalker race.

Stehshik [shh-tuh-shick] a Sinxhët cuss word that when translated to Common roughly means, “shit” or “look what you’ve done.” It is one of the few words in the Sinxhët language that its meaning changes depending on how it is used and when.

Steward (second seat of the Triad, sits/stands at the Self hand (right) of the Qishir) This position is the most unique in that is the only one that can occupy two seats within the Court: the Steward and that of the Companion. While it is often the first qahllyn Court position to be filled/found, it is only ever Blood Oathed second, though there have been known instances where it was the last one to be Oathed despite being found first. (And some instances where the Dhaoine who had this qahllyn was never Blood Oathed.) The Steward’s primary duty(ies) is to be the Court’s record keeper as well as their envoy to other Courts and to the Seven Worlds at large. Often Stewards will travel in advance of their Qishir to make manners as necessary, act as herald to announce their Qishir’s arrival as well as that of the Court, and to be an ambassador among other Courts. (On the rare occasions when the Steward also occupies the position of Companion, their duties are the same as both the Steward and Companion position. However, even if they are not Blood Oathed as Steward, they are never Blood Oathed as Companion, only Steward for that is what their qahllyn is for.)

Svëtläh [zz-vet-laah] a term found in both Tengú Elaèy and Sinxhët meaning “bitch” and “un-female of no more worth than burning trash,” respectively.

te’p mur’t [teh-ept mur-ert] an Anglëtinean musical instrument made of brass with a large bell-shaped end and several looping pipes that culminate in a mouth piece the player blows air into. Notes are played using a series of three primary press keys located at the top of the looping pipes and five other, smaller press keys located on the left hand side near the bell-shaped end and on the right hand side near the three primary press keys. It requires decades of practice to build up the hand strength required to hold the te’p mur’t as well as play all the notes precisely and timely. The sound it produces is high and clear but can play rumbling, deeper notes if performed by an expert player. It is an instrument where an Anglëtinean who does not have large hands will struggle to play due to the spacing of the press keys.

Tengú Elaèy [ten-goo elle-ay] means “Old Tongue” and “Language of the Speaking Gods.” Is the first language spoken by the Original Seven Races and originally had four forms: informal, formal (ritualistic), formal (respectful exchange between one of higher rank and one who is lower), singing form (used when making manners to the gods or when performing Rituals that to one or more gods specifically). To date, it and Common are the most spoken languages in the Seven Worlds, though normally only the elite/royalty/Qishir caste are taught Tengú. It is also the only language that has no written form.

The Eighth Qishir the Qishir who rules over the entirety of the Seven Worlds; the Dhaoine who has final say on Laws and their corresponding Etiquettes being followed and to what degree, the one whom all other Qishir in the Worlds answer to.

The Festival of the Flesh major holy day that marks the end of the year. Occurs on the fifth new moon of the thirteenth year month. Throughout the year, there is a holy day observed by all of the Seven Worlds per year month.

The Old Ones ancient gods, ones who once walked the Worlds with the Dhaoine who worship(ed) Them. Many believe these gods were the first of Their kind, the literal oldest of the vast array of those worshiped in the Worlds, which is where They get Their collective title. It is also believed that these gods are far less forgiving, but more fair despite that, than Their far younger fellows.

The Race what the Anglëtinean people refer to themselves as; a way of stating they are superior over the other races. This, however, is not a belief held by all Anglëtineans, but enough.

The River is what divides the Living Realm from the Realm of the Dead. Most see it as literal river wide enough to need to be ferried across by an experienced ferryman. Any Dhaoine whose destination is either the After or the Cliffs must cross the River. The Nameless is the River’s Ferryman and holds sole domain over it and all who cross it.

The Scrolls a room within the Record Hall of the Eighth Palace that contains information from around the Worlds. Most notably when Laws are broken and their corresponding Etiquette(s) are enacted. While not all of that information is placed onto literal scrolls, the vast majority is – at least the older information – which is where the term was coined.

The Taking Ritual a sexual ritual performed on the Festival of the Flesh before the feast. It is performed by a Qishir and a maequïn or maequïnlae always. While it originally was done with an unwilling participant in the position of the one being Taken (the part played now by the maequïn/lae), it is not done with all parties involved being willing and merely pretending to be otherwise. This ritual is designed around the idea that the Old Ones would only grant Dhaoine enough crops to last through the dark time of the year if Dhaoine offered something that was taken much as they had taken the crops of the Worlds. While most don’t believe that is the case anymore, they still fear the chance that the Old Ones would take offense and remind the Worlds why They should be feared.

Thirteen Cliffs of Oblivion, the (also known as the Cliffs, the Cliffs of Oblivion, and the Thirteen Cliffs) are a part of the Realm of the Dead, so to speak. It is where those who have done atrocious, unforgivable, or taboo things when alive are sent to so that they may suffer eternally for it. Most Dhaoine who are sent to the Cliffs are not granted the opportunity to be reborn, but some are. The Cliffs show as impossibly large mountains set in a staggered range, each comprised of “cliff faces” that are sharper than the obsidian they appear to be made of.

Three-fold law refers to the full phrase of “what you do returns to you three times.” It is an unspoken knowledge that all Dhaoine have that states that any act of magick has a ripple or echo effect; that what one does unto others returns to oneself at some point later on. The only time this “law” doesn’t take affect is when one is acting in defense of themselves or other Dhaoine. The only race within the Worlds known to be absolutely unaffected by the three-fold law was the Greywalker race. It was also rumored that the Dreamweaver race was unaffected as well but it was never proven.

Triad is the collective term applied to the Companion, Steward, and Warrior of a Qishir. The first to be found is usually, though not always, the Steward. The second being the Companion and the third being the Warrior. [See each individual Triad position’s definitions for more information.]

U’ei oy vol [oo-ay o-ee voll] Anglë’lylel meaning “I love you.” A phrase known only by native speakers and only ever spoken between mates.

U’i or’lliw yo’syawla f’tiaw, y’Noinapmoc-m [ooh-ee oar-lew yeh-oh-shawl-lah tee-ahw yeh-No-ee-nap-em-ach-mah] Anglë’lylel phrase meaning “I will always wait for you, my Companion.” Formal form, spoken between a Qishir and his/her/eir Companion (but only if said Companion is a native speaking Anglëtinean).

Un-male/un-female/un-neodrach a derogatory term – but not strong enough to be considered a slur – that is applied to individuals who the speaker believes to lack honor or worthiness.

Uo’i y’dessim [oo-oh-ee yeh-dess-ihm] Anglë’lylel meaning “I [have/had] missed you.” Informal form, spoken between lovers or mates.

w’Shje [wuh-shuh-ay] Sinxhët word meaning “why?”

Wards are made not up of pure magick but rather the energy of the Dhaoine that crafts them. Their sole purpose is to keep something/someone out of an area or a place. They are often placed at least a foot away from the Barrier they are linked to, for wards are often crafted in tandem to a Barrier or Barriers. Their strength comes not from the power level of the Dhaoine who crafts them but rather from the amount of energy put in them at conception and cycled into them throughout their lifetime. The more powerful the Dhaoine, the more powerful the ward and the longer that strength lasts between one cycle and the next.

Warrior (third seat of the Triad, sits/stand at the back of the Qishir) This position is unique in that the Dhaoine who occupies it must denounce all other Dhaoine, including any family, children, partners, etc., that they have. For they solely exist to protect their Qishir at all costs, even if that means they must kill those they love in order to achieve that goal. It is often the one Court position that is the most difficult to fill and keep filled for the requirements of it are daunting and stressful and difficult, even for the strongest willed Dhaoine. Qishir have been known to have as many as two hundred Warriors Blood Oathed to them across a single lifetime (for one of the medium to long lived race-hailing Qishir). This is also the only position in the Court besides the Qishir who can pass immediate, permanent, death-inducing judgment on another member of the Court, even a Blood Oathed member. There has only been a handful of instances where a Warrior has gone after and killed their fellow qahllyn Court members in defense of their Qishir. (It was also during these instances that the Worlds discovered that a death at the hand of a Warrior acting in defense of their Qishir severs the Bond of the Blood Oath between Qishir and Triad or Qishir and Sacred Three so that the death of one does not bring about the death of the other(s).)