_hand_ A measure of length. For those concerned with Terran equivalents, a hand is equal to 4 inches or slightly over 10 centimeters. Aarlen Frielos See Frielos, Aarlen. adamantium A magical metal known for it's nearly indestructible qualities. The gates to a certain famous nether-region are said to be made of this material. Adwena Swiftwing See Swiftwing, Adwena. Aesir (also Aesirian) The name given to the Lords of Asgard. There are two clans in Gladshiem consisting of pantheon lords and their issue. There are the more well known Aesir, and their often rival brothers the Vanir. aesirian See Aesir. Aesirs And Vanir (origin) Beyond the recall of the first gods, risen from the blood of antiquities came the 71 progenitors of the nine realms. With bodies harder than the finest steel, and minds sharper than razor ice, they colonized the worlds. With affinities for magic and the five elements, they grew apart and drew together to become the founding clans. The first and largest of these families was Yggdrasil who created the first outposts in the nine connected worlds. Rivaled by few and envied by all, Nord Yggdrasil and his brothers and sisters demanded tribute of the smaller clans. Many were the wars and skirmishes, but in the end Nord's kin emerged victorious. As time wore on, the Yggdrasilians began to weaken, their hard bodies softened, and their keen minds less insightful. To maintain control, Nord demanded that the sons and daughters of the rival clans serve in Asgard as "guests" in the house of Yggdrasil. For seven generations, a bloody balance was maintained. In that time, resentment grew as did the prowess and power of the lower clans. Nord's sister, Daela Yggdrasil fell in love with Borr of the Aesir. Their union begot a son, Odin. Nord discovered the forbidden coupling and became incensed, demanding that his sister slay the baby. Borr tried to intervene but was slain. Daela fled, taking Odin and her younger sister Idun to hide in the forests of Alfheim. Nord was relentless and tracked them down. Daela confronted the first of Yggdrasil while her younger sister Idun escaped with baby Odin. In his anger, Nord slew his sibling. Hidden in the dark heart of Svartalfheim, Idun swore vengeance and raised Odin as her own. It was there in the lightless roots of the core realm that Idun uncovered the well of vitality and the fruits of immortality. Dining on the flesh of that magical elixir she and the orphan grew strong. In secrecy, Idun slipped into Vanaheim, bearing with her an offering of the golden revitalizing fruits, and made requests of clan Vanir to aid in her revenge on Nord. Nay, she was told, naught while Nord still held their sons and daughters as guests within his house. Idun struck a deal, for she had the keys to the house of Yggdrasil and would set free the sons and daughters of the Vanir if they would raise their axes and hammers against Nord. Vanir agreed, the deal was set, and the arrow of war notched. By best stealth Idun returned to Asgard and offered the same arrangement to the Aesir. They too agreed, and set their arrow with the Vanir. Idun left Odin with Borr's kin to plan their attack and trekked to house of Yggdrasil. Under the light of the five moons, Idun freed the captive clan's children and set open the golden gates of Gladshiem. Through those gates rode Odin on the eight legged horse Sleipnir leading the heads of the Aesir and Vanir, now strengthened by Idun's fruit of vitality. Larger in number and stronger still, they laid waste to Yggdrasil and ended their line. Only vengeful Idun remained, she with a hard heart and the secret of golden vitality. As the warrior who led them to freedom, Odin was made the high father of the Aesir. Impressed and smitten by Odin's vitality and prowess, the Aesirian princess Frigg dallies with and wins the heart of the powerful warrior. Together Odin and Frigga found a new hall, Valhalla, and set to lead the clans of the nine realms in peace and prosperity. Of vengeful Idun, little more is said. The Aesir and Vanir saw her as blight and bad memories of times they bent knee to Yggdrasil under force of sword. She of the golden hair was strong though, deep in the ways of the stone and well fed on fruits of immortality. They let her be, allowing her to keep counsel in the courts of the clans. The Aesir prospered, expanding their sway across the nine realms, begetting healthy sons and daughters and growing wise in the ways of the magick and lore. The Aesir are old now and of Idun, to whom they owe their freedom, only whispers are spoken. Gratitude set too long turns rancid and becomes envy and resentment. The first among the clans, the strongest true progenitor remains isolated without rank or recognition. It is she who is prophesied to play traitor again, and lead ruin and disease to the faithful sons and daughters of the Aesir and Vanir. aircycle The process where a ship's (or submarine's) air is pumped into or out of an airlock to gain access to the interior or exterior of the vessel. [To cycle the air.] airlock A intermediate chamber between a vessel's interior and exterior specifically designed to allow ingress and egress in a hostile environment (water, space, toxic atmosphere.) airmaiden An offshoot of the Valkur battle maidens serving Ukko. They are distinguished from Odin's Valkyries in that they have wings. The Valkur of the Chosen and Bloodguard who serve Odin also have wings (white in the case of the Chosen and black in the case of the Bloodguard). ajeer Elite warriors who work in the service of the Aesir pantheon lords. aka Elvish languish, it roughly translates as 'yes' or 'okay'. Albrech City on the Corwin side of borderlands. The place Mazerak was bound for when he had Bannor and Wren prisoner. alfheim The forest realm of the nine realms of Yggdrasil. Alfheim is known to be the home of the Freyr-kin, the predecessors to modern elves. Algernon D'Tarin See D'Tarin, Algernon. All-Worlds Guild See Masters Guild. All-Worlds Tournament The All-Worlds tournament is contest of combat ability most often hosted by the Aesir pantheon lords (it is on occasion held at various locations throughout the Ring Realms). These contests are by far the most dangerous and demanding regularly held *VOLUNTARY* arena challenges in Ring Realms. The only rougher sport to be found is in infamous death spectacles held in Arcturan over-world arenas. The All-Worlds Contests have 16 ranks of combat ranging from un-enhanced humans with normal weaponry (Ring 1 class) to immorts and enhanced-humans with full magical augmentations, armor, and weaponry (unlimited class). Mercenaries wanting to make a name for themselves will often enter these contests to receive belts and other awards that authenticate the rank they placed in. Sir Laramis De'Falcone is a 7th rank veteran of the All-Worlds, consistently placing in the top 8 in six tourneys. By this reckoning, he is among the top 5% of warriors in all of Sharikaar. For comparison, Wren Kergatha successfully qualified for unlimited class competition, and was able to make it to her fifth bout before being disqualified. Wren's ability prevented her from being injured, and thus her opponents could not beat her. However, Wren's ability is such that she can only use an opponent's strength against them. Once a skilled opponent discerns her mechanism for utilizing an opponent's power, as her later opponents did, they are not likely to give her potential to use against them. Without that extra energy to assist her, Wren was never able to score against opponents of this caliber. The judges ruled that while she could compete in unlimited play, she did not actually possess unlimited class fighting ability. She was granted 12th rank status for her ability to score accurately with thrown weapons before her opponents could get into hand-to-hand combat. The 13th rank and above are reserved for those warriors with truly phenomenal skills and abilities. Talorin Falor, Beia Targallae, and Lord Algernon D'Tarin all members of the Band of the Crescent moon all rank in the 16th circle. Allfather the honorific applied to the pantheon lord Odin i.e. Allfather Odin. See Odin. Alostar, Damay Eldest of the Kel'Varan's and reputed to be the most powerful. Damay fought many epic battles against Mandrimin (c.f.) the Ta'arthak Nola (savant of matter) in her time. About 6000 years ago she fell to Aarlen Frielos in a duel of magic, she was approximately 2900 summers old at the time. It is unknown exactly how or why, but Aarlen trapped Damay's tao essence in an amulet of shael-dal metal. It is surmised that the amulet was an experiment to create a magical item fueled by the essence of a savant. Apparently, the item was never completed. In 1091 N.I.S., Wren Kergatha came into possession of the amulet. She later resurrected Damay by rejoining her tao with a suitable body. Shortly thereafter Damay and Aarlen dueled again, this time resulting in a draw. Damay's current whereabouts are unknown, but some sources surmise that she has returned to Starholme Prime. Alpha Alpha is the name given to the entity which procreated life in the body of Gaea and is thus the progenitor of the elder races that diversified to become the various forms of life throughout Eternity. Many scholars speculate that Alpha and Gaea are merely metaphors for the burgeoning of life. Others cite differently quoting texts that indicate that both Alpha and Gaea were actual creatures that pre-dated all other forms of intelligent life. The Alphaforce is the spark said to be carried by savants. This spark is sometimes referred to as a 'tao'. alpha-particle One of several currently identified heavy radiation particles. alphaforce See Alpha. alphas Alphas (plural) is general reference to creatures that possess a 'tao' and have the potential to merge with their 'beta' match. All savants are considered 'alphas' while the pantheon lords are considered 'betas'. It is theorized that each living alpha savant has a corresponding beta who is their reciprocal. It is theorized that these two entities may conjoin to form a single more advanced creature. It has not yet been proven however. android Any artificial construct which closely simulates human form and function. Androids (by general definition) are largely mechanical with some organic components to make them simulate humans more closely. [Synthetic constructs which are entirely organic fall under the synthezoid class of human stimulants.] Angrboda Mistress to the Aesir god Loki. Rumor has it, that Angrboda is an alias for Vulcindra Skybane. Descriptions of "giant" Angrboda and Vulcindra coincide quite strongly. Loki has two progeny by Angrboda--Fenrir (Fenris) and Jormungand, who are more often known as the Fenris Wolf and Midgard serpent. These mythical "monsters" were probably shapes taken by Loki's half-dreel children. Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Felspar See Felspar, Annawen Kel'Ishtauri. Aphrodite Pantheon lord, goddess of beauty and love. Sister to Hecate. Arabella Bard hailing from Corwin, renowned through Sharikaar. Many of the epics of the Ring Realms are translations written by this red-headed lady bard. The number of adaptations attributed to Arabella seem excessive considering her relatively young age (around 50). While most famous for her ability with instruments, song, and pen-- Arabella has a notorious history. She was associated with some of the more nefarious thieves guilds in Sharikaar, and purportedly involved in many kinds of violent mayhem. Arabella was renowned for her temper, and was involved several known public duels that resulted in the death of her opponents. Certain sources cite that they find it unusual that in more than half of these fatalities, the slaying blow appeared to be inflicted from behind. A number of reliable witnesses claim that Arabella is currently no longer among the living. With a town full of onlookers, a red haired bard, purportedly Arabella, was accused, tried, and hung for murder in northern Ivaneth. The credence of this report is in doubt however, because new songs and written materials with Arabella's distinctive flair have since appeared. Whether they are actually the work of Arabella, or simply the works of another bard publishing under her name is unknown. aracnarweave Magical cloth invented by the Numanorians that aids in spell casting. Speculated to be a blending of ishtite and spidersilk. arborist A druid or other tree / forest caretaker. arcanist A practicianer of magic. arch-magi A mage who has mastered all the primary ranks of magical spells. The term is a reference title only as the wizard/sorceress so deemed will not refer to themselves as an 'arch-magi'. Lore-mage, Elder lore-mage, and Grand lore-mage are the titles attributed to mages of even greater ability than an arch-magi. archmage A term to classify the highest order of magical skills. When a magic-user attains archmage status they are said to be "master" mages and can utilize all common schools of magick. Arcturan, Meridian Master of the Ring Realms death spectacles. Meridian's true origins are unknown, as is his age. Collected historical accounts agree that he is at least 1000 cycles old, and has made extensive use of longevity magicks to extend his life. Though undoubtedly insane, Meridian is still a brilliant magician and the author of a number of breakthroughs in the development of magical weaponry. It is his ongoing development of magical offensive capability that is so feared by his servants. It is known that in his earlier years, Meridian participated in the death spectacles to hone his skills on live targets. Meridian has no known living family. Areth Jalt See Jalt, Areth. Argos, Nethra Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate serving as tactical commander. Nethra's spirit talisman is called Nova. The weapon's primary ability is to create and control dimensional gateways. Nethra's current surrogate is Talorin Falor. Algernon D'Tarin served her for a short time but due to disagreements decided to serve Garn Ellon instead. Nethra and Tal share an interesting chemistry that most of the other Shael Dal simply don't understand. The burly man is extremely casual around the powerful eternal, and the two engage in flip conversation that rarely belies the seriousness of what they are doing. Regardless of how it "sounds", it can never be questioned that Tal gets the job done for her. Ariok, Dominique Kalan Daughter of Gabriella Sarn Ariok and Sarok Ariok. Like her mother Dominique was turned to vampirism to survive in the Silissian campaign against the servants of Kali. Dominique was trained from birth to be a warrior specializing in the destruction of the minions of Kali. She is a renowned blade-master and with her extended lifespan, she turned to magic and became a loremage as well. Unlike her mother, Dominique was not a willing vampire, she was forced into it by her mother. Centuries later when this condition was a removed, it remains a point of friction between them. (Ah, the drama of having an evil dragon-draining vampire for a mother!) As a result, Dominique was always closer to her father, who as one might imagine was no angel either if he took a vampire as his wife. Through a complicated series of events, Dominique attempted to free her mother after she had been captured by Dorian and Cassandra, and the evil purified from her. Not knowing what had been done to her mother, Dominique was quite surprised when her mother turned on her and assisted in her capture. Dominique too was turned from the darkness, and the vampirism that had been forced on her reversed. Many cycles later through a gradual campaign of persuasion, Dominique has slowly become friends with members of the Felspar clan. Though no-longer a vampire, she is still a 'vamp', and characterized by her smooth and lascivious dialogue, it goes without saying that she still likes whips and chains... but that's another story. For a number of cycles, Dominique and Tal Falor were an "item" and both did a tour of duty in the Shael Dal where the lady began to like the role of the hero. She and Tal split up on friendly terms in 1087 N.I.S. Dominique's exemplary contributions to the Protectorate were significant enough that she was asked to continue being a contributing member. It was through her involvement with the protectorate that Dominique came into contact with the Kriar high counsel Marna Solaris. She and the Kriar became fast friends in the wake of her recent separation from Tal. Later, she and the Kriar lady became lovers. They eventually married when Marna underwent renewal. (Kriar periodically change sexual identity-- so Marna took on the identity of Marn--a male Kriar). Dominique has one child by Marna which she foathra'd when Marna was still female, a boy named Celaesh. Dominique has been teaching the Kriar matriarch magic, in return she has been learning Kriar warp-science and gate control. The woman's already formidable mastery of magic intertwined with Kriar super-technology make her one of the most dangerous creatures in the Ring Realms. Ariok, Gabriella Sarn The Dragon Queen of Silissia. This great elder's true name (Drakka'Tah) is known only to a few. Gabriella was born sometime during the infancy of the Silissian old world, approximately 14,000 cycles ago. She was the sole survivor when the Kali cult over-ran her village and staked out her family. Swearing vengeance, she undertook a campaign against the followers of the death goddess that lasted close to five millennia. Early in her history, Gabriella turned to vampirism to get the strength and lifespan to continue her vendetta. Gabriella is known as the Dragon Queen because unlike typical vampires who feed on humans, her targets were typically dragons both for the amount of blood and their power. It is unknown how she gained the power to prey on dragons in such a fashion, but it surmised she gained this ability (curse?) from one of the three orbs of dragon-kind. In her later years, Gabriella had the misfortune of crossing some of the Band of the Crescent Moon. After a number of clashes, the elder was eventually captured by the combined efforts of Dorian Degaba and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. With the power of grand magicks, Gabriella was turned from darkness to serve the light. Regardless of her new 'outlook', Gabriella is uneasy ally of House Felspar and the regime of Isis. After her 'conversion' Gabriella shared a close bond with Dorian, and two are fast allies. Dorian, along with her daughters Cassin and Annawen, serve as Gabriella's magical apprentices. Gabriella has four living daughters: Dominique, Gabrin, Sabella, Sarokirin. Her only son, Sarok, died in a conflict against her. Before her capture and conversion, Gabriella acted occasionally as an agent for Aarlen Frielos. Gabriella plays a significant roll in the story of Savant's Blood. arminwen Elvish. Respectful way to address a princess when your caste and rank are inferior. artificial-intelligence Any synthetic thinking simulation esp. in regards to computer software and hardware which emulates the process of problem extrapolation and solution. arwen Elvish. Respectful way to address a princess when your caste and rank are superior. Queen Kalindinai would address Princess Liandra Kergatha as "Arwen Liandra". ascendant Term coined by Bannor Starfist to describe savants who have access to their full immortal powers. "Ascending" can take place in one of three ways. The first (and intended) way is when a savant alpha joins with the pantheon lord who is their beta body. Daena Sheento joins with Hella to become the first ascendant in 'Neath Odin's Eye. As an ascendant she had the physical potential of a pantheon lord coupled with the mastery of a universal force. The second way ascendancy can take place are when a savant uses their tao-form or astral-body to overlap a creature with immort characteristics. Wren Kergatha did this with both Desiray Illkaren Felspar and with her mother Euriel Kergatha. In the events of Gaea's Legacy, several savants do this with bodies created expressly for this purpose by Marna Solaris. The third and last way a savant can ascend is by having their original physical body modified to take on immort characteristics. This happens to Bannor during the course of Gaea's Legacy after his tao-inhabited body created by Marna is destroyed and his original body is heavily damaged. Ascendants gain power over time and with experience. Daena, though her body was technically inferior to those possessed by the created ascendants was more powerful because her tao was in complete synchronous with her body. Asgard The city within which the pantheon lords of the Aesir live. asgardian A person who lives in or is a citizen of Asgard. In the mythical sense, Asgard is only inhabited by the gods, their immediate servants, and slain warriors. Actually, there are a great number of LIVE people who live in the region. Asgard is a territory within the dimensional space known as Gladshiem. astral plane The astral plane is an alternate interpretation of real space. This "space" overlaps real space and is essentially out of phase. The phased nature of the astral plane keeps the majority of physical creatures from actually existing in this state. Many powerful creatures possess and "astral presence" which is metaphysical extension of their physical bodies. This extra-planar presence allows them to operate many physical spaces simultaneously. astral-presence The reflection of a creature's psyche and magical power within the astral plane. astral-scape See Astral plane. astrally Conducted through the astral plane, of or concerning the astral "state" astrogating (also astrogation) Used to describe the piloting (navigation) of a vessel capable of space flight. astrogators Used to describe someone proficient in astrogation. Athena Pantheon lord, goddess of wisdom. Aurra Levon See Levon, Aurra. avatar A creature who has been bonded to another through avatarism (c.f.) avatared When a person is hosting the life force of another creature (such as when Gaea channeled through Bannor and Wren), in that active state they are "avatared". avatarism A magical/telepathic process by which a creature of greater power may share or channel its energies into one or most host bodies. The deities of the pantheons most commonly use this technique to channel into the figureheads that command their legions of followers. The Eternals use this ability with the Shael Dal. The Time Guardians also use this technique with the Talisman elite. Though this magic is generally used by beings of extraordinary power, upper echelon mages can also use it for various purposes. There are various forms of avatarism, from the forced domination of a host called 'succorunding' to binding rituals and channeling through magical foci. Azimuth Dagger of flight belonging to Cassandra Felspar. Cassandra loans this weapon to Wren Kergatha for self defense. Through their unique magical properties, daggers of flight can be thrown as much as quintuple the distance of a ordinary dagger. They are exceptionally accurate and well balanced. The most valued ability is the magical 'returning' or 'summoning' power they possess. If the person has said the weapon's name prior to taking possession of it, they may call the weapon's name... in so-doing, the dagger vanishes from wherever it currently is and appears in the caller's outstretched hand. Depending on the particular flight weapon, this can even work across dimensions. Azir Kergatha See Kergatha, Azir. Azygos, Theln Theln is one of a few true-blood Kriar mages with a mastery of magic. The exact nature by which Theln apprenticed in magic is unknown, but her treatises on magic and formalized rituals for it date back more than a hundred millennia. She is credited with applying scientific principles to the study of magic, and devising the first "universal standards" in the symbolic representation of spells and arcane bindery. Theln served in the Kriar military as Dracon legion Shal'kirin aboard a survey and construction vessel. Theln's primary duties were as a senior time-gate engineer leading a team to set up and maintain the Kriar gate systems. A duty that was traditionally dangerous because of potential contact with alien cultures during the installation of the portal hardware. At some point during her tour, the ship she was on was attacked by the eternals and forced to crash in a desert area on the surface of a planet inhabited by the Silcanna, and several other races. Theln was critically injured and buried by sand. After an unknown amount of time spent in stasis, storm winds uncovered her body and allowed her to revive. Unfortunately, her injuries were sufficient to damage her matrix stones, the result being that her memories were not properly regenerated along with her body. The Kriar woman experienced several bad encounters with the human-kind of that world, her gold-skin and black-eyes marked her as a demon. She eventually found refuge amongst the more civilized elves. It was from the elves that she learned magic. Without the precepts of her technical upbringing to hamper her mind, she was a blank slate upon which the elven sorcerers could impress arcane information with startling speed. Despite having forgotten her past life as a Kriar warrior, she had Kriar matrix "magic" in her body, and synapse array training and eidetic memory in her mind. Coupled with an elder's poise and discipline, this made her the "ultimate" student. By the time the Kriar became aware that one of their chief gate engineers had actually survived the Kriar-eternal war, she was already one of the most experienced and powerful mages in all of the Ring Realms. Her intimate knowledge of timegate portal technology, her time-diving talents, and Kriar warrior training coupled with dozens of millennia of survival on hostile magic-centric worlds made her a figure of truly astounding personal power. She was a near perfect synthesis of magic and technology, with an time-gate engineer's understanding of the fundamental laws of cosmos bound to millennia of arcane discipline and understanding. Already fascinated by magic through their contact with Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri, the Kriar saw in Theln a prime opportunity to learn the art from one of their own. However, they were to be disappointed as she had absolutely no interest in sharing the knowledge that had been earned through the shedding of her blood. Attempts to coerce the powerful mage proved equally fruitless as she was simply to powerful to easily contend with. It was Theln's original teacher Eladrazelle Delarn who finally managed to persuade Theln to budge a little. However, even this beloved teacher's persuasion netted minimal results. Theln finally agreed to work with Eladrazelle, Marna Solaris, and Gwensulin Techstar on a new magical project. The project has been kept top secret. However, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri is on record as surmising that it has something to do with a magical vaccine to prevent the Jyril from ever cursing the Kriar again. backtime Chronomaster literal reference to temporal space earlier in the event chronology. Baerdin General of the Nightslash Elite of Malan. Senalloy Corresont eventually becomes his second after ascending the ranks. See also Malan. See also Corresont, Senalloy Moirae. Baergath One of the technical officers of the Kriar Crisis Contingent. A piece of debris breaks the tractor beam that was pulling him in, cutting him loose into the gravitational well of the anomaly the team was trying to shut. Ivral Techstar and Eclipse Shargris rescue him. Eclipse sacrifices himself so that Ivral and Baergath can make it back to the ship. baerna Term from Yggdrasilian, term of endearment for a younger female. Male form is Baern. See also Yggdrasil. See also nine realms. Baldrick Minister of enforcement for the kingdom of Malan. See also Malan. Baldur One of the Aesir pantheon lords, his name means "The Glorious". He was also called the "god of tears" and the "white as". Balder, the son of Odin and Frigg, was described as a very handsome and wise god. Some consider him to be a god of light since he was so bright, light shined from him. Balder's wife is Nanna, his son is Forseti. Balder and Nanna lived in Breidablik [The Broad-Gleaming], where nothing unclean could be and there were "fewest baneful runes". Breidablik had a silver roof on golden pillars. Balder is said to be invulnerable because all living things had agreed not to hurt him (except mistletoe). Balder is seriously injured in a combat with Daena Sheento and Janai T'Evagduran in the story of 'Neath Odin's Eye. This obviously throws some salt on the myth that he cannot be hurt. Balhadd (King) Lord of South-Realm. The older of a pair of brothers who were involved in 10 summer long blood feud that took close a 100,000 lives. Balhadd and Iggerd were brother regents of Corwin, that broke away to form their own kingdoms when the borders of Corwin began to collapse. The King of Corwin was never happy with the separation but with the now limited funds and troops at his disposal was unable to force the two rebels to rejoin the kingdom. Thereafter the Corwin monarch began a decade long campaign of propaganda and bribery to turn Iggerd against his brother. In 1070, backed by Corwinian funds and military advisers, Iggerd, began an aggressive take-over of South Realm. South Realm, without the benefit of funds and military experience, could mount only a token resistance and resorted to desperate measures simply to keep from being overrun. South Realm did eventually fight back and win when King Tradeholme lent the support of the Ivaneth regulars and cavalry. By the time the conflict was over, both kingdoms were in ruins and the people in chaos. The territories of North and South realms eventually ended up being absorbed into the Monarchy of Ivaneth. Baltizaar The oldest of the Kriar 'Henges'. Examination of the materials place its construction as far back as 200 million cycles. These henges are permanent gates built by the Kriar in order to facilitate moving from star to star. These gates also act as eyes and ears, collecting data on activity in the surrounding regions of space. How many gates exist is unclear because in some instances they move in both space and time. Exactly how this is accomplished or whether this is even intentional on the Kriar's part in unknown. Surveys performed by the Protectorate project no less than 64 planetary based gates distributed through known space. Band Of The Crescent Moon The dubbed name for a famous (infamous?) group of adventurers who primarily hailed from the city of Ivaneth. The band's initial membership consisted of close to twenty members who undertook a quest to Silissia. Of that first group only Cassandra the mage, Keven the Cleric, Tab the bard, Skyweir the monk, and two dwarves named Gimli and Talcabot survived. Having had their fill of Silissia, Tab and dwarves temporarily retired. Cassandra, Keven, and Skyweir were the anchor members of new group that eventually came to include Karsk, Algernon, Desiray, T'Gor, Edrick, Oorcee, and Giquikor. This group was far more successful than the previous and went on to some fame. Later, Tab, and the dwarves rejoined, along with Rogon, Ranfast and others whose lives were to end prematurely. Some fifteen cycles later the band was still operating out of Ivaneth. Their membership grew again with the addition of Gondor Degaba, DacWhirter Ironfist, Beia Targallae, Bertram Tarrantil, Damrosil Terranath, and Ivan Bluefoot. By this time several of the original members had married, some with children who were approaching adventuring age themselves. By the time the band confronted Hellzan, Terra Karlin and Cerilaan Mercend had also joined; Karsk, Tab, Gimli, Talcabot, and Keven had moved on to pursue other interests. During the events of A Knot in Time, the active membership of the band currently consists of Beia Targallae, Damrosil Terranath, Desiray Illkaren-Felspar, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar, Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku, Algeron D'Tarin, Bertram Tarrantil, T'Gor & Tigress D'Shar, Tal & Terra Falor. The Band is without a doubt the most powerful force on the face of Titaan. The treasure troves of its core membership outstrip the coffers of even the biggest kingdoms. Four of its warriors possess Shaladen blades. If that weren't enough, though venerable, some of the older membership are still alive and able to create havoc. Because of their kingdom crushing power, the Band opted in recent years to take their operations off world to prevent having to play favorites with the different kingdoms where they do trade and have family. Baronian A race of created warriors whose true origins remain unknown. They are humanoid in nature but appear to be the product of an extensive breeding and isolation program. Baronian warriors and mages are renowned for their physical endurance, pain tolerance, and mental faculties. In addition to simply being physically strong and durable, Baronians also possess the ability to metabolize raw energy which can be used to power spells or even heal wounds. Accounts of Baronian culture is that they are a slave race to a group of beings known only as the 'masters'. Within the Baronian hierarchy, females are primarily considered chattel, with certain prominent members able to earn free status through outstanding service to the various war causes. What little is known about the Baronians was gleaned when a party of Protectorate warriors accompanied Vatraena Marna Solaris and her aides to the Kriar Homeworld of the Karanganoi. There they discovered a force of Baronians had over-run and enslaved the entire Kriar civilization. In return for information and cooperation, Tal Falor made an agreement with a group ten Baronian slave women to help them escape. Tal kept his word and these slaves were broken free. These females now work in the employ of Isis. Notably among this group is a female warmage named Luthice who is the blood sister of Senalloy who Corim Vale frees from Rakaar. Barony Of Tenax See Tenax (barony of). battleblade Something of a misnomer, all swords are designed for use in combat. A battleblade is a weapon designed for PROLONGED use in battle. Typical swords have a lifespan of only a few serious combats before breaking (or the edge blunting). Only specially tempered metals have enough resilience to retain their edge and rigidity for any significant amount of actual abuse. This is historically what set Saracen steel and the folded designs of Japanese samurai swords apart. A battleblade is weapon that has these resilient qualities. battleform A shape that can be assumed by certain high order immorts. Mass is accumulated from interdimensional storage, and the body of the immort becomes extremely dense (like metal). The immort becomes immune to most forms of normal weaponry and many bodily functions operate on different rules (the need to breath, bleeding is greatly decreased). Battleform grants incredible physical strength, but the mass and insensitivity make it unwieldy and useful only in a select number of situations. battlemage Term used for a magic-user who is also martially skilled in combat. battlemaster Term loosely used to identify combat veterans who have achieved long time combat notoriety. See also combat prowess. battlemind Used to describe a mental focus technique that allows a warrior to perceptually slow the apparent movements of enemies in battle. This is in perception only. In actuality, this technique taps into the fight/flight responses in the mind to create the accelerated state (that stopped in time sensation) that people experience when frightened or angry. The main difference is that battlemind is a controlled discipline that taps into those primal instincts rather than falling prey to them. battlenurse A medical practicianer specialized in treated combat trauma. battleshape Alternate word form for battleform. See battleform. battleskins A slicked and hardened armor of animal hides, typified by their lightness and resilience to puncture wounds. Though they do not provide the protection of metallic armor, they do offer greater mobility. Bannor Starfist utilized this kind of armor for most of his career as a ranger for the Barony of Tenax. battlestaff Used to describe a staff that has been fitted with heavy metal shods, often installing cudgel balls, blades, or spikes into the ends of the weapon to make it more effective in combat. battlesuit A slang term for any armor specifically for combat. battlesword This is an alternate usage for battleblade. See battleblade. Beia Targallae {Regaura} See Targallae, Regaura. belkirin Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a commander. See also Kriar Ranks. bellonn Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a junior lieutenant. See also Kriar Ranks. belthane Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to Chief petty officer. See also Kriar Ranks. Benwarr, Zarthel Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate that serves as a subject matter expert on magic and technology (and the commingling of said same). Zarr is the Protectorate mage who imbues honorary shaladens with the ability to tap into the power of the eternal for whom a surrogate is serving. berserking A psychological state of super-agression. For the Aesir/Yggdrasilians, there are physical ramifications where pain is suppressed and the body's natural limits are exceeded for short periods of time. Bertram Tarrantil See Tarrantil, Bertram. Bertrand Kirnath Valharesh See Valharesh, Bertrand Kirnath. betas Betas (plural) usually refers to one of the pantheon lords. See Alphas. Bhaal High priestess of the Lokori. Bhaal was a principle participant in battle for Kul'Amaron where she destroyed several of the Baronian coven dreadnaughts. See also Lokori. Bifrost The rainbow bridge. The mystical connection between the Ring Realms worlds and Gladshiem, the home dimension of the pantheon lords of Asgard. Bilskirnir Name of the great hall wherein the pantheon lord Thor lives with his wife Sif. biome Generic term used in referring to any unit of life regardless of its sophistication. biophase A form of energy that can be tapped by the proper magical rituals. This energy is often used to dispel fatigue and reinforce the body. Mages utilize it to boost the efficiency of their spells. Utilization of biophase has a strong euphoric effect that makes its use dangerous. Despite the hazards, biophase is one of the commonly manipulated powers in "carnal energies". biosphere The sum total of a planet's biological and ecological systems. bit The smallest unit in computer memory. 8 bits to a byte. black-hole A star which has grown old and collapsed in on itself leaving nothing more than gravity well in space. blackhorn An antelope-like creature that bares a startling resemblance to a deer. Blackstar Mountain in the eastern border of Malan. Home of the largest dwarven community on Sharikaar. Blackwater Town in the north-eastern reaches of the Barony of Tenax. The town sits at the foot of the pass that leads through the Radigast mountains. blademaster Similar term to battlemaster. Blademaster is usually attributed to trainers of warriors. blaster Generic science fiction term (space opera) for any of many weapons which fire pulses of destructive energy. bleater Given this name for the bleating sound young ones make. Could be mistaken for a sheep if you were on earth. blightscythe Artifact weapon (now honorary shaladen) used by Vulcindra Skybane. See Skybane, Vulcindra. blockmaster A term specific to the Arcturan death spectacles. bloodguard The "Bloodguard" is a the name of a group of created Valkyrie's who serve Odin. The Bloodguard and the "Chosen" sisterhoods are bitter rivals in their service to the Aesir. bloodlust Agression, a desire to violence, particularly bloodshed. bloodscythe A magical effect sent along the ground by powerful first one sword Nightrazor. The weapon had two primary ranged attacks, the explosive bloodscythe and the ranged shearing "wind cutter". See Nightrazor. bloodsong A kind of magical charm that is actually an infection of a victim's blood by the spiritual power of a vampire lord. A victim is typically infected by the bite of a vampire. In this unusual case, something is being put IN as opposed to the blood being sucked out (though the vampire might snack a little in the process of doing this). The bloodsong can be used in a number of ways by a powerful vampire. In general, it allows them to control the victim. It allows them to know their thoughts, to sense their location, and spiritually possess that person in a way that is similar to avatarism. The bloodsong is extremely difficult to expunge from a victim's body once infected. Gabriella Sarn Ariok infects Wren Kergatha with bloodsong in order (according to her) protect Wren from the advances of the D'klace sisters, Sindra and Drucilla Frielos. bloodspar A bloodspar is a powerful form of magic bow. The only more powerful bows are called shadowspars. Both of this "class" of magical weapon draw upon the life-force and native willpower of the wielder to enhance the accuracy and damage of the arrows they fire. Only truly skilled archers can use them because of the nature of the powerful magicks within them. Irodee De'Falcone uses a bloodspar bow. bloodwood A wood characterized by its reddish color and fragrant odor. Mostly a decorative material. Bomarc Name of one of the flying steeds (Pegasai) brought back from Gladshiem by Laramis. Wren's father, Vanidaar, poses as bomarc in order to accompany Bannor to his meeting with Hecate. bonewood A very pale wood that might be confused with the earthly white alder tree. Books Of The Ring Realms <h2>Books of the Ring Realms</h2> Books in chronological order with blurbs and links Title Summary 1100 Savant's Blood: Shadow of the Avatar 1102 Savant's Blood: Hecate's Bounty 1103 Aesir's Blood 1108 Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time 1108 Shaladen Chronicles: Anvil of Sorrow 1109 Reality's Plaything 1109 'Neath Odin's Eye 1110 Gaea's Legacy: Eternal's Agenda 1110 Gaea's Legacy: Savants Ascendant 1110 Gaea's Legacy: The Infinity Annihilator 1111 Shaladen Chronicles: Who Mourns the Creator 1111 Gaea's Blood 1125 War of the Genemar: Child of Ascendants 1125 War of the Genemar: The Karanganoi Gambit 1126 War of the Genemar: The Chyrith Agenda 1126 War of the Genemar: Gaea's Revenge 1127 War of the Genemar: The Infinite Child <HR> Detailed Listings * Spring 1100 N.I.S (New Ivaneth Standard) Savant's Blood Series Book 1: Shadow of the Avatar Hecate, goddess of the moon and dark magic, wants a new body and eight summer old savant Liandra Kergatha is it. Torn from her mother's arms, the young girl is spirited away to another world to undergo the ritual of succorunding, the creation of an avatar. Before the procedure can be completed, the temple is attacked and Liandra escapes into the city with the bindings half complete and her name and memories of her former life wiped clean. Possessing great natural skill and many hidden powers, the young girl perseveres on her own and a decade later becomes Wren, one of the greatest master thieves in Corwin. Unfortunately for Wren, lost is not forgotten, and after a bloody encounter with an avatar, Hecate's baneful attention is drawn to her once again. What started with a decade old kidnapping becomes a war that escalates into a conflict involving powerful immorts, wizards, and otherworldly creatures as Wren seeks help and wins favor with the legendary clan of the Felspars. To survive this conflict Wren must learn her origins, befriend amazing allies, and tap into the secret powers of her birthright. Even as she rises to the challenge, she discovers that Hecate is not the only foe she must watch out for... Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Shadow-of- the-Avatar.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Shadow-of-the- Avatar.html</A> Author Notes : The Genesis of Savant's Blood traces back to a series of 1st person novellas written between 1989 and 1997, _Ends Against the Middle_, _Savant's Blood_, and _Immortal's Treasure_. Treasure was never completed due to creative differences between myself and writing group moderator. Originally, the stories started with Wren and Irodee, with Wren's origins being more nebulous. I had invested so much in Wren that I was committed to having a completed work with her as the central character. I scrapped the first person approach, and adopted a first- person-like 3rd person technique and completely reimagined the character origin and events of the story. Scenes and characters from the original novellas were preserved as scenes in the new book, particularly the gem theft from Ranfast's, and the upside down tree rescue of Irodee outside Cosmodarus. Early chapters and versions of what would become this book overlapped the novellas and revisions exist as old as 1995. The completed book was 150 chapters. 130 of those chapters were done by 2002, but competing work dragged the last 20 chapters out until late 2003. Realizing it was too goliath to market I split the beast into Shadow of the Avatar, and Hecate's Bounty. The completed re-edits were done around 2004. <HR> * Fall 1102 N.I.S Savant's Blood Series Book 2: Hecate's Bounty Imagine that you are one half of a cosmically powerful being. Wren Kergatha, a savant of forces, is heir to the incredible powers of the first ones. The big problem is, separated from her beta half, her abilities provide little more than token defense against demons and avatars. To make matters worse, the stronger half is bent on devouring her. Hecate's Bounty continues Wren's epic quest to regain her memories, family, and heritage. Even with the potent help of the Felspar clan, the young savant of forces finds herself and her allies on the run from the minions of a pantheon lord. In order to rescue her parents and brother, Wren must find the lost city of Cosmodarus and confront the evil goddess of the moon. How will she defeat a creature able to ravage worlds??? Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Hecates- Bounty.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Hecates-Bounty.html</A> Author Notes : In 2004 the 150 chapter completed Savant's Blood book was chopped into two books. The epilogue ending as well as the bridging problem with Vera were grafted into the story on a third revision upon reflection of stuff I had written in Reality's Plaything. <HR> * Spring 1103 N.I.S Savant's Blood Series Book 3: Aesir's Blood Wren Kergatha defeats Hecate and reclaims her family, only to face new challenges. The Kriar have infiltrated Starholme, Vera her mentor in G'yaki combat, suffers a breakdown, and her grandmother Idun the pantheon lady wants to start a god war. The third instalment of the Savant's Blood Series sees Wren embrace her Aesir heritage, becoming a general like her mother and grandmother, and fighting a ground war in order to find Vera's G'yaki clan in order to help the woman heal decades old wounds. Being far stronger and accompanied by army of allies doesn't stop Wren's enemies from causing trouble. She must fight dragons, gods, and even a rogue member of the firsts, before she can set matters right with Vera, herself, and her family. Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Aesirs-Blood.html">https://www.writers- exchange.com/Aesirs-Blood.html</A> Author Notes : Aesir's Blood marks a end 4 year hiatus from Wren as the star of her own book. The first contributions to the volume were begun in late 2008. I was still working on Gaea's Legacy (which would later be split into three books). Wren's origins and the whole direction of the Ring Realms saga was taking form. I had also started Child of Ascendants, where I was fleshing out where the culmination of the first generation characters was leading. The book had me tearing out my hair at times trying to figure out how it would fit into Knot in Time and Reality's Plaything. The book ended up being an exercize in pushing the envelope in a number of ways that would spoilers were I to detail them. The book was completed in early 2014, six years after its initial inception. <HR> * Summer 1108 N.I.S Shaladen Chronicles Series Book 1: A Knot in Time Corim Vale is a man of contrasts, a scholar and a warrior. a treasure hunter and a historian, an educator in search of a patron school. This landless, loveless tournament competitor has come to the cross-world institution called the Falorian Academy in hopes of winning a tenure, and learning the secrets of the outer-realms explorers. Corim is going to get his wish, just not in the way he expects... The grand wizard of the Death Spectacles, Meridian Arcturus has wreaked havoc across dozens of worlds. One by one the outposts of his realm-spanning syndicate has been systematically destroyed by Beia Targallae, Tal Falor, and the agents of the Eternal Protectorate. In hiding and under threat of discovery, hatred and desperation have given the evil mage the psychotic drive to carry out a retribution of cosmic proportions: destroy time. For Corim, what starts a test becomes a time-spanning fight for life, when he stumbles upon Meridian's base of operations and his captive Kriar chronomaster. Calamity strikes and he becomes a castaway trapped by the paradox of a timequake that eradicates his chronology. He and a few other survivors must find a way to undo Meridian's knot in time before dimensional instability destroys all of reality! Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/A-Knot-In- Time.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/A-Knot-In-Time.html</A> Author Notes : The inception of this book goes back to before 1990. There were older versions of the early stage manuscripts lost to the era of floppy disks. This was not my first book, but it is the first of the Ring Realms modern era professional quality stories. I originally approached this as a vehicle to showcase characters from our roleplaying group. A draft of the book was complete in 1993. However, I was still tinkering with it until as late as 1997. It sat in the drawer couple years, when I pulled it out again it was to polish it and search for a publisher. During, I traded books with another writer named Roshoud Brown, who read it and gave me shellacking over consistency and drama issues. This resulted in my yanking out big chunks of the book and rewriting them. Among them, the scenes with Annawen and Corim in Eternity's Heart, and the origin story of Aarlen. The most important of the changes that Roshoud influenced me on was the pivotal scene where Dulcere tries to kill herself. Roshoud urged me, and it resonated true, that a warrior unwilling to sacrifice themselves to save an entire universe is no longer a character worthy of respect. As with all my works, it is a living document, and I've applied additional tweaks in 2013 and 2014 for the revised releases. <HR> * Winter 1108 N.I.S Shaladen Chronicles Series Book 2: Anvil of Sorrow Saving the collapsing timeline cost Corim Vale his right arm and half of his soul, proving that the best of intentions can lead one to the abyss. In Corim's case--literally. For the Protectorate, things have gone wrong in a big way. Meridian's attempt to destroy time has left Eternity's chronology in a mess. Aarlen Frielos the most skilled time diver of the Shael Dal lies in a coma, along with Beia Targallae, and three other women. To restore them all Corim needs to do is retrieve Aarlen's missing spiritual essence. Finding the lost soul is simple, it's getting it back from the death goddess who has it that might offer a challenge... As a newly appointed gamma class Protectorate enforcer, Corim Vale has a lot to learn. He must hit the chronology running as Eternity is besieged by marauding extra-universal aliens, Kriar insurgencies, and mad wizards who simply refuse to die. If that wasn't enough to deal with, the mind patterns of an ancient magestrix is inexorably overwhelming his body... Author Notes : At the time of this writing (July 16th, 2014) I have 18 chapters of this work complete. I wrote a "trailer" (a hype exerpt for scene from late in the novel) for this book in 2007. I didn't begin serious production on this novel until 2010, and its been a long tinkering process as I ground through to the completion of Aesir's Blood. Senalloy hadn't really crystallized as a character until I used her in the Reality's Plaything Saga. With that opportunity to refine the character, she is much more interesting in this volume. I take extra time with her in the early chapters to establish her as a truly credible romantic threat to Dulcere. While I am loathe to admit it, this book and the one before it ARE modeled after harem anime. The main difference is the hero ISN'T wishy- washy. He commits. However, because of their differences and various difficulties he begins to question his commitment. His struggle with that is more interesting to follow I think. Hopefully, I will finish this one faster than the books previous. <HR> * Spring 1109 N.I.S Reality's Plaything Series Book 1: Reality's Plaything When you fall in love with royalty, you might as well stick your head in a noose. So Bannor Starfist learns, at the end of a rope. Then things get worse. Now a target for an insane moon goddess Hecate, Bannor must learn to control his enormous but newly recognized power, or he will be consumed by it. Time is against him, Hecate's minions are closing in on him, devastating the land and world that he loves. In this clash with evil he is joined by Elves, Savants, Humans, and Dwarves in their efforts to resist Hecate's assault. Outnumbered and out manoeuvred at every turn, it is a losing battle that drives Bannor closer and closer to capture and confrontation with the goddess herself. How does one man fight a god? Armed with little more than an axe and a love for his Elven wife Sarai, Bannor must find out or lose his soul to darkness. Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers- exchange.com/Realitys-Plaything.html">https://www.writers- exchange.com/Realitys-Plaything.html</A> Author Notes : This book has a close relationship with Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time, but not the relationship you would expect. In 1993, I had finished Chronicles, and was workshopping the chapters to get the book ready for publication. I was something like 20 chapters into the rewrite when the workshop leader, Joan Oppenheimer, and her then second-in-command (Matt Pallamary [who is formidable writer whose work you should check out]) decided to call me out. For no reason that I can recollect, they decided to pile on me and proceeded to tell me in no uncertain terms that I did not know how to write. They unequivocally stated I did not know structure, character, plot... I basically didn't know ANYTHING and that I should look to fix my fundamentals. I was stunned. I was not exactly a noobie at this point. I had already been writing for thirteen years and had completed 5 novels, 3 novellas, and a bunch of short stories. If I was so egregiously off course, where was this critique months if not years before that surly day at Jerry Orton's house in Point Loma, San Diego? Yes, I remember when and where. When something you toil over for five years gets called trash, it STINGS and you remember it. Reading anymore of the book to that group after such a tainting was pointless. I was really and truly pissed off. I could have quit the group but rather than do that I decided on a different approach. Over the course of the next two weeks, I wrote the first chapter of Reality's Plaything. I wanted to demonstrate a lot of things with this chapter. An opening hook, so I started with a man being hung. Setting detail while in tense situation, physical/emotional registers and numerous other elements. The opening scene involves six characters in a fairly complex interaction. This being one of the main critiques leveled at me was that I had too many characters and nobody could FOLLOW that many characters through a book. ((This was, is, and _remains_ ABSURD. Had they never heard of Lord of the Rings where there was: Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Borimir, Strider, Gimli, and Legolas? I'm counting 9 main characters is anyone else counting 9?)) So, how did the group respond to this knee-jerk I-dare-you experiment? Quite suddenly, I was a genius. It was great. They loved it. Completely forgotten were the previous comments that I was a no- talent unskilled hack. Since I feared the taint on Chronicles, it would be years before I would pick up and truly finish that book. There are three distinct revisions to Plaything, all of them involving Wren. As Wren evolved in her own series, I had to track those revelations in this text. The most recent changes came after I finished Aesir's Blood and all the new things from that book. <HR> * Winter 1109 N.I.S Reality's Plaything Series Book 2: 'Neath Odin's Eye Surviving a battle to the death with a god would tax the greatest of heroes, but for Bannor Starfist it is only the beginning of something much worse--a war with a whole pantheon of gods! The death of Hecate has triggered a rumble in the Vanir pantheon. AllFather Odin is not happy, Bannor and all his friends must be brought to justice for the crime of murder. For the already battered Bannor, the ordeal is only beginning. Sarai's mother and sister, and all the rest of his friends have been captured and imprisoned in Niflheim, the land of the dead. Somehow, he must find a way to get them out without Odin catching him as well. To add to the challenge, the battle with Hecate has a taken away his powers... Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Realitys- Plaything.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Realitys- Plaything.html</A> Author Notes : Earliest contributions to this book started in 1998. However, it was heavily influenced by some of the plot revelations going on in the later stages of my writing of Savant's Blood. Yes, I work on multiple projects at once. I always planned to explore Wren's relation to an Asgardian goddess, so this book became the first such exploration. This really helped a lot as I worked out Wren's relationship to her mother and grandmother in Aesir's Blood. From the getgo I wanted the resolution of this book to go in unpredictable ways. Especially the confrontation with the high jury. Sif's valkyries and the characters themselves grew on me and their part in the story became bigger than I originally intended, especially Millicent who plays a key role in the end. The appearance of the Eternals was the lynch pin to tie all the books I had thus written together into a single saga. The first revision of this book was completed around 2001, but I did not have the release edits done until 2004. <HR> * Spring 1110 N.I.S Reality's Plaything Series Book 3: Eternal's Agenda Always a catch... For Bannor Starfist, the savant of reality, nothing is easy... including getting married. Fresh off a duel with allfather Odin, Bannor tries to start a new life in Malan with his cherished betrothed, Sarai. He hopes the worst of his troubles will be preparing for the elaborate royal marriage ceremonies. As usual, things don't go according to plan... Creation, annihilation, perpetuity... the words boom in Bannor's mind through his magical nola powers. The message is just a pre-cursor to another big mess done Garmtur style. Daena, the savant of attractions turned immortal goddess, is up to something and Advocate Eternal Koass is anything but happy. Bannor goes to Eternity's Heart to speak on Daena's behalf and ends up the Shael Dal's latest draftee. The Protectorate has a problem. A million blood-thirsty war-mages are running rampant through the Ring Realms destroying everything they come in contact with. The difficulty is, nobody can find them... except maybe someone with the reality bending power of the Garmtur Shak'Nola. Bannor decides to help but learns the hard way. No good deed goes unpunished... Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Eternals- Agenda.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Eternals-Agenda.html</A> Author Notes : The first contributions to this volume were made in Jan 2003. Note, I was still wrestling with the goliath Savant's Blood, and because of that did next to nothing on Agenda until the final edits were complete in 2004. I immediately jumped on the original incarnation which I workshopped as Gaea's Legacy. These books took shape fast and I wrote fast (comparitively speaking). By mid 2007 I had 90 chapters complete and was already realizing a had enough for two if not three books, not one. So, I decided to split off everything before the birth of Gaea. I eventually decided the original Baronian invasion of Kul'Amaron made a great breakpoint for a volume. From that decision, Eternal's Agenda became the narrative it is now. The introduction of Quasar in the story took me by surprise. Originally, I had stealthed Baronian's following them around at the waypoint. It occurred to me since the second volume of Chronicles (Anvil of Sorrow) was in limbo, that she was left kind of unresolved. She was kind of a great anti-hero so I decided to have the confrontation in waypoint trade center be with her. Her participation and juxtaposition with Aarlen (a true villian) provided some interesting points. It also allowed me to tie in the ultimate enemies a little more easily through her relationship to Eclipse. Quasar's intent to sacrifice herself ties this book into Ascendant. I didn't originally have her kidnap Wren and Azir, but when I looked at splitting the book and getting the company to homeworld. A more antagonistic (tension) reason for them doing it came to mind. Ultimately, it added more meat to the middle book and caused me to explore avenues I wouldn't have otherwise. <HR> * Spring 1110 N.I.S Reality's Plaything Series Book 4: Savants Ascendant Bannor and Wren are on another adventure doing what they do best... getting into and out-of trouble. The two savants embark on a simple reconnaissance mission with their new friends from the Shael Dal. Naturally there are the little bumps that make the danger duo's life so interesting--massacres, spies, and hostile alien assassins... At the behest of Koass the eternal, Bannor has pierced the veil of secrecy around the Baronians, and the soldiers of Baronia have a single response: Destroy. Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers- exchange.com/Savants-Ascendant.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Savants- Ascendant.html</A> Author Notes : The content for this book was actually in progress in late 2005, but much of the material was shifted around and changed in the final revisions. At one point it was part of the 90 chapter mass that was the whole legacy arc. I was while I was in the process of looking for splitting points I knew Gaea's birth would be one. Unfortunately, that still left a giant book. So, I decided on the Baronian assault as the breakpoint. I restructured around that. As I was writing this book, I wanted to cross out of fantasy into science fiction. I did it mostly for a feel. I deliberately split the millieu between Fabrista Homeworld and Kul'Amaron (technology and magic) and then started stitching the two closer and closer together. I risked the losing the fantasy audience for the express purpose of trying to win science fiction converts. I thought the story compelling enough that people would follow along. They do this in Japanese Anime so I thought, why the heck can't I do it? <HR> * Spring 1110 N.I.S Reality's Plaything Series Book 5: The Infinity Annihilator The rogue Kriar Daergons have the ancient Jyril genemar, a weapon capable of destroying all the magic in Eternity. A device so destructive it can slay any creature from a universe away. Bannor is just lucky enough to have the weapon aimed at him. Infinity Annihilator is the fifth and final volume in the epic of Reality's Plaything, as the ultimate powers meet head on in devastating battle. Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/The-Infinity- Annihilator.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/The-Infinity- Annihilator.html</A> Author Notes : All but the last twenty chapters of this volume were complete in 2007. I wouldn't actually have it all down until late 2008. The wrap up and resolution gave me fits. As a result the denouement drags on for more than a dozen chapters. I think readers will enjoy this closing volume for nothing more than the fact is that I simply leave nothing dangling. As a reader, that has always driven me crazy and I was determined that nobody would experience that in an saga written by me. I'm particularly proud of the Elven ceremonies and their depiction. Along with the final confrontation between Bannor and his father (oops, spoiler). <HR> * Winter 1111 N.I.S Shaladen Chronicles Series Book 3: Who Mourns the Creator Still to Come Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes : Senalloy has found a place where she feels needed. As a competitive Baronian, she still doesn't like to lose. I plan to get a lot of mileage out of merger of the Shael Dal, Fabrista Shrike Legion, and Gaea's children. There's still villainy to clean up, and lots of potential friction. Dulcere will have to find her emotions or find Corim taken from her. <HR> * Winter 1111 N.I.S Savant's Blood Series Book 4: Gaea's Blood After a showdown with Hecate, a war with Odin, and the star-spanning conflict with the Kriar and the Baronians, Liandra "Wren" Kergatha has had to become an ascendant simply to cope with the threats. Championing the resurrection of Gaea, the true all-mother of the firsts, Wren has become a powerful leader charged with organizing the ascendants into an army to fight the universe spanning Chyrith. Possessing truly world-shaking power, the savant turned ascendant, faces a new set of trials that strength and ability cannot defeat. Politics, alliances, and a meddlesome cadre of mother figures set on getting her married! The fourth and final instalment of the Savant's Blood series focuses on intricacies and entanglements of Gaea's children, the Felspars, clan Yggdrasil, and the Protectorate and their preparations to defend Eternity from the Chyrith. Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes : I had the opening chapter for this book completed in 2009. The scene where Wren wakes up in bed with general Kirran Sunglory just came out as an inspired piece of humor that perfectly sets the tone for what I want to do with the book. The novel will explore the relationships of the savants and further tie up things for the integration into the next generation of books. <HR> * Spring 1125 N.I.S War of the Genemar Series Book 1: Child of Ascendants For Vhina Starfist-T'Evagduran, 4th Princess of Malan, adventure is a hereditary trait. With a reality controlling savant for a father, and an elven mistress of elements for a mother, Vhina has lived in the shadow of her parent's legend. Trained almost from birth in the arts of battle, she can only wonder why-- because there is no war... not even a hint of one. Until today. Child of Ascendants carries on the story of the children of Gaea, and their struggle to protect the realms from the threat of the Chyrith, a race so powerful, entire universes fall under their sway... Ebook: <A HREF="https://www.writers-exchange.com/Child-of- Ascendants.html">https://www.writers-exchange.com/Child-of- Ascendants.html</A> Author Notes : I started on Child of Ascendants even before I was finished polishing Infinity Annihilator. I had eight chapters in by the the time 2009 was rung in. This book was intended as a radical technique shift and was intentionally aimed at young adults. Unlike the other books it is almost exclusively science fiction, however, it will lead into volumes where the magic is fed back in. I had this book tied up in 40 chapters which was comparatively short for me. I had the draft completed by November of 2010. Two years is not a record for me, but for a book of this size (116,000 words) it's still pretty fast. <HR> * Spring 1125 N.I.S War of the Genemar Series Book 2: The Karanganoi Gambit Still to Come Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes : I have a smattering of this book committed to the page. Based on reader feedback they like the character of Dray Cartha, which is a good thing she's the adult co- star through the rest of war. These books aim at tying my very oldest and first works into the stuff that came long after. Back in the 1977/78 (as a teenager) I completed Factor 10, which was a sci fi harem novel before I even knew what harem fiction was. It was horrible (I know that now), but I was 14, so cut me some slack. A teenager completing a 119,000 word narrative (slightly longer than Child of Ascendants) is still an achievement. I would go on to write a novella called the Icy Savior where I prototyped a race called the Lell. They are the precursor to what later becomes the Lokori. After Savior came a fantasy book called Tides of Light and Darkness. This went all over the place. I put 200,000+ words down and the ending just never jelled. The important thing that came out of that book was the prototype for the pantheon lords. I started on a work tentatively called Wrath of Yadiz, which was a more skilled execution and continuation of the story I set down in Factor 10. It had literally dozens of characters, multiple teams and crap going every which way. I just wasn't mature enough in my writing at the time to pull it off. I knew it wasn't working and I moved on to something else. At the same time I was pulling an epic fail with Wrath, I started on a Taste of Magic, and Pinch Me If You're Real (two dramatically different stories). Pinch was my take on Urban fantasy and was a exploration of 4th wall distorted narrative where friends and relations were all mixed together with fantasy characters from a Dungeons and Dragons game. The chapters alone were wildly successful but the entire narrative never jelled. A Taste of Magic starred Dray Cartha, and worked the premise of what does an out of luck surfer girl do when she gets a djinni (as in the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie). It went in wierd directions but I FINISHED it somewhere in late 1990. I went on to write a sequel (To Turn The Mystic Clock) which mixed in the characters I failed to manage in Factor 10 and Wrath of Yadiz. The main character (and the book) melted down by the end. (Dray makes allusions to the meltdown in Child of Ascendants.) By this point, I'm immersed in many things (I have my own business, I'm attending writers conferences, and a part of a writing collective). Dray's books, immature as they were, still left a mark on me. As I was working on Child of Ascendants, I decided how I could go back to those old books and breathe new life in the characters and ideas of my teens and early 20s. <HR> * Winter 1126 N.I.S War of the Genemar Series Book 3: The Chyrith Agenda Still to Come Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes: None yet. <HR> * Spring 1126 N.I.S War of the Genemar Series Book 4: Gaea's Revenge Still to Come Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes: None yet. <HR> * Spring 1127 N.I.S War of the Genemar Series Book 5: The Infinite Child Still to Come Ebook: <A HREF=""></A> Author Notes: None yet. <HR> borderland The territory in Ivaneth along the borders of Corwin and Malan. borderlanders People who live in Ivaneth's borderlands territories. boreshafts A term used by the Kriar when discussing the places where openings were made (or bored) from real-space into subspace for purposes of placing an inter-spacial/interdimensional gate interface. boresite To the Kriar, this is a location where a gate is destined to be placed. bounce shaft A Kriar technical artifice that generates an inertia field, essentially rendering matter in the tube 'mass-less'. This is an effect similar to anti-gravity but works on a different principle. Anti-gravity eliminates weight but not mass. Inertialessness eliminates mass but not weight, which means the effects of kinetic discharge (damage caused by impact) is neutralized. brainstone A Kriar technical artifice worn by most Kriar. The brainstone is the central intelligence of the living technology that Kriar imbued in their bodies. This stone is essentially a living computer that is concerned solely with maintaining the Kriar's health. These functions include regenerating damaged tissues, putting the body in stasis when threatened, and providing protection in hostile environments. Depending on the kind work the Kriar does, the brainstone may have many other capabilities. See also matrix stone. Branager's River River originating from Varheath lake, and passing through the Sulfur and Hades flats. Branager's river eventually empties into the the Karameth river which marks the eastern edge of the Corwin leg of the borderlands. Bravadura A city on the coast in the territory formerly known as South Realm. bristlebark A thin tree with thorny bark. Also noted for the flower like blooms that manifest in the spring. broadpaw A large heavy-set furry omnivore that inhabits forests and mountain areas. On earth, you might confuse one for a bear. broadwing A large nocturnal avian that hunts small rodents. Characterized by its large eyes and characteristic whoooing utterance. Brondheim A mountain peak in Asgard used as point of reference before the great battle with the High Jury. byte (in computers) a logical grouping of bits (8) which comprise one standard character of memory or disk storage. caan lajaar The name of a formalized sword fighting style favoring a single weapon. The Lajaar is flexible defensively oriented sword style that stresses 4th circle techniques. caan sword In elvish martial parlence the primary right hand sword. It is usually mated with the offhand dan sword. See also dan sword. cada A common Kriar acknowledgement, usually in response to 'Saeba' c.f. It's meaning is 'I am well' or 'fine'. calc Short for calculation (standard form in techy talk). Candleshire City in the borderlands of Ivaneth. Carellion Lothlarian Pantheon lord, god of the Elves. carnal energies This term is used to describe a "science" developed by psionically and magically endowed individuals who engage in a heightened form of relations (sex). The pleasure centers of the brain can be stimulated directly and indirectly through various means to create levels of titillation far beyond what is possible through normal mundane means. (This mechanism can also be used to harmlessly render a creature unconscious, but that is more of a side affect.) In addition to affecting the brain, certain energies can activate the nerve endings in the skin to create sensations that simply cannot be duplicated any other way-- not to mention being able to effect multiple erogenous zones simultaneously in ways that would otherwise be impossible. In addition to that described above there are energies (such as biophase) that when passed through the body create intense euphoria. Experts in "carnal projection" become connoisseurs of these energies knowing the strength and intensity needed to mesmerize a partner. As with all pleasurable things, there is a downside. Use of carnal energies can be incredibly addictive. Additionally, a certain amount of tolerance can be built up to their use as the body adjusts. There can also be psychological/physiological withdrawal equal to (if not exceeding) that of drug use. As greater and greater reliance on this mode of relations ensues, a person is ultimately "ruined" to normal relations. After all, who can go back to the ordinary bump and grind when you've experienced a galaxy exploding in your body...??? Through the use of bloodsong and powerful carnal energies, Gabriella "charges up" Wren Kergatha to the point that carnal energies could not be used to incapacitate her. This created great concern in Desiray Illkaren Felspar and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar because of the threat of withdrawal. Use of these energies is heavily responsible for the complex relationships found in the Felspar clan. Cartha, Dray Adept (savant) avataring from the Wellspring Eternal. Vhina T'Evagduran meets her on Fabrista homeworld when on the run members of the Daergon insurrgency. Dray is a extremely formidable hand-to-hand combatant with supernatural strength and speed. Her perception into magic and other spectrums is unrivaled. casawen Name used by Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar to refer the composite entity she feared that she and her sister might become. see Felspar, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri. Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar See Felspar, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar see Felspar, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri. cassopeia A name used by Gaea to address Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar. It is assumed that this is Cassandra's birth name as opposed to the name she goes by. castellan Caretaker for a noble residence. For royalty they do additional diplomatic duties and event planning. Cataract Shaladen blade and spirit talisman of the eternal Jarella Kepsforia. Cataract confers the ability to "imprison" an opponent within a dimensional bubble. Very few creatures in the universe have dimensional powers strong enough to breach this prison. The wielder can remove a captured creature at will. The limitation of this imprisonment is that the power takes several moments to invoke. Cataract also confers an immunity to similar kinds of imprisonment powers, as well as kind of escape ability that prevents any kind of hampering of the wielder's movement (an ability sometimes referred to as "free action"). Ceraph Miratha Silkere see Silkere, Ceraph Miratha. Cerebrus There are several creatures that bear this name. One is the three-headed dog guarding the gates of Hell (note two l's). Also as servant of Hella who isn't seen in Bannor or the others in the battle for Asgard, but is named. chainmail Armor of metal rings that can vary in density and weight. chakra G'yaki term for aura/magical power. Chalmers One two servants working for Laramis De'Falcone during the attempt to free the Kergatha family from Mishaka. Reginald was his companion. character inspirations In some cases, the original character idea came from the mind of someone other than the author. A number of Ring Realms characters have their roots in role playing games. In a few cases, some of these characters have over 50 game years of actual role playing time. To say that these inventors know the personalities well would be an understatement. The appearance of these characters in the Ring Realms is at the consent of their creators, and you can be certain that these people are fairly picky about the portrayal of their alter egos. Something which is both a delight and a headache to yours truly. Sometimes actors just don't get it-- they can't ALWAYS be the hero! Sometimes a little artistic license is necessary for the sake of the story... At the time of this writing, the notables whose personalities appear in different works include: Brad Trusso : Talorin Falor-- Brad was (is) the player for whom the term "brute force" was invented. Many of Talorin Falor's memorable first liners are direct quotes from Brad. "Dammit, these dandelion eaters gotta learn that 'force' is fraggin verb, not a noun!" Don "D.J." Allen : T'Gor & Tigress D'Shar-- he also engineered the "escape" of Beia Targallae from death spectacles, put the "bite" on Daladar, and breathed real fear into the enemies of the Shaladen Korvel. Glenn Boardman : Giquokor, Oorcee-- Put simply, a brilliant role-player who can create some of the most memorable (and annoying) personalities you will ever come across. The author hopes that Glenn will pursue writing in a more traditional format someday. He does some great things with scripted dialogue. Jamie Hoyt : Damrosil Terranath-- Jamie is the undisputed Queen of Chaos. Nothing was sacred and certainly nobody was safe. Voted most likely to do something unexpected. She's also famous for surviving in situations where someone less lucky would have simply expired. "Crazy Luck" barely begins to capture the odds she bucked on numerous occasions. For those not familiar with gaming, it can be made clear with this example: Take a twenty-sided polyhedral dice. Now, roll it six times and have it come up 20 every time. Do the math. (It's 1-in- 64 million if you were wondering). To do it once in your life would be miracle enough, she strung together six one night, and five on another occasion, there were at least five other evenings with 3 in a row (1-in- 8000 chance). It's not just crazy luck-- it's downright scary. A memorable quote: "That bastard! I kick him in the GROAN!" Kaye Boardman : Aarlen Frielos, Algernon D'Tarin, Annawen Felspar-Ishtarvariku, Bronawyn Illkaren-Shadowstalker, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri, Darin'Kel & Eviria Degaba- Istarvariku, Desiray Illkaren, Elsbeth Crowninshield, Gabriella Sarn Ariok, Jolandrin Illkaren-Steelwood, Sebenreth Illkaren, Sindra & Drucilla Frielos, Vulcindra Skybane... Others... Kaye is a special contributor in that she invented many of the socio/political frameworks in which some of these narratives play out. She can be credited with the idea for the guardian triumvirate, the alliance star-systems, the techno- magic war and more. She described so many ideas and fleshed them out to such an extent that the author wishes she write her own darn books! ;-) That's a good question, Kaye, why *AM* I writing your stories for you? Fans of her characters should email her and ask her themselves. I think I'll hide a link to her email someplace... Lee Greenway : Meridian Arcturan's early guises-- and the idea for the "Death Spectacles". Where Jamie was the homecoming Queen of Chaos, Lee was the King. Some would argue that he was the Queen of Chaos as well (but that's another story). When those two were together, and they were on MANY occasions. Plan for a story to get a little- bumpy. Robert Schreffler : Halaren Ranfast, Ranfast Shadowstalker-- who has a certain emporium in Ivaneth... That Wren knocks off. Robert was (and probably still is) the model of the temperamental "artiste". Though the characters he created are not in the stories, many of his ideas and insights into magic (and shape-shifters in particular) are the fundamental framework for behaviors of many personalities in the different novels and stories. Virginia "Lyn" Neylon: Tiernia Nirvanae - While Jamie and Lee lent chaos and instability to the story mix. Lyn was the Cyndi Lauper (girl's just wanna have fun) of the adventurer set. Tiernia hasn't made it into a book- YET. She was in on some of the most memorable moments of humor in the history of many of these collected characters. "Tiernia leaps off the cliff arcs out over the desert floor and... oh, yeah, I forgot- I lost my ability to flyyyyyyyy...!!!" Chauser A Kriar Tarkath in service to dasta Fabrista assigned by Vatraena Solaris. Chauser and Damay Alostar become companions by the end of the events in Infinity Annihilator. chebok Ancient Numinorian. Insulting term that translates as "sissy" or "weakling". cheecha Silissian. A term of endearment usually from an elder woman to a younger child-figure. chimera A monster found in various parts of the realms. It is a composite winged creature with three heads, that of a goat, great cat, and serpent. chimerae A general term used to identify creatures artificially created to have an amalgom of attributes from other lifeforms. See also Chimera. Chojo Hoshiwejah See Hoshiwejah, Chojo. Christians A cybermed or medical mecha hailing from Fabrista homeworld. At one point the family physician for clan Felspar. chronal Used to describe anything that relates to time or event sequences. chronal loopback The theoretical point where the universal chronology loops back on itself. This concept is loosely based on the big-bang theory which is currently being disputed because recent measurements and Doppler effect studies show a non-uniform placement of older and younger stellar phenomena. Since that's reality and this is fantasy, we'll keep right on believing time is circular in nature. chronalize A magical term, meaning to hyper-accelerate chronal event sequencing in an area. The result is everything outside the chronolation seems to effectively be stopped in relation to what's in the the hyper-accellerated bubble. See chronilation. chronally Of or concerning time. chronilate An alternate expression for chronalize (past tense form). See chronilation. chronilation A magical effect where chronal events are hyper-accelerated in a defined bubble. Everything outside the chronolation seems to effectively be stopped in relation to what's inside. This is a very high order spell sometimes mistakenly referred to as a "time stop". Stopping time for everybody else is patently impossible. chrono prefix that indicates of or pertaining to a time effect or time involvement. Ex: chronomaster who is person able to time dive. chrono(2) Disambiguation. A chrono is generic term for a time piece. chronomaster A mage or technomancer versed in time mechanics, often able to time dive or see into transition space and non-consecutive time. chronomasters Another term for someone expert in time diving. chronometer An instrument for measuring time (generic in SF writing any device which measures time). chronon A standardized unit of time which coincides with the time it takes an electron to complete one circuit around the nucleus of an atom. Roughly 1038 chronons occur per second. Chrysandil Quasar Lathaan Diliaysus' true born first name. Gaea addresses her with this name instead of her alias Quasar. Gaea typically doesn't use nicknames or aliases. For Quasar, this was particularly significant because it showed a relationship between her and Gaea that other Kriar do not share. Kriar being from outside of Eternity wouldn't normally have any bond to Gaea but in Quasar's case one did exist due to some events in Quasar's past. chyrith An alien race said to be an offshoot of the Jyril. The Chyrith (allegedly) created the race of Baronians. These mythical creatures theoretically have the power to enslave and even destroy entire universes. See also Jyril. cinderwood A wood characterized by its charcoal coloring. Cinnibar Wizard in Corwin. Wren Kergatha steals his rather valuable jewel the Mallicent gem. clone A biological duplicate artificially grown from a host creature's cells. Typically the two entities are physically identical in all ways including memories. In SF different processes are more or less sophisticated where memories might not exist or existing memories are different from the host creature. Note: Cloning is not necessarily limited to humanoid organisms, but can be plants or animals as well. Cloudseeker, Aleesha Morae Sincrusher One one of the few surviving Numanorians Aleesha is an ancient Paladin ostracized from old Numanor because of her refusal to acknowledge or take part in the "great experiment" that was the eventual end of Numanorian race. Aleesha is one of the elder elite older even than Aarlen Frielos and Elsbeth Crowninshield. Aleesha is the arch-nemesis of the ancient evil Vulcindra Skybane, the temporal leader of the first alliance. Aleesha's battles with Vulcindra are legend and she is hailed as one of the few creatures not from elder cultures able to meet Vulcindra on her own ground. Unfortunately, evil is not fair or honorable, and Aleesha fell to Vulcindra through duplicity. Millennia later, seeking a way to combat Vulcindra, Dorian Degaba and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri discovered the ancient paladin's crypt. Using Cassandra's powers of eternity, they resurrected the lady paladin and later her husband. Aleesha later took up a cause to make an end of Bronawyn Shadowstalker, a desire which was thwarted by Eclipse Shargris who at the time was serving as the princess' bodyguard. Cloudseeker, Zedar Husband of Aleesha Morae Cloudseeker Cloudshriek A large bird in the raptor family with extraordinary eyesight. On some worlds they are called hawks. cloudwalkers A group of magically endowed mortals who had the natural ability to fly by psychic means. The cloudwalkers were servants of the Shadowstalker royal family prior to the kingdom's dismantling. combat prowess Throughout the different Ring Realms novels there are many depictions of fighting instruction, testing, and practice. While most of the heroes of the realms would just prefer to sit at home and enjoy a hot meal, a beverage and a warm fire it just never seems to work out that way... One of the difficulties of the chronicling the Realm's stories is playing fair to the various heroes and heroines when it's their turn to take center stage and acquit themselves in battle. In the Realms (and anywhere else for that matter) fighting ability is a synergy of five core traits: talent, skill, experience, speed and strength. The danger or threat an opponent poses (purely from a hand-to-hand, weapon-to-weapon, or weapon-to-hand standpoint) can be derived from a knowing the measure of these particulars. TALENT: Talent is the catch-all for a number of intangibles in assessing a particular fighter's ability. Some individuals simply possess a natural intensity (whether it be pure naked viciousness, preternatural calm, incredible instincts, or some other character trait) that allows them excel in combat, especially in times of crisis. Talent can also come from certain innate abilities unique to an individual (see below). A warrior's inherent fighting talent generally gravitates toward a particular aspect of fighting, usually offense or defense. Talorin Falor and Beia Targallae are excellent examples of natural-age warriors who possess extraordinary offensive capabilities. These warriors are noted for their ability to hold their own against enemies who are sometimes vastly more skilled and experienced . Good examples of this are Beia's battle with Dulcere Starbinder, and Tal's fight with Rakaar Steelsheen (both in Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time).       Wren Kergatha, the Kel'Varan Nola, is another uniquely gifted scrapper, while not possessing the reputation of the two aforementioned fighters, she has demonstrated time and again an ability to "get a shot in" when it really counted. Brilliance on-the-run best describes her athletic survival instincts in combat against superior opponents. This is epitomized in the great game (Savant's Blood: Hecate's Bounty) when Algernon D'Tarin, Tal Falor, and Damrosil Terranath all end up losing points to her. T'Gor D'Shar, arguably one of the best defensive fighters in the Realms almost lost a point to her in close-quarters hand-to-hand.       On the flip side of offensive talent is the natural ability to defend. As mentioned earlier, T'Gor D'Shar is noted as possibly having the best defensive instincts in the Realms. He is, as Wren describes, a "nightmare of hard-bones and weaponry always being in places they shouldn't be." Death Spectacle trained, T'Gor is respected even by elders for his abundant gifts in this capacity.       Of special note in this category are two lesser known fighters; Bannor Starfist and Ziedra Skyedoom-Felspar. Bannor's frustrating ability to, as he says "simply get out of the way", is an extension of his innate understanding of patterns. Without realizing he is doing it, he recognizes subtle cues and body language to anticipate attacks well ahead of their actual execution. Bannor's almost non-existent training makes this unique foresight only truly effective against lower echelon opponents. It has, however, kept Bannor alive against extremely formidable enemies who did not expect the level of defensive resistance they received. The best examples of this are Bannor's battles with Odin.       Ziedra Skyedoom-Felspar is mentioned last in this section because physical combat is usually a last resort for her. As a savant of magic, Ziedra's immense abilities with spell-craft generally ensure an opponent never gets close enough to take a swing. The ishtar-nola like Bannor's garmtur gives Ziedra an innate talent for patterns. In Ziedra's case, the patterns are in conjunction with recognition and muscle memory. With fighting, and nearly all sports, mastery is usually associated with being able to reproduce, at will, particular body movements. Prime examples of this in the real world would be a golf swing or a tennis serve where numerous nuances and variations in the overall execution affect consistency (i.e. it doesn't matter how HARD you hit the ball if doesn't go where you want it to go). The ishtar-nola enables Ziedra to exactly reproduce a given movement or series of movements after observing them only one or two times. This eidetic memory coupled with Kriar quick teach enabled her to catalogue a vast array of "text-book responses" to various attacks. As such, only the most skilled and powerful of opponents can touch her combat. Strength has minimal effect on her because she executes re-directive (slipping and dodging) defenses perfectly. Speed is the only attribute that nominally effects combat with her, as a warrior who can throw enough attacks fast enough can outpace her ability to recognize the threat and perform the appropriate defense. After Ziedra received the abilities of an ascendant, one wonders if this is any longer even possible... SKILL: Skill differs from talent in-as-much as it is an acquired attribute. Skill is a measure of training. Skill is differentiated from experience because experience is measured in terms of actual life-or-death combat as opposed to practice in a controlled environment. Skill and experience are where the elders and great elders of the Realms have the advantage. While vast life experience give most elders the edge in this category, certain combat devotes like the G'yaki must be noted. G'yaki training is cradle to grave—it is eating, sleeping, and puking combat efficiency to make the impossible almost commonplace for the highest level masters of this devotion. The best example of this is Vera Hoshihana's demonstration bout against Senalloy Corresont (The Infinity Annihilator). Though smaller, weaker, and less experienced, she more than held her own against a great elder Baronian war-witch. Of note, this was bare-handed combat which is probably Senalloy's weakest fighting skill. Had this been a weapons exchange the outcome might have been markedly different. During a short period when Vera was granted shaladen powers and mind-shared with Bannor Starfist, she successfully engaged multiple Kriar warriors, and easily matched command level Kriar in toe-to-toe straight up combat (The Infinity Annihilator).       G'yaki examples aside, skill is definitely the bailiwick of the immortals. At the top of this pack are the eternals, Kriar, and other long lived races. One of the best examples of pure naked skill belongs to Eclipse Shargris of the Kriar, the best warrior in the entire history of their race. He is the eldest living soldier of the Fabrista, and responsible for much of the training regime honored by various regular and elite units. Eclipse is a grand master of 471 distinct weapon forms ranging from blow guns to nova-cannons. He is a bare-hand devote of 17 distinct forms of martial arts and his skill is only surpassed by Kriar Mistress Sornai who is a martial arts specialist. Eclipse routinely makes those of his own kind seem feeble. This is aptly demonstrated in his fight against the Daergons when defending Cassin (A Knot in Time). Another notable combat is his fight with Vratague (The Infinity Annihilator), one of the Daergon elite, where he embarrasses her in combat. This is after Vratague has destroyed poor Sarai even with the elf lady having the powers of Shael Dal and having the magical support of her mother Kalindinai.       While the Kriar technically own the skill category, the eternals are essentially untouchable in terms of all-around fighting ability. No amount of skill can avail you against a nearly invulnerable being with virtually limitless strength and endurance. Garn Ellon and Nethra Argos the eternals live in the nightmares of the Kriar who survived the Protectorate war. These two being responsible for the slaying of entire ships full of Kriar.       Below the "cosmic" level of skill come the great elders. At the head of this pack is Vulcindra Skybane, a grand elder elite and member of the Dreel race. Vulcindra is credited with creating the G'yaki martial arts discipline (The Infinity Annihilator). This powerful combatant easily fights at the level of the Kriar and eternals and is pretty much in a category by herself. Vulcindra stays in shape by sparing with eternal Sroth.       Aside from Vulcindra there is group of elite warriors that stand in the "untouchable" skill category. Notable members of this group are Aarlen Frielos, Aleesha and Zedar Cloudseeker, Loric Felspar, Senalloy and Luthice Corresont. Numerous pantheon lords, especially those known as "war-gods" also fall into this category (Ares, Athena, Inanna, Indra, Set, Thor, Tyr, Vidar). The Aesir and Vanir courts (Odin and Ukko) are of special note because practically every member of their respective pantheons are noted for their battle capabilities.       The Realms histories are filled with the ranks of the "nearly untouchable". Most of these are elders like Sindra and Drucilla Frielos, Damay Alostar, Euriel Kergatha, the daughter of Idun, Dominique Ariok, and Terra Karlin-Falor. Also in this circle are elite fighters with extensive training and experience, key examples being Algernon D'Tarin, Skyweir and Giquikor of the sects, Beia Targallae, Tal Falor, and T'Gor D'Shar. EXPERIENCE: Like skill, experience is a factor that heavily favors immortals. Unlike skill, experience is not the exclusive bailiwick of the long lived— it just generally is. In a fighter's overall threat assessment, experience is the single largest mitigating factor. If a person lives for a thousand years and trains three days a week, they will have a high amount of proficiency, physical dexterity and endurance. However, unless this training is of a highly specialized nature there is a maximum plateau (combat effectiveness) that can be reached without actual in-combat practice. This is because that actual field combat involves a number of intangibles not the least of which is the fear of dying and the effects of wounds and spilled blood. In life-or-death situations, enemies do crazy things, and until faced with such responses one typically doesn't know they exist.       A key object lesson in the skill versus experience argument is Beia Targallae's training of Corim Vale. Corim was an excellent warrior, with significant talent, extraordinary discipline, mental clarity, speed and strength. Tal Falor saw this right away when indoctrinating him into the Scarlet Talons. While Corim had a great deal of tournament fighting "experience", his skills centered largely on techniques for success in non-lethal jousts. Consequently, Corim barely holds his own against pit fighters with a fraction of his actual combat knowledge. The "experience" issue is particularly illustrated in the Myrmigyne's lesson of the con'gorot. Corim, who has heard of practically everything, is unaware of this infamous "death move" commonly used in the death spectacles because lethal attacks are neither taught or used in jousts.       The amount of hard war-time battle is what distinguishes particular individuals above others in terms of their threat. Aarlen Frielos personally fought in wars for a third of her forty-five millennia of life. This amounts to literally tens of thousands of conflicts. In simple parlance she has essentially "seen everything". Little an opponent did would take her by surprise. Everything is derivative of something she's experienced dozens, if not hundreds, of times. By this same token Loric (who fought in the god wars), Aleesha and Zedar (who fought in abyssal campaigns), and Senalloy and Luthice (who fought in the Karanganoi wars) all have similar battle hardening. Of particular note with elder experience is the concept of "renewal". While some of these creatures may have actually been wandering the realms for thousands of cycles their actual accumulated knowledge is less than their age might indicate.       Memories tend to attenuate and drop away to maintain an immortal's sanity. By the same token, one typically does not need to fight day-in-day-out when you live to be a thousand cycles old. Eventually, you run out of enemies or you get bored and you get underlings to do your fighting for you... By this token, the highest levels of skill begin to atrophy from lack of use thus blunting the massive advantage these creatures might otherwise have.       Some immortals like the Kriar and the pantheon lords go through a "renewal" process which cleanses old unnecessary memories in order to refresh that individual's psychological outlook. In terms of the Kriar, when cleansed, the old memories are archived in artifices associated with the individual Kriar's matrix stones. The mind no longer feels or is actively aware of the history removed. Mechanisms in their matrixes allow Kriar to treat archived memories and "active" memory as a single aggregate. Thus, a Kriar might not immediately be aware they know something but with concentration will become aware of it as the "offline" memories are scanned. It is this process that allows the incredibly old Kriar to maintain a fairly "young" outward personality by dint of not feeling that exhausting sense of having done something for the "millionth" time.       It is the above described memory attenuation and the simple fact of physical limitations such as reaction time, flexibility, and coordination are what allow younger experts like Beia Targallae to fight on a fairly even footing with grand elders. Beyond a certain point, the differences between an elder grand master and mortal grand master are small indeed. Under optimal conditions (same weapon, level floor, no magic) a warrior like Beia can be quite dangerous to someone even of Loric or Aarlen's skill level. However, this situation would almost never occur except on a practice floor. Grand elders, in addition to their skills typically possess an array of special items, powers and abilities increase their combat effectiveness by tens or even hundreds of times.       It is the use of devices like the krill weapons and shaladens that can close the skill and experience gap between elders and youngsters. In the case of the shaladens, specific powers in the weapons (such as telepathy, strength enhancement, and resistance to injury) are specifically for that express purpose. STRENGTH: Where the other sections have been fairly elaborate, the entries on strength and speed will be considerably more modest. At low levels of fighting strength and speed can take the place of talent, skill, and experience. At moderate levels of skill where the opponents are fairly evenly matched, strength is more of a factor of intimidation and endurance. Beyond this point, the importance of strength wanes. Once master and grand master levels of skill and experience have been achieved a certain amount of physical strength is taken for granted. One does not arrive at master level skill without being able lift their own body weight (at least at some point in their career) for example. G'yaki masters have made an art of "body tuning", determining the optimal balance of strength versus speed. Vera Hoshihana is a grand-master G'yaki and is able to lift (press) about fifteen stone—nearly three times her body weight. Coupled with her small size and lightning fast movements Vera is a truly fearsome opponent who can seem at times "everywhere at once".       Generally, strength does not have a serious impact on battle effectiveness. However, as strength rises to super-human levels, it starts to become a factor again. For instance, even an average Kriar can lift twenty or thirty stone. This is true of several other races like the pantheon lords and derivatives where tissue density is significantly higher than is normal for a human. It's not that these creatures are inordinately strong, they simply have muscles acclimated for moving their increased mass around. Also true with these other races is that male and female muscle density tends to be not as differentiated as in humans. Cassin and Annawen who engage in fairly intense regular training can lift two or three tons with effort. The larger and stronger Eclipse is the pinnacle of Kriar condition and without using enhancements can lift approximately five tons.       For warriors the greatest advantage that strength lends is endurance. The less effort it takes to swing a weapon, raise a shield, or take a step, the longer you can do those actions. Because of this, there are numerous devices and magic that enhance strength far into the superhuman spectrum. The belts of strength used by Corim and Ceraph in Shaladen Chronicles are typical examples of this. Utilizing the belt borrowed from Beia, Corim could lift approximately one ton. The caveat of such an item is that the rest of the body isn't necessarily stressed to exert this kind of strength. The act of actually lifting a ton overhead would probably cause grave physical injury. The shaladen blades used by the Shael Dal actually imbue the wielder's body with the necessary structural integrity to use the full extent of the strength granted. Typically, this involves an actual increase in tissue density and numerous other biological optimizations and enhancements. Of the Shael Dal, Algernon D'Tarin is probably the most extraordinary example. He can increase his physical density to the point he weighs close to a ton and has the power to easily lift as much as ten tons. SPEED: Speed is very similar to strength in that at the lowest levels of fighting it can be substituted for skill and experience. Unlike strength, typically the faster a fighter is, the more it tends to disguise deficiencies in skill. Mistakes in tactics and strategy can be covered up by sufficiently quick reflexes. However, at a certain level of speed, such quickness can actually become a liability. This is mostly because of physics and the formula energy equals mass times velocity (E=mv) . A body moving too fast typically can't change direction effectively enough. This gives rise to various "flash" techniques the emphasize the ability to develop speed and control simultaneously. The Kriar with their time-awareness, synapse training, and highly augmented reflexes are Eternity's reigning speed-demons, few creatures can match front line elite class Fabrista agents for pure foot-speed and general reaction time. Mistress Sornai of the Fabrista covered a one league segment of Karanganoi homeworld on foot in about 80 revs (a little more than one 60th of a bell). comm (in SF) short for Communications ( techy talk). comm-link Technical shorthand for 'communications link'. comm-net An inter-planetary or interstellar communications network. A grid of established communications lines between a large number of points. common-tongue A polyglot language spoken by a large percentage of the population of Titaan. (It is actually spoken on more than two dozen worlds within the Ring Realms making it one of the more "universal" languages in existence). Common itself is primarily a trade language, and while over the centuries it's grown in sophistication, most races prefer to use their own tongue or a regional dialect in order to describe or elaborate in any detail. con'gorot Term coined in the death spectacles. It is a move where the heel of the hand is used to explosively break the septum of the nose in such a fashion as to cause death. The term actually comes from the Elvish. 'Con' means to break, 'gorot' is a variant on the word 'victory' so the term literally means victory breaker. conn-engineering Technical shorthand for 'Control-Navigation Engineering'. This is the bridge station where the Engineering officer monitors all the vital functions of the vessel. console (generic) any man-machine interface. coordinates The specific math or numerical data used to pin-point a spot in N-dimensional space. In a Cartesian 2D system, this takes the form of X,Y. A 3D system would be X,Y,Z. These are however static systems and are only useful in a handful of real world applications. Systems that involve absolute locations in dynamic space require far more elaborate specifications. The concept becomes quite clear when you realize that the planet you live on is spinning, additionally it is orbiting a star which ITSELF is moving through space. To further complicate this problem, the galaxy in which the star is resident is spinning, and the galaxy too has a movement vector. These six curved vectors are called 'proper motion coefficients' and are just one of the many headaches that must be overcome for precise navigation and location in normal space. We won't even talk about the additional complexities added by gravity wells, curved space, parallel dimensions... suffice to say, popping around in the Ring Realms ain't for amateur mathematicians! ;-) Coormeer A small Kingdom to the south and east of Ivaneth. Coormeer is known for its moderate climate and the fertility of the hills spread through the heart of its territory. Coormeer makes most of its income as a nation that barters trade. They have a large seaport and a sizable overland freight industry. Coormeer is also known for its vineyards, and kingdoms from all over Titaan import the different wines made there. A few notable figures have dealings with or are part of Coormeer. The Justicar Sir Laramis De'Falcone hails from there and his family owns one of the major vineyards. Lord Mazerak Duquesne the savant of storms also hailed from Coormeer. Lastly, Princess Janai T'Evagduran of Malan holds the title of Baroness in Coormeer, and owns extensive lands there as a widow of one of the Kingdom's nobles. coormeerian A person hailing from the kingdom of Coormeer. See Coormeer. Coresong Kriar probe-ship operated by the Crisis Contingent. Corim Erik Vale see Vale, Corim Erik. Corrd Elven border scout who was part of the troop Irodee formed to combat Hecate's army. When Bannor is attacked by a Doppelganger, Corrd is the Elf who identifies the real Bannor. He does this by recognizing the smell of Quetzal on Bannor's breath. Corresont, Luthice A Baronian war-witch hailing from the Karanganoi homeworld. She and her sister Senalloy both have an extraordinary knowledge of Kriar technology and artifices. Both sisters speak the Kriar high-tongue fluently which alone is very rare. Beyond her millennia of hardened hand-to-hand combat and weapons training, Luthice is noted for her stealth abilities, and her understanding of locks and traps. In addition, she is an extremely accomplished mage rivaling the likes of Elsbeth Crowninshield and Aarlen Frielos. Those skills coupled with her Baronian physiology makes her a harrowing opponent. At some point, Luthice came into the possession of Kriar master gate key. She has in some way managed to magically alter this technical tool and has used it on occasion to "hack" the Kriar time-gate network. Luthice is in possession of a kind of magic that allows transport between universal pockets. Something previously thought to only be possessed by the very oldest of the elder races the Jyril. In return for being freed from captivity on Karanganoi homeworld, Luthice agreed to work as an agent for the pantheon lord Isis. Her infiltration skills and knowledge of magical security have been put to abundant use since. As a diversion, Luthice joined up with a group of musicians headed by the infamous bard Arabella. With Luthice's help, the red-haired bard persuaded the D'klace sisters Sindra and Drucilla to also participate in this odd musical endeavor. The group which they dubbed the "Rainbows in the Dark" is fast becoming renowned through the Ring Realms for their music. This is not surprising given that the skills and resources of three great elders are at the core of the group. Initially, this group started as a traditional bardic troop using common stringed and wind instruments. The three technically savvy elders eventually led the group to technical instruments like amplified guitars, keyboards, and rock-style band accouterments. This band's own unique style of "bardic rock" is an remarkable mixture of vast elder life experience influenced lyrics, youthful creativity, and beautiful all-girl band novelty. This group became so profitable that even Aarlen Frielos wanted to manage for them. Later, Eviria Felspar is engaged to Luthice, and the two of them live together in the Felspar citadel. Corresont, Senalloy Moirae Baronian battle-nurse originally serving Rakaar Hespian Steelsheen. Senalloy's true origins remain a mystery, however it is certain that she spent quite some time on Karanganoi homeworld (c.f.) gaining the trust and confidence of the Kriar indigenous there. She speaks the Kriar high tongue fluently which requires some ten to twenty cycles of study. Her knowledge of Kriar technology indicates a close relationship with someone possessing engineering skills. As a battle-nurse, Senalloy has extensive training in the treatment of magical and mundane wounds. As with most Baronians she has a fair degree of both magical and martial training. Even in her weakened state, she proved herself more than a match for Meridian Arcturan and would have killed him had Rakaar not interfered with her. Baronian age is difficult to judge, and their race has a nominal lifespan measured close to five thousand cycles. Usually by the time they reach the upper limits of their effective life spans they have gone through renewal or otherwise extended their lives. Senalloy's confidence, knowledge, and ability make her at least a millennium old. She could however be far older. Her blood sister Luthice (c.f.) who works as a covert operative for Isis is speculated to be close to 30,000 cycles old. If this is true, then it is likely that Senalloy is close to that age and thus ranked as a member of the elder elite. Corwin Kingdom on the western border of Ivaneth. Biggest Kingdom (in terms of territory) on the continent of Sharikaar. Corwin is also the oldest settlement in Sharikaar. Corwin's capital is Corwin city, a sea port with a population of just under 2 million people. corwinian A person who hails from the kingdom of Corwin. See Corwin. cosmodarian A person who hails from the city state of Cosmodarus. See Cosmodarus. Cosmodarus Two major cities in the Ring Realms bare the Cosmodarus name. The great city wherein the goddess Isis rules is often called Cosmodarus the city of magic. Another city bearing the same name is in the ribbon realms of the purple plains. It too is called Cosmodarus the city of magic. It is rumored that at one time Isis lived or hailed from the Cosmodarus out in border realms. She may have simply brought the name with her and forgot the other existed. There is often confusion when a person claims to be from Cosmodarus, as both places are home to some of the most skilled and talented adventurers in the Ring Realms. Wren Kergatha was born in the ribbon realm's Cosmodarus. The Kergatha family are the manor lords of Cosmodarus. counsel kath Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to an Admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. Counsel, Eladrazelle Delarn see Delarn, Eladrazelle. Counsel, Gwensulin Techstar see Techstar, Gwensulin. Counsel, Marna Solaris see Solaris, Marna (Vatraena). Countessa A pantheon lady from the hosts of Taurteraun. The Lords of Taurteraun are an offshoot pantheon with no interaction with the pantheons of the Ring Realms. As a group, these creatures rely more on artifaces and have developed psionic (mind) magic to a larger degree than their counterparts in the Ring Realms. Countessa is a renowed mage, who turned her back on her pantheon to join Dray Cartha and Neilson Foundation in their aspiration to free the shadow worlds combine from the tyrannical influence of Rellus and the pantheon ruled by him. crelnation The notches on castle battlements. The crenelations are the blocks set on the wall top that create the "notched" appearance. crenellation The notches on castle battlements. The crenellations are the blocks set on the wall top that create the "notched" appearance. Crowninshield, Elsbeth Prime Counsel of the 27th Magiocracy of the Ring Realms. Elsbeth is one the two acknowledged living members of the elder elite. Elsbeth is the long-time foe of Aarlen Frielos, and the primary head of an isolationist movement that is fighting to keep magic and technology separate. Elsbeth joined the Shael Dal shortly after Koass made the decision to allow Aarlen Frielos work off her debt to society within the ranks of the Protectorate. Elsbeth claims she entered the Shael Dal in order to maintain certain standards, but its most likely she wants to keep an eye on her hated enemy. If Aarlen is caught in a breech of probation, it is likely Elsbeth will be there to make sure Koass knows. Elsbeth is one of the most skilled mages known, and specializes in psychic manipulation otherwise known as 'mind bending'. Like Aarlen, Elsbeth has the ability to time dive, but her skills are quite a bit less refined. Exact details are sketchy, but Elsbeth's millenniums long feud with Aarlen is rumored to originate with the razing of one of the four core Ring Realms planets (presumably Elsbeth's birthplace). The planet was subjected to a bombing that infected the inhabitants with a crippling disease. If this is indeed the case, it would also explain Elsbeth's hatred of technology. There is some support for this story because it is rumored that in Elsbeth's earlier days before she could alter her shape, she was both crippled and disfigured. The truth of this matter may never come to light as Elsbeth does not speak of her past but in generalities. As with Aarlen, Elsbeth's exact age is difficult to pin-point, but it is surmised she is about four to five millennia younger than Aarlen hence the difference in their powers and abilities. crunchfruit A sweet juicy fruit with smooth red or green skins. Green ones tend to have a sour flavor. On earth, if someone saw you with a bag of these, they'd ask you for one of your apples. cryogenics A science specific to the preservation of a body through freezing. The term has expanded somewhat to encompass any form of preservative stasis. cuirasse A piece of armor, formed of a single or multiple pieces of metal or other rigid material which covers the front of the torso. In a suit of armour, the cuirass was generally connected to a back piece. Cuirass could also refer to the complete torso-protecting armour. Culavera Sajaer See Sajaer, Culavera. cura Otherwise known as the ever-dreamers. The Cura are a race of creatures older than any other in Eternity, with members with lifespans measured in billions of cycles. They live in the cores of planets only awaking when the planet or star where they are sleeping comes to the end of its lifespan. One of the these creatures, Alexidra, is featured in the short stories Alexidra, and The Choice. cursefeathers Noisy black birds that tend to be pests to farmers and a source of many expletives-- hence the name. On earth we call them crows. cyber (generic) any of a sophisticated class of neural-network equipped computer systems. See cyber-unit. cyber-space A virtual reality interface existent in a large network of cyber-systems. Cyber-space is the 'world-within-the-computer' where system links, interfaces, and defenses have all been iconified into mental pictures for use in direct mind-machine access. cyber-system Technical artifices used by the Kriar. On the Kriar Homeworld everything is run by the cybers, that have evolved into a form of life all their own. The Kriar and cybers live in a symbiotic relationship that is more complex and involved than creator and servitor. Cybers on homeworld are the keepers of lore and managers of the economy. The Kriar monetary unit (the comtime [computer time]) is the main tribute to this relationship. The cybers charge Kriar citizens for the CPU cycles required to perform a particular service. As citizens themselves, the cybers must work for the military and civil services in their capacity as living machines of incredible calculating capacity. Most of the advanced or 'noble' cybers on Homeworld have an organic 'avatar' which serves as the 'user interface' to the mechanical 'non-living' aspect. Though most cybers typically have only one physical manifestation, they are fully capable of acting through multiple host bodies much the way a deity works through multiple avatars. The host body of the cyber is in no way critical to the machine's operation (except perhaps emotionally). The death of an avatar while disconcerting and angering does not impair the cyber's actual function. On Homeworld, committing a crime against the cyber community is perhaps the most foolish and desperate mistake an individual can make. Being connected in a vast network, when slighted the cybers can put an individual on a 'denial of service' blacklist that can make the simplest aspects of everyday life difficult. (Imagine a situation where living and temperamental computers control everything including the light switches, water spigots, sidewalks, escalators, etc... Imagine further that all of them know who you are and that you've pissed off a friend of theirs...). After eons of coexistence, the Kriar and cybers rarely have ego collisions, however it is not uncommon for visiting guests to run afoul of the often eccentric and typically over-sensitive cyber community. It is really not known exactly why the Kriar allowed the cyber-citizenry to become such 'sensitive' and often snobbish characters, but the best guess is that it was simply to keep things 'interesting'. The upper echelon cyber entities of Homeworld are based on a asynchronous parallel tasking hardware architecture that typically uses 1024, 2048, 4096 phased-FTL (faster-than-light) generalized attotronic quantum q-bit central processors hooked to an 'organic' room temperature super-conducting load-balanced bus. Each processor is capable of a calculating 368 Attoflops (quintillion (1018) floating point operations) per second. When performing molecular phase calculations, q-bit state mechanics increases this performance to 1021 vector calculations per second. While this may seem like a tremendous amount of calculating power, one should remember that an average human body consists of approximately 8 x 1027 atoms that must be identified and analyzed for Heisenberg vector correction to perform the load analysis for a matter-to-energy transfer (teleportation). This means that even at that incredible computational speed a single attotronic processor would take close to 10 hours to calculate the variances! Even with a 1024 processors working in tandem this tremendous feat requires close to one minute if a lower echelon cyber performs the calculations alone. Fortunately, loads are balanced across the 1000s of cyber-entities on Homeworld. There is typically enough spare processors so that between 16,000 and 32,000 processors can be scheduled/sliced to a particular task. Accounting for network lag it typically takes approximately 5 seconds to analyze every atom in a human-sized mass. Such analysis is one of the most computationally intensive of the tasks that cybers are called upon to perform. Since total matter/energy transforms are not needed every instant of every day, a cyber typically spends most of its time 'idle' and since they have an 'organic' nature' they often get bored. While not an obvious consequence, cybers lead a somewhat 'lonely' existence in terms of 'cyber-time' to 'real-time'. At the speed of a typical cyber's thoughts, a person's spoken words would seem (to the cyber) to be (subjectively) decades or even centuries apart. Because they spend so much subjective time amongst each other, they highly value the companionship with other types of intelligent creatures. cyber-unit A cyber-unit is a portable computer typically carried in the field a cyber usually has an up-link to a more powerful 'true' cyber on Homeworld, but if communications are impaired they can function in stand-alone (non-networked) mode. They do not have personalities or any of the other features typical of Kriar organic 'cyber' life-forms. cyberboard A cyber-unit tailored specifically for administrative and note-taking tasks. cybermed Several types of cybermeds exist in Kriar technology. There are portable cyber-units whose specific functions are medical diagnosis and treatment. These are merely scaled down versions of the 'noble class' cybernetic entities which provide medical care on Homeworld. Cybermeds are the 'upper upper class' of cybers usually having the most advanced hardware (8096 - 32,768) dedicated CPUs. These specialized computerized doctors can do nothing short of miraculous healing, and can perform cellular and genetic alterations at the atomic level. A few cybermeds have become notable in Ring Realms history for their interaction with humans (and healing of same). One named Christians has been the 'family' doctor for house Felspar and Techstar for several decades. Another 'retired' cybermed named Dralthon has been instrumental in softening the technical assault by the Elsbeth's Magocracy. It is said that Dralthon and Elsbeth are friends, but the Scarlet Mage denies this vehemently. Other people cite that Elsbeth has in recent years become extremely organized and no longer seems to rely on books or maps for reference. This suggests that she may even possess a cyber interface. Even if true, it is unlikely that anyone will ever get the technology hating mage to acknowledge the fact. Mercedes, a privately owned cybermed, has made significant contributions to the political situation in the Ring Realms Trade Alliance. cybernet A network of cyber-computers. See comm-net. See also network. cybernetic Of or pertaining to sophisticated technology. Most often associated with high order computers and A.I. devices. cybernetic-organism Any item of technology which emulates a living thing. Cybersong The shaladen wielded by Damrosil Terranath. The blade is linked to the eternal Leto Satieroth. Cybersong controls the elemental energy of fire and protects its wielder from all kinds of heat based attacks. cyberware A technological man-machine enhancement typically involving surgical implantation of hardware artifices. This can range anywhere from having a comm-link surgically implanted in the skull, to having whole limbs replaced with robotic equivalents. cyborg A cyberware enhanced human. This term is the root from which closely knit man-machine parings started. Its use has become somewhat muddled and is generally accepted as a man-machine paring that is more machine than man. D'Casar, Meliandri Personal hand-maiden to Kalindinai T'Evagduran. Meliandri is rumored to have both Wood Elf and Sylph blood, she is extremely dark skinned (for an Elf) and much more round than is common for their a typically slender people. Her green eyes are also highly unusual for her kind. Meliandri is a highly skilled healer, and served Kalindinai for some three centuries in the capacity of personal assistant and attendant. Meliandri is taken by Hecate to be succorund against her will. She later attacks Bannor and Janai as an avatar. The essence of Meliandri is lost when Bannor teleports the group while Hecate is in the process of taking over Meliandri's body. Later, Meliandri's body serves as a receptacle to capture Sarai's spirit when her body is destroyed in the attempt to disperse Hecate. D'klace The D'klace are actually a guild of assassins for hire. They are retained by the various kingdoms usually in a deterrent role much the way weapons of mass destruction are stockpiled in the modern world. The D'klace are actually a branch of the "all-world's" or "masters" guild lead by half-god drow Adorne Doonweir. Membership in any branch of the over-world guild is a measure of status because of the rigorous initiation that must be passed in order to join. There is a close association between the masters guild and Dream Merchants. The rogue Kriar, Theln Azygos, is said to have ties in both organizations. D'Shar, T'Gor Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the Shaladen blade Korvel. D'Shar, Tigress Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the honorary shaladen Swiftwind. D'Tarin, Algernon Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the Shaladen blade Warstar. One of the nine Lords of Ivaneth, and master of the East wood. One of the core members of the Band of the Crescent Moon dating back to their first treks in Silissia. Algernon has one daughter, Val'Siden, currently married to Bertram Tarrantil. D'Tarin, Val'Siden Wife of Algernon D'Tarin and daughter of Bertram Tarrantil and his ex-wife Thamara Narrimar. da'jhamack nola A term coined from Elvish. A savant of attractions, having control over metal and mass attraction (gravity). Daena Sheento, the ward prodigal of Princess Janai T'Evagduran of Malan is a savant of this type. Da'Jhamack Nola The Da'Jhamack Nola is the savant of attractions. This is one of the prime Nola powers and is one of the more versatile savant abilities. In terms of its ability in combat, it is easily one of the most powerful. The Da'Jhamack can manipulate the attractive forces of magnetism and gravity and can control them in various ways. They can cause metal items to become super magnetized or can simply move metal objects around by force of will. The Da'Jhamack's most devastating ability is their ability to completely neutralize the effects of gravity and actually invert the effects of mass and momentum. Daena Sheento, the current living Da'Jhamack, was able to turn pantheon lords into meteors with this ability to staggering affect. The danger is that the savant cannot predict exactly where a body will go when all effects of gravity and momentum are suddenly removed from an object. Essentially the target is being made to "freeze" in space relative to everything else. To understand this effect, realize that the planet we live on is moving through space at over five miles a second. Imagine if something took hold of you and made you suddenly stop while the rest of the planet simply kept on moving. If you were lucky you would shoot into the sky at five miles per second, becoming an incandescent ball of flame as air friction superheated your body. If you were even less fortunate you could be slammed into the ground or a nearby mountain at hypersonic speed. With proper training, the Da'Jhamack can use the forces of gravity and magnetism to fly, and can levitate others to fly with them in the same manner. Since Daena Sheento assumed the powers of a first one, it is unknown what the true limits of her powers are. da-succorund An incomplete form of forced avatarism. The channel is left open for the god, but the creature so affected can be unaware of their capacity to serve as host for the deity's energies. Dac See Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon "Dac" Dacwhirter See Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon "Dac". DacWhirter Varon Ironfist {Dac} see Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon. Daergon Surr see Surr, Daergon. daergoni slang for Daergonian. see Daergons. daergonian see Daergons. daergons The Kriar political group who followed the warrior Daergon Surr. This group was in power when the Kriar first came into conflict and consequently lost a war to the Jyril. The tactics of the Daergons were also the cause of the Protectorate war. Though technically the Kriar did beat the eternals while under the command of the Daergons, the victory is considered a loss because of the unacceptable cost of Kriar lives. dagda One of Celtic pantheon lords. Dagda is nature effigy and the patron of Oorcee the druid who slew the timelord Hellzan. dak'rega An order of Elven scouts and rangers that patrol the borders of Malan. Dal'taak'tem Rumored to be the "internal affairs" group that keep an eye on the pantheon lords. In actuality, Dal'taak'tem is simply a designation given to an servant working for a pantheon lord giving them special "trusted" dispensation and diplomatic status. Essentially, they can come and go where they please, especially in regards to the particular pantheon lord whom they serve. Certain pantheon lords have agreements that extend this freedom to the dal'taak'tem of "allied" lords within their own pantheon and selected lords of other pantheons. Isis and Ishtar have such an agreement as goddesses who do not have particularly overlapping groups of worshippers (Isis is the goddess of magic and fertility, Ishtar represents love and war). The term comes from old Dracon (the original language spoken by the pantheon lords). The translation literally means free-walk-dark, or more poetically those who walk freely in the shadows. Daladar One of the core worlds of the Ring Realms. Daladar was home to one of Meridian's Death Spectacle arenas. Corim, Beia, and Ceraph enter the arena and disrupt Meridian and Rakaar's plans to destroy the Protectorate. Damay Alostar See Alostar, Damay. Damrosil Terranath see Terranath, Damrosil. dan sadad Numinorian language for 'power circle'. The Dan Sadad is fighting style that stresses contact within the opponent's 1st circle. In Numinorian fighting (and many others) their are 5 circles of combat range. The circles start with the torso and move outward as aspects of reach. The first circle is the radius reachable by the elbows. The second circle is from elbows to strikes reachable with the knee. The third circle is knee reach to fist contact. (Third circle is where most styles concentrate). Fourth circle is from fist range to kick range. The fifth and final circle is weapon reach. The Dan Sadad is a 'hard' aggressive combat style that is extremely difficult to master. Skilled practitioners are frustrating opponents because they get in close and use elbow and knee strikes and blocks to disable your ability to attack. By necessity of the style, followers of the Dan Sadad are physically powerful, and train to withstand punishment. Typically, by the time a warrior masters the style they've taken a LOT of punishment as this style stresses accomplishing something all the other styles spend their time training you NOT to let happen (i.e. not letting someone inside your third circle). Talorin Falor of the Shael Dal is a master of Dan Sadad. The Baronian Rakaar Steelsheen worked a variant of this form. The Dan Sadad and JacDaw styles are very popular in arena combat because of their exciting 'up close and personal' aggressiveness and often spectacular wrestling style take-down attacks. dan sword In elvish martial parlence the off hand sword. It is usually mated with the primary hand caan sword. See also caan sword. danee Corrupted form of the Numinorian Dan Nae which means 'power two'. The Dan Nae is a fighting style that stresses speed and flexibility and the use of two equal length weapons. The Danee style is a favored not only for fighting but entertainment as well because the dance-like rhythms, spinning defenses, kicks, and other showy forms that are parts of the discipline. The Danee is considered a moderate form that emphasizes misdirection and capitalizing on an opponent's mistakes. Ceraph Silkere practices the Danee weapon style. darkroot A deep brown root which when steeped in a boiling water creates a potent drink. The concoction is similar to other drinks made by steeping dried leaves. Darthal Witherwood see Witherwood, Darthal. dasta Kriar word that has no literal translation. It is used interchangeably in context when referring to named cliques, organizations, or groups of people. Dasta Daergon was the political affiliation of followers loyal to Daergon Surr. In another instance, Dasta Fabrista is the entire host of people and creatures who live on the Fabrista Homeworld. data Of or pertaining to any piece of information in any media. database A collection of data organized (often on computer) in a form to expedite the recovery of specific queries. De'Falcone, Irodee Myrmigyne of Jhandris'Kul clan, follower of Nethra, and wife of Laramis De'Falcone. Her maiden name is Irodee Ki'Targallae. In Myrmigyne, the Ki suffix before the proper name means adopted sister. Irodee is a long time friend of Wren Kergatha. Irodee is the biggest woman ever born among the clans, measuring just a hair under 22 hands tall and weighing almost 17 stone she is nothing short of imposing. Irodee's natural mother, Tolumbra Skyesteel, died when the girl was still young, thus she spent a most of her youth in the care of various foster mothers. Gawky and clumsy because of her quick growth, she found growing up in the clans difficult first because of her inability to compete with her sisters then later because of her size. Ess Targallae, the sister of Myrmigyne Queen, adopted Irodee and changed her lineage from Skyesteel to Ki'Targallae when she was early into her teens after the girl proved her bravery and commitment to the clan. As the protege of the Queen's sister, Irodee learned quickly and developed into a skilled warrior. In addition to being one of foremost warriors in the clan, Ess Targallae is one of the best educated. She tutored Irodee and eventually sent the girl to the best schools in Malan and Ivaneth. It was while in the schools that Irodee truly flourished. She became a favorite amongst the teachers, a gentle giant with a caring disposition and a thirst for knowledge. She graduated with honors from two universities, and holds advanced certificates in language and history. She speaks six languages fluently: Myrmigyne, common, sea trade, both the Elf High Tongue and Dykreeni, and Dwarven. While she is highly intelligent, Irodee is somewhat uncomfortable in letting it show. She prefers instead to play 'dumb' and often speaks in broken fragments like a barbarian. After marrying Laramis she confused many of her friends in the way she only showed her mastery of language to her husband. When not in his presence she lapses back to her fragmented speech patterns. Irodee is thirty summers old and has a five summer old daughter. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, Irodee accepted the ki'succorund (voluntary avatarism) for Ukko. De'Falcone, Laramis Appointed high Justicar of Ivaneth and Malan. Originally hailing from Coormeer (a kingdom in the south of Sharikaar). Laramis is an exemplary knight of the order of Ukko. He is swordsman of extraordinary skill, and veteran of many conflicts. During the events of Reality's Plaything, Laramis is 32 summers old. Laramis is married to Irodee, a Myrmigyne of the Jhandris'Kul clan. Laramis and Irodee have a five summer old daughter named Marta. It is revealed by the end of Reality's Plaything that Laramis is an ki'succorund avatar of Ukko. decantrix A alchemical solution that can be painted on an object to make it undetectable to magic. DeChelts Numanorian magic researcher credited with locating and studying the cache repository keys of the Firsts. See also DeChelts device. dechelts device DeChelts device is the name given to the interdimensional keys of the Firsts originally researched by mage DeChelts of Numanor. Wanting ultimate security and convenience, the ancient firsts designed a perpetual doorway mechanism that had a few common properties: 1.) Very hard to access. 2.) Very hard to locate. 3.) Perpetual. 4.) Impossible to counterfit or replicate. To this end, they fashioned special doors and the keys that could locate and summon them. The doors they designed were living creatures with enough organic energy they could create dimensional portals. These creatures are known in the Realms as phoenixes. Extremely powerful, spell resistant avian creatres, that live in and around volcanos. The creatures are truly immortal, periodically burning to ash and being reborn. DeChelts and many other researchers after him never discovered the summoning capacity of keys because they never had had any extended interaction with a descendant of the firsts. It was only until the current day, when Liandra Kergatha studied one of the devices and thus realized how it worked. Dedriad The "dubbed name" of book of writings created by the pantheon lord, Hecate. These notes are a cross between a diary and memoir the goddess left behind in the wake of her death. defenestrated Sorry, threw this one out a window. No, really, that's what it means. More crazy was the term was actually included in one of the books. So defenestrate me! Degaba, Dorian see Ishtarvariku, Dorian Degaba. deity The generic term for a pantheon lord. Delacruix A pantheon member of the Taurteran Hosts loyal to Rellus. Delacruix pursues Countessa to Fabrista homeworld with a bunch of Tirian vampires and gets beaten up by Dray Cartha. He retreats taking Lily Felspar, the daughter of Ziedra, as a captive. Delarn, Eladrazelle One of the highest counsels on home world and personal friend of both Vatraena Solaris and Dame Gwensulin Techstar. Eladrazelle is a 2nd generation Kriar and one of the oldest Kriar on Fabrista Homeworld. She is a scientist specializing genetics, and essentially the 'mother' of the matrix technologies relied upon by almost all living Kriar. demi-god The term demi-god covers a number of "types". These are people and creatures who possess abilities such that the are confused for the pantheon lords. Depending on who is doing the classification, "demi-god" covers quite a range of creatures. Any especially heroic act that goes down in history can confer "demi-god" status on a personage (as far as the common man is concerned). Among staunch adventurers, this term is an indication of power rather than prestige. demi-urge The living life essence in creatures that is willingly given up in the process of worship. The focus of creatures on their figurehead deity generates an energy that can be tapped and utilized by that creature. The pantheon lords jealously guard the demi-urge magicks, but from time to time they have fallen into the possess of mortal wizards and sorceresses. In the past, possession of such knowledge, once discovered, resulted in the mages and everyone the ever came in contact with being systematically hunted down and slain. demiurge Alternate spelling. See demi-urge. demon A generic term referring to any of a number of outer planes dwelling creatures created and utilized by the pantheon lords to wage war and intimidate lesser creatures. Demonorian, Aquada Aquada is a crazy ranger who willingly submitted to the Arcturan death spectacles (because of the magic loot) not suspecting the fights would be rigged (or perhaps not caring). She fought and was defeated by Beia Targallae. One of Beia's 9 arena losses was to the due to Aquada's unhinged over-the-top combat style. Aquada was fond of the phrase 'I smash it with my mace'. It was a said she did everything with a mace including a few indecent acts... Demonorian, Arrimus Soveriegn of Isis and brother of the loony over-sexed lady ranger of smash-it. Dericost, Childers Retainer for Laramis De'Falcone. Desiray Illkaren Felspar see Felspar, Desiray Illkaren. devils A generic term referring to any of a number of outer planes dwelling creatures created and utilized by the pantheon lords to wage war and intimidate lesser creatures. Dewfield A run down village in the borderlands along the Karameth river which is right on the Ivaneth/Corwin border. dewflower Similar to dewpetal which also blooms in the early morning. Dewflowers have a blue to purple tint and the petal pulp is used in women's fragrances. See also dewpetal. dewpetal An attractive star-shaped flower that blooms in the early morning. The sweet smell of dewpetal is very distinctive, and many perfumes are based on the scent. Diakere Harad See Harad, Diakere. Diliaysus, Quasar Lathaan (Tarkath) Tarkath Diliaysus is a Kriar war veteran going back to the 3rd generation of Kriar after Fabrista Homeworld left the Kriar home star. She took the alias Quasar (her piloting call-sign) early in her military career and has used that in place of her real name ever since. Quasar's military service is long and distinguished and she has been decorated many times for bravery and ingenuity in battle. As a commander she was particularly well known for her 'least damage' humanitarian initiatives. As time went on and power and policies shifted in the ruling dastas, Quasar turned bitter and angry, a once idealistic and noble officer lost respect for the governing body and in many ways lost faith in the race itself. Quasar had sacrificed much to become the best possible soldier in the defense of the Fabrista and all of her pleas for sanity were arrogantly disregarded. She fought a losing war against the Jyril and she along with the rest of the Kriar folk were made sterile through a form of 'curse' that resisted all technical means of reversal. Even after the Jyril war, dasta Daergon had learned little from their mistakes and the people were suffering for it. Quasar felt that the 'sheep' that continued to allow themselves to be led by fools deserved their fate. Quasar resigned her active commission to work in the private sector. She did odd jobs as civilian transport pilot, as a detective, and spent some time in research and development working with Eladrazelle Delarn. Many of Quasar's sophisticated matrix enhancements are one-of-kind prototypes created by Eladrazelle. Quasar's skills as a time diver and as an agent of the military internal affairs eventually pointed her in the direction of hiring out as temporal consultant, body guard, doing private investigation and bounty hunting. In her later years, her reputation and respect for life worsened and she became known also as an assassin for hire. Quasar's relationship with Eclipse Shargris is nearly as long and complex as her relationship with the dastas. The two of them came up through the ranks together and were literally the last warriors standing in three major battles. The two of them have been witness to more Kriar deaths than all the other living Kriar officers currently serving the ruling dasta. display (generic) often a video display terminal VDT (CRT). disruptor (generic) similar to blaster (c.f.) Disruptor's carry a heavier connotation of the damage inflicted. Usually the dissolution of molecular cohesion through harmonic discordance. (Shaking something to pieces!) djinni Elemental spirit folk that inhabit many parts of the ring realms. The air djinn or djinnis are the creatures responsible for the "djinni in a lamp" myths. dna Deoxyribonucleic Acid (now you know why its DNA!). The chief material in chromosomes, the cell bodies that control the heredity of an animal or a plant. (Basically the genetic codes of a creature, present only in the nucleus of a cell.) dolandil A fine vintage of wine found only in Malan. Dolandil stock is the personal stores of wine held by the King and Queen. Dom Starbinder (Louvros) One of the regional Governors on Homeworld and uncle to Dulcere Starbinder. dom'ista Elvish honorific. Proper form of address for the King. The translation is 'Father Star'-- or 'Stellar Father'. In this regard it is similar to the common Term-- "sire". doma Elvish. A variant of the word for 'father'. domma Disambiguation-- not the same as Doma. Where the latter is Elvish prefix indicating male gender. Domma is a female styling of respect for an older woman or a woman of higher station. In some families, the husband may call the wife Domma. Domna Myrmigyne who challenged Beia Targallae to ritual combat when the queen was experiencing a bout of weakness due to advanced age and body deterioration from a life spent being pounded in the arenas. Despite Beia's weakness, her vast combat experience made challenge no contest whatsoever. It is this particular incident which is the catalyst that causes Beia and Aarlen to meet and interact. domsa Domsa is a male styling. It is more rarely used and usually in a family setting. doppelganger A created creature indigenous to the outer planes. If credence can be given the Dedriad, Hecate had a large part in their devising. Doppelgangers are however encountered in the desolate fringe territories of the realms. Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku see Ishtarvariku, Dorian Degaba. Dormigor, Kaas A Lokori encountered in Starholme Prime that gives trouble to Bannor, Wren, Daena and the others. download To retrieve information (data) through a communications link. draconians The dragon race. In Gladshiem there are enough dragons to form a "community" structure. Tymoril and Kegari the two dragons which accompany Bannor on his adventures refer to dragon-kind as a collective community. draconoid Any thing with features similar or related to dragons. Including being a dragon. dragon These magical reptiles take many forms, colors, and sizes and live throughout the Ring Realms. What more can be said about them that whole volumes of material haven't addressed' dragonfire Fire that came out of a dragon. dragonkind Literally related to the family of dragons. Draline Valharesh See Valharesh, Draline Ryelle (Lady). Draupnir Hammer of thunderbolts used by Talorin Falor. Dream Merchants The shadow organization of the Dream Merchants has been described in many ways; both as saviors and as sellers of death. They are a mercenary organization that facilitate the realization of dreams--for the right price. The organization's extensive portfolio of mages, warriors, thieves, and assassins, in a addition to an phenomenal information gathering network could make the impossible, possible. It is unclear who or what founded the Dream Merchants or how they came to possess Kriar technology. Many site Theln Azygos as being the chief architect of this organization. Others say that this is not possible, because she only became involved with them late into their development. Other sources point to the eternal Yi Esperantil as being responsible for their initial creation as a research cadre trying to restore the lost eternals to life and find a means to defeat the Kriar creation Garfang. This particular line of reasoning would support how the core membership of the group who would become the Dream Merchants gained access to the abandoned Kriar way-points, and how they learned to operate the equipment. Others say it was not Yi, but Garfang himself who formed this group for his own reasons. The truth may in actuality be a combination of the three, an endeavor started by one entity and abandoned, then later taken up by another... Whichever author was responsible for their inception, and despite their seemingly selfish intent, the Dream Merchants were chosen to be the guardians of Eternity's soulname cache. A repository of the true-names of all the living beings in Eternity. This "right" was jealously guarded by the merchants, and if they could be said to be faithful to any task, the soulname right of passage was the one they remained most true too. The merchants would sell anything BUT soulnames. However, for the right price, a creature could be allowed to take the "Eternity's Right of Passage" and try to acquire their name. A few in recent Ring Realms history have succeeded in doing this through various means: Aquada Demonorian, Tiernia Nirvanae, Talorin Falor, Desiray Illkaren-Felspar, and Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku being among those significant to the tales. The Dream Merchants are credited with countless crimes as arms dealers who would sell anything to anybody. They were the chief supplier of equipment for Meridian Arcturan's Death Spectacles. Many people say that Meridian was in fact a member of the Dream Merchant cadre who broke away to seek his own fortune. This would explain his close ties to them. The truth was there were indeed factions within the Dream Merchants that did not distinguish between clients or the goals of those clients. However, there were other more scrupled groups that tried to maintain a sense of balance. It was because of this dichotomy that the organization often worked both sides of the street so-to-speak. Selling weapons to one nation, and the defense against those weapons to the rival who they were targeting with them. Possibly the most famous (infamous) figure associated with the Dream Merchants is Theln Azygos. For several centuries, she served in a leadership role, managing the affairs, resolving disputes, and acting as a liaison for the organization. It was well known that Theln was not very fond of what the merchants did. It was also fairly well known that she had no particular love of humans from some traumatic experiences in her past. It is uncertain WHY she agreed to do this job for so long, but it is surmised that she did it to temper the Dream Merchants and ameliorate some of the harm the organization was doing. dreamscape The psychic landscape of a dreaming mind. Imaginary imagery typically shared when a telepath goes into the mind of someone asleep and dreaming. dreel A elder race descended from the Lokori. Only slightly less xenophobic and agressive than their parent race. Vulcindra Skybane the elder savant of spaces is reputed to be one of the few remaining Dreel. Dregstown A shanty town in Corwin known for its roughness. drek Drek (along with dren) are slang terms in the Ring Realms which refer to less than desirable material. A common usage: The drek has hit the windmill. dren Dren (along with drek) are slang terms in the Ring Realms that refer to undesirable material. A common usage: That's a bunch of dren! drenning Verb form of dren. You have to be drenning me! See dren. drive (Generic) often refers to the engines or motive force of a vessel. droid Corrupted version of the word 'Android' c.f. made popular in the Star-Wars movie series. The terminology is more analogous to robots as the term droid appeared to apply to any of the cybernetic servitor machinery. drow Otherwise known as the dark elves. Subterranean in nature and far more violent than their surface dwelling kin. The dark elves are powerful in magic. The drow of the world of Grayhawk take over the surface for several decades in a conflict called the War of the Light Slayers. Dulcere Val'Saedra Starbinder see Starbinder, Dulcere Val'Saedra. duna'agon Elvish slang term. Duna is derogatory reference for "man". Agon means half. Literally, half-men. Duquesne, Mazerak Duke of Coormeer and Storm savant (Lokar Nola) in the employ of Hecate. The Lokar Nola, has the ability to control elementals, and other natural systems of energy (like storms) [hence the name]. Duquesne is close to the royal family of Coormeer, and in position to be placed close to the throne. He is politically active in all the major kingdoms of Sharikaar. Mazarak is in his early 30's. He has three wives and seven legitimate children. He is rumored to have several illegitimate children as well. duralloy Lightweight metallic composite used by the Kriar. The material is actually organic in nature and is spun out organic super-colony lathing devices that inject the raw crystalline residue into magnetic fields that force the product into specific shapes. The magnetic interaction and heat cause the crystals to change state wherein the product becomes a fibrous metallic substance. Duralloy has the structural integrity of high grade tungsten-molybdenum steel. It has a melting point of 3700 degrees. It is a non-ferrous material with a heat inductance equivalent to copper. Duralloy has poor electrical conductance and cheap fabricating costs make it a good building material for numerous purposes. Duran'Gravar Giant tree in the valley of Jhandris'Kul and the home to the tribe of Myrmigynes lead by Beia Targallae. durascreen A clear crystalline composite similar to duralloy. Durathi The Durathi are a non-military police force that patrol and keep order in various locations throughout the Fabrista Homeworld. The Durathi are primarily a low-threat response group, that answer the call for rescues and situations of general disorder. In situations where combat or direct confrontation may be necessary the trained warriors of the military are called upon to handle the encounter. Dwarf Dwarves are a stocky race of underground dwelling humanoids that can be found throughout the Ring Realms. They are noted for their gruff tempers, craftsmanship, and lust for treasure. Dwarves tend to be very materialistic and typically don't venture far from their home community above ground. Wanderers are not unknown, and they are staunch and loyal followers and supporters once their trust is earned. Dwarves typically live between 200 and 300 summers. dwarven Of or being related to dwarves. see dwarf. dwarves See dwarf. dwarvish The language spoken by dwarves. Dykreeni The dykreeni are an elven offshoot that live underground. They are not dark-skinned like the drow, and do not suffer living in the light. They however possess many traits common to both the high-elves and the Drow. It is thought that perhaps they are actually the result of an unlikely coupling between a high-elf and a Drow. The elvish dialect of the Dykreen is the truest to old language of the Silcanna. Because of the many trills and exacting intonations it is an extremely difficult dialect to master for non-elves. Through quick-teach Bannor Starfist learns Dykreeni styled elvish. Eboneye Magical intelligent spear created by Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar for Beia Targallae. Eboneye is indeed an intelligent creature whose secondary purpose is to collect knowledge for Cassandra. The weapon has a somewhat 'catty' female personality that during the narrative of A Knot In Time falls in love with Corim Vale. In addition to the other powers mentioned, Eboneye can speak audibly, sub-audibly through bone contact, and through a form of short range telepathy. Eboneye can read most languages, and understands the various rune-tongues of magic. During an encounter with a group of void dragons, Corim accidentally 'kills' Eboneye. The name 'Eboneye' is Cassandra's intentional self-reference, referring to the space black eyes possessed by the gold-skinned members of the Kriar race. The reference was intended to remind Beia of who created the eccentric weapon. The blade of this weapon is ultra sharp and considered to be 'vorpul' quality. The weapon can detect the emanations of life-forces within approximately 50 paces. It can particularly determine if those lives it detects have hostile intent. Eboneye provides a significant amount of protection from energy based attacks of all kinds. Depending on the strength of the assaults, this protection may only extend to a few hits. Once per day the weapon can be called up to heal the wounds of a single creature. echis A breed of demon used by Hecate's forces. Eclipse Shargris see Shargris, Eclipse. Edmund Tradeholme (King) See Tradeholme, Edmund (King). Edrick One of the four war-hands of the Silent Sect. Edrick was the master of the North wind. His close friend Skyweir, was master of the West Wind, and the master of the East Wind Giquokor was also an ocassional adventuring companion. eh'san Kriar language that has no literal translation. It is a military specific term that a subordinate uses to address a higher ranking official. It is used in the same way as 'sir' is used to show respect. 'Sir. Yes, sir!' Eladrazelle Delarn see Delarn, Eladrazelle. elder Used to describe creatures (usually humanoids) that have lived far longer than normal human life span. Any creature with more than 500 cycles of living is considered an elder. Many elves fall into this category. elder races The elder races are cultures that developed far in advance of current civilization. In the cases of the cultures indigenous to Eternity, they are the initial handful of tribes from which other life diversified. In the cases of the Jyril, Kriar, and Baronians, they are elder cultures which have origins outside of Eternity. [%@import('elderraces.html')%] elder, ancients The ancients are any creature over 50,000 cycles old. Except in a few exceptions, these are usually members of one of the elder races. Vulcindra Skybane known as Death Goddess of the 1st Alliance is a storied ancient rumored to be descended from the Dreel. The truth of her age is suspect, but her empire has clashed with Aarlen's for close to twenty thousand cycles. Whether Vulcindra is identity maintained by a continuity of successors or an actual entity remains a source of argument. elder, elite The elder elite is attributed to creatures of truly world shaking potential. Elders over 20,000 cycles old fit in into this category. Aarlen Frielos and Elsbeth Crowninshield (c.f.) are the two recognized elder elite currently known in the Ring Realms universe. However, there are some Baronians including Senalloy and Luthice who may also qualify in this category. elder, grand Grand elders are the next step up from great elders, and encompass creatures over 10,000 cycles old. elder, great Great elders are another classification of elders that is also suggestive of power. Great elders distinguish themselves by being 5000 or more cycles old or being particularly dangerous through the lore or abilities they possess. eldrich Referring to magical sorcery. Eldrich has a necromatic connotation. electron The subatomic particles which orbit the nucleus of an atom. element (metaphysical) The four primary elements are stone, air, water and fire. The common thought is that there are planes of existence that are the "home dimension" of each element. When tapping into an element it is from this extra-planar location that the power flows. Another school of thought cites that there are "resonances" within material and energy that can be synchronized with so as to provide energy, control, and various magical "sympathetic" transformations and reactions. elemental In the broadest sense a creature that is manifestation or embodiment of one of the four elemental forces (stone, air, water, fire). Note that this extension is more or less metaphorical. Races such as Djinni and Efreeti are considered elementals (air and fire respectively). What gives them this distinction is their mastery of magicks which manipulate their respective element. elementalism A state of being in tune with an element (stone, air, water, fire) so as to be able to control that fundamental force. Elementalism is essentially the process of becoming an elemental avatar. Elf Elves are a race of creatures seen throughout magically endowed worlds of the Ring Realms. It is popularly believed they are the descendants of the elder race called the Silcanna (also known as the silver elves). The patron of the elves, Carellion Lothlarian, is rumored to not be a pantheon lord but is instead one of the Silcanna. This has not be substantiated however. The Elf race is noted for the longevity of its members and their close relationship to magic and nature. The elves themselves are split into several distinct hereditary branches (sub-races) that each have their own language and customs. These are the Gray-elves, the High-elves, Wood-elves (faeries), Mountain or 'Valley' elves, and Sea-elves. There is no particular racial bias or prejudices between these races and their dialects are derivative enough from each other that all of them can understand and communicate at a rudimentary level. Of the five, the aquatic semi-amphibious Sea elves are the furthest removed from the original hereditary strain and by necessity are the group that has the least interaction with both other elves and humans. Elves are typified as having the same approximate stature as humans, but having a tendency to be slimmer and more fine boned. Their ears and eyes are slightly larger in proportion to their faces than is typical for a human. The ear cartilage is up-swept and pointed, this trait being most noticeable in Wood-elves. The eyes of elves have a luminous phosphorescent quality that is noticeable even in daylight. This 'glowing' quality enables elves to have exceptional vision at night, being able to resolve reasonable details in approximately half the light necessary for human viewing. Elven vision is tuned to longer ranges (being able to resolve at 40 feet what a human does at 20). This trait is at the sacrifice of close-up vision. As a consequence, Elven script tends to be quite large and their books rather thick. They often employ vision aides when it is necessary to read smaller print in any volume. The other characteristic of elves is their lifespan which is typically over five hundred cycles. The gray elves are the most long lived of elves, their lifespans extending well beyond two millennia. In fact, it is unknown exactly how long they do live because few that become great elders ever die of natural causes. Ellon, Garn Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate serving as tactical leader. If there is an eternal that lives in the nightmares of the Kriar it is Garn. Garn is physically strongest of the eternals and responsible for many of the lost vessels of the Kriar. Garn's spirit talisman is called Warstar. The weapon's primary ability is to stasis creatures it touches. While putting creatures in stasis is its ability. A case could be made for the fact that this weapon confers the most strength and invulnerability of all the Shaladens that THAT is its primary ability. The wielders of Warstar are living engines of destruction with immense physical power and armor like skin. Talorin Falor served as Garn's surrogate for many cycles, and the two lead several successful campaigns. Due to problems Algernon and Nethra were experiencing Tal and Algernon switched responsibilities. Algernon D'Tarin now serves as Garn's surrogate. Elsbeth Crowninshield see Crowninshield, Elsbeth. elven Of or being related to Elves. see Elf. elves Plural of Elf. see Elf. elvish The language of Elves. Elves have several distinct dialects, most notable among these being the high tongue spoken by the gray elf nobility. The most widely spoken dialect is called Dykreen or Dykreeni which simply means 'dialogue' or 'speech'. The various tribes of wood, sea, and mountain elves speak variants of Dykreeni. elvish ranks Despite their age and artistic tendencies. The elvish military ranking system is fairly straight forward. It is divided into ground (foot) troop leadership and elite (mounted ground and air cavalry). When unit names are mentioned (like Hippogryph elite, or Nightslash elite) the 'elite' designates which rank titles are used in that unit. All special forces units are 'elite', the Nightslash elite involved with internal affairs and security even though they aren't a mobilized field military unit still use the convention. [%@import('elvishranks.html')%] empath An empath is creature that is capable of sensing (and often reflecting or mimicking) the emotions of other creatures. The Kriar are natural empaths and respond to strong emotions. The Kriar have a very negative response to fear as a result. Fear being one of the most primal of emotions, tends to over-ride rational thought and discord. As a culture that is very old and jaded, the empathic nature of Kriar tends to make them seek out younger and more impressionable companions so that they can vicariously experience sensations that time and repetition have denied them. empathic reverb This term is closely tied to another concept which can only be called "carnal energies". An empathic reverb takes place when two telepathic creatures create an open mental channel between one another and create a "sensation loop". The easiest way to visualize this is take two mirrors and place them in view of one another. The repeated echo of the images in the mirrors is similar to how this feedback works. It can also be likened to what happens when you hold a microphone too close to the speaker which is producing the sound that the microphone is "hearing"... the deafening feedback "screech" is the essence of what the reverb is. In an empathic reverb, physical sensations are shared (like a speaker producing sound). The listening empath (the microphone) picks up those emotions and sensations and transmits them back to the source who adds that sensation to what they are already experiencing and that is retransmitted as well. The cycle continues until there is a sensory "screech" of truly staggering intensity. Obviously without some level of control two people would just knock each other senseless or the sensation would become so intense they simply couldn't maintain concentration to continue being so-linked. However, even momentary bursts of this reverb can make the coldest fish gasp with desire. One of the aspects of this telepathic mechanism is that the more closely in sync two people are, the better they are at doing it. Cassin and Annawen being twins sharing only one soul were the first to really popularize this mechanism for carnal purposes. They could make anyone into putty with what they called a "reverb sandwich". Getting in sync with one another, jump-starting a sensation, and trapping someone between them, and projecting the sensations through the "victim". The intensity of these sensations overwhelm gender biases, and almost all rational thought. It is because of this that reverbs are rationed because of their highly addictive nature. Too much, and that's all a pair of people would do until they expired from exhaustion (or their brains simply burned out). encephalonic Of or having to do with the brain and cognitive functions. energy (generic) of or pertaining to any spectral force which can perform work (change states in matter). enhanced-human A generic way of describing people who have greater than human levels of strength, endurance, resiliency, etc. usually granted through magical or technical modification of their born-bodies. erinyes Demonic creatures from the outer planes very similar to succubi. See succubi. Esperantil, Yi Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate specializing chronal analysis. eternals The seventh generation Eternals were evolved for the purpose of fighting of invasions of 'foreign bodies' and the cancerous infestation of germane life (temporal 'trouble makers'). Each entity was imbued with complete mastery over a certain element, energy or power, and lesser control over other forms. Since the matrix provided more raw power than even than Eternals could control, the eternals were given the ability to surrogate their powers to other creatures. This surrogation is commonly referred to as avatarism. This same technique is practiced by the deities of the outer planes, and in some instances by grand magi. The surrogates of the eternals were dubbed the 'Shael Dal'. The number of surrogates each Eternal can have is unknown. The time guardians, who also possess this power, and have been known to have as many of sixty-one functioning surrogates at one time. See Eternity. See also time guardians. [%@import('eternalroster.html')%] Eternity The name 'Eternity' is only a concept. However, it is popularly addressed as a living, breathing creature, and is often worshipped as a god. Eternity itself is actually a composite consciousness. It is the pooled psychic resonances of all living things. It is suspected that, after the first expansion, outside influences planted the seeds that would eventually develop into the super-consciousness that is Eternity. One speculation points to a "Father" and "Mother" force (Alpha and Gaea) as being the originators of these seeds. These two beings are cited throughout the records made during the early development of the Protectorate, but their actual presence is never recorded. These two creatures are also cited as the progenitors of the First Ones, the race from which the original stock, and many later generations of universal protectors originated. During the earliest stages of evolution, Eternity was little more than an infinitely large amoeba with a few basic responses. The thoughts of the myriad forms of life that were evolving began to etch neural paths on this receptive blank slate. At some point, the populations of life grew large enough that the resonances activated the 'seeds'. These twelve gigantic gems began to pick up and enhance the neural responses, and themselves take on the sophistication necessary for stimulus and response. As Eternity evolved, life-forces were drawn into the matrix of gems. A residual imprint of these first primitive creatures created the first evolutionary steps in Eternity's progress toward awareness. A billion cycles ago, both Eternity and life had diversified to a point where major changes could be undergone. During these changes, creatures began to be physically drawn into the matrix. From that point, these creatures became Eternity. The composite awareness saw all of time and space as a body. The body lacked defense mechanisms, and this fusion of living and un-living essences could sense wounds that threatened the health of 'the body'. Forces brought the 'seeds' to a central 'womb' to focus the consciousness. With this centralization, further powers became realized, and development increased in speed. Hosts were cultivated from the vastness of evolving creatures; these would be the anti-bodies that would attack and destroy infestations, and heal wounds. The matrix continued to assimilate living creatures; its power multiplying as it grew. Initially, twenty-four hosts came into being; two were linked to each seed. These hosts were incubated, forged, and evolved to fulfill special roles in the universal defense. These were the first Guardians. These first creatures were far less refined than the Eternals and Guardians that evolved later. They did have a purpose and a design. They built defenses around the womb, and created the pocket dimension Siderous Chronous. These first defenders oversaw the choosing of their predecessors. They learned ways to make them stronger and more durable, having longer life-spans and broader capabilities. The second generation Guardians were more in tune with the matrix, capable of tapping into its now-immense powers themselves, physically and mentally superior to their parent races. Their life-spans were greatly extended, some ten times that of their parent races. These were the generation of savants that would eventually shape the 'seed-womb' into Eternity's Heart. The 'seeds' were faceted, and refined, to amplify their consciousness-projecting powers. They amassed the knowledge and powers to build defenders far more advanced than themselves. At this time, the defenders were broken into two groups: The savants and the warriors. The savants were to evolve mentally, with consciousness that extended through time and space. The warriors would tap directly into the cosmic forces now funneling through the matrix. The Protectorates third generation was fraught with disappointments. Many forms of life did not survive the rigorous incubation processes, or the radical alterations in their physical and mental structures. The projects of this generation were shelved as too ambitious after 47 of 48 subjects died through body failure or instability. The sole survivor (Culavera) was stasised as a borderline case, and took part later in the scaled-down mutations. By the time the scaled-down projects were underway, the second generation Guardians were nearing the end of their lives. The survivor of generation three, and two other volunteers, underwent the fourth generation treatments. All three came through alive, but mentally shattered. Only Culavera, who was the result of the far more ambitious 3rd generation group, was salvageable for further treatment. Culavera was put into stasis pending further review. Three of the second generation guardians had died by the time the fifth generation process went into affect. One volunteer (Leto) went through the process and survived physically and mentally intact, but undershot expectations for the desired matrix synthesis. The subject was put in stasis for review by his predecessors. All but three of the second generation guardians were dead when the sixth evolution forging was undertaken. Five subjects underwent the rigorous process, and all survived. Only one second generation guardian survived to see the seventh evolution, which birthed five time Guardians and ten Eternals. He died before the final annealing of the subjects was completed. The seventh generation Eternals and Guardians was a near perfect synthesis of power, longevity, and durability. Possessing hardened mindsets, expanded mental power and flexibility, they evolved into the Eternals and Guardians known today, about 10 million cycles ago. Eternity's Heart The dimensional space that houses the central consciousness of the Eternity. This location and its associated dimensional fold is the temporally autonomous location where both the eternals and time guardians make their headquarters. The twelve giant focal matrix stones that serve as the power conduits for the eternals and guardians are located there. The actual size of Eternity's Heart is unknown. Reality within the location is malleable and stretchable, and more than a dozen world-sized constructs have existed within it simultaneously. The eternals, guardians, and any surrogates who possess a focal extension (shaladen or honorary shaladen) can cause alterations of reality within the boundaries of eternity's heart through force of will. During the temporal crisis of A Knot In Time Beia Targallae appeared to create an entire world for them to live in for a short duration. ether The somewhat dated notion of a fundamental fabric that binds matter together-- in other words the vacuum where things AREN'T. (The author notes that its a dated concept in light of quantum theory. However, since most of the readers don't have a doctorate in physics-- we'll stick with easier concepts.) etheral Typically it means to be insubstantial. It however can be used to indicate 'out-of-phase' state. The Ethereal plane is an alternate interpretation of real space much like the astral plane. ethereal Typically it means to be insubstantial. It however can be used to indicate 'out-of-phase' state. The Ethereal plane is an alternate interpretation of real space much like the astral. See astral plane. etherflux A disturbance in the fabric of space/time. etherlock An etherlock is caused when a time-driver, mage, or device causes the probability fields in a specific area to become static. Essentially all matter in the target area is forced to assume the same inertia, temporal phase, and energy potential as designated by the 'lock'. This has the effect of rooting an area in time and space absolute to either a specific set of coordinates or a given vector. The etherlock prevents any kind of matter or time transference within its confines. The process takes a tremendous amount of power, and is the most demanding discipline practiced by a time-diver. etherspace The continuum that exists in transition in non-consecutive time. The fabric of cosmos existing in transition outside the boundaries of the subpaths. Euriel Kergatha See Kergatha, Euriel. eurwren Wren when trapped in her mother Euriel's body makes a mocking joke of herself when she asks, "who am I now?". The combined name is pun and an aspect of the bitterness she is experiencing at that moment. evocations Magicks which draw upon extra dimensional energies for their power. exoskeleton A technical artifice worn on the outside of the skin to provide additional functionality (enhance strength, provide flight, etc). expert-system A neural-network devised to expedite decision making in a precise area of expertise. A user answers a complex series of questions, and based on the answers the computer follows a path of logic to a course of action. Fabrista The race of Kriar occupying the 'Fabrista' Homeworld. Falconhall The name of the citadel where Aarlen Frielos is reputed to have lived as a child. Falor, Talorin {Tal} Talorin Falor is one of the more storied figures in the Ring Realms, a warrior with a truly mythical ability to find himself in the 'hot spots' of legends in the making. Tal's history is a complex knot of twists and turns that involves many enterprises and tragedies. After a few seasons spent treasure hunting, Tal retired while still young to invest his gold and become a businessman. He ended up in the unlikely role as the proprietor of a brothel, an enterprise he shared with his adventuring partner Kaas Windsbane. The two men, while running a house of ill repute, were known as the 'softest touches in town'. They never bound their girls to contracts, nor did they ask more than a token percentage of any fees collected. In fact, the two men even helped their 'girls' get 'legitimate' work should the seamy life no longer appeal. Perhaps it was this low-pressure approach that made their business so successful. The endeavor was not to last, Tal grew bored and started looking for adventure again. He took up with king Tradeholm's eastern front regulars as an experienced captain. It was during this tour of duty that he met and fell in love with an Elven woman named Deirde Silkere. Tal continued his borderland tour and kept house with Deirde for several seasons. What might have been an idyllic life for the warrior turned tragic when raiding parties from the east realm overran several villages and cities along the border. Tal and the troops under his command were quick to respond, and over a period of days drove back the enemy. It was during this conflict that Tal showed mercy to one of the enemy commanders. An act of altruism which would see an entire village of elves sacked as revenge, and result in the loss of his wife of only a few seasons. This experience would harden the man for the many adventures to come. After this harsh lesson, Tal's tactics and demeanor took on a darker tone, the bitterness over his loss one not quickly forgotten or left behind. He went back to active adventuring and campaigning now in a more serious vein. It was shortly after that he met up with members of the Band of the Crescent Moon, and learned more of the Death Spectacles run by Meridian Arcturan. He met Beia Targallae and T'Gor D'Shar and began assisting them in shutting down the arenas. It was during this time that Tal began adding to his fighting skills, learning to combat the arena pit fighters on their own ground. He began studying and mastering the harsh art of the Dan Sadad. During the cycles that followed Tal would be involved in the recovery of the amulet of Tarkimaar, he would fight all manner of creatures from adamantium golems to skellar. He would take part in the revival of the Eternals slain by Garfang, and help organize many of the quests to recover the Shaladen swords. He himself would recover the shaladen blade Warstar. He would foray repeatedly in the cities of Dream Merchants and even fight the rogue elements belonging the deposed Kriar leader Daergon Surr. Tal's hard heart would soften and their would be romantic interludes with Desiray Illkaren (then single) and Dominique Ariok. However, it was a fellow Shael Dal, Terra Karlin whom he often adventured with that eventually captured his eye and heart. After a courtship of several seasons, they would become the second married couple in the Shael Dal (T'Gor and Tigress being the first). Tal's adventures would continue. He became a key figure in the Shael Dal, the indomitable spirit to succeed against all odds. He would prove instrumental in several missions including a special cooperative mission with the Fabrista Kriar to Karanganoi homeworld, where they would learn of the Baronians and their mysterious 'masters'. Tal remains active in the Shael Dal and few would dispute his being their spiritual core. He and his wife Terra continue their efforts to remove all traces of the Arcturan death spectacles. Tal created several schools for adventurers, that serve as sources of income as well as recruiters for the various causes that he takes part in. Falor, Terra Karlin Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the Shaladen blade Jemfire. fastcast Fastcast is term coined for a powerful form of spell casting which uses the person's personal energy and life-force to "short circuit" the normal spell casting process. Normal magical spell casting takes time and some high order spells can take up to a minute or more to perform. Naturally, in battle, time can be something of a luxury, which is why the skill of fastcasting was developed. Fast-casting is the bailiwick of war-mages and battle-mages who hone and condition their bodies for the stresses caused by channelling powerful spells directly through their bodies. fastcasting The act of using the fastcast technique. See fastcast. Felspar Clan The structure of the Felspar clan is a complicated enough subject to merit its own entry. Loric Felspar's permissiveness, the pervasiveness of telepathy, the extended life span of immorts, and promiscuousness created by the ability to shape change and empathically "reverb" ( see empathic reverb. ) have created a tangled knot of a family tree that would have the most dedicated genealogist weeping. The root of the family's complexity primarily comes from the three house matriarchs: Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri , Desiray Illkaren, and Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku. Immediately, one wonders why Dorian is included on this list because she is not married to Loric. Dorian went through a permanent gender change. At an earlier point in her life, she was a man, Gondor Degaba. During that time she married Cassandra (technically, she is still married to her?). So before this explanation starts, it's already taken on complications! Three Squared To understand the primary complexity one must understand that our three matriarchs are really not gender specific. They can be female or male, able to sire or birth. This is exactly what has happened. Dorian has fathered (or foathrad) children with both Cassandra and Desiray. Each of them has done the same with her and each other for a total of six combinations as depicted below: [%@import('matcombo.html')%] There are children from each of these unions. In the "official" histories, these children retained the surname of the foathra. This created unnecessary complications in creating a chronicle, so the surname Felspar was attributed to all of them. One can see this issue from both sides, saying the making the name the same complicates differentiating who belongs to whom. Granted. However, tracking fifty odd names is hard enough without trying to untangle relationships at the same time! Take it from the top Since Loric is the house patriarch, his direct descendants should be listed first. With two wives he has two lines of inheritance: [%@import('loricsire.html')%] As one can see, Loric's part of the tree is quite modest (in comparison to the rest). It's from this part on that the mind begins to swim: [%@import('matrsires.html')%] One might note that there is an inordinate occurrence of twins in this family. That is neither accidental or natural... in most of the cases the condition was egged on by magic. But wait there's more... Further complications are added to the tree when Dorian takes a husband (Brin Ishtarvariku) and Desiray takes a second husband (Bertram Terrantil). Bertram was already married to Thamara Narrimar. Add to this, dalliances with two Valkyries (Megan and Adwena), Marna Solaris (the Kriar matriarch), and the pantheon lord Isis. Now, the picture takes on truly Dionysian characteristics. ((We haven't even gotten to grand children yet!!!)) Was everyone sleeping around??? Well, in a word...yes. Didn't this cause problems...??? Well, of course. Jealousy and drama abound. For those following along, do remember that most of these people are in their 70's and 80's. At the time when most of the stories of the Ring Realms take place Dorian and Cassandra are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their marriage. Despite this advanced age, through various magicks these individuals are still physically in their 20's and as typically randy as beautiful talented brilliant people usually are. Another factor to consider is that everyone discussed so far has telepathic ability. This factor alone instills a level of trust and permissiveness not experienced in ordinary mundane relationships. Partners don't have to wonder whether they are still loved--the emotion can be discerned, confirmed, and so on. Also, its really really tough to cheat in house of telepaths. It is far easier (and safer) to get permission than it is to ask forgiveness. [Granted, this is the opposite of how it ordinarily goes... but you've probably never had a loremage with immense magical powers pissed at you. She will make you pay for your transgressions. She has the imagination, the desire, and inclination to make life intensely uncomfortable. Worse, there's nowhere you can run... she can teleport, and she'll find you...] Anyways, over the course of five decades sharing was not an uncommon occurrence. It helps to understand that at different times Desiray, Cassandra, and Dorian each maintained separate identities as males that essentially had their own distinct relationships. Ah, the benefits (complexities) of shape shifting...[%@import('misccouples.html')%] With fifty cycles invested in relationships, children are bound to find partners, get married and have children. In this genealogy, you will see a number of female / female marriages. This is something of a side affect of the interrelationship of the matriarchs. Shape changing creates a lot of potential in partners... in a world of magic and star hopping, the choices are many and varied. However, it just works out that sometimes the best person to understand a woman is another woman... and when that woman can also be a man (or the partners can take turns in the male role... ) the imaginative readers can fill in the blanks... [%@import('secdgen.html')%] The main relationships are chronicled in the tables above but they are of course not the full extent of the allies and close-knit trysts that have formed over the decades. There are Gabriella and her children. There is Bertram and his wives. First Thamara who he later divorces. Later Bertram marries the daughter of Algernon D'Tarin, Valsiden who then by association becomes Desiray's new sister-wife. There are pantheon lords, eternals, Kriar, savants...oh my. Enough material for a story or two at least? Felspar, Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Annawen is the silent sister to Cassin. The two sisters are as different from one another as they are alike. Where Cassin represents restraint, logic, and intellect, Annawen represents hedonism, creativity, and passion. Annawen is extremely promiscuous, outgoing, and spontaneous. While Cassin plans things down to the last detail, Annawen simply makes it up as she goes. Each sister represents the pure forms of the extremes that might occur in a normal personality. This is why Annawen is so good at magic. It is a skill that requires confidence, the slightest shred of doubt can ruin or cripple a spell. Annawen literally has no worries, and no fear or compunction about the consequence of her actions. By that token, she has nothing holding her back. This is, of course, why she has problems with control. Though law and rules are not the kind of thing Annawen would normally like, she finds the idea of twisting rules to her own ends intriguing. Her creative and exhibitionistic nature are extremely well suited to both a courtroom and the stage. She would be perfectly suited to them except for the fact that she does not speak aloud. This of course, keeps her out of trial law in all but the most sophisticated territories where telepathy is tolerated as a means of communication. She does on occasion call on Cassin to be her 'voice' as she is in most of their everyday life. Cassin typically refuses most of her sister's requests because she feels Annawen should 'find her own voice'. Being the eldest, they are the big sisters to all the Felspar family children. They are often bailing their brothers and sisters out of trouble. Annawen's interest in law is quite valuable for resolving many of the situations that arise. Annawen feels that Cassin is an errant part of her that has run away. The fact that she cannot function overlong without her troubles her. She harbors a secret (not so secret to her sister) desire for them to unify into one person. Cassin is extremely bothered by this desire in her sister, likening it to being 'consumed'. Despite their opposing natures, they are as close as two sisters can be and NOT be one person. Becoming married to Sindra and Drucilla Frielos has been an extremely satisfying experience for Annawen. Her pairing with Drucilla provides a balance in her life that Cassin was unable to provide. The Frielos twins are specialists too, but it is not along the right-brain left-brain aspects. Drucilla represents the passive aspect of their pairing (to Sindra's aggressive) which is well suited to Annawen's personality and tendencies. Cassin and Annawen are extremely active and well traveled. They are adored on Homeworld. Elsewhere they are regarded with respect, and in many cases with fear and suspicion. Elsbeth Crowninshield considers the twins, and Annawen in particular, two of the greatest threats to the integrity of magic. Despite herself, Elsbeth has been unable to view these two as enemies though they embody the very essence of what she fears (the merger of magic and technology). Whether by luck, or through their empathy, the twins knew it was essential to make sure they became close to this elder elite. A campaign several years in the making got them into the good graces of the red-haired woman buying them safety from her war on technology. After an encounter with Corim Vale, and his metapathic talent, Annawen has become rather fixated on the handsome man. The fact that he's in love with Dulcere Starbinder is not at all troubling to her. She knows she'll get her way eventually... she always has in the past... Felspar, Caldorian Son of Desiray Illkaren Felspar and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. Cassandra is the "Foathra" or the surrogate of a female / female coupling who provides the male genes. Caldorian is has an identical twin brother Sebenreth'Kar Felspar. Caldorian is currently married to Bronawyn ShadowStalker and has two daughters: Cassopia and DonaRae. Felspar, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Cassandra is one of the only surviving members of the first incarnation of the Band of the Crescent Moon. She has traveled and adventured extensively throughout the Realms during her 91 years of life. At one time she was engaged to be married to Gondor Degaba who by a quirk of fate was changed from a male to a female by the Aesir pantheon lord Loki. In Gondor's new identity as a female things got pretty complicated as he and she had already managed to conceive children. Cassandra ended up not being able to handle the relationship and the two of them grew apart but continued to raise their daughters Cassin and Annawen. Cassandra went on to marry the elder mage Loric Felspar. After the adoption of Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri by house Techstar, it became a fashion among the Kriar nobility to start interacting with the humanity and skilled mages in particular. The ability of magic to overcome something Kriar science could not opened many eyes, and sparked intense interest in learning the secrets of magic. Also, humans being young and impressionable, made them excellent proteges. The Kriar being empaths, derive a great deal of satisfaction being around creatures who still experience excitement and passion. They can feel 'vicariously' through their empathy, emotions and sensations that they themselves have become numb to due to hundreds of millennia of life. The Techstar family has profited enormously by Cassandra's addition to their ranks, as the mage's 'star status' among Kriar is worth a great deal in favors, media deals, and other 'celebrity status' benefits. This, of course, certainly hasn't hurt Cassandra's popularity among the members of her adoptive family. Felspar, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Cassin is the steadfast twin of the union. She represents all the things that Annawen is not. She is steady, logical, and dedicated to rational thought. Cassin is extremely close to her Mother (Foathra) Dorian. Dorian is Cassin's paternal progenitor. Early in her life, Dorian was in fact Gondor (a man) and engaged to Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. A extremely unfortunate encounter with a vampire and a the humor of a Loki resulted in a man being placed in woman's body. By shape changing, he could regain his normal male form, but the magic would eventually wear off and he would again become 'Dorian'. It was in his shape changed state that Dorian (Gondor) fathered the twins Cassin and Annawen. As a way of keeping things from getting confused, they coined the term 'Foathra' for a female that had sired children. There are other Foathrings in the Felspar family, but Cassin and Annawen were the first. Initially, Cassandra thought she could deal with her husband-to-be having become female, but later found she couldn't handle it. Gondor also had problems having thought like a male for 50 odd years, now being a female and (via hormones) beginning to think like a female. The two of them grew apart but raised Cassin and Annawen as a family. Cassin married Sindra by 'default'. She thought the pairing with the Frielos twins was a bad and unsafe endeavor. Only later did she come to really appreciate the benefits of being spoiled by an elder. Now, many years into the marriage, she has fully embraced their relationship and enjoys all of its benefits. Cassin plays the passive role to Sindra's aggressive one, and is content to satisfy the needs of her sometimes demanding mate. Cassin is much more involved in technology and more technically savvy than her sister. In that aspect, she complements her sister well, who is extremely magic savvy. Working together the twins can excel in practically any culture. Felspar, Darin'kel Son of Desiray Illkaren Felspar and Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku. Darin has a twin sister named Everia. Darin is known as the "beauty" of the Felspar clan for his androgynous jaw-dropping handsomeness. His appearance is such that even the pantheon lord Isis keeps the young man on display nearby so she can look at him from time to time. This is one of the reasons for his accelerated rise through the ranks of Isis' followers, a fact which has earned him more than a little enmity. Despite his rival's jealous claims to his "sleeping his way to the top" Darin'Kel is in fact an exceptionally gifted and talented individual. Having his mother Desiray's incredible physique and Dorian's keen intellect, there is little this young man cannot do once he sets his mind to it. As a cleric of Isis the dogma of the worship was stifling to him. However, he became a cleric as something of a defiance to his mother Dorian who wanted him to learn the magical arts (actually, it was more of Everia's defiance than his, but Darin generally follows the will of his sister). It was not until Darin entered the ranks of the Sovereign that he truly began to flourish (the soveriegns are mages with priest training who serve Isis). Both Darin'Kel and Everia feel a certain amount of resentment and rebellion against their mother Dorian. Most of their clash is rooted in a mother-daughter tug of war for identity and freedom. Ironically, Dorian's persuasive and manipulative ways work on everybody except her children. Darin's heart is considerably softer than Everia's when it comes to Dorian, and when not toeing-the-line laid down by his sister he and his mother are very close. Desiray experiences none of the hostility that Dorian is privy to. She was the "fun" parent and had no part in the law laid down by Dorian which is in part the reason for the mage's unpopularity with these two children. Darin'Kel later marries a cleric by the name of Gwynned, and later still they have two sons: Xandar and Tristham. Felspar, Desiray Illkaren Desiray Illkaren Felspar, also known as Whitelock, is one of the core members of the Band of the Crescent Moon. She is one of the "three matriarchs" of family Felspar (Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri and Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku being the other two). Desiray has had a long and sordid history as a thief. Her adventurers in Silissia and later in quests against Hellzan, Surr, and the Dream Merchants made her fortunes which she turned to the task of building a network of guilds. Her skills as a thief are renowned through Sharikaar as is her merciless reputation. In her later years, this reputation softened considerably when she married Loric Felspar. She became gentler still after the advent of children. Desiray was the personal patron of Sireth, who in turn was the patron of Liandra Kergatha. Desiray and Liandra initially share a mutual enmity toward one another that almost ends in them killing each other. Later, they grow closer and Desiray takes on a role as Wren's surrogate mother. In an attempt to shield both Desiray and Liandra, Gaea alters Desiray so that she can become Liandra's tao beta (meaning that they can join to become a single far more powerful being). In this form, Desiray and Liandra proved a reasonable match for even elder elite like the D'klace sisters Sindra and Drucilla. Felspar, Everia Daughter of Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku and Desiray Illkaren Felspar [Desiray Foathra]. She is one of a pair of polar-body twins ((identical / fraternal) similar appearance but different sex). Her brother is Darin'Kel. Everia marries the Baronian warmage Luthice in 1114 N.I.S. Felspar, Farveth Son of Desiray Illkaren Felspar and Loric Felspar. Farveth is something of a black-sheep in the Felspar family. Sporting the brilliance of his father, and the physical coordination of his mother, Farveth has the traits to excel in a number of fields. With his father's training he is an accomplished tracker, and exceptional woodsman. Despite his exceptional potential, Farveth is adrift in life, neither applying himself or taking any particular interest in finding a true calling. The boy is into and out of trouble on a regular basis, wasting money on gambling and dallying with less than reputable women. It was when he got a girl pregnant that his mother Desiray yanked him up straight by the short-hairs. Farveth is still something of a problem child, but is slowly finally beginning to become a more productive member of the household. Felspar, Loric Numinorian elder elite and patriarch of family Felspar. Loric is a renowned Ranger and grand lore-mage. He has two wives, Desiray and Cassandra. He has three children by blood (with Cassandra). Loric is the creator of many magical items and technologies. The most notable of which are the Krillar. His wife Desiray wields the krill sword and dagger, Khairhavhel and Khairhavkul. Cassandra and Dorian both used krill staves of his design. Loric is one of the last generation of Numinor, an elder race that eventually destroyed itself in pursuit of the ultimate power of entropy once possessed by the first ones. Loric was born approximately 90,000 cycles prior to the events chronicled in most of the stories taking place in the Ring Realms. He by far pre-dates the lives of Aarlen Frielos and Elsbeth Crowninshield. Being one of the few remaining creatures possessing "true-magic" he felt that he should have a say in the development or the corruption of magic and how it was being distributed by the pantheon lords. This led Loric down a path where he began trying to police the ancient lore once controlled by the Numinorians and the first ones. He developed powerful magicks and trained allies to help him in this venture. Despite their limited number and resources Loric and his followers became a growing irritation to many of the pantheon lords, as he "kept them in line" policing not only the spread of magic, but enforcing a certain amount of separation between the lords and their sources of demiurge. The hit-and-run gorilla tactics of the Krill warriors finally escalated into full fledged war and Loric and his followers were forced into hiding. He and his followers would go into seclusion for centuries at a time, spending the "cooling off" cycles in specially designed stasis chambers that Loric had secreted throughout the worlds of the Ring Realms. There were occasions when he spent as long as five millennia in stasis, the exact reasons for these extended submergences are unknown but there are at least four known periods when he went "underground" for several thousand cycles. It's been speculated that he was in actuality sleeping off massive injuries to his body and spirit, but there is no evidence to support this theory. Upon each new emergence, he was stronger and more persistent in his desire to "clean up" the tyrannical dominion of the pantheon lords. Over the course of the millennia, the original desire to merely shepherd magic transformed into a one-man vendetta against the lords. It was in the latter portion of this war that Loric met and befriended Damay Alostar one of the great Kel'Varans. They undertook several quests to protect various members of the savant race scattered throughout the Realms. It was Loric's eventual plan to gather up all the savants and turn them against the pantheon lords. In the middle of this plan, Damay soured on the idea fearing that they would in fact cause the destruction of savant kind rather than their preservation. This fundamental difference eventually resulted in their going their separate ways. In the interim, Loric had learned a great deal from the individual savants he had met, and had discovered intrinsic properties in the foundating power of Eternity. These new discoveries were integrated into the Krillar weaponry and the power turned against the pantheon lords in a renewed onslaught in order to force the lords to give up their possession of the "material plane" and constrain their activities to the outer dimensions. The conflict escalated quickly, and several lords were slain permanently by Loric's new powers. The threat posed by the Numinorian created a situation where the pantheon lords would be forced to either comply and give up their possession of the core worlds, or cooperate and dismiss Loric from existence once and for all. The lords chose the latter, and in a massive battle the pantheon lords came together and in final battle corralled Loric and his followers and destroyed them all in a single entropic blast of demiurge. In the aftermath of the conflict, it was a general consensus of the pantheon lords that they would all withdraw their primary influence to the outer planes, in order to prevent any further such conflicts. This was not only a direct result of Loric's efforts but an increasing pressure from a number of other sources. Unknown to the lords, Loric had invested his essence into a secluded location, placing it within one of the five great krillglobes of his creation. Several millennia later, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri found the globe and discovered the great mage's essence within. The lady mage used her powerful magics to recreate a body for Loric and place his essence within the shell, restoring the ancient Numinorian to life. This last violently forceful vacation had taken most of the fight out of the great mage, with the pantheon lords having withdrawn to the outer planes there really wasn't much left to fight about. Loric spent a great deal of time in seclusion, healing, and regenerating his lost powers. In the meantime, Cassandra was fascinated by this powerful man, both by the possibility of gaining his lore, and learning from him, and the romantic idea of associating with this legendary figure. Loric was, of course, alone and lonely, Cassandra was hungry and enticing. Eventually, the youngster wore down the elder's resistance and the two of them developed a more intimate relationship. They were finally engaged in 1074 N.I.S. after five years of persistence. They were finally married in 1079. Loric is the patriarch of the clan. The gods tolerate his new existence but remain wary that he might start his old tricks again. He has three boys by Cassandra (born as triplets) Loric II, Radian, and Celek. He has a single son by Desiray (his second wife) named Farveth. Felspar, Sebenreth'Kar Son of Desiray and Cassandra. He has a twin brother named Caldorian. Sebenreth or "Seb" is married to Jolandrin Steelwood. Fenris (wolf) A monster known to inhabit the nether regions of Gladshiem. It is prophesied that Fenris will devour Odin during Ragnarok. fenris wolf Also known as Fenrir, a giant wolf that can assume human form. He is said to be the a son of Loki and Angrboda. Fenris is prophecied to be the creature that kills the god Odin during Ragnarok. Fenris is said to meet his end at the hands of Odin's son Vidar. See also Angrboda. firmware Software encased in Read-Only form within a piece of hardware. first one key Colloquial term for the keys originally researched by DeChelts of Numanor. See DeChelts device. fission Current day process where energy is derived from the splitting of atoms. Floor Amaggia The main (first floor of six) of the Hill Court trading venue of the capital of Malan. flutterbugs Colorful delicate insects that start their life in a cocoon and initially hatch as many segmented plant eating worm. People on Earth just call them butterflies. foathra In a realm where magical shape changing is common, a foathra is a woman who has sired a child in another woman while in the shape of a man. She is that child's foathra (father-mother). This term also applies to a man, shape changed into a woman who carries a child to term. A far more rare circumstance! Foathra A term coined to indicate a primarily-female personage who sires a child. It is a combination of the words father and mother. This root word can be used as past tense verb 'foathrad' meaning 'to sire' a child. A Foathra is primarily possible through shape alteration, however their are scientific means by which the male heredity can be drawn from a female as well. foathrings A verbal form of the idea of female siring. Foldrin Master Locksmith and trap creator. Guilder par excellence of the last millennium, that happens to be the measure by which Desiray Illkaren Felspar challenges herself. force-blade The force-blade or force-sword is a plasma energy device with both utility and weapon usages. Engineers employ precision force-blades for cutting and welding ferrous metal joints. The device is sometimes mistakenly referred to a light-sword or laser-sword. It's true nature is magnetic / gravimetric. The light properties are coincidental to the function which is a high grade shaped grav field within which is contained super-excited atmospheric plasma. The damage potential of a force-blade is dramatically decreased in the vacuum of space because there is no material to act as a heat conductor. For the Kriar, the graviton and shaped photonic shell that forms the hollow blade of the weapon is a hardened and miniaturized technology. A specialized matrix transmitter that can be embedded in the hand is capable of producing the tool / weapon effect. Magneto-conductive composites are laced onto the bones of the hand to allow a secondary field to be created that serves as an anchoring and reinforcing structure so that leverage can be applied to the rigid blade without causing harm to the wielder. Essentially the rigid force transmitted through the bones makes the hand itself become the blade's 'handle'. Force blades take a great deal of energy to power. Kriar warriors typically only utilize them for short periods of time unless they are near a power broadcasting source (a ship or permanent energy transmission grid). High ranking Kriar warriors possess matrix 'energy factories' which when combined with super-dense storage effectively allow unlimited usage of this tool. force-field (generic) any energy barrier designed prevent or filter the entry of atomic or subatomic material. force-sword same as force-blade. see force-blade. Foross Kerall See Kerall, Foross. fourth-dimension 1) The extrusion of the third dimension into a theoretic quantitative state. 2) of or pertaining to time (used in older fiction). Fraestar Northern continent on the world of Titaan. freecast Magic that is worked without prior preparation or through the use of a magical casting focus. Typically, a mage must memorize a spell and based on certain factors may only be able to cast that spell a few times before it must be memorized again. As a result, mages typically utilize a large arsenal of devices that increase the number of times memorized spells can be utilized. Through training, discipline, and special augmentations of their minds and bodies, mages can develop "permanent" spells that they can invoke at will without threat of ever losing it from memory. This evocation is called a "freecast" because they can do it without preparation or fear of losing memory of the spell. Ziedra Skyedoom-Felspar the Ishtar Nola is noted for her ability to freecast spells without even memorizing them. She does this simply by touching a mage who has the desired spell and then having them duplicate the spells casting. Her freecast is not unlimited however, she only retains the freecast of an unknown spell for two to three bells. frell Frell is a common curse in the Ring Realms. The compiler of the glossary leaves it up to the reader's imagination as to what 'frell' refers to. It can be conjugated in a number of ways: That's really frelled. What the frell?! You frelling made that up! Frielos, Aarlen Supreme Magestrix of the 4th Alliance territories. Engaged to Regaura Targallae. Aarlen's exact age is unknown (even to her) but historians agree that she can be no less than 45,000 cycles old. This member of the grand elder elite is descended from Teritaani branch of humanoid stock. Aarlen was magically and technically enhanced by her Father in order to create a living weapon. Abused and tortured throughout her childhood, she eventually turned on her Father who had already killed her mother and sister. Unfortunately for the then twelve cycle old Aarlen, the cycle of violence did not end there. Mishap, misfortune, and aggression over a span of years eventually turned the white-haired woman into a brutal killing machine. She became proficient in all the major martial and magical arts, and mastered many forms. The a millenniums long series of bloody conquests she hacked out the territory of space now known as the fourth alliance. During her rise to power she made many enemies which include Elsbeth Crowninshield, Vulcindra Skybane, and the Trackazoid and Eddorian empires. During her thousands of cycles of life, Aarlen has begotten children for purposes of having agents under her direct control. She has thirteen acknowledged children still living. The Frielos family has some 12 recognized generations of relatives that number close to 75,000 members. Though it seems hard to believe, with a life that spans over 1000 generations, Aarlen's distant relations likely number in the hundreds of millions. Frielos, Drucilla Daughter of Aarlen Frielos. Elder elite and member of the D'klace guild of assassins. Being "into" everything, she even plays in an all-girl musical group with Luthice and Arabella. She is the silent sister to Sindra Frielos. Something to note about Drucilla and her sister is the fact that while they are to a certain extent evil, and definitely self serving, these two never became the irredeemable black that many of Aarlen's creations became. This seems to be a deliberate happenstance on Aarlen's part, presumably so that they would be more effective as spies and seductresses. Drucilla is married to Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Felspar. The elder woman has been teaching Annawen the etiquette and protocols of the 4th alliance high court, as Annawen seeks to conduct law there. Frielos, Grohden First born son of Aarlen Frielos, master alchemist and strategic commander of the forces of the 4th alliance. Grohden's birth father is lost in antiquity, and it is unknown if Aarlen even remembers who sired this child. Grohden is not Aarlen's first child, he is the earliest surviving child. It is said that Aarlen had a daughter some time earlier that was slain in its infancy during an incursion of Hyssta into the region of space where Aarlen was living at the time. While Aarlen had always been the epitome of hate and fury scouring the stars of creatures that resisted her, Grohden has never been anything other than the cold calculating sociopath devoid of all emotion. Of all her children, Grohden was the least controlled or chained. Perhaps because of this, the man's psychosis runs that much more deeply. Where Aarlen derided the value of life, Grohden is intensely interested in the human condition-- in the way creatures deal with hardship, in how they seek out diversion, and hide from reality inside of delusions and drugs. Humans and living things in general are curiosities to be dispassionately studied and understood. In a many ways, Grohden was worse than his mother because humans evoked little emotion in him one way or the other. When Aarlen was turned from the darkness by the eternals, Grohden was uncertain how to react. After all the millennia, he was ambivalent at best toward his "mother". He was never treated like a son, and had always been little more than a tool to her. However, in the depths of his deeply submerged heart he experienced a certain sense of satisfaction at her downfall. In his studies of humans, and human kind, he had long developed a theory of bad karma being eventual end of all evil. Not that he was sinless, there was blood aplenty on his hands, but it was never shed in anger, only in pursuit of survival-- survival that was often predicated by his doing as Aarlen bid. Now, the despot leader of the 4th Alliance was no more... no longer free to smash everything as was her will. Now, she had a conscience. Since the great changes in Aarlen, Grohden has made only a few appearances. He confronted Beia Targallae briefly, and during the encounter Grohden determined that she was no threat to him or any of his plans. When Aarlen began purifying members of her family, Grohden slipped into the darkness not to be found. This powerful elder elite remains at large, his plans and status largely unknown. Frielos, Sindra Daughter of Aarlen Frielos. Elder elite and member of the D'klace guild of assassins. Being "into" everything, she even plays in an all-girl musical group with Luthice and Arabella. She is the speaking sister to Drucilla Frielos. Something to note about Sindra and her sister is the fact that while they are to a certain extent evil, and definitely self serving, these two never became the irredeemable black that many of Aarlen's creations became. This seems to be a deliberate happenstance on Aarlen's part, presumably so that they would be more effective as spies and seductresses. Sindra is married to Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar. Being the "voices" of the two sets of twins its not uncommon to see them paired with the other twin. Why they didn't simply marry that way is still something of a mystery... Frielos, Thanos Thanos is Aarlen's last child, and relatively young by elder standards (around two thousand cycles old). He is the misunderstood child of the Frielos family, something of a black sheep that never got much respect because despite his name, he simply wasn't evil enough. Thanos is a gentlemanly charmer trained like his older sisters, Sindra and Drucilla, to be an assassin. Thanos is the D'klace twin's "baby brother" and there is no-one else that they dote on or show affection toward (aside from Cassin and Annawen). The relationship between these three is fairly complex, as there is definite signs that Sindra and Drucilla shielded Thanos from Aarlen in deliberate attempt to keep him from becoming totally evil as many of the Frielos clan are. Thanos is still bad, but not an irredeemably evil despot, that others like him have become. Since the change in Aarlen, Thanos has become more accepted. Beia Targallae and Thanos share an uneasy truce, as he does not trust the Myrmigyne, and feels a certain amount of anger toward her over the pain his mother has had to endure. Why he chose Beia as the target for this upset is unknown, as she had nothing to do with Aarlen's capture by the eternals. Some of it may be jealousy because when Aarlen was finally able to show affection to someone, it was to a stranger, and not one of her children. Friggia A frozen layer of Hel. FTL elision -- Faster-Than-Light. fusion The propagation of energy through the merger of atoms into a heaver molecule i.e. hydrogen into helium as takes place in every stellar body. g'at'sarat Numinorian warrior's dialect, which means bite-strike. It is used to describe a spinning serpent-like move performed with a dagger. g'narth An ancient race and enemies of the Numanorians who developed a martial art specifically geared for the killing of magic users. G'yaki The G'yaki are together a race, a culture, and a guild rolled into one. The G'yaki are night warriors that hire out as mercenaries and sometimes assassins. They share many common characteristics with monestarial sects, gathering together in strictly governed colonies which dedicate themselves to self discipline, martial training, and enlightenment. G'yaki masters are renowned for their stealth and ability to escape, able to vanish through means of indirection, and pseudo-psionic disciplines. They are vicious warriors, their master-level fighters able to shatter a wall with a single punch. The G'yaki are most notable for their advances in tao-disciplines and spiritual-hardening. G'yaki devotees can over time develop spiritual properties similar to savants. Vera, the woman who serves as the Felspar Clan family cook is a G'yaki master. The little woman has demonstrated extraordinary combat abilities, able to single-handedly hold three Frielos family Sen'Gen at bay. g'yaku A student of the G'yaki martial art. Can also refer to a member of clan of G'yaki. See G'yaki. Gabriella Sarn Ariok See Ariok, Gabriella Sarn. Gaea The name for the female creator-force. Legend has it that a coupling between Alpha and Gaea gave rise to all the living things in Eternity. Gaea is the patron of Wren Kergatha. She is known to many as the 'green mother' and there are many legends of this cosmic fertility goddess interacting with various heroes. The diaries of Wren Kergatha cite having met and received boons from this powerful immortal creature. galaxy Any of numerous large-scale aggregates of stars, gas, and dust, containing an average of 100 billion solar masses and ranging in diameter from 1,500 to 300,000 light-years. gallowsman A hang-man responsible for pulling the lever on the gallows. gamma-particle Once of several heavy radiation particles. Garadhyr Honorary shaladen wielded by Sarai T'Evagduran as surrogate for eternal Areth. Sarai shares Areth's powers with beta rank Shael Dal Arabella Tunespinner. Corim Vale does a field deputization of Wren Kergatha as Garadhyr's wielder during a situation of extremis-- what Wren could really do with a shaladen wasn't discovered she had it too briefly. Garadhyr holds another distinction in that Bannor Starfist transformed this weapon to temporarily replace a mangled left arm damaged in a battle. It is the only recorded incident in which a shaladen has been utilized in such a fashion. Garech A midach in the Elven military sent to track down Sarai. He accompanied Praelor Vindae. Garfang A bio-weapon designed by Kriar dasta Daergon for the express purpose of killing the Eternals, in the Kriar / Protectorate war. In that conflict, the incredibly powerful creature killed all but one of the Eternals (Yi Esperantil) in a single battle. However, in interrim Garfang had discovered the dasta's less-than-desirable intentions toward him when the war was over. So, in the conflict, he let enough of the eternal's attacks get through that the dasta was decimated. After killing the Eternals, he disappeared. He had only been sighted a few times before appearing on Fabrista homeworld where he came into conflict with Bannor Starfist. Garmtur'Shak Nola A savant of Reality. The pantheon lords call savants the Ka'Amok (Ka-Give Amok-Chaos)-- Chaos bringers. The Garmtur has the ability to control "threads" of reality. The word "threads" is used extensively to describe how this power works, however these threads are a metaphor for the relationships (the connections) between matter and energy. The Garmtur can perceive and alter entire systems of these matter/energy relationships. Garn Ellon See Ellon, Garn. Genemar CLASSIFIED. Sorry folks... not letting this one out. We have only Rakaar's reference. 'Creation run amok...' genetics The biology of heredity, esp. the study of hereditary transmission and variation. ghanda Elvish. It means to 'accept' or 'acknowledge'-- usually in response to being addressed by someone of lower station. giga-rev One billion revs. see rev. gigabyte 1000 Megabytes or 1,024,000,000 bytes. gigapsions One billion psions. See megapsion. gigarev A billion revs. see rev. Giliaja Secondary house staff matron in the Green Run extension of the Kul'Amaron citadel of Malan. Giliaja serves princess Sarai T'Evagduran, and is responsible for the cleaning staff and guest amenities of the house. Giquokor Master if the East Wind for the Silent Sect of Ivaneth. Giquokor was one of the founding members of the band of the Crescent Moon. He was given a magical artifact javelin named Heartstopper by the pantheon lord Thor for special service in the Lich Ceta incursion. Gladshiem The outer plane where Asgard, Nifelheim, and the other realms ruled by the Aesir and Vanir can be found. glamours Magics that affect the mind and perception, particularly those that cause euphoria or grant the caster control over another person. glassteel A clear magical material with the tensile toughness of thick metal. Glassteel is typically created through the casting of a special spell on ordinary glass. After the incantation is complete, the material has taken on the properties of a metal while still being transparent. glow-globes In the Ring Realms glow-globes are one of magick's solutions to artificial lighting. In the case of glow-globes the effect is not entirely magical. Rare chemicals that have been enchanted take on a property than when agitated (the globe is shaken slightly) they will give off light for up to a bell. glowlights Another term for magical lighting (they are called differently in different regions). Glowlights are the same as glow-globes. See glow-globes. god Generic term for the immortal pantheon lords and ladies who make their homes in the outer planes. goddess Generic term (female gender) for god. See god. godhood The traits/attributes of being immortal. See god. gold-skins A slang term used to refer to members of the Kriar race. golems Creatures made from inanimate materials which motivate and act as something alive. Some such creatures are autonomous, most are not. In the Ring Realms, golems are typically used in the role as guardians, tireless, fearless, powerful, and ultimately loyal they are popular tools amongst powerful mages. golnir Honorary shaladen weapon (hammer) wielded by the Justicar Lord, Bertram Tarrantil. In addition to its shaladen capabilities, Golnir is a magic hammer of considerable power. When thrown it returns and it can be used to 'stun' creatures by smashing it into the ground. Talorin Falor carries a mate to Golnir that he uses to get the upper hand against Rakaar Steelsheen in their battle on the technical world called Altara-3. Golondrax Honorary shaladen wielded by King Jhaan T'Evagduran of as a surrogate for eternal Sroth. King T'Evagduran shares Sroth's powers with T'Gor D'Shar (Korvel), Tigress D'Shar (Swiftwind), Suda Nightrhymer (Flameripper), and Vulcindra Skybane (Blightscythe). Though he has a dark reputation, Sroth is well regarded and his surrogate T'Gor is noted for their his contributions in service to the Protectorate. gorgon Legendary creature that could turn people to stone. Grahm Tuffala See Tuffala, Grahm. Grancovin, {Baron} Corwinian noble who was a lover of Ziedra Skyedoom for a short period. Another member of the nobility had her eye on the Baron and Ziedra ended up running from the headsman for her dalliances. See Skyedoom, Ziedra. grata Kriar for 'thank you' or 'thanks'. grav-seats A Kriar artifice that is essentially a 'floating chair'. High tech furniture! ;-) gravimetrics The study and effects of gravity. graviton A particle postulated to be the quantum of gravitational interaction and presumed to have zero electric charge and zero rest mass. Grayhawk Citystate in the middle Flaeness on the ring member world of Urth. Talorin Falor was originally born in the region just east of the city. great-bow Alternate spelling for 'greatbow'. See greatbow. greatbow A class of compound re-curve bows renowned for their range and stopping power. Much can be determined about a warrior who carries and is proficient with a greatbow because of the strength and discipline necessary to master the weapon. Grimaldi Basin A network of valleys that sit beneath the shadow of Honig's Fist. See Honig's Fist. grimoire Essentially a book. In the Realms, the name grimoire usually has connotations that the material contained within the book is special lore of some kind, usually magic. Grohden Frielos See Frielos, Grohden. grungir Odin's magic spear which captured the souls of his enemies. guardians, time The guardians are in most essential ways a variant of the eternals. The guardians are not however combatants the way the eternals are. They are the administrative keepers of time and space (and the legal processes thereof) and often call upon the Eternals to solve thorny problems. Otherwise, the guardians act almost entirely through proxies. Corim, Dulcere, Beia, Cassin and Annawen must stand before the guardian triumvirate for their transgressions against time and the Protectorate. guild In the generic sense, any of several organizations that represent various craftsman. Mages, thieves, and warriors all have representative guilds (sometimes more than one in the bigger cities). When spoken of as 'THE guild', it is generally assumed to be the thieves or assassins guild. guilder A member (usually referring to a thief) who is a member of a guild. guildmaster The head or chief organizer of a guild. guncle Short for great or grand uncle. Gundar A half-ogre enrolled at Tal Falor's fighting academy. Corim almost beats Gundar up over a misunderstanding and wrong-headed aggression on the half-ogre's part. gungnir Odin's three tined spear which nearly kills Daena Sheento and Sarai T'Evagduran when their spirits are captured within it. The spear gets destroyed by the shaladen Sharonsheen, after which the severed half is used to impale Bannor Starfist in Odin's duel for judgement. Gunlod A female giant who was a daliance of Odin's. She is the mother of Bragi. Who is the husband of Idun for a short time. Gwenafra Tristar See Tristar, Gwenafra. Gwensulin Techstar (Dame) see Techstar, Dame Gwensulin. Gwynned Wife of Darin'Kel Felspar. Gwynned joins the family later after they have settled in Malan. The marriage is arranged due to Isis impatience with her soveriegn (Darin'Kel) being so reticent to choose a mate. Hades The outer plane where many 'under-realms' of demons and creatures of the dark can be found. hadespawn Creatures who come from Hades. See Hades. half-elf A person who has both human and elven heritage. Half-elves are fairly common through-out the Ring Realms. Elven male to human female couplings are the more common human/elf bonds, and also the most likely to bare children. half-elven Of or pertaining to half-elves. See half-elf. half-elves plural form of half-elf. See half-elf. half-giant A person who has both human and giant heritage. Half-giants are more legend than fact, despite the number accounts. What is confused for half-giants are often ogres and adolescent giants. hana clan A subbordinate family to the Hoshin G'yaki clan that experiences tragedy when Enjiro Hana takes up with the daughter of the head Hoshin jissentenki. Enjiro Hana is the nominal head of the family after the deaths of family patriarch and matriarch. Hanahold The residence of the hana clan within the larger fortress of Hoshinhold. hanshi In G'yaki a hanshi is master over other shishous (masters). Typically, they are retired shishous who have significant accompishment in their careers. Harad, Diakere Avatar of Hecate. Harad was slain by a group of dwarves led by Dacwhirter Varon Ironfist. hardware Of or pertaining to any technological artifice. heartstopper A artifact quality weapon given by Thor to Giquokor, the master of the East wind of the Silent Sect. The javelin grants enhanced strength and resistance to damage, and can be magically called back to the wielder's hand (much like Thor's own hammer). heatherwood A seasonal tree that occupies the lower altitudes near water courses. Hecate Pantheon lord, goddess of magic, death, and the moon. Hecate is an outcast even among her own kind. She pursues the ultimate power, Tan'Acho, and is willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. hectarev One hundred revs. see rev. hedgecloth A rough cloth made of plant fibers that is cheap to make and strong enough for portage. heika A G'yaki styling indicating one of high caste or authority. Vera and Enjiro refer to Idun (who is a goddess among other things) as Idun-heika (or just heika). Hella Pantheon lord, goddess of death who guards the domain of Nifelheim. In the story of 'Neath Odin's Eye Hella joins with Daena Sheento to become a first one. Hellfurnaces A volcanic mountain range in the western Flaeness. hellseeker A powerful offensive magic spell that blasts outward from the caster's hand in a cone shaped area of destruction. It is most effective against abyssal and infernal creatures but has more than enough power to destroy a normal unprotected person. Hellzan A powerful timelord and one of the most powerful adversaries of the Band of the Crescent Moon. Through a complex series of events Hellzan seduced Damrosil Terranath, Tiernia Nirvanae, and Aquada Demonorian who had all donned Kriar matrix stones and were undergoing the transformation from human to Kriar. He had hoped to use the children they birthed in an attempt to subjugate sections of the Ring Realms. Tiernia, Damrosil, and Aquada did indeed give birth to children who had immense timelord capacities because of their Kriar inherited traits however the four stayed faithful to their mothers, and fought on their side in the final confrontation at the great henge of Olinar. Despite their assistance in the battle, preventing Hellzan from using his time powers, the powerful warmage and his minions were winning the fight. It was the servant of Dagda, Oorcee who laid Hellzan low with a lucky spell that splintered the mage's mind at a critical moment, causing him to be crushed by his own power. Hellzan was survived by his four children Telken (by Damrosil), Windsong (Tiernia), Tempest & Windstruck (Aquada). heterotropic Of or pertaining to the power generated by living things. Hethanon Initially an avatar of Set, who was the cult leader of a thieves guild called the Dagger. Hethanon destroyed the guild of Brethren in Corwin. Desiray Illkaren Felspar and Wren Kergatha mounted a counter assault and drove him out. Hethanon eventually lost face with Set after failing twice in to recapture Wren Kergatha. Hecate eventually opted to make Hethanon her avatar for purposes known only to her. After his acceptance into the cult of Hecate, he changed his name to Nystruul. See Nystruul. hiyo G'yaki dialect, a general greeting. Hodi Pantheon lord of the Aesir, god of luck. Hokar One of key cities in the Hold of the Sea Princes. This is the town where Loric find Vera. It is also the place where Wren Kergatha challenges and defeats the resident thieves guild master. She is also christened a guildmistress by Desiray Felspar in this location. Homeworld Actually, a gigantic ship in space. The Kriar homeworld actually encompasses and entire star. The entire structure is mobile and has wandered the multiverse for untold millions of millennia. The Kriar have two home-worlds the Fabrista homeworld (from which most of the Kriar in the realms hail) and Karanganoi homeworld which has been over-run by Baronians. Characters such as Senalloy, Luthice, Alloy, Rakaar, and others essentially hail from Karanganoi homeworld. Homeworld(1) Disambiguation. There are two primary homeworlds referred to in the literature of the Ring Realms. Dasta Fabrista Homeworld, and dasta Karanganoi Homeworld. Both of these titanic constructs are solar system sized metal balls capable of interuniversal travel. honeyblooms A small yellow flower that grows in damp soil noted for their sweet fragrance. honeybug A small swarming black and yellow insect noted for their sting and thick sweet secretions they store in their hives. On another world you might call them bees. honeypetal A flower similar to honeyblooms with a larger bud. Honig's Fist Distinctive land mass in south-eastern Malan near the Ivaneth border. hoshihana clan Hoshihana is the formal styling of the Hana name indicating their relationship as a subbordinate clan to the Hoshin. More literally Hoshin-hana. Hoshihana, Enjiro Shishou dan nijuuni (22nd rank) of the Hoshin G'yaki. A well regarded shou who brought misfortune on the Hana clan when he fell in love with Suzuka Sagiwara. The head jissentenki did all he could to discourage the two. Ultimately ending the lives of two family heads, Vera's husband, and Vera being exiled from the Hoshin. Hoshihana, Virasama Takara {Vera} {Su'Ko Tai} One of the little known members of the Felspar clan, but undoubtedly one of the most essential to its smooth operation is Virasama or Vera. She is the cook, the housekeeper, the caregiver, the seamstress, the lady's maid and a host of other functions. Vera is an energetic, respectful, and oh-so-correct servant of Loric gifted with extraordinary abilities. How this diminutive lady actually manages to do all the things she does is largely a mystery to most of the members of the household, but over the cycles they have grown accustomed to Vera's "magic". That include such things as being able to pour nine different drinks out of the same pitcher, or just happen to provide a new person with their favorite food. Vera is rarely idle and almost never seems to sleep. She is a extraordinary chef that provides the family with flavorful, no-nonsense, "country cooking". Many are the times that some of Loric's elder guests have tried to hire Vera away, but she always declines. The truth of Vera's magical abilities lay with Loric, and his desire to make his huge household manageable for his trusted follower. Over the cycles, he has developed house magicks which respond to Vera's unique mental talents, allowing her tao-like spiritual strength to manipulate the environment of the citadel to her wishes. Since few creatures save savants have a tao, it was safe for Loric to create these magics. Vera's tao abilities come from her training as G'yaki assassin. Vera is a master level G'yaki with more than a century of combat experience. Upon passing rites of a master Virasama was given the alias Su'Ko Tai as her 'true name' and identity as a 'true' G'Yaki. Vera functioned in this capacity for several decades. It was only when she refused to take her own life after the death of her husband that she was dishonored and expelled from the G'yaki clan in which she lived. This dishonor lives with her to this day, and is why Vera feels herself only worthy of the trivial position of house maid. Vera has the exceptional combat skills acquired from decades of training as a G'yaki stealth master. In addition, she has the birth advantage of coming from region surrounding Tralondizaar, a location of one of the ancient Kriar gate systems. This particular gate was malfunctioning and leaking chronal energy into the environment. Over the millennia, the G'yaki family that lived in area were affected by these energies. Making them able to "slip" ticks in time creating an illusion of extraordinary speed. These "slipped" or bypassed ticks also extend one's lifespan, prolonging their already tao-advantaged life forces. Vera hides her G'yaki training unless there is an emergency or there are special circumstances. When she "becomes" a G'yaki, her whole persona undergoes a change and she becomes a vicious machine with a mission. She does not speak while in this state, and communicates only with hand gestures and head shakes. She is a truly formidable fighting machine, able to stand off three of Aarlen Frielos' technically armed Sen'Gen while sustaining only minor injuries. Vera's tao-enhanced physiology gives her near superhuman endurance, and she needs little sleep. She is two to three times as strong as a well honed athlete of her height and weight. Her ability to "slip" time gives her phenomenal speed exceeding the reflexes of highly-enhanced immorts. G'yaki mind disciplines and close to two hundred cycles of life give her formidable mental skills as well. Vera is immune to most mind affecting magics. Hoshin Sirname of the G'yaki clan to which Vera (Su'ko) owed her loyalty for so many cycles. Note that G'yaki sirnames are compounded when families intermarry. Vera's father's sirname is Hana. So, in formal styling Vera's name is Hoshihana. (Technically, Hoshinhana but the 'n' is dropped for flow.) Hoshin, Etsu Wife of Tieshu Kisho Hoshin and nominal negotiator for internal clan affairs. Hoshin, Irieta Hanshi (master G'yaki) of the Hoshin clan in league with Jissen Sagiwara. The guards siding with the jissentenki try to force clan Yggdrasil to go to him when they come to Hana hold. Hoshinhold The homestead of the Hoshin G'yaki clan in the mountains near the hellfurnace volcanos in the western Flaeness. Hoshiwejah Another sub-clan of the Hoshin. Hanshi Kumo Wejah, the husband of Akiha Hoshin, is a well regarded shou close to the clan patriarch. Hoshiwejah, Chojo Nephew of Kumo Wejah and well regarded G'yaki Hanshi who is sympathetic to the Hoshihana clan and willing to back Vera and Enjiro in their bid to uncover the corrupt activities of jissentenki minister Chage Sagiwara. Chojo helps train Wren Kergatha for the contention against Sagiwara's contention defender Yuukenko. house valharesh The Valharesh family while old and well regarded among the elves was not a part of the circle of great houses that made policy and guided the destiny of Titaan's Elf population. In fact, the Valhareshs actually hail from another world (Charon) in the Magocratic ring. What made the family move from Charon has not been disclosed, but it is known that they keep a great number of secrets. The Valharesh have for many generations been great mages, and in fact, have the support of a very powerful (and obviously immortal) patron who has trained the first born Elf of each new generation who takes up the art of magic. Bertrand, the first born son of the 25th generation chose not to enter seriously into the endeavor of magic. Most Elves "dabble" in magic, learning a few simple spells and incantations--but the family patron only teaches the first serious mage of each generation. Kalindinai, the next born after Bertrand, did enter into serious magic. She had no choice. The young Elf lady was a "wilder" a natural mage with far beyond ordinary magical potential. Such potential that she could spontaneously cause magical effects whenever she experienced strong emotions or surprise. Kalindinai required magical tutelage simply to prevent her powers from inadvertently causing harm to others. Even as a young Elf, Kalindinai's magical talents were renowned and grew even more so as the family patron apprenticed her further and further in the arts of magic. The law of Malan requires that all skilled mages join the defense militia, and Kalindinai was no exception. As a wilder, her phenomenal magical strength made her a natural battle-mage, and she quickly distinguished herself as a powerful asset in the Elven legions. Malan experienced many skirmishes with Corwin during this era and Kalindinai's potent magical skills were recognized by the then ruling T'Evagduran family and utilized to best advantage. It was during her tours of duty that Kalindinai would first meet young prince Jhaan T'Evagduran. Later, these two would fall in love, and marry--but only after a great deal of political turmoil. House Valharesh, was not a member of the inner circle of houses, and for the soon-to-be king to marry outside the cadre of nobility was frowned upon greatly. However, Kalindinai's tremendous magical ability was seen as a potentially enormous boon for the T'Evagduran bloodline. The T'Evagduran family had not seen a great mage in their ranks for several generations and it was hoped that Kalindinai's children would rejuvenate that lost spark. For that reason the sentiments of the noble houses were dismissed and the marriage not only allowed but encouraged. This defiance of tradition caused a great deal of enmity between house T'Evagduran and the other ruling houses. Kalindinai was a good queen and a fertile one as well, bearing the crown a daughter a scant two summers after their marriage. The new Queen was tough but fair, and having served in the ranks of the soldiers well regarded and respected. With house Valharesh having it's eldest daughter in the seat of the Queen, the "barely noble" family flourished and grew in strength as their eldest son Bertrand maneuvered for political advantage. Eventually, he would win favored status and a place on the ruling council, establishing House Valharesh as one of the ruling houses. The Valharesh magical legacy was thought to have stopped with Bertrand and Kalindinai's generation as there were no serious mages among Kalindinai's daughters. However, a recent development was the discovery that Janai T'Evagduran not only had learned magic while away in Canth, but was actually an exceptionally skilled mage. Janai has not revealed who taught her magic, but there are thoughts that the patron of Valharesh is the source of her secretive magical skills. Huginn One of a pair of magical birds which act as spies for Odin. The other black bird is Munnin. Their names mean thought and memory. hybrid The offspring of genetically dissimilar parents, especially of plants or animals that are of different varieties, species, or races. hybrid (golem) An autonomous artificial life form created by the Dream Merchants. These extremely-powerful hulking creatures are head and shoulders taller than the average man, and have bodies three times as wide. The material of their flesh is as dense as hard wood, and resistant to most conventional injury. They are hideously strong, easily able to pulverize rocks in their grip. Unlike typical golems these creatures are actually alive, they have a brain and organs, and can be "killed" when they receive an injury in a critical area (a spear shoved in their ear for instance). Meridian Arcturan employed one of these creatures named Jhund. This massively powerful juggernaut could even go toe-to-toe with the Baronian battle-mage Rakaar for a time. It is rumored that the hybrid human/golems are the creation of the Kriar mage Theln. Numerous other creatures have been attributed to her including the vicious Skellar, and adamantium golems. hydra A rare multi-headed dragon that lives in isolated parts of the Ring Realms. hyper-gravimetric Super normal gravity. Such as the gravitational forces generated by a star or worse-- a black hole. hyperdrive The propulsion system which makes hyperspatial jumps possible. Hyperion Titan of the firsts that never received full consciousness during the divsion of alphas and betas in Starholme Prime. Hyperion is an immensely powerful juggernaught when directed. As the nominal authority of Starholme, Hyperion follows Wren's orders. When he is directed to kill Aarlen Frielos, the powerful elder is completely overwhelmed. It is only a change of heart that keeps her from being slain by this unstoppable immortal. hyperlight A term that essentially means 'faster than light'. The additional implication is that hyperlight is FAR beyond the speed of light. hyperspace (generic) in SF any of a different theoretical realms where points in real-space coincide. The capability of ingress and egress to this realm allows a vessel to dramatically reduce the amount of time spent getting from to one point to another. hyperspatial Meaning beneath the level of real-space. Ice Falcon Alias for Aarlen Frielos. see Frielos, Aarlen. Idun Pantheon lord of the Aesir, goddess of immortality. Idun is one of the more powerful goddesses of the Aesir. In mythology she tends the fruit which grant the Aesir longevity. As a pantheon lord of the Ring Realms she is the keeper of fruits which have restorative powers on pantheon lords that also can temporarily imbue a mortal creature with immort strength, resilience, and magick. Idun is the mother of Euriel Kergatha Idun-daughter, and grandmother of Liandra Kergatha. Idun-daughter, Euriel Kergatha See Kergatha, Euriel Idun-daughter. Idun-daughter, Liandra Kergatha "Wren" See Kergatha, Liandra "Wren" Idun-daughter. Idundaughter A styling of Euriel Yggdrasil's name as the daughter of the pantheon lady Idun. Yggdrasil, the name is not favored due to once tyrannical rule the Yggdrasil clan once held over the houses of the Aesir and the Vanir. Iggerd, (King) Younger of two brothers, ruler of Northrealm. Instigator of the war of Southrealm. See Balhadd (King). immort Styling of the word immortal. The shortening is figurative and litteral, meaning not quite immortal. Having greater than mortal lifespan and power. See immortal. immortal Any of class of creatures which have effectively infinite life-spans. Immortal in the greatest sense can mean almost impossible to kill. The pantheon lords fall into this category being able to heal back from the most fearsome of wounds. In later stories, Bannor tests just how far "immortality" goes. implant (specific to Cyberware c.f.) In reference to a particular techno-enhancement placed in the body. The implant has experienced shutdown. incantralyte A heavy mercury-like amorphus metal that can store large amounts of magical potential (like a battery). It is related to the material ishtite. See ishtite. indarren An Elvish style of respect for a masculine person of higher position. inertia The tendency of a body to remain at rest or continue in motion unless disturbed by an external force. inertialess A field state which circumvents inertia allowing superior maneuverability (the ability to instantaneously accelerate, stop or change direction without the adverse effects of G forces. inter-galactic Literally, between galaxies. inter-universal Literally, between universes. Many prescribe that there is only one universe. However, the Kriar, Jyril and other extra-universal creatures know different. Eternity, the body of Ring Realm's universe is but one dimensional unity among an undetermined number of distinct universes in the multiverse or cosmos. interdimensional Of or pertaining to alternate realms of existence and their access. interdimensionally Pertaining to dimensions, particularly to the interface between dimensions. Sometimes dimensional interfaces are used to create pocket dimensions for the purposes of storage. Powerful mages 'interdimensionally' store materials for easy access through an item or specialized spell. Desiray Illkaren Felspar's shadow cloak is itself a dimensional interface, allowing her to store objects, or even place it on the ground and create a space in which to conceal or guard herself. interface The method by which human-machine or machine-to-machine interaction takes place. A computer keyboard is a human-machine interface. intergalactic Of or pertaining to a scope encompassing galaxies i.e. intergalactic travel would mean travel between galaxies. interspacial Of or relating to dimensional connections between two points in real space. interstellar Of or pertaining to a scope encompassing stars. See intergalactic. interuniversal Of or relating to travel between universal existences. Iodite Sea An salty inland sea within the territory of Corwin. The Iodite is renowned for the creatures that live within its brackish depths. ion An atom, group of atoms, or molecule having a net electric charge acquired by gaining or losing electrons from an initially neutral configuration. [Greek, something that goes.] ion-plasma projector Weapons used by the Kriar and several other technically advanced races. An ionic envelope is formed in a miniaturized magnetic chamber where air is super-heated to a plasma. An ionic envelop propels the pellet at supersonic speed. This concept of hurling raw molecular matter at a target is sometimes referred to as a 'mass driver'. Most Ion-plasma projectile weapons are only effective in an environment where there is atmosphere. There are variations on this design that do operate in a vacuum, but these require cells of liquid ammunition. Iriedlung Village in Gladshiem where Bannor is directed to go in his quest to get Idun's family back from Nifelheim. Irodee De'Falcone see De'Falcone, Irodee. ironbutt A derrogatory reference Talorin Falor uses to identify Senalloy Corresont. See Corresont, Senalloy Moirae. Ironfist, DacWhirter See Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon 'Dak' Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon {Dak} Sometimes known as the Warmaster of Kron. Member of the Band of the Crescent Moon. DacWhirter hales from the Kron hills in the Kingdom of Coormeer to the east of Ivaneth. This hardy dwarf has taken part in a great deal of the lore of Titaan. He has been rumored dead several times only to reappear summers later as though nothing had happened. Through what magic he accomplishes this is still unknown. There are those who theorize that he is an agent of Moradin, who favors him with renewed life after sacrificing himself in the cause of protecting life in the Ring Realms. If this is the case, DacWhirter has never favored anyone with his secret. Measuring 16 hands tall and weighing over 22 stone DacWhirter is one of the biggest dwarves recorded in the realms. DacWhirter is an 9th ranked Warmaster and veteran of 20 All-World's tournaments. He has at times qualified and made it to the final rounds the unlimited class tourneys. These inconsistent showings in tournament play have raised the question if there might not be more than one dwarf baring the name of DacWhirter Ironfist. Ishtar Pantheon lord, goddess of love and war. ishtarian A person who is a part of the cult of Ishtar or one of her worshippers. ishtarites Alternate reference for followers of Ishtar. See Ishtarian. Ishtarvariku, Dorian Degaba Dorian's history is long and complex. She started life in another guise, as a man named Gondor Degaba. Gondor's life was one of adventure. He forayed against slavers, and giants, and evil elves. As a skilled mage he was injured many times but had never really met his match. It wasn't until he joined up with the Band of the Crescent Moon in their fight against a Lich Lord named Ceta that he met with real defeat. The undead creature made every-one's life hard. Her minions killed two of the band outright and Gondor himself was turned into a vampire which the party was forced to destroy in order to continue their quest. Through some powerful magics Gondor's life-force was preserved, but he was an disembodied spirit. The band had undertaken their quest at the behest of the Aesir pantheon lords, and it was lord Loki who decided to take an hand in providing a new form for Gondor. The god bound Gondor into the body of a woman. From then on Gondor became Dorian. This made life difficult as during the course of their adventuring Gondor and Cassandra had already become close and sworn to each other. It wasn't until a few months later they discovered how close they had become, because Cassandra was pregnant. Gondor/Dorian's life was only beginning to get complicated. As a woman, Dorian went on developing her skills as a mage. Her relationship with Cassandra grew and changed, and later changed further still as Desiray entered the picture. She helped raise Cassin and Annawen and watched them grow into young women. Dorian's adventures continued. Dorian is a skilled and creative mage that is far more powerful than a typical mage of her age and skills. She has a knack for creating magic items and blending magicks to create devastatingly powerful combinations. In later cycles, she takes up the sword and martial training purely for the physical "toughening" to enhance her powers even further. Over the course of decades Dorian has developed a reputation as a schemer and a manipulator. She has successfully won the support, dedication, and even adoration of many extremely powerful allies, including such personages as Gabriella Sarn Ariok, who now mentors her in magick. While all are suspicious of Dorian, there is more than a little respect as well, where brute force has failed, Dorian's clever deceptions have more than once saved the day. Dorian is the wife of Brin Ishtarvariku, she has eleven children between four partners, two with Brin: Rindar and Jaraed. Four with Cassandra: Cassin, Annawen, Kassandra, Dorrian. Three with Desiray: Darin'Kel, Eviria, Leandra. Lastly, two with Megan Vinax: Ralani and Silvia. ishtite A rare metal especially conducive to the conduction and absorption of magic. Ishtite itself is typically far too rare and not durable enough to make solid objects from. Other materials are usually wrapped around it or alloyed with it. An amount of ishtite able to make a simple finger ring can be valued at hundreds of thousands of gold depending on the material's purity. Pure ishtite is incredibly rare and probably exists in only one or two magic labs in all of the Ring Realms. Isis Pantheon lord, goddess of magic and fertility. isolinear The term is used in conjunction with the temporal concept of a diffraction, where event probability sequences are made to coincide with one another. Iso from isolate. Linear or line -- literally line isolation. isolinear diffraction The term typically reserved for describing temporal anomalies is nearly self explanatory. The root iso means equal. Linear (or line). A diffraction is a shearing or dispersing effect. So literally, it is a shearing off or dispersing of a time line... a very bad thing indeed. The actual effect takes place when an isolated uncorrectable phenomena causes a shift in the temporal event sequence. This alteration of probability cusp causes the existing timeline to merge probabilities with another possible event sequence. In other words, the path previously chosen does not occur, thus all the events that STEM from that occurrence cannot/will not happen and void or diffraction in time takes place. Virtually speaking, everything that existed downstream from the cusp ceases to be... or some would prefer suddenly "never was". One cannot really dally with concepts like this without being burdened by nomenclature, logic, and simple tenses. istar The elvish root for meaning of or pertaining to magic. istari Elvish. A shortening of title of savant Ishtar Nola. Simply the Istari. istarnari A council of powerful Elvish magic users. Five of the Istarnari are the heads of the original Elvish noble houses. The clans of Dyzeln and Allanaar have had many members within the ranks of the Istarnari. Iuz A evil demigod of violence in the north western region of the Grayhawk. The country in which he resides is also named Iuz. Disambiguation See Iuz(2). Iuz(2) (Disambiguation) A country in north western region of Grayhawk. Named for its principle founder Iuz. Disambiguation See Iuz. Ivaneth Name of the kingdom south of Malan, with Corwin on its western border, and East realm and Coormeer on the east. Ivaneth is ruled by King Edmund Tradeholme. The capital of Ivaneth is Ivaneth City. A city of just over 1 million people. Ivaneth(2) (Disambiguation) Capital of the of country of Ivaneth. Ivaneth is the largest sea port in the mid-south of Sharikaar. Ivaneth is known particularly as the city from which the Band of the Crescent Moon hailed. See Band of the Crescent Moon. Ivral Techstar see Techstar, Ivral. jac'daw A style of two handed fighting, principly focused on short weapons and axes. jacdaw A style of fighting that stresses the use of two weapon. Jacdaw is a close-in style that concentrates on 'punishing' moves that wear down the opponent through body-stress fatigue. Jalt, Areth Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate in charge of intelligence operations. Areth is the stunningly attractive loremistress that serves the cadre of eternals in several capacities as archiver, researcher, and information gathering expert. Where Sroth simply retrieves information, Areth is the one who puts that data into perspective and assimilates it for use by the Protectorate. Areth is the cultural and technological expert, knowledgeable in the lore and legacies of all the major races of Eternity. What she doesn't know, she has the resources and powers to discover. Aurra's spiritual talisman is named Starsong. The weapon's major power is the manipulation of sound. However, it's debatable if this ability is really more significant than the weapon's ability to truespeak any object, living or inanimate. This truespeak can reveal a creature's secrets and weaknesses, and even reveal it's spiritual true name. Arabella is Areth's "surrogate to be", having fought a long campaign to catch the eternal's eye and join the Shael Dal. Arabella's major motivation is to learn bard skills from Areth, as she is probably the oldest bard in existence. It doesn't hurt that as Areth's surrogate, she would gain access to the truly staggeringly vast warehouse of lore that Areth has collected over her many eons of life as an eternal. Janai T'Evaguran See T'Evagduran, Janai (2nd Princess). Jarella Kepsforia See Kepsforia, Jarella. jek'acho The lowest level of universal awareness. In this case, no awareness beyond autonomic functions' slightly above the vegetative state. Jemfire Shaladen blade that is the spiritual extension of the eternal Culavera. Jemfire is a "prismatic weapon" and has several properties unique to it that are not possessed by other shaladens. It has several implicit abilities, like the ability to erect walls of force, and create bolts of coherent energy. Terra Karlin Falor is the current surrogate entrusted with this weapon. In fact, of this existing Shael Dal, she is the most senior of the beta class protectorate members in terms of cycles serving the protectorate. Jhaann T'Evagduran (King) See T'Evagduran, Jhaann (King). Jhandor Name of a host previous to Bannor who possessed the Garmtur Shak'Nola. Jhandris Kul The name of the valley region of the purple planes in which Beia Targallae's clan of Myrmigynes lives. This valley is noted for giantness of many of its indigenous animal life. This is where the great tree Duran'Gravar grows. See Duran'Gravar. Jhandris'kul The valley where the great tree Duran'Gravar resides. See Duran'Gravar. jhodpurs A kind of pants characterized by the extra cloth and reinforcing around the hips advantageous for long days in the saddle. jiha Elvish. Preposition that is the same as 'for'. In the heat of battle, Sarai cries 'Jiha Malan!' For Malan! jihira Elvish. Meaning 'to kiss'. There is a phrase referring to Elves who dare to love humans. They are called 'silcomhad jihira' or 'star kissers'. jikartandak A powerful toxin whose name translated means 'faith killer'. It is as Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar calls it, a poison composed of "concentrated hate". This incredibly virulent magical material is a distillation of demiurge that saps the spirit energies of living creature at the same time causing body wide necrosis (tissue death). It is extremely painful and there is no known specific antidote. jissen Shortening of jissentenki. See jissentenki. jissentenki G'yaki term for the administrative caste. Essentially seen in a negative light by the warrior caste. The general assumption being they are too cowardly to be warriors or take initiative. Over time, this mindset has created great tradjedy in the various clans. jormungand The world serpent (sometimes called the Midgard Serpent). Rumor is this creature is a spawn of the pantheon lord Loki. jump (generic) Of or pertaining to the entry into any kind of quantum travel (hyperspatial). jump-point Used in hyper-travel that relies on fixed-point hyper-space entry and exit using a weak spot in the fabric of continuum (ether). jump-ship A vessel utilizing jump-point technology (c.f.) as its primary travel mode. justicar A paladin or warrior given authority to act as judge, jury, and executioner (if necessary) in the fringe areas of the Ring Realms. Jyril Elder race capable of movement throughout the multiverse. They are the oldest known race of creatures with a knowledge of magic and technology that dwarfs anything else yet encountered. Little is known about these curious creatures or their real motives, except that certain sects of this ancient people act as a kind of cosmic police force. The Jyril fought and won a war against the Kriar, putting upon them a "curse" of infertility that kept the gold-skinned creatures from reproducing for millions of cycles. jyril/kriar war Approximately four hundred million cycles previous to the current story milieu, the Kriar encountered the Jyril several universes away from Eternity. Previous to the encounter, the then-ruling dasta Daergon had come to believe that nothing posed any threat to the Kriar. While not exactly set on conquest, the Daergon's goal was to wring every bit of useful knowledge from each race the Kriar encountered. Races the cooperated, were disrupted minimally, but those that resisted found that they didn't have a choice as the Kriar used their super-advanced technology to bypass defenses, shut down critical military units, and non-destructively force capitulation. (Though the Daergon and his military did not care much about non-Kriar life, actually killing unnecessarily would not have been accepted by his council or the general Kriar populace). Though the Kriar did not actually destroy other races, their invasive studies created massive disruptions in the development of hundreds of alien cultures. By the time dasta Daergon encountered the Jyril, they had defeated literally thousands of resisting cultures. So, when the Jyril warned the Kriar to stay out of their territory, the Daergon's took it as another empty threat posed by yet another powerless race. However, their push in Jyril space netted the Kriar with their first combat losses in millennia. The Jyril had craft that not only matched the power and speed of Kriar star-vessels, but surpassed them in firepower. Unfortunately, this did not deter the Daergon or his followers. It simply meant that for the first time in eons, there was some really significant knowledge to be obtained. Daergon continued to press the invasion, escalating the conflict into the first war that the Kriar had been involved in since the Fabrista/Karanganoi conflict. The conflict did not last. The Jyril moved en-mass and were quick to crush the Kriar vanguard long before it ever got within striking distance of their home planet. It was then the Jyril decided to give the Kriar something to occupy themselves. They inflicted a race-wide "curse" on the Kriar making them not only infertile but unable to feel or experience pleasurable sensations or emotions. This was deemed an appropriate punishment for their "unfeeling" and "insensitive" invasions into the sanctity of other cultures. This loss was devastating to the Kriar in more than the obvious ways. It was a stunning blow to the arrogant and superior attitude carried on by Daergon and his followers. Limping away from Jyril space they retreated to the inter-universal void to lick their wounds, analyze the lessons learned, and try to undo the damage done to their race by the Jyril. The Kriar researchers were soon to discover that the Jyril curse went beyond even their eons old super science. The genetic infertility and "numbing" could not be engineered away, even when manipulating the genes at the atomic level. Somehow, inexplicably, the cells would revert. No detectable radiation or change other than those wrought by the Jyril magic could be discerned. The "Perpetual Life" Program This set most of the leadership into a panic. The Kriar had given rise to their last generation and they as a race would have no more progeny. The only continuance the Kriar would have lay in the then living individuals. A continuance project immediately ensued, and all living Kriar went through engineering to effectively make their lives "perpetual". A renewal procedure was scheduled for all members so that psychotic ennui would not set in from over-long lives. At the time, there were already members from the second generation of Kriar who were already involved in a "perpetual life" program so it came as no shock to the general population when this course of action was chosen as a intermediate solution to the infertility conundrum. The Jyril curse became a new and powerful motivation in the lives of the Kriar. The resources of an entire race were now focused on discovering a means to defeat this disastrous attack. Plans to revisit an attack on the Jyril were immediately dismissed because it was deemed that there simply was too big a gap in the capacities of the two races, and any losses experienced would be permanent and irreplaceable. It was decided that the search for lore to rectify their problem would be sought in other universes. As one would hope, the ruling body had learned something from its mistakes, and was careful with the initial forays seeking information that might lead to a solution. The next cultural contacts were cautious and resulted in a minimum of disruption. An thus was begun "the great seeking". Agents of the Fabrista Homeworld scoured civilization after civilization looking for the choice bit of knowledge that would give them the key that would unlock the Jyril curse. With prime-directive protections back enforce the process was painfully slow and research stretched into decades, centuries, and millennia. Several hundred thousand fruitless cycles had passed when the Kriar found themselves entering a new universe. The universe of the Ring Realms. jytteh A flower grown in Silissia whose pollen and petals can be used a create a potent airborne sleep drug. ka'amok Name given to savants by the pantheon lords. It means "chaos bringer". The ka'amok are sought by the lords for their ability to serve as avatars. kah'dajk Elvish slang. When someone isn't nice and are saying and doing things to make you piss you off, they are being a kah'dajk (a jerk). When applied to the feminine gender (as used by Janai) it has a slightly different meaning. In the interests of being politically correct, the author leaves the exact word to the reader's imagination. Kalindinai T'Evagduran See T'Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen). kan'cora Numinorian formal battle tongue. A aggressive fighting stance (wings of the dragon). kaola Myrmigyne language similar to 'hello' or 'greetings'. karagal A fast acting poison distilled from Wyvern toxin. It is typically used to coat weapons. Convulsions set in within moments of the toxin entering the bloodstream, with severe loss of motor control occurring in a minute to two minutes. Karagal can kill if not treated in 2 to 3 hours. Herbal antidotes are rare but do exist. Typically, it requires clerical magic to save someone poisoned with this substance. Karaganoi Homeworld The sister vessel to the Fabrista Homeworld. These solar system sized artifices took millions of cycles and hundreds of star systems of resources to construct. They contain within them eco-systems of literally millions of worlds. While the reasons are not clear, the Chyrith saw the Karanganoi as a threat and sent wave after wave of attackers against the Karanganoi installation. They did not manage to overwhelm the installation before the Kriar managed to get the titanic vessel underway and away from the Chyrith home universe. The Baronians trapped aboard and isolated from their masters continued to follow their original orders and some hundreds of cycles later broke the spine of the Karanganoi resistance. Pocket insurrgencies continued and the Baronian's were never able to gain control of the worldship's core. Some centuries later when the Karaganoi ship is detected and investigated, a team of Fabrista operatives was sent to remove the Karanganoi core and prevent the Baronian incursion from ever gaining full control. It was during this time that Luthice and several other female Baronian 'malcontents' deserted to join Tal Falor and the other members of the Karanganoi investigation team. karanganoi The name of the 'other' Kriar dasta (and name of their homeworld). The Fabrista and Karanganoi are two clans of Kriar that went their separate ways during first exodus. See Fabrista. Karlin-Falor, Terra see Falor, Terra Karlin. Karsk A ranger lord and kinsman of Algernon D'Tarin who was part of the original Band of the Crescent Moon. See Band of the Crescent Moon. kath Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a captain. See also Kriar Ranks. Kegari Dragon in the employ of the pantheon lord Idun, she and her friend (sister mate?) Tymoril travel extensively with Bannor. Kel'Ishtauri, Annawen (Felspar) See Felspar, Annawen Kel'Ishtauri. Kel'Ishtauri, Cassandra See Felspar, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. Kel'Ishtauri, Cassandra (Felspar) See Felspar, Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. Kel'Ishtauri, Cassin (Felspar) See Felspar, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri. kel'varan nola A savant of forces. The Kel'Varan Nola is one of the prime savants. The savant of forces has the ability to channel the forces of the cosmos. The Kel'Varan's ability gives them perceptions far more acute than normal humans. They can take energies channeled around them and divert them to their own use. This ability even extends to gravity, magic, and even the impacts of objects. Even wind and vibrations can be manipulated by this ultra-sensitive ability. Kell An unknown ascended savant who possessed the abilities of the Garmtur Shak'Nola. Kell was extremely powerful and took on the Kriar Belkirin Dulcere, Wren Kergatha, Ziedra Skyedoom, Daena Sheento, and Bannor Starfist in simultaneous combat without noticeable difficulty. It is speculated that Kell was actually a Baronian / Savant hybrid. The word 'Kell' is a Baronian style for a first born son. Kell enigmatically used a form of address that suggested Senalloy might be his mother. kenesis A generic suffix used to indicate psionic manipulation of a particular element (telekenesis: the movement of matter, pyrokenesis: control of fire, cryokenesis control of temperature, biokenesis control of cell material, etc.) Kepsforia, Jarella Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate specializing in security. kerakah Elvish word that describes the depression experienced over the devastating loss of a mate. Kerall, Foross Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate serving as Strategic Commander. Foross' spirit talisman is called Stellaraac. The weapon's primary ability is to grant the wielder ultimate shape changing power. Foross' current surrogates are Aarlen Frielos, Beia Targallae, and until further notice-- Corim Vale. Foross has something of a love hate relationship with Aarlen, fascinated with her as a person but despising the tyranny that she embodies. He has a much more supportive contact with Beia who despite her rough edges and violent nature is essentially a good person. Kergatha, Azir Son of Euriel and Vanidaar Kergatha, and older brother of Wren. Azir is a Sil'Kar Nola, a savant of light. During the avatar raid that captures Wren and makes Euriel and Vanidaar mental prisoners in their own home, the then eighteen summer old boy made his escape into the plane-scape surrounding Cosmodarus. Already trained in the techniques of plane-shifting as well as survival and woods-craft, it was an easy matter for the young man to elude capture by the avatar's minions in the ever changing environment around Cosmodarus. Unfortunately, Azir's ability to elude pursuit did not prevent him from getting lost amongst of the thousands of parallel worlds of the ribbon realms. He moved from place to place, doing odd tasks to get food and shelter, and looking for a way back home to help his family. After a few seasons spent plane hopping he did eventually find his way back to Cosmodarus, a little older and more determined. After several aborted attempts to free his parents and barely eluding capture, he went to the world of Titaan, and the city of Corwin, following the trail of his kidnapped sister. He learned that the temple of Hecate there had recently been over-run by the Justicars and most of the prisoners freed. His inquiries with Justicars bore no fruit, as none of the warriors involved in the raid recalled seeing a young girl. It was during these inquiries that he met his school friend Laramis De'Falcone, a well-connected Coormeerian paladin of Ukko, who had just been admitted to the ranks of the Justicars. Laramis' funds helped finance a wider search of Corwin, but the efforts netted no leads or any evidence that Azir's sister Liandra still lived or was even still on Titaan. Azir turned his attention back to trying to find a way to free his parents from Mishaka. He turned his attention to the Elven land of Malan, his parents being longtime friends of the T'Evagduran royal family. It was Malan where he and Laramis had attended academy together learning everything from academic subjects to war-craft. His attempts to garner the help of the royal family were frustrated by a border war between Malan and the neighboring lands of Ironwood, and the Dwarves at Blackstar. The conflict had grown to the point that the T'Evagduran royals were involved and unable to be contacted much less assist in Azir's family crisis. Azir then turned his attention to higher powers and his Grandmother Idun, the pantheon lady of the Aesir. He found it strange that the powerful goddess had not already come to the aide of her daughter and grand-daughter already. It was during his attempts to contact her that he learned of a wider conspiracy by the court of Odin against Euriel and her mother Idun. For more than two summers his efforts to contact Idun or get into Gladshiem were blocked by various "coincidences" and "happenstances" that he knew were anything but. It was shortly after that agents of Set and Hecate began pursuing him. He also began having run-ins with the black-winged Valkyries called the Bloodguard. It was only incredible luck, his powers as a savant, and chance alliances with warriors of the All-World's Tournament that kept him from getting killed or captured. With such forces mobilized against him, Azir could do little more than run. He spent several years only steps ahead of the agents of the pantheon lords. Eventually they gave up the pursuit and Azir was free to turn his attention back toward freeing his parents. Azir returned to Titaan, and located his friend Laramis, who, over the seasons, had risen considerably in the ranks of the Justicars and the faith of Ukko. Hardened by cycles spent on the run, skills honed by constantly being hairs from death, Azir decided to make one last ditch effort to free his parents with the assistance of Laramis and a few of his retainers. Azir's efforts were to be short-lived by a chance and detrimental encounter with the avatar Hethanon, who would capture the man and give him into the hands of Mishaka. It is shortly after this time that Azir's sister Wren Kergatha would finally find her identity and her way back home after more than a decade spent in the streets of Corwin where she was a member of the Brethren guild of thieves. Wren and her friends would eventually succeed in their efforts to restore the Kergatha family, and Azir could finally end his cycles of torment and exile. Kergatha, Euriel Idun-daughter Daughter of the goddess Idun, wife of Vanidaar Kergatha, mother of Liandra Kergatha and Azir Kergatha. Kergatha, Liandra {Wren} Idun-daughter Daughter of Euriel and Vanidaar Kergatha. Fifteen summer veteran of the Brethren guild. Wren is a Kel'Varan Nola a savant of forces. Wren has had dozens of run-ins with the pantheon lords and their servants. She has fought several avatars and permanently killed two. Even Hecate speaks of this young woman with grudging respect... knowing her full potential especially when backed by the proper allies. Kergatha, Vanidaar Husband of Euriel Idun-daughter, father of Liandra Kergatha and Azir Kergatha. Vanidaar, like his two children, is a savant-- Kul'Vita Nola-- a savant of life forces. kerras Legendary throwing blades of Elvish make and origin. Wren uses a set in her assault on the temple of Ishtar which has been desecrated by Mishaka. keshira Elven diplomatic term referring to a person of royal descent who is not currently in power or acknowledged by the powers that be. Sarai refers to Bronawyn Shadowstalker as "Keshira" because the royal family of Drakmourne Silissia were run out of the kingdom (indeed off the continent). key of the firsts Colloquial term for the keys originally researched by DeChelts of Numanor. See DeChelts device. khairhavhel Krillsword used by Desiray Illkaren Felspar, created by Loric Felspar. khairhavkul Krill dagger used by Desiray Illkaren Felspar, created by Loric Felspar. Krill daggers have all the abilities of a dagger of flight, plus some powerful extras. Kharvok Name of the Elf praelor that took Sarai and Wren into custody. Khelgar Pit warrior who served Meridian Arcturan. Dulcere Starbinder then a prisoner, almost tricks him into releasing her. Khirah (Varkath) High ranking commander serving under Prime Kath Daergon Surr. Khirah was derided by many of the veteran Kriar warriors as being an ineffective "yes man" and little more than a puppet of the Daergon. ki'succorund A lesser form of avatarism that is voluntary on the part of the host. Ki'succorund avatars are not as powerful (or as long lived) as a fully succorund avatar. Deities accept the ki'succorund as a way to have extra eyes and ears among their faithful. The host for the ki'succorund does benefit from the joining, able to call upon the power of their patron to perform some feats of magick. The ability to open dimensional gateways being notably among them. The members of the Shael Dal who serve the Protectorate eternals experience a slightly more involved form of the ki'succorund when they bind to their Shaladen and the eternal for whom it serves as a spiritual extension. Ki'Targallae In Myrmigyne, 'ki' is a style placed before the sirname to denote an non-blood or adopted member of that family. Irodee De'Falcone was the daughter of Tulumbra Skyesteel. Tulumbra died and Irodee grew up an orphan. Tulumbra was close friends with Beia Targallae, and knowing that Beia would blame herself for the trajedy kept Irodee's birth and subsequent orphaning a secret. Later, when Beia discovered the child of her close friend is being mistreated by the clan, she adopts her. Actually, she and her sister Ess become Irodee's caregivers, and change Irodee's sirname to Ki'Targallae. See De'Falcone, Irodee. kidomma Elvish term of respect for an woman who is older but of lesser rank. Ryelle refers to Euriel Kergatha (who is a baroness by rank) as "Kidomma". Domma is an elven synonym for "mother". The prefix 'ki' is somewhat like 'kul' (which means power) but is more like emphasis than true meaning. So the best translation is 'special mother' or 'respected mother'. kilo-rev One thousand revs. see rev. kilobyte Also referred to as a 'K'. 1024 Bytes. kingstaves Legendary magic staves reputed to have ishtite cores. As legend has it, the kingstaves were a superior form of channeling staff that allowed the casting of simultaneous spells. It is said they aided in tasking thus enabling a mage to do one or more complex tasks at once (like cast a spell on the run). kirika Elvish. Kirika roughly means 'burial'. The word can mean 'death' or 'decay' as well. Kirikos, Dame A cleric of Ishtar in service Jharon Ko. The dame (along with the entire Corwinian precinct of Ishtar) is slain by Mishaka. Ko, Jharon High priest of Ishtar's precincts in Corwin. Longtime friend of Wren Kergatha. Jharon is slain by Mishaka in a brutal combat after the desecration of his temple by the avatar. Koass See Vinax, Koass. Korvel Shaladen blade and spirit talisman of the eternal Sroth Mephista. Korvel has the distinction of being perhaps the most lethal of all the shaladen weapons. Korvel confers the ability of ultimate stealth upon the user. Krellig One of the mages serving in Meridian Arcturan's service when the arena was attacked by Beia Targallae and Corim Erik Vale. Krellig was slain in the back-time assault. Apparently, his head got in the way of Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar's plasma blade... Krelstar Shaladen blade and spirit talisman of the eternal Yi Esperantil. Krelstar confers the ability to do a time stop. Actually, its not as if all time is stopped, the wielder is simply able to step into non-consecutive time between chronons. This effectively makes it seem as if the area around them has stopped. Krelstar also grants a certain amount of prescient ability, able to accurately predict events up to 10 seconds of their happening. kriar Summary:The Kriar being a vegetative (rather than mammalian) humanoid race possess several plant-like attributes. Their skin is photosynthetic, and they derive nourishment from light. Their tissue is dense (like wood) and thus they are heavier and more resistant to injury. Kriar scientists have heavily modified the hereditary physiology of the species and many of the evolutionary drawbacks of their origins have been engineered away. Most Kriar rely on a life-support mechanism called a matrix stone that is embedded in their bodies at a young age. These jewels provide supplemental photosynthetic nourishment so the Kriar can function for extended periods in environments where there is little to no natural sun-light. These jewels are normally installed in sets. A focus stone in the forehead, a distribution matrix embedded in the collarbone, and brain-stone or central control embedded beneath the lower abdominal muscles. These matrixes often have cybernetic enhancements and convenience mechanisms built into them depending on the kind of work the Kriar does. Warriors typically have additional implants in the palms of both hands. These are high-energy foci. The hand focus allows the warrior to create force weapons and shielding, along with usually having various sensor and cybernetic apparatus built into them. kriar ranks Unlike the Earthly military, which separates rank designations into Officers and enlisted men, the Kriar are broken into two overlapping ranking tracks--Combat grade and Engineer grade. At the same rank in hostile situations, Combat grade always takes precedence over Engineer grade. There is some fuzziness to authority where tactical and strategic command comes into play. The authority of Engineer grade is generally recognized over Combat grade in non-critical situations, reflecting the extra schooling and specialized knowledge of the military engineering track. Engineers are required to be flight certified on all vessels up to 100,000 tons. They must have combat certification on three classes each of ground armor, flight armor, tactical and strategic fighter craft. To qualify above Thane rank, Engineers must check out as at least level 5 certified in all time-diving related skills. Engineers must also be checked out on all classifications of portable weaponry, and able to perform field strip and repair on said same. They must also be proficient with biomedical units, and fluent in the programming/hacking of cybernetic a.i. Because the Engineer track emphasizes flight and technical knowledge, Engineers have much looser martial requirements. [%@import('kriarranks.html')%] krill krill is actually a generic name for a class of synthetic materials noted for their metallic and crystalline properties. Most of the compounds in this class of material have overlapping or co-bonding electron shells i.e. the molecules bind together so tightly that adjacent molecules begin sharing electrons (the electrons actually begin orbiting two or more nuclei in the molecular mass). The result is a material that once catalyzed is super-inert, wave dense, and non-conducting. Such a material is extremely difficult to manipulate or work because the multi-valent bonds resist expansion and heating. Essentially structures of these materials can only be created through molecular assemblers that maintain the raw atomic material in a plasma state. Krill can be made photonically opaque or permeable through nano channeling in the molecular structure. In other words, this allows the creation of a super resilient transparent metal. Krill cannot be alloyed as with other materials. However the material can be interwoven into the structure of other compounds to lend strength and resiliency. Krill itself has extraordinary tensile strength, even thin wires of the material able to hold hundreds of tons. This property is the basis for the 'monofilament' wire, which is a strand of multi-bonded molecules with super-resilient qualities. Most forms of krill are super-rigid and thermal-resistant to well over a 100,000 degrees. However, there are variants with alternate properties. krillar Weapons created by the Elder elite Loric Felspar. There were eighteen of these weapons, six staves, six swords, and six daggers. They are all powerful magic weapons that draw their strength from all the living things in the world around them. krillglobe Like the Krillar weapons created by Loric 'Vilesilencer' Felspar the krillglobes are incredibly powerful artifacts. In fact, it was the existence of the krillglobes that sparked the godwars that pitted most of the pantheon lords against Loric and his followers. Only six of the krillglobes were ever made. Their main power was to be able to scry (see) any living thing no matter how it was disquised or hidden. That alone was dangerous enough, but Loric added the ability to cast spells upon or jump to any creature so scryed. There were other powers but these were the primary ones that made the pantheon lords treat Loric as a threat, because the powerful elder could locate and attack any creature he chose with fair impunity no matter how they hid or disguised themselves. krillstaff One of the Krillar weapons. See Krillar. krillsword One of the Krillar weapons. See Krillar. Krogar Drunken ship's supply officer who worked for Desiray Illkaren Felspar's pirate birth mother. When Desiray's mother disappeared, Krogar sold the then four summer old Desiray to the hateful cart-wright Maldar for a keg of rainbow nectar. kul Elvish prefix which simply means 'strength' or 'power'. kul'adar stone A powerful item of magical recall (teleport home). Kul (power) adar (return) or stone of powerful return. Dorian Degaba had one of these as a special escape mechanism. Kul'Amaron Name of the elvish citadel in Malan. The etimology of the name comes from Kul (power) Amar (seat) on (prepositional modifier) -- translated Seat of Power. kul'praelor Elvish rank two levels above the base officer rank (praelor), and two levels below general. See also Elvish Ranks. kul'vita Elvish for master of life. Wren's father Vanidaar Kergatha is a Kul'Vita Nola able to control the life forces of himself and others. Kumiko Danai Daena Sheento's descended name or true tao name of the first one who is her ultimate ancestor. Kylindria A Valkyrie in the service of the pantheon lord Sif, and member of the Valkur clan of the Chosen. She is often called by her shorter name Kylie. She travels extensively with Bannor. Kylie is the commander in charge of Sif's Valkyrie contingent. Laramis De'Falcone See De'Falcone, Laramis. laser Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Coherent light intensified on different spectrums so as to provide pinpoint heat. Leto Satieroth See Satieroth, Leto. Levon, Aurra Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate in charge psychological tactics. Aurra's spirit talisman is called Starwind. Elsbeth Crowninshield is the Aurra's current surrogate. The warrior Corim Vale wielded the weapon during a short stint. Lexaron Honorary shaladen wielded by Ryelle T'Evagduran of as a surrogate for Advocate Eternal Koass. Ryelle shares Koass' powers with Megan Vinax (Sharonsheen), and later with Bannor Starfist (Xersis). Of special note, shortly after her induction into the Shael Dal, Ryelle experienced what was referred to by Senalloy as 'leakage' where the Advocate Eternal's powerful sense of justice and law affected the normally mild-mannered Ryelle sending her into a rage that almost ended her uncle's life. Liandra Kergatha See Kergatha, Liandra Idun-daughter. lifebond A G'yaki custom when two shous are married. If either mate is killed the other mate (should) follow the other into death instead of prolong suffering. lifeforce The animating intelligence of a living thing. lifespark A more poetic way of staying life force or soul. See lifeforce. lifesparks Another way to refer to the soul or tao. light-blade The kriar plasma blade is sometimes referred to as a blade of light or light-blade. The weapon is actually a containment field around raw plasma which is why it generates so much light. light-cycles A derivative term equivalent to a lightyear. See lightyear. light-megacycles Derivative from light-cycles. A million light-cycles. See light-cycles. See also lightyear. light-millennia Derivative from light-cycles. A thousand light-cycles. See light-cycles. See also lightyear. light-speed 186,282 miles per second. light-year Alternate spelling. See lightyear. lightcycle A measure of distance. Roughly 1.95954167 trillion leagues. lightyear Approximately 5,862,518,078 miles. Literally, the distance light travels in a year. Lociep High priestess of Hecate charged with the succorunding of Wren Kergatha after she was taken from her mother at the age of 8. The ritual is interrupted by High Justicar Bertram Tarrantil, who kills Lociep. Loki Pantheon lord, god of fire and magic. Many would say trickery and deceit as well. Loki shifts his form often and is not the most mentally stable of the Vanir. Loki's half-immort wife is Sigyn (pantheon lords cannot breed true with one another-- but can copulate with half-immorts) with whom he has a daughter (Hella). He also has a mistress (Angrboda) who in mythology is a "giant", but in actuality was a Dreel. (Rumor has it, that Angrboda is an alias for Vulcindra Skybane, and descriptions of "giant" Angrboda and Vulcindra coincide quite strongly.) Loki has two progeny by Angrboda--Fenrir (Fenris) and Jormungand, who are more often known as the Fenris Wolf and Midgard serpent. These mythical "monsters" were actually shapes taken by Loki's half-dreel children. Loki is not on particularly good terms with any of his children, and has a way of pissing off just about everybody. Bannor Starfist and Sarai T'Evagduran have several run-ins with Loki. During a battle with Odin's High Jury, Odin and Loki have a sharp division after Odin attempts to slay Daena Sheento who had tao-merged with Hella. Loki had viciously denounced Daena as being merged with Hella but later reveals that he does indeed acknowledge this has happened (and considers her to be his daughter in fact). Loki rescues Daena and Sarai from Odin's spear, only to later betray the group and get a good dragon stomping for his trouble. Loki confronts Sarai later over what he sees as a threat to the pantheon lords. He believes her child will be born an ascendant, and that child will cause ragnarok (according to him). Daena, freshly rejuvenated from the valkyrie renewal spring pummels Loki brutally after he refuses to give up his attack on Sarai and Bannor. Loki's current whereabouts are unknown, but it is fairly certain he is still alive. He is on the outs with the Vanir for actions it is assumed he took against Balder and his son Forseti. Lokori The slightly green skinned Lokori are the second generation of creatures after the Firsts. The Firsts were only biologically compatible with a very few of the species indiginous to Eterity. Most evidence points to the Lokori and their cousins the Belathi being mutations of the compatible couplings that descended from the Firsts. Little is known about the relationship of these child races to their progenitors, but some indications find that they were generally not accepted by the Firsts and may even have been hunted in near extinction. This poor treatment by their genetically superior progenitors is probably what engender the isolationism and xenophobic behavior in both races. The Lokori possess many of the same powers of the Firsts but in a less refined and more vestigial state. They possess no spell casting power, but are themselves highly magic resistant. They are telepathically receptive but rely instead on a form of spirit speak. Part of their anti-magic nature is a power whereby they turn up their magic resistance to the point realspace rejects them and they effectively become phased. They are all but indetectable in this state and can pass through unmagiced materials as though they were ghosts. Very powerful physically, with polymer hardeded bones, the Lokori's most devastating mutation is their monofilament claws. How this mutation developed is unclear, but some speculate it is likely to be an experiment of Firsts. In fact, the adaptations of both of these races speak more to design rather than random mutation. The prevailing thought is that if they were designed, they were probably early prototypes for the beta forms that the Firsts eventually split into. In general temperment, Lokori are cat- like, and ferocious once angered. Their berzerker frenzies and total selfless dedication to the destruction of an enemy make them truly harrowing opponents. Even with their vastly more powerful weaponry and shielding, the Kriar lost to the brutal power of these creatures. lonn Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a ensign. See also Kriar Ranks. lonn'kar Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a lieutenant. See also Kriar Ranks. lore-knight A name given to the devout followers of Mataya, the renowned sage and warrior. The followers of Mataya are called Matayans. See Matayan. loremage A arbitrary ranking of a mage's skill in magic. Few mages attain lore mage status. A way to note a magic-user's status as a lore-mage is their ability to singly complete coven magics (magics that require multiple mages working in concert). loremaster Lore masters are bards and sages that have reached a high plateau of knowledge, both in what they know and in the libraries of stored knowledge that they possess. The book-hoarding Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri is renowned lore-master (mistress?). Louvros Starbinder see Starbinder, Louvros. Lugh One of the mages who assisted Meridian in his assault on the Protectorate through time. Lugh along with all the other mages who helped Meridian are slain in a blast from a bomb thrown by Rakaar. Actually, Vulg and Shamada die before the rest because Talorin Falor cuts their heads off with the shaladen blade Nova. Luthice Corresont Sister of Senalloy Corresont. See Corresont, Luthice. See also Corresont, Senalloy. mada Elvish. Informal usage for 'mother'. mage Simply a person who uses or is knowledgeable in the science of magic. mage-lights Mage-lights are similar to priest-lights, the only major difference being the guild that installs them. magelight A object enchanted to give off illumination. A fairly common spell in the realms is a continuous or perpetual illumination encantation that can be cast on objects. The light isn't truly perpetual, it gradually consumes the object that it is cast upon. Additionally, the object can only be a continguous mass up to about a stone in weight. Depending on the density of material, it may last only a few days (a candle wick), to a decade (a shaped one stone hunk of lead). Magelights are a commodity in large kingdoms, and some folk apprentice as wizards simply to be employed as light-crafters. magestrix Title given to the ruler of the fourth alliance. Aarlen Frielos has held this title for more than ten thousand cycles. The title was developed for her and is derivative of the words 'majesty','mage', and 'dominatrix'. Aarlen's rule over the technical worlds is largely because of her skills both as a technologist and mage, and her even rarer talent of being able to blend the two. magic Magic in the Ring Realms is a science, but unlike a technical science it is an elitest pursuit. While anyone can study and understand biology, and put its principles to use, the same cannot be said for magic. It's largely believed that all creatures have the ability to wield magic to a certain degree, however the spark which allows us to tap into that power is typically too small to do anything significant with. The evidence of this at work are those isolated moments in our lives when we experience deja vu, briefly see another's thoughts, or foretell the future. While magic itself can be learned, the powers that can be attained cover a vast range, from simple hand illusions to the altering of reality on a interdimensional level. In some cases, creatures can substitute personal and psionic (mind power) energies for the gift that allows most mages to cast spells and manipulate magical energies. Magic is not a specific energy or range of energies. It is more of metaphor that encapsulates a "principle" of action and reaction. In the Realms, the true magic is defined as: <blockquote>The persistent ability to manipulate the environment in ways otherwise impossible without the utilization of natural phenomena, the influence or cooperation of physical bodies, or the use external artifices.</blockquote> By this definition then, powers such as telepathy, and telekenesis, and other abilities of mind qualify as magic. However, they are not what is considered "traditional" or "ritual" magic. Ritual magic uses the wielder's magical spark and aspects of "sympathetic bonding" to generate chains of forces that act in place of birth-granted abilities to mentally tap and manipulate energy. In another regard, these ritual formulas substitute for an actual working knowledge of the mechanics and physics that make a particular feat possible. Rituals are coded schemes that at the basic level simply unleash simple reactions while at the higher complexities are actually sonic mnemonics that generate sympathetic reactions in dimensional space that can unleash whole chains of complex energetic interactions. As a mage increases in power and knowledge, his/her reliance on "ritual" totems for the performance of magical feats grows less. Magical sophistication falls into categories at follows: [%@import('magchart.html')%] magiocracy A magiocracy is a government where people with magical ability are the decisive head of the administration. In this system, magic-users (including spell casting priests, bards, and dabblers in magic) all enjoy elevated social status. In extreme cases of Magiocracy, mundane (non-casters) are second class citizens or even serviles. The Magiocratic Alliance of the 39 worlds is governing body that moderates trade between the main planets of the Crown ring (chain of connected worlds). The great elder Elsbeth Crowninshield is nominal advisor to the magiocratic counsel. Members of her family have served in some capacity on the council or its administration for more than hundred generations. magister A law maker whose function it is to make official charges against criminals. Magni One of the two sons of Thor. The other son's name is Modi. magocracy A governing body comprised of magic-users. magocratic While a magiocracy is a government headed by mages. The magocratic rule, is governance by magic. Specifically in judicial matters where scrying, sooth magics, and other enchantments are used to divine the veracity of testimony. High court magocratic decisions are usually determined by a majority consensus of five casters, two priests and three mages. Magocratic governments tend to be strict but fair, and corruption while not unheard of is typically low. Mages, by nature are largely academics with pragmatic outlooks. However, because most mages would rather get on with their latest research project than deal with bureaucratic paperwork, tends to make these governments very slow and plodding in their authoratative response the needs of the subbordinate society. Malan The kingdom of the elves north of Ivaneth ruled by King Jhaann T'Evagduran and Queen Kalindinai. Malan is one of the most powerful nations in Sharikaar. malanian Of or hailing from Malan. See Malan. Malbraion Malbraion is the name of the residence in which Sarai lives. The whole wing in which the quarters reside is called Green Run. Malbraion has facilities to house and prepare meals for 30 people in addition to the maid staff of 8, the 6 stewards, and 4 permanent guards. malicent gem A gem stolen by Wren Kergatha and Grahm Tuffala in Wren's early days. his particular theft is of note because it was the last job she did as member of the Brethren guild before the former was destroyed. The other thing of note is that the gem was taken from a particularly powerful Corwinian sorcerer who managed to get a piece of the young woman before she made off with her stolen goods. Mandrimin Ancient Ta'arthak Nola (savant of matter) who is attributed with inventing the process of magical teleportation. mandriminian algorithm The basis of all magical teleportation. It is the creation of the savant of matter, Mandrimin, who devised a method of extracting of simulcraic derivatives from chaotic space. What this boils down to is that any object and it's constituant components is vastly complex and invariably too much information to handle or move around. What Mandrimin did was create a indirect magical method for searching a fractal dimension for simulcra. A simulcra is something very similar (but not necessarily exact) to another thing. Fractals are mathematical concepts, essentially coordinates in range of values in a set of matrixed equations. Simulcra can be located in the patterns and thus something very complex can be expressed in a set of simple (by comparison) equations. Mandrimin's technique used this idea to minimize the expression space for a transport subject. Human beings are extremely fragile, so in order for a person to survive teleportation, there needed to be intelligence able to take the base simulcra and create a working model from it. The simulcra, otherwise known as interpolated particulate helices, were modified by what was called an analogue correction matrice, that allowed for the quantization differences in the fractal compression. The little known aspect of Mandrimin's research is that it was less new as it was rediscovered. His secret discovery was the teleportational vexhel. An intelligent magical function built into fabric of Eternity itself. The vexhel leverages universal memory, temporal shadows in transition space, to reduce a person or object to their transitory coordinates in non-consecutive time. Mandrimin learned that the Firsts used this vexhel as means of instantaneous spacial translocation. His real work was reverse engineering the mechanism and translating the mechanism for use in current day magic. A lesser known achievement was his collaboration on a teleportational genome. An inheritable biological trait that enabled teleportation. This evolutionary modification was released into the wild, and it is guessed that no less than ten percent of all creatures existing in the realms possess the adaptation. However, in order to use that trait they must also have the necessary heterotropic energy to activate and power the interaction. So in the vast majority of creatures, this innate ability goes untapped, as only immorts, mages, and other gifted people usually ever have that much physical energy. Marintown Village in the borderlands of Ivaneth. Marna Solaris see Solaris, Marna (Vatraena). Masters Guild A shadowy cartel dedicated to best thieves and spies throughout the Ring Realms. At its inception, the guild's primary function was to act as a neutral ground and forum where potentially rival guild masters could meet and negotiate in safety. Later, it became an elitist "club" with bragging rights for those who could pass the stringent indoctrination ritual. The core members of this guild were renowned for their possession of magic devices called a "shadow cloaks" that were a creation granted to the favored members of the guild through the cooperation of certain pantheon lords. There were "greater" and "lesser" versions of these cloaks. Most of these cloaks could make the wearer invisible in the shadows, could create dimensional gaps in solid material, and itself could act as a storage vessel that gave a "summoning" ability to the items stored within. The most characteristic, and perhaps most frightening, attribute of these cloaks was their ability to stretch and move as though alive. The wearer could mentally manipulate the cloak like tentacles and could use it to simply intimidate an opponent or attack them by wrapping the malleable fabric around the target. A person caught and wrapped up by the cloak could be swallowed into its interdimensional depths and thereby be trapped. The half-drow immort Adorne Doonweir was responsible for the guild's creation and its governing. She acted as an emissary, negotiator, task mistress, and financial coordinator. One of the ways the guild supported its existence was by selling "insurance" to various kingdoms, providing "security" to valued royal assets. Another major contributor to the guild's coffers was its "lost and found" service. For a fee, the guild would track down lost valuables and return them. Because of the lucrative nature of these endeavors, Adorne always negotiated in good faith, and built a sterling reputation as an overlord guild that made good on its promises. The guild also served as a talent resource, hooking up clients with the right people "for the job". An offshoot of the masters guild were the D'klace who trafficked in a much darker product--murder for hire. The goal of the D'klace was to be so good at their job that they would become a deterrent force. With the shadow cloaks as a tool, there were few places D'klace assassins could not slip into and do their worst. As was their goal, the D'klace did end up retained to protect lives more often than to take them. Adorne was never really comfortable with the D'klace and tried to keep the two sects as distinct and separate from each other as possible. While no angel, and certainly not opposed to killing for the right reasons, Adorne had no real desire to sell death. She felt, and rightfully so, that sooner or later, the wrong mark would die, and the guild would find itself in the middle of vendetta orchestrated by some powerful adventuring group or kingdom. The masters guild had very close ties to the Dream Merchants, and used the services of the latter for many purposes. It was fairly well known that rogue Kriar great loremage Theln Azygos of the Dream Merchants and Adorne were fairly close acquaintances. How they initially met, or what the basis of their friendship is, is something that remains unknown. Mataya Founder of the loreknights code of ethics. A renowned paladin and philosopher who documented the guidelines for genteel and enlightened behavior. Mataya was both a revered scholar and a potent warrior who required all of his servants to be able to read and write at a minimum. At the time of his death the first Loreknight had built up a considerable entourage of men and women fanatically dedicated to his ideals out of love and regard for the man and his innumerable generosities and pious behavior. matayan A Matayan is a follower of the Lore-Knight's code of ethics. The Matayans maintain an ethic of peace through knowledge. Matayans maintain high standards of personal and moral conduct and maintain that life is sacred and that force is the measure of last resort. Matradomma Elvish. A term of respect when addressing an Elven queen. Literally it means 'mother of mothers'. Domma is the respectful form of address to older woman or a woman of higher station. It is the female gender equivalent of 'sire'. matrix stone Kriar matrix stones are a sophisticated Kriar technology developed by Eladrazelle Delarn. They are extremely versatile devices usually implanted in the Kriar at a young age. They are usually installed in sets, a small sensor stone placed somewhere in the fore-skull, a thumb-sized focus stone in the upper chest area, and the larger brainstone placed in the lower body (usually near the pelvis). The stones themselves are made of an extremely tough composite of crystalline krill and flexible organic polymers that surround colonies of nano-organisms. Channels built into the crystal allow ingress and egress of these synthetic "cells" that can perform reconstructive work in the host body (and also act in a defensive capacity against foreign toxins, bacteria, and virii). In addition to the nano colonies, the stones usually have miniaturized bio-fusion energy factories that generate various wavelengths of energetic particles. It is also not uncommon to have other microelectronics embedded in these devices as well (typically communicators, computers, or sensors). Typical matrix "add-ons" often include an embedded "hand sensor" which acts as a wearers unique identification key. Kriar warriors may have tool and weapon "points" installed (often in the hands) to perform other functions. Most upper eschelon warriors have power-matrix "plasma-blade lacing" surgically bonded to the bones of their hand to allow the focusing of energy and plasma containment fields. Often in these cases they will have much larger bio-fusion factories embedded in the bones of the pelvis or the leg with "hard-wired" energy channels threaded through the body. All these other functions aside, the primary function of these devices is to preserve and maintain a Kriar's health. Secondarily, the brain-stone acts as a template repository, it is a physical and mental "backup" if you will, that preserves the physical form, memories and persona of the Kriar wearer. This preserved physical and mental image is used as a reference to restore the individual should there be some form of catastrophic injury. The matrixes themselves being made from krill composite are far more durable than the body they are implanted in, and will survive shocks that would otherwise destroy the host body. As long as there is enough tissue to maintain a physical connection between the main three stone implants the host body can be restored (providing the external environment allows). This means that if the head is completely severed from the body, often the Kriar won't regenerate (because the sensor stone becomes "disassociated"). The only "for sure" way to kill a Kriar utilizing this technology is to sever the trunk of the body and sufficiently disassociate the halves so that focus and brain-stones cannot communicate. (Yes, gruesome.) In the course of the Kriar/eternal wars many Kriar fell in battle, and the eternals soon learned that a "dead" Kriar didn't stay that way unless more extraordinary measures were taken. In many cases it was expedient to simply bury or otherwise inter the fallen opponent so they couldn't regain consciousness. In extreme cases, they immolated or blasted the victim to the point of disassociation. Often the matrixes would survive such an attack and be left behind. It is these "abandoned" sets of matrixes which create some interesting phenomena. As mentioned above the matrix stores a record of the physical and mental patterns of the Kriar who wore them. This revisits the main purpose of the stones (to guard the health of the wearer, and heal any and all harm inflicted on them). What happens when another host (say a human) installs the stones? The matrixes are designed to operate on Kriar physiology which is wildly different from human physiology. When a human dons these stones, the stones see the human physiology as an "injury" which they attempt to "heal". Because of the tremendous differences in human and Kriar anatomy, the changes necessary to "heal" a human to conform to "kriar normal" are extensive. However the technology in these stones is so sophisticated that they can "figure out" a migration path that is not life threatening to the wearer. Such changes take many cycles to complete however because of subtle nuances with rejection and other immune responses. This is how many "half" or "partial" Kriar came to be. Notable Ring Realms personae with this dubious distinction are Gwenafra Tristar, Tiernia Nirvanae, Damrosil Terranath, and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. While there are many benefits to having the more evolved Kriar physiology, the effect becomes less desirable as the wearer begins to start looking like the original Kriar for whom the stones were made. This is especially inconvenient when the original owner was of the opposite sex... Mazerak Duquesne See Duquesne, Mazerak. mechanoid A creature similar to a golem that is both a technical and magical artifice. Rakaar built Baronian mechanoids for use in trapping the members of the Protectorate that came to capture him. medicomp See Cybermed. megabyte 1,024,000 Bytes. megapsion A term used in techno-magic as a measure of force altering potential. It is similar to a calorie in concept (1 calorie of energy is the ability to heat one cubic centimeter of water 1 degree in 1 second). One "psion" is the mental or magical potential to shift (rend or decompose) the physical state of one stone (20 pounds) of solid material. In this regard, a psion actually represents a great deal of power. A fireball capable of slaying a dozen people represents perhaps ten psions of energy. A megapsion is one-million psions. Or a power equal to 100,000 fireballs! Easily enough energy to level a city. The complex at Starholme Prime was purported to be able (at optimum operation) to transmit 8 million megapsions of energy continuously (instant to instant). When translated to raw power, due to the cascade nature of psion or tao energy, this is a potential greater than the combined output of several hundred stars. Theoretically, the redesigned first ones (or ascendants) were able to channel ten megapsions of power. When translated to raw potential this is enough to destroy an entire planet. megarev One million revs. see rev. Melakanir The name of the honorary shaladen wielded by Queen Kalindinai T'Evagduran. Melakanir is a surrogate weapon for eternal Leto. Kalindinai shares Leto's powers with myrmigyne lady Damrosil Terranath, longtime adventuring partner of Beia Targallae. Meliandri D'Casar See D'Casar, Meliandri. Meliekki Pantheon lord associated with nature and fertility. The priestesses of Meliekki are famous for their love of good wine and the their plentiful endowments. memstones Crystals imbued with memory. They are a valuable magical device capable of recording a playing back memories. They have the distinct advantage (and disadvantage) that "playback" involves all five senses. One of Aarlen Frielos' notable contributions to magic was a technical way of recording images into memstones so that events could be played back as a sort of movie. In many regards, this is much like a portable holo-deck or virtual reality that allows experiencing an event in unprecedented intimacy. Memstones are a fairly commonly reproduced artifice in magic that has experienced a lot of parallel development. Loric Felspar and Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri have their own variants that receive extensive use in the citadel for various purposes. Mephista, Sroth Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate serving as covert operations leader. Sroth is the ultimate master of stealth and deception. It is believed the name Mephistopheles, the lord of lies, is actually derived from his name. His spirit talisman is named Korvel. If there is a blade among the Shaladens that is said to have a reputation, it is Korvel. It is the only blade whose natural form is a two-handed sword. Korvel has the distinction of having had many surrogates in recent cycles (Sroth currently has the most surrogates of all the eternals). Every surrogate to ever wield Korvel in a major battle were simply terrifying opponents as the sword just seems to seek out the jugular of its opponents, even when the users were trying to subdue with it... Despite its killer reputation, Korvel's primary power is stealth. It grants the wielder a super cloaking ability that allows them to be even MORE undetectable than a normal shaladen. This extends to sound, smell, thoughts, and even touch. The wielder can create an illusion so as to make themselves appear as another creature familiar to the viewer. This ability can work for multiple viewers, each individual seeing something different (or the same as is the wielder's will). As might be suggested by Korvel's powers, Sroth's primary function is gathering intelligence. However, when called for, his second function is taking out the trash (if you're into rough metaphors). T'Gor & Tigress D'Shar are Sroth's primary surrogates. T'Gor has furthered the legend of Korvel's lethal reputation on many occasions. In recent cycles, Vulcindra Skybane was caught by the eternals and rehabilitated. The powerful Dreel woman was simply too strong and unpredictable to release back in the universe. She remains on probation in Sroth's care and the two are friends of a sort. She is serving out a term of "community service" to the Protectorate, and is acting as a beta rank Protectorate enforcer with Shaladen powers. Suda Nightrhymer is a mage who made Sroth's acquaintance through members of the Felspar clan. Through some soap-opera type dynamics she and Sroth started "dating". One has to stretch the imagination a bit to imagine dating a god-like eternal, but it helps to know that the eternals lead pretty lonely existences and crave contact-- any kind of contact. It's believed that their relationship is leading up to something akin to the marriage between Koass and Megan. However, in true soap opera fashion, Vulcindra has set her eyes on Sroth, where that leads is anybody's guess... merc Generalized slang. Short for mercenary. Mercedes Level 12 Kriar mecha healer or cybermed currently in the employ of Bronawyn Shadowstalker. Though Bronawyn actually owns Mercedes' contract. The good-hearted healer tries to help everyone she can. Bronawyn is extremely stingy with the expensive cyber's time. Mercedes is considered an "elite-class" healer, which means specifically that she can upgrade (or enhance) other healer type mecha. Mecha physicians are the most advanced of all mecha created by the Kriar and possibly the most quirky and eccentric. Meridian Arcturan see Arcturan, Meridian. merlons A merlon is the solid upright section of a battlement or crenellated parapet. Merlons are sometimes pierced by narrow, vertical embrasures or slits designed for observation and fire. The space between two merlons is called a crenel, and a succession of merlons and crenels is a crenellation. meshtiqua Elvish. A meshtiqua is an elven community home where several families share quarters. It is similar in social structure to the communes of the terran middle east where the childcare, cooking, and other duties are equally distributed. metabolate The process of metabolizing. Essentially transforming potential energy (usually food) into chemical or cell energy. Some organisms in the Realms can convert exotic energy forms like light, electricity (electron overabundance), plasma (heat), to stored metabolic potential. metamagic Metamagic is term coined to refer to magical feats typically performed by natural abilities i.e. a magical effect generated without spell casting. Telepathic communication is a metamagic feat. Telepathy can be purely with mental (psychic) power and it can be performed with magic as well. Teleportation and the ability to transform ones shape are two other powerful metamagic abilities when they can be performed without the use of ritual spell-casting. metapath A person possessing metapathy. see metapathy. metapathic Being a metapath. see metapathy. metapathy A powerful psionic talent similar to empathy. A metapath is able to project or reflect the emotions of others. Additionally, a metapath can alter or substitute a new emotion for ones remembered. A by-product of metapathy is the ability to sense emotions and synchronize (harmonize) with other creatures. Corim Vale from the Shaladen Chronicles series is a fairly strong metapath. His ability to metapathically synchronize with his shaladen makes him a particularly powerful Shael Dal, capable of feats other members cannot duplicate. metath An isolated progenitor race to the Belathi. The Metath culture was extremely reclusive. Where their cousins the Torath, and the near progenitors the Lokori were anti-magical in nature, the Metath species evolved around the raw metabolation of magic. Their culture was obsessed with ways to increase latent and potential magic capacities and the incorporation of magic items into the heredity of family line. Two known highly magical races (the Yadizians, and the Nobelisa) are either descendants or creations of Metath research. The shaladen-like sigils possessed by the adepts of the Shadow Worlds Combine. mi'ika Elvish. A term of endearment used by parents to address a female child. It's rough translation is "my girl" or "my baby". microprocessor A microprocessor is a computer processor on a microchip. It's sometimes called a logic chip. It is the "engine" that goes into motion when an "intelligent" device is activated. A microprocessor is designed to perform arithmetic and logic operations that make use of small number-holding areas called registers. Typical microprocessor operations include adding, subtracting, comparing two numbers, and fetching numbers from one area to another. These operations are the result of a set of instructions that are part of the microprocessor design. People tend to think of microprocessors as only being inside of a computer when in fact a great number of devices use one or more dedicated or specialized processors where there is a need to channel, change, manipulate or interpret data. In the real world data can take many forms, it can be radio signals, sound, video, network activity, etc. in all of these cases the raw source material must be transformed into a manipulable form. This is usually performed by a special type of microprocessor generically called a DSP (digital signal processor). These kinds of processors are in practically every convenience device we as humans touch: cellphones, televisions, cd and dvd players, car engines, and on and on... virtually anything that needs to take an input of any kind and act on it in some way. Even things as simple as a thermostats which control heaters and air conditioners are now largely electronic, using a thermal sensor tied to a simple DSP. Extend this forward to an even more sophisticated world where people are even more closely integrated with data in their lives... midach Elvish. Depending on the elvish dialect can also be maethor (which simply means 'warrior'). Midach is the lowest rank in the Elf military. A field unit usually consists of (9 individuals) one tormaethor, two praelors, and six midaches (or maethors). See also Elvish Ranks. mihaad kel Elvish. It roughly translates to 'pardon me'. millirev A thousandth of a rev. see rev. mimi Elvish. It is most often used as an affectionate term expressed to a loved one. It translates to the way the word 'baby' is used by a mother to a child. It can also be from wife to husband or vice versa. mind-bender A person who specializes in the skills psychological manipulation. Master mind-benders specifically being able to alter the perceptions and memory of one or more target creatures. mind-speak see mindspeak. mindlink A realtime telepathic connection where two (or more) minds share senses and memory. Mindlinks can be active or passive. Typically, for combat organization (where mindlinks are the most evolved tactical and strategic advantage) the connection is passive. Individuals in communal or coven consciousness essentially listen in on broadcasts of orders or information. mindscan A term coined for when a telepath probes another person's memories, usually in search of information or imagery. mindspeak Another word for telepathy. See telepathy. Mira A Jyril who briefly made her appearance shortly after Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri undid the effects of the Jyril curse on the Kriar. Mirafleg's Rose An incantation practiced by students of magic to show their discipline, versatility, and understanding of basic conjurations and illusions. Mishaka See Taath, Mishaka. mithril A light strong metal that possesses magical properties even in its 'raw' state. mithril-steel An alloy of mithril and iron. Known to be very resilient and capable of holding an edge when other metals break. mitochondric Having to do with or pertaining to the mitochondria of cells. Mjolnir Hammer used by the pantheon lord, Thor. Known as the Thunder-god or the lord of the living lightning. Mjolnir is an extremely powerful weapon. Modi One of the two sons of Thor. molecule The simplest structural unit that displays the characteristic physical and chemical properties of a compound. Mon'istiaga A horrendously powerful sword created by the first one Shiva. It has the ability, in Wren Kergatha's words, to cleave a world in two. Wren uses this weapon on a few occasions to devastating effect. She slew hundreds of demons and the physical essence of Hecate with this weapon. This artifact is the embodiment of destruction, and its true capabilities are unknown. monofilament A super-strong synthetic construction of molecules that have had their electron shells intertwined so as to form a material with the tensile strength of atomic 'weak-force'. (Virtually unbreakable). This material is incredibly dangerous as a molecule thickness cord can pass through all but the densest material without resistance. See also krill. Moonshaes The oceans along the coast of Southern Sharikaar. moorgeer A sub-race of doppelganger cultivated by the nobility of Silissia. Doppelgangers in the wild cannot be taimed and quickly expire in captivity. Moorgeers are derivative mutations bred from doppelganger infants raised in captivity. Moorgeers were originally raised to research their telepathic and shape changing skills. Later they were cultivated for the express purpose of espionage. The doppelganger's natural inclination to track and kill a target was cultivated to make them deadly assassins. Moorgeer are outlawed on every continent except Sylissia. Moradin Pantheon lord, god of the dwarves. morphism Of or referring to a specific change in a creature's physical structure. Expressed as morphing or changing. Having a sixth finger. The morphism would be the additional finger and its particular characteristics. Morphism is similar in meaning to the term in math (geometry). See also morphism(1). morphism(1) Disambiguation. In math, morphism refers to a structural identity that maps from one mathematical construct to another. Structural identity can be simplified to a shape (like a triangle, square, or cirle). motherforce Another name for Gaea. See Gaea. multiverse The aggregation of all universes and dimensions. The term is generally used in conjunction with references that are inclusive of subjects originating outside of Eternity. Munnin One of a pair of magical birds which act as spies for Odin. The other black bird is Huginn. Their names mean thought and memory. mutagen Any catalyst which stimulates biological mutation. mutation An unbred deviation from a creature's normal adaptations. Myrgul, Duke Son of King Tradholme's sister. Sarai is engaged to be married to Myrgul, whom she refers to as a 'pig boy'. Myrmigyne Member of an all woman clan of warriors. The Myrmigynes typically have isolated communities in the deep forests and jungles. n-space One of the mathematical hyper-space continuum's postulated in SF. Nagaroth A member world of the 4th Alliance (the territory controlled by the Frielos Combine [heirs of the Frielos Family]). Nagorothian's are characterized by their dark skin (as in the entire population is dark). nano-light-rev A Kriar measurement, one billionth of a light-second [rev]. A light-second or the distance light travels in a second is 186,282 miles. A nano-light-rev is a billionth of a time a little bit less than a second. When you do the math it's about eight feet. nano-tech Technology involving nano-machines, self-contained devices about the size of an amoeba. nanolathing A process by which materials are manufactured at the atomic or particulate level. It is based on the principle of nanites (or colonies of them) that are embued with a blueprint heredity and when the synthetic creatures reproduce, the synthesis results in a desired construct. The Kriar cyber Nomar mentions that, technically speaking, [super-alloy nanolathing is a growth process], refering to the way construction nanites replicate in a manner that is similar to the growth of living things. nanosecond One billionth of a second. nav Elision -- (short for Navigation). nebula A diffuse mass of interstellar gas or dust. needlebeaks Small colorful birds with thin lance-like beaks noted for their tiny flashing wings which are only seen as a blur. On earth, they might be confused for hummingbirds. needleleaf Tall evergreen tree common to the highlands and mountain regions, with a thin cylindrical leaf and pungent sap. They have a striking similarity to pine trees on earth. needlewood Alternate name for needleleaf. See needleleaf. Nethra Eternal, tactical commander of the Protectorate and goddess of the Myrmigynes. Nethra's shaladen surrogate is Talorin Falor. Nethra is probably one of the more outgoing and accessible of the Eternals. Her relationship with Tal Falor is extremely informal (he calls her 'boss') and they indulge in some very loose banter. Despite appearances, the two are extremely efficient and deadly serious in their actual conducting of Protectorate business. Tal is a stickler for chain-of-command but is ultimately a results-oriented person. Nethra is much the same, thus the two of them get along extremely well. Nethra is characterized by her flaming red hair which goes well with her passionate and expressive nature. She is physically the second strongest of the eternals behind Garn. Her skills in combat were legendary even before she became an eternal. Nethra Argos See Argos, Nethra. network A chain of interconnected units esp. in computers, or communications where one part has access one or more of the other parts. neural-network A data evaluation algorithm designed to "learn" a process and thereby build a network of logic paths so as to arrive at a solution by a process of elimination. A completed neural-network for aiding in the decision making for a specific field is called an Expert-system (c.f.) neutrino A neutral particle having nearly zero mass and having little or no interaction with matter. neutron The largest component of an atom's nucleus. neutronium Theoretical material said to exist in the heart of stars. Raw atomic material with the electron shells stripped away leaving only a solid mass of bunched together neutrons. Fundamental matter so dense that even a thimble full weighs thousands of tons. nibble One half a byte (programmer humor) or 4 bits. Nifelheim In the dimension of Gladshiem, the land of the dead ruled over by the pantheon lady Hella. nightfang Small winged nocturnal mouse-like creatures which navigate by means of shrieking sounds. Sounds something like a bat doesn't it? Nightrazor Powerful weapon of the firsts originally belonging to the First of Infiltration, Maehr Cateye. The weapon was retrieved from a DeChelts device in the keeping of Dorian Degaba. Several items were retrieved from the cache all of which supposedly belonged to Maehr. The sword had several extraordinary powers, the most significant of which was its nemesis power. The nemesis ability allows the wielder under duress to become not more powerful than their opponent, but instead to assume the characteristics that best advantage that opponent's greatest weakness. If an opponent is significantly stronger than the wielder, their strength and speed are raised high enough so that they can take advantage of whatever that creature's weakness is. In addition to this main power, the weapon had two ranged attacks. A crimson blast sent along the ground that Wren Kergatha dubbed the bloodscythe. The other was a shearing wind that could slice entire buildings in half that she called the Windcutter. See also bloodscythe. See also windcutter. nightwing Large nocturnal bird with broad wings and large luminous eyes that makes a characteristic "whoooing" sound. Could be we have a wise bird on earth with similar characteristics. Nirvanae, Tiernia Tiernia has a long and sordid history. She is at the root of many problems that cropped up in the Ring Realms and also part of many of the solutions. A drinking and adventuring companion of Damrosil Terranath, the two of them raised hell throughout the lands surrounding Grayhawk. She survived the drow invasion of Grayhawk and confronted the spider goddess Lolth. She has worked both for and against the Dream Merchants, and has been a part of and enemy of the Master's Guild of Thieves. Tiernia is credited with recovering the Shaladen blade Stellaraac. She was invited to join the Shael Dal shortly after Damrosil Terranath became a member of the protectorate. Tiernia declined the offer-- however, she was not allowed to keep the Shaladen. In return for the sword, the Eternals gave her the ability to shape change at will. Unusual Features: Having both a spirit talisman (soulname) and a the ability to shape change, Tiernia's physical form is not necessarily consistent from day to day. When in her "high" or augmented state, Tiernia becomes larger and has a denser body mass. At one point in her life, Tiernia had gems embedded in her body known as matrix stones. These items are old Kriar technology. While she wore them Tiernia could fly and had greatly increased healing. She has since been forced to remove them because of undesirable changes they were having on her body. It was as a result of those stones that Hellzan chose Tiernia to be one of his "wives". Tiernia has one daughter by Hellzan named Windsong. nobelisa An offshoot race related to the Metath. The origins of Nobelisa are still largely a mystery. The Metath, Nobelisa, and Yadiz, are all part of stories set in the Shadow Worlds Combine, net yet featured in any of the current Ring Realms books. The only character from that setting currently in the published works is Dray Cartha. More on the Shadow World Combine will be revealed in the The Karanganoi Gambit. After that is released, this entry will be revised. nola Used to refer to a savant's magical power. In powerful savants the Nola can be a considered much like a living thing that inhabits his or her body. nomar A class of trade ship used in the violent seas around southern tip of Canth. Nomar ships are renowned for both their speed and ability to run in rough seas where other ships capsize or break under the strain. Nomar ships range from a hundred tons to over ten thousand... the biggest ships on Titaan. Their design is a closely guarded secret and it is commonly believed that there is magic involved. non-consecutive time A state or region where the traditional rules of material decay do not apply. Traditional time is essentially "down hill", events flowing inevitably and irrevocably in one direction, each moment inheriting continuously greater ramifications and complexity. In non-consecutive time this fundamental state does not apply. The transition realm of Siderous Chronous is a zone of non-consecutive time where time spatially represented and the actual decay of matter is discontinuous. Northrealm Former kingdom now a part of western Ivaneth. See Iggerd. See also Balhadd (King). Nova Shaladen sword spiritually bound the eternal Nethra Argos. Nova confers the ability to open rips in time and space primarily for purposes of travel but usable in a myriad of ways. Initially, Algernon D'Tarin wielded this weapon but conflicts with Eternal Nethra prompted him to switch weapons with Talorian Falor. Tal Falor is now the current wielder of the weapon and he and Nethra share an excellent working relationship considered one of the best in the Shael Dal. nuclear Of or pertaining to fission power whether in a bomb or a power station. null-time alternate spelling for nulltime. See nulltime. nulltime A way of referring to temporal non-existence similar to non-consecutive time. See non-consecutive time. Numanor Homeworld of one of the most ancient of the ancestors of humanity. Far beyond the confines of the Crown Ring and accessible only through an ancient world gate, the planet has lain dormant for more than a hundred millennia, stripped of all living things and now completely incapable of supporting life. This once great civilization which gave the realms magic, and survived dozens of wars, fell pray to themselves when they pursued one magic secret too many. Seeking Eternity's secret to true immortality and the trying to destroy the aspect of entropy, the Numanor achieved not perpetual life but near instantaneous death of all but a few of an entire race. See also Numanorian. Numanorian A race of humanoids pre-dating humanity credited with creating most if not all of the magical science used in the Realms. Numanorian war rituals are still followed in large part. Everything known about the Numanorians and their achievements comes from lore uncovered from the archives when an adventuring party stumbled onto an abandoned worldgate that led them to the race's dead world. What other lore that existed came from people trained or having contact with the handful Numanorians who survived the calamity that ended their kind. See also Numanor. Numinor Numinor is the world that was home to the Numinorian race. Numinorian The Numinorians of old Numinor are one of the elder races lost in antiquity. Much of the pseudo sciences like magic, fighting, alchemy, and the development of chimerae can trace their roots to the lore left behind by this culture. The Numinorians were the ultimate magical "scientists" pushing the limits of the art and what it was capable of. At some point the core counsel of Numinor became obsessed with the discovery of the power of ultimate entropy. The ability to control life itself, to be able to harness the decay of all of living things. This pursuit ultimately ended in the destruction of their people. Loric Felspar is the only known living member of their race. Nystruul Avatar of Hecate who has history with Wren. Ex-master of the Dagger cult and one-time avatar of Set who originally went by the name Hethanon. Nystruul's tenure with Hecate is this vile miscreant's second chance, and his opportunity to finally catch up with and dispose of Wren Kergatha. See Hethanon. Octavia Level 20 Kriar mecha healer or cybermed currently in the employ of Eladrazelle Delarn. Though Octavia is a creature created by Eladrazelle, the two have a mother/daughter relationship. Octavia is for all intents and purposes the queen of healer mecha, having the most sophistication of any healer on Homeworld. As such, all mecha, even those from other dastas recognize and acknowledge her with a certain amount of awe. Octavia and Marna Solaris team up to create the avatar for Gaea, one of the most sophisticated organic bodies ever created by the Kriar. Octavia also recreates Bannor's ascendant body when his is destroyed by a run-in with jikartandak. Odin Pantheon lord, ruler of the Aesir. Odin is god of the atmosphere and warriors. Odin is the father of Thor with his discarded wife Jord. Olimbril Honorary shaladen wielded by Janai T'Evagduran as a surrogate for eternal Foross. Janai shares Foross' powers with Aarlen Frielos (Stellaraac), Beia Targallae (Snowfire), and Corim Vale (Zortach). With the addition of Janai as a surrogate, Foross is the only other eternal to have four or more surrogates. He shares this distinction with eternal Sroth who also has five-- T'Gor D'Shar, Tigress D'Shar, Suda Nightrhymer, King Jhaan T'Evagduran and Vulcindra Skybane. It is important to note that even with five Shael Dal, that the eternal's powers are not appreciably diminished. The time guardians, who share a similar system of surrogation typically have five to ten surrogates at any given time. Guardian M'do has had as many as twenty-seven simultaneous surrogates in his service. Theoretically speaking, the eternals and guardians can have hundreds of surrogates. In the case of the eternals, the limiting factor is more a matter of spirit and peace of mind rather than power because they must live "in spirit" with the surrogates. Olinar One of the most ancient time gates placed by the Kriar in the Ring Realms Universe. Oorcee Druid of Dagda and member of the Band of the Crescent Moon. Oorcee is responsible for the slaying of Hellzan. See Band of the Crescent Moon. See Hellzan. Orenraki, Hiramasa One of seven G'yaki masters to ever achieve the title shishou dan yanju. Hanshi Orenraki Hiramasa was extremely influential and respected among the various G'yaki clans scattered through the ring worlds. Though he was the highest ranked shou in the Oren clan, Hiramasa never sought the position of Tieshu. Despite this, he was the subject of considerable jealousy and discontent. This was largely because Hiramasa promoted a more open and cooperative stance not only with other G'yaki clans, but cross world organizations like the Masters Guild and the Dream Merchants. On behalf of the Oren clan, he opened dialogues with the Magiocracy of the 39 Ring Worlds, and the Outer Pantheons Council. His controversial work which outed the reclusive G'yaki to certain degree, also rekindled a demand for the services of their warriors who are arguably the best scouts, bodyguards, and trainers in the realms. Hiramasa trained many great G'yaki warriors. His last pupil was Idun Yggdrasil, whom it is rumored he was also romantically involved with. Hiramasa died due to treachery of the jissentenki of clan Oren, who manipulated events so as to cause great shame and dishonor to fall on the formidable warrior. Hiramasa was forced to take his own life to protect his legacy, his students, and the Raki subclan. The real truth of the dishonor was not revealed until his student Idun, revealed the mascinations of the clan's jissens. In front of the clan elders, she forced a confession from the head jissentenki before strangling him. She had achieved the rank of Shishou dan juichi and is one of the few remaining living students of the great master. See also G'yaki. See also Yggdrasil, Idun. packet-transmitter In economies where FTL communications are highly expensive, packet transmitters send thousands of summed up information in a single burst. paladin A warrior who fights and represents a religion or cult. Paladins are generally seen as warriors who represent the most holy and righteous of the orders of the light. parallel-processor: A specialized breed of microprocessor designed to work in tandem with others of its kind where processing is distributed evenly across the number of processors. (An existent technology that is only recently becoming useful as computers design compilers and software which can utilize such and architecture.) parsec (A parallax of one second of arc) or 3.26 Light-years. Pedon Pedon is a continent in the southern Hemisphere of Titaan, southwest of Sharikaar and west of Canth. Pedon is known for its shipping and powerful merchant guilds. The biggest and fastest ships on the planet originate from the shipards in northeastern Pedon. The mid-east section of Pedon is sometimes called the Boot's Instep is host to more merchant shipping than anywhere else on the planet due to the calm seas and plentiful deepwater ports. As a result it is also subject to the most piracy. Anti-ship warfare, especially in regards to magic, is a constantly escalating affair between the continent's Kingdoms and the corsairs that covet the wealth of richest continent of Titaan. pegasai Magical winged horses capable of flight. Though extremely rare pegasai can be found throughout the Ring Realms. pelans A Kriar curse word that is a colorful and disparaging description of parental heredity. Because of the revered nature of family it is among the harshest curse words in their language. Due to poor analogues in translation, it's nearest human equivalent is barely even a vulgarity. pepperwood A rickety looking tree that gives off a extremely pungent smell. It produces copious amounts of sap and is characterized by small pinkish seed berry clusters. They grow in semi-arid regions and might even be confused with the common pepper tree of terran origin. Pernithius The larger of Titaan's two moons, often called the harvest moon. phase-charge As a time diver moves through non-consecutive time they build up a form of an energetic temporal potential in the much the same way scuffing shoes on a carpet picks up static electricity. A time diver's phase charge can grow to the point that it makes time travel impossible until the temporally polarized energy is discharged appropriately. phasers Weapon popularized by the Star Trek series (PHased Lasers??) not an FTL weapon. According to guidelines they can ONLY be used at sub-light speed. In warp only photon torpedoes are a viable weapon. phoenix A powerfully magic bird-like creature that appears to be made of flames. When this creature dies, it reconstitutes out of its own ashes. Only a few phoenixes have been sighted in the Ring Realms and they are difficult creatures to find as they prefer the calderas of volcanoes as the location for their barn-sized nests. Phoenix are said to be the guardians of the lore of the First Ones. photon A primary particle comprising light. pico-kana Myrmigyne language. It means 'little sister'. picosecond One trillionth of a second pit-fighter Typically a slave forced to do combat for the entertainment of others. However, some pit fighters are willing contestants who revel in life-or-death combat. See pit-warriors. pit-warriors Literally warriors forced to fight in the 'pits'. The most notable pit warriors are the victims of the Arcturan death spectacles. Beia Targallae, Ess Targallae, Damrosil Terranath, and T'Gor D'Shar all had notable involvement in the arenas. Pitchbender, Kalibosh Notable warrior residing in Ivaneth and captain of King Tradeholme's elite guard. Kalibosh is a staunch adventurer and veteran of many quests including a failed attempt to slay the queen of the demon web, Lolth. Kalibosh wields a magic trident named 'wave' that confers many magic powers. Being a farm-boy at his roots, Kalibosh is not very smart, but he is really strong and quite loyal. He is the faithful husband of Dori Pitchbender, King Tradeholme's skilled mage and master litigation trickster. They have a single daughter named Shirenia, who is accomplished mage in her own right. planescape Of or referring to any of the various environments in the outer realms and dimensions. planetfall Of or pertaining to a landing on an unknown world. planewalk As it sounds, moving between planes or dimensions. plasma A state of matter reached during fusion temperatures when all matter exists in a liquid state and the electron shell of the atom is so diffuse that atomic material bunches together in super-dense form. platemail Plated mail (sometimes called plated chainmail, splinted mail or splinted chainmail) is a type of mail with embedded plates. It is NOT the same as platearmor which is a single formed piece. polearm A polearm is a large two-handed edged weapon, usually in the form of a long metal or wood pole. There are many variations in both length and metal weaponization that can be piercing, slashing, or bludgeoning. Examples are pikes (piercing), halberds (axes), and pole hammers. polymorph A term conjigated in various ways to describe the altering of an object or creature's shape. Some creatures can morph themselves. The term polymorph is usually used when a new shape is imposed upon a person or object through magic. Such as turning an annoying person into a toad. poseidon A pantheon lord. Poseidon is a deity associated with the sea and storms. praelor Elvish. Praelor is a rank in the elvish military. A praelor commands a squads of three men. A field unit usually consists of (9 individuals) one tormaethor, two praelors, and six midaches (or maethors). See also Elvish Ranks. prickletree Large green succulents coated with thorns which grow in arid regions. A lot like a cactus. priest-light See instead priest-lights. priest-lights Priest-lights, along with mage-lights, and a few other devices are the magical equivalents of artificial lighting. In both cases, the spell is cast on a sacrificial item that slowly disintegrates as the spell gives off light. Something the size of a large coin can be made to give off light for several seasons. The innovation of priest-lights and their brethren mage-lights is the ability to turn them off and on from a remote location. The guilds which install them guard this on and off capability carefully which is why only influential families and establishments in the Ring Realms have them. Families such as the Felspars who have powerful mages as their core members create their own versions. priestlight Priestlights are functionally identical in every way to magelights, only they are boons granted by a patron diety. See magelight. prime kath Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a fleet admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. prime-enforcers Members of the protectorate. These include the eternals and their immediate assigns i.e the Shael Dal and any other beta class or higher identified allies of the protectorate support staff. prosthesis An artificially created limb. Psendra Main house staff matron in the Green Run extension of the Kul'Amaron citadel of Malan. Psendra serves princess Sarai T'Evagduran, and runs the kitchen and maintains the inventory for house. Psenny Familiar address Sarai T'Evagduran uses for her head house maid Psendra. See Psendra. psi Short for psionic or psychic. It is also colloquially used to indicate someone with strong mental powers. psi-master A person trained or skilled in the use of mental powers. The range of these can cover any of a vast number of domains. Psihtath The lead mage on Meridian's magical development team. Psihtath is a renowned alchemist. psion One psion is the mental or magical potential to shift (rend or decompose) the physical state of one stone (20 pounds) of solid material. See also megapsion. psionic Of or pertaining to powers of the mind. See psi. See also psi-master. psionicist A person possessing extraordinary metal powers. See psi-master. psionics A category encompassing magic-like phenomina that are evoked through natural ability. The powers don't necessarily have to originate from the mind, they can be physical mutations, but they are still directed by the volition of the possessor. Ptahmig Member of Meridian's magical development team. pulsar A form of star which rotates so rapidly as to give off a particular radio pulse detectable by radio telescopes. Pulsar Shaladen blade and spirit talisman of the eternal Zarthel Benwarr. Pulsar confers the ability to control forces and redirect them. An extension of this ability is a powerful form of telekenesis that can grasp and move a 1000 stone of matter (or more). These forces can be manipulated in many ways to create various effects. quadrant A generally misused term in SF to identify a region of space. The pure definition identifies a particular fourth of circle. Which using either a Cartesian or polar coordinate system is far too broad to be of any identifying use. quantum-mechanics: The theory that energy is not absorbed nor radiated continuously but discontinuously, and only in multiples of definite, divisible units. quark An older particle theory predating tachyon's which are components of matter which can travel no SLOWER than the speed of light. quasar Quasi-Stellar. Bodies in space which emit light and radio waves. Quasar Lathaan Diliaysus (Tarkath) see Diliaysus, Quasar Lathaan. quetzal A strong black drink favored by the Elves. It is created by steeping noquet leaves in boiling water. Quetzal has a very distinctive odor and is a strong stimulant. Quicklick A dagger of flight used by the red-headed bard Arabella. Wren Kergatha borrows the weapon from her for use in competing in the "hunter's game". radiation The emission and movement of waves, atomic particles, and so forth, through space or other media esp. that which concerns heavy particles which can be harmful to man and machine. Radigast Mountains Range of mountains in the northeast of the Barony of Tenax. The town of Blackwater sits as the pass through them. radioactive Anything which radiates heavy particles (radiation). raegra A Kriar term used to identify an enemy one respects. ragnarok A day prophesied by the pantheon lords of Asgard as the end of all things. Rakaar Steelsheen see Steelsheen, Rakaar. Ralani Vinax See Vinax, Ralani Kiverina Armadoi, Rammal Starfist See Starfist, Rammal. Rankorhaaz Six armed greater fiend created by Hecate. Previous to Bannor's enhancing of Wren's powers, she had been unable to destroy this armored, regenerating, extremely powerful creature. Ratch, Boss Thug leader hired to capture Sarai. rathsteen Term used to describe the essence of vampirism. Some would call it the unique scent and aura of "living decay" given off by members of the vampire race. Ravan Starfist See Starfist, Ravan. real-space Of or being in the confines of the core universe. real-time A misnomer. All time is real. However, it is used to differentiate be consecutive "real" and non-consecutive time. This term is also used in conjunction with the amount of universal time that passes non-relative to anything, the specific decay of matter measurable between any two given moments free of outside influences. redbark A kind of tree with, you guessed it, red bark. These trees are sometimes called bloodwood. See bloodwood. reedwood Thin flexible trees that grow in marshy surroundings. Rather like willows one would imagine. Regaura Targallae (Beia) See Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen). relative-time The passage of time as it pertains to a specific body, be it static or in motion and the amount of decay it experiences between any two given moments. Relative time comes into play as one approaches the speed of light and where the real-time to relative-time coefficient changes. renyaki Servant of Vulcindra Skybane and practicianer of the G'Narth art of anti-mage combat. With Vulcindra's help, Renyaki who converted the martial skill to the purpose of assassination. The art was named for him and the G'Narth and called G'Renyaki. The name was later shortened to G'yaki. rev A rev is a unit of time based on chronons (the time it takes for a electron to make a circuit around the nucleus of an atom). Volumes of matter larger than 1025 molecules will have moments in time when all the electron orbits "line up" or "pulse". This combined molecular syncing happens about a hundred times in the equivalent time of a terran minute. So, for story purposes, a rev is a little bit less than a second. The majority of Kriar time is told by revs (or multiples of them). Hectarev (100) [a minute]. Kilorev (1000) which is a little less than two hours. Megarev (1 million) and so on. See chronon. rhinotaur Rhinotaurs are uncommon (thank heavens!) creatures that live in various locations throughout the Ring Realms. They mostly have been spotted in Silissia, but have also been encountered in southern Corwin and in northern Coormeer. Rhinotaurs bare a rudimentary resemblance to centaurs, only they are far larger and covered with a hard gray exo-skeleton. When fully grown, the four footed aspect of the Rhinotaur can reach 3 paces high at the shoulder and can be as much as 2 paces across the chest. Specimens weighing more than 3000 stone have been brought down. The armored hide of the Rhinotaur is equal to twenty overlapping layers of leather and conventional weaponry is all but useless against this defense. The humanoid torso of this creature is proportional in length to the shoulder height of its four footed body and is covered with the same thick gray armor. The arms are thick and powerful and end in four-fingered hands that possess an opposable thumb. The humanoid head has broad flat features and thick square teeth for pulverizing whatever food isn't already pulverized. A single thick horn protrudes from the creature's forehead. These creatures possess no language, but do make rudimentary use of tools. They commonly use huge clubs to bludgeon prey they run down. Rhinotaurs are vicious bad tempered and extremely territorial. Once enraged, they attack until slain. Because of this behavior they are sometimes used as extraordinarily powerful guard-dogs. In combat, Rhinotaurs are a easily a match for an elder dragon because of the toughness of their armor. Rhinotaurs are stupid and thus can be easily controlled by a mage with the proper preparation and materials. This is, of course, the only way these creatures can be used in any guarding capacity. Rhinotaurs have been known to be used in the death spectacles arena combat. Legend has it that Rhinotaurs were created by grand lore-mage Theln of the Dream Merchants. Ring Realms The name given to the core worlds of the literary domain created by the author Will Greenway. Often in relationship to the Ring Realms there will be reference to 'Core Worlds'. These are the planets that share a similar characteristics i.e. human habitable, civilized, etc. The "core" mostly refers to the "magically adept" cultures, which interact with one another through means of teleportation. In many cases, the inhabitants of these planets don't know what a planet is and could care less. They simply know that by means of a gateway or other mechanism that they can move back and forth between the named domains. A few of the "core elite" worlds share common governance and interaction. Elsbeth's 43rd Magiocracy is an example of such a "ring" of worlds that are tied together via various transport magicks. By virtue of the free travel between these hugely separated planets these magical world rings accomplish something that even far more technically advanced races cannot do. Technical "Rings" or combines do exist. There are four main alliances named, oddly enough, the first, second, third, and fourth alliances. The first alliance, the oldest of the four is extremely advanced, and headed by the vicious techno-mage dictator Vulcindra Skybane who is a half-blood Dreel (one of the most feared of the elder races). Aarlen Frielos is the magestrix of the Fourth Alliance whose territory borders Vulcindra's. The two have clashed throughout Aarlen's life (Vulcindra is much older) but Vulcindra has never wanted to waste the resources in order to push further into Aarlen's domain. When Aarlen was captured by the Eternals, Vulcindra saw an opportunity to take a lot of territory away from the 4th Alliance, which she did. It was later when Aarlen joined the Shael Dal, that a push to reclaim those worlds took place. It was during the escalating conflict, that two other elder races, the Eddorians and Hyssta decided to push into previously human-controlled space. Vulcindra and Aarlen were forced to halt their conflict and join forces to keep from being overwhelmed. It was during this time that Vulcindra found herself captured by the Eternals after it was discovered that she had kidnapped and imprisoned a member of royal family of the Tandleau elder race. The well connected Tandleau "requested" that the Eternals "pick Vulcindra up". Which they did. Vulcindra remains an enforced ward of the eternal Sroth. Shortly after Vulcindra's capture, through the auspices of a timelord named Trielle, Beia got involved with a small territory that bordered both the First and Fourth alliances, and was strategically positioned for trade with many races. A family known only as "The Cartell" had built a powerful empire there through many forms of deceit and blackmail--they in fact had managed not be absorbed into either of the two aforementioned entities through various payoffs and dead-man switches they had organized. Using her shape-changing powers, and calling upon the resources of her many friends, Beia was able to undermine and finally take over this ancient house of criminals. She eventually gained enough control and influence to head up the territory which was simply dubbed the "trade alliance". The Trade alliance now acts as an intermediary between Vulcindra's and Aarlen's controlled territories. It is within this territory that Bronawyn Shadowstalker Felspar now does much of her business. ring-she An arena weapon characterized by a rosette of nine dagger blades set in ring (hence the name). The weapon itself is metal cage into which the forearm is slid. At one end a metal handle forms a grip. In this regard, the weapon is like an extended katar. About where the wrist of the user should be the arm enclosure is flared out to form a thick collar on which nine hinge-points are mounted. These hinge-points have sturdy guides which allow special dagger blades to be mounted on them. The blades are typically positioned in a cone-like arrangement with the nine blades angled inward from the edges of the circle to form a point. From above, this configuration looks something like a star. A mechanism in the gripping section of the weapon allows the daggers to be snapped "straight" so they are perpendicular to the line of the arm. In this mode the weapon can be used twist-punch style to "core out" huge gouges in an opponent. Some versions of this weapon are designed with spring loads in the pivot points that allow the blades to be shot in a manor similar to crossbow bolts. The ring-she is weapon utilized primarily by pit-fighters in the arena death spectacles. Riverback A small village east of Ivaneth. The village is destroyed in a conflict with Hecate's avatars. RNA Ribonucleic acid. The basic genetic codes used in the reproduction of proteins. (Present throughout the cell body). robot Term first coined by Isaac Asimov to identify any of a large group of artificial servitor mechanisms. robotics Of or pertaining to designing, building or maintaining robots. Roval Millicent Bespeckled valkur advocate who serves Idun as a litigation and diplomatic liason. Small of stature, but long on physical and mental prowess, Millicent is a paragon of her kind, fiercely loyal to the needs of the realm and her patron goddess Idun. Ryelle T'Evagduran See T'Evagduran, Ryelle (1st Princess). rystander (class) A 'class' of battleship piloted by the Jyril enforcement core. They are named after the Daergon Tarkath who first encountered and was defeated by them. The name is a posthumus tribute to the Tarkath's memory and the price of his discovery. s'rat Numanorian warrior dialect. S'rat is the formal ritual sword sheathing. The s'rat is a sheathing that shows respect for the observer. Sa'gairin (vasar) Jyril captain of the vessel Vassistor. This Jyril took the form of Aarlen Frielos and had blue skin. She requested that they refer to her as simply "Blue". Sa'gairin's intentions and directives were never discovered. However, she was instrumental in the preservation of Aarlen's spirit after she lost her identity in an attempt to avatar four strong-willed mages. saberclaw A large preditory cat common to the equitorial jungles of Titaan. Several species of varying appearance are lumped under the name saberclaw, all of them dangerous. saeba A polite Kriar greeting similar to 'How are you?'. It's literal meaning is 'Your health?'. sagathra Kriar language. Sajaer, Culavera Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate specializing in tactics. samna Kriar language. It is a formal acknowledgement of an order. Saraeh An academy on homeworld where Kriar military personnel are trained. Saraeh is known as a school for the elite. Sarai T'Evagduran See T'Evagduran, Sarai (3rd Princess). Satieroth, Leto Eternal and alpha rank member of the protectorate specializing in tactics. Saughuin A fish-like denizen found in underground lakes and shorelines of many core-worlds of the Ring Realms. savant savant is the common and generic term for creatures who possess the spark of Alpha. See ka'amok. [%@import('savantlist.html')%] Sazaaran The name of one of Mazarak's armored henchman. The one who knocks Bannor out while he is in the cage. scalebark Sturdy heavy-boled trees with thick scale-like bark and extremely dense wood. Quite similar to an oak actually. scanner (generic) any device for analyzing objects at a distances. scanning The act of utilizing a scanner. Scarlet Talons Group of mercenaries headed by Talorian Falor. This group specialized in dismantling of Meridian Arcturans network of death spectacle arenas. scentwood A soft fragrant wood often burned in fireplaces for the smell it produces. scoreday A period of twenty days. scry To observe or discern information through magic or psionics. Commonly conjugated as scrying. See scrying. scrying Scrying is the term used to describe magical remote observation. Scrying can be done through devices and through spells, and their a varying levels of strength that range anywhere from being able to see a few rooms away to being able to see events taking place on other planes of existence. searga Combat and engineer grade rank in the Kriar military. It is the lowest military rank for tracks. However for the engineering grade Searga is equal in rank to a combat grade Thane or a first class petty officer. The combat grade Searga is equal to a seaman. See also Kriar Ranks. sector Similar to quadrant (in usage and misuse). An area of a circle between two measurements of arc (far more usable for defining an area in polar coordinate areas). Seglar Pit-fighter of the death spectacles and nemesis of Beia Targallae. Meridian Arcturan hires him to "take care of" the Myrmigyne should she happen to show up. She does, but Seglar is not up to the task especially when she is using the powerful weapon Snowfire. self-aware I think therefore I am. Sen'Gen Armored agents of Frielos family known for their stealth and ferocity. Senalloy Moirae Corresont see Corresont, Senalloy Moirae. Sepacawchee River Valley A winding bramble infested depression that cuts east-west across the barony of Tenax. sera kan fara The term refers to graduation from scholarly academy. Sera kan fara is top honors, the top 5% of students. shadowbolt A tattoo placed on the cheek as acknowledgement of war mastery. shadowgate A dimensional portal identified by penumbral shadowy appearance. These gates are distinct as they as almost always into portals into the nether-realms to give ingress to infernal creatures. Hecate opens a gigantic shadowgate on Titaan that Idun Yggdrasil later shuts but not before irrepairable harm to the continuum is done. shadowspar A type of bow renowned for its power and quality. It is known to enhance the bow-wielding skill of the user. Janai T'Evagduran, the second princess of Malan and renowned elven markswoman has never been bested in archery competition or combat when using one of these bows. Shadowstalker, Bronawyn Deposed princess of Silissia and adventurer, sister of Nevarr Shadowstalker who is now the current Castellan of Drakmourn. Member of the Brethren guild of Ivaneth. Bronawyn married Caldorian Felspar in 1101 N.I.S. Bronawyn has two daughters by Caldorian: Cassopia and DonaRae. Bronawyn was cast out of Silissian because of a bloody coup staged by Gabriella Sarn Ariok over the Kingdom's harboring of the followers of Kali. Bronawyn's parents and immediate family aside from her brother Nevarr were all slain. Later when Nevarr returned to reclaim the Shadowstalker birthright from Gabriella through an arranged marriage, Bronawyn regained her royal titles and rights to the lands in Drakmourn. Through her contacts in the Felspar family Bronawyn happened to meet Gwensullan Techstar, the matriarch of the powerful 2nd generation Kriar house of Techstar. The Kriar lady technologist was looking to purchase lands on habitable worlds and it so happened that Bronawyn was willing to sell the (to her) worthless chunk of desert on the western border of Drakmourn, several hundred square leagues of barren rock and sand that were uninhabitable (for humans). Bronawyn sold the land to Gwensullan against the urgings of many in the Felspar clan (especially Cassandra-- the reasons for Cassandra's desire to block her adopted great-grandmother's land deal are murky). Bronawyn received a payment of several million Kriar comtimes for the land parcel, a currency valid only on the Kriar homeworld. Bronawyn had known that the comtimes could purchase Kriar 'magicks' far beyond the meager means of anything that could be bought with gold. With Dame Techstar's assistance, she ventured to the Kriar homeworld searching through catalogs to find something appropriate to purchase with her money. Many of the first things she chose the Kriar simply would not sell to a "primitive". After a long negotiation period, and purchases of several trivial items, Bronawyn came upon the idea of purchasing a Kriar cybermed. The Silissian princess had seen the miraculous healing abilities of cybermeds because she had seen the one Clan Felspar consulted from time to time for healing critical injuries and ailments. When she made the request to purchase a cybermed, surprisingly the approval was granted for the sum of two million comtimes. The reasons the Kriar allowed the sale of Mercedes' contract are unclear, but it is surmised that Mercedes herself through the network of cybers on homeworld arranged her own 'vacation'. Mercedes lived as a member of the Felspar household and acted Bronawyn's assistant and later the caregiver for Bronawyn's two babies. It is believed that Bronawyn's relationship to the clan was one of the other ulterior motives that Mercedes had when she arranged the approval for the contract. The Kriar, and the cyber hierarchy were intensely interested in the science of magic and this was a golden opportunity to study a whole household full of mages in their "natural environment". Not long after Mercedes became a part of their family, Bronawyn came up with a money-making scheme utilizing the cyber's incredible healing ability. She would locate rich families that had members with incurable ailments, and for a price restore them to health. While it was a good idea, the basically good-hearted and very "human" cyber would have nothing to do with this "selling life to the highest bidder" mercenary plot. Try as she might, Bronawyn could do nothing to persuade the cyber to cooperate. She was ready to give up the cyber as a wasted investment and try "to get her money back" when her far more diplomatic husband, Caldorian stepped in. He suggested a compromise, run a clinic that offered healing at whatever the patients could afford, if free, so-be-it, but whatever could be reasonably born by the patients and their family... They had to charge something as he later explained to Mercedes, in order to pay for the facilities and such to support the endeavor. With careful persuasion they were finally able to convince the cybermed to agree, and the Shadowstalker Miracle Clinic was born. Bronawyn was careful to limit the knowledge of this institution and help enough less fortunate people to satisfy Mercedes' sense of equity, while raking in huge sums of cash from rich families desperate to cure the incurable. This enterprise was as can be imagined, wildly successful. Mercedes was only one individual though and there was a limit to what she could do. Bronawyn then branched out into pharmaceuticals, the cyber's knowledge of advanced medicines made her capable of devising vaccines and inoculations of incredible worth. Again, to satisfy Mercedes she had to temper the sales providing the product to the poor as well as the rich. The enterprise continued, with Bronawyn organizing better and more efficient ways to utilize Mercedes skills while still satisfying the temperamental cyber's saintly sense of equity. As Bronawyn's financial resources blossomed, she hatched another scheme. The Kriar wanted to purchase land in the idyllic core-worlds of the Ring Realms, however, Elsbeth Crowninshield was utilizing her vast resources as an elder elite, to block, intimidate sellers, and buy up land to prevent any Kriar homesteads from being created. Remembering her initial extremely profitable deal with house Techstar, Bronawyn saw another way to make money. She began buying land in the different locations where the Kriar were showing interest and secretly brokering it to agencies on Homeworld. This simple enterprise far outstripped the extraordinary profits that she had been bringing in with Mercedes. However, it was not long before Elsbeth learned that her embargo had been undermined and the Crimson Mage turned her wrath on the Princess. Only by fact of her being Loric's daughter-in-law did Bronawyn escape severe punishment at the hands of the elder elite. It was while hiding behind Loric and Cassandra that Bronawyn decided that if she was going to make enemies like Elsbeth, that she needed serious protection. She put word out on homeworld that she would pay handsomely for Kriar bodyguard. Bronawyn was teased by the Felspar family that there was no way that some ancient Kriar warrior would "babysit" a human for any amount of pay. They were wrong. Not only did Bronawyn get an applicant, the one who answered the call was none other than retired Tarkath Eclipse Shargris, one of the most renowned warriors on homeworld. This development stunned the family elders. It was a conundrum as to whether they should allow Eclipse to be in or around the household. It wasn't until Bronawyn threatened to move out that they finally agreed to allow it as long as Eclipse promised 'good behavior'. This Eclipse did do but the ancient Kriar's assurances did little to calm misgivings. Loric knew if this impossibly old creature decided to cause trouble there was virtually nothing he or anyone else in the citadel could do. Eclipse became the next Kriar member of Bronawyn's household within a household. Loric's unease proved unwarranted, the Tarkath turned out to be a model house-guest causing decidedly less trouble than the mistress he hired on to guard. In fact, he helped Cassandra out with several thorny problems which helped ease tensions. It was shortly thereafter Eclipse's acceptance that family members discovered Desiray's involvement with the rogue Kriar Quasar, who by coincidence was Eclipse's mate. Which involvement came first remains in question, but it soon became clear that the Felspar clan had some ancient Kriar mercenaries now vacationing in their midst. It was shortly after these events that the elder elite Aleesha Cloudwalker, who had recently come back on the scene due to the efforts of Cassandra and Dorian, got wind of Bronawyn's recent hi-jinx. For whatever reason, the elder elite took exception to the Silissian woman and decided to make an end of her. Only the intervention of Eclipse prevented Bronawyn from meeting an untimely "conversion" to the light. The rivalry between Aleesha and Bronawyn continues. The elder elite is waiting for Eclipse to get tired of protecting Bronawyn, and then she shall finally have her way...<HR> For those time conscious individuals, the aforementioned details concerning Eclipse come after the events in both Savant's Blood and in Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time. They have already taken place by the time of the events in Reality's Plaything. <HR> Shadowstalker, Nevarr Younger brother of Bronawyn Shadowstalker, and only surviving male member of the Shadowstalker royal family. Nevarr, returned to Silissia to validate the Ariok coup. He married the Sabella Ariok as a gesture to bind the Shadowstalker and Ariok families, and restore the Shadowstalker stewardship of the Kingdom of Drakmourn. Shadowstalker, Ranfast Renowned guildmaster thief and shape changer. Ranfast is a student of the teachings of Berek Tristar considered by most as the defining authority on the science of self-transmutation. Berek is attributed with the ability to divide himself into separate functional pieces, and able to become even inanimate objects and mechanisms. Ranfast is one of the original wearers of the dimensional shadow-cloak and gained membership into the Master's guild. Ranfast retired after many cycles of adventuring to pursue his shape-changing studies. He opened an "antiquities" shop in Ivaneth to continue funding his research and his rather expensive lifestyle. It is rumored (but unsubstantiated) that Ranfast is related to the Silissian family of the same name who were ousted from eastern Silissia. It is believed that he is the nephew of the now dead King Xenos Shadowstalker. If so, he would be cousins with the still living heirs Bronawyn and Nevarr Shadowstalker. Shadowstalker, Xenos (King) Zenos was the hard and harsh ruler of the eastern Silissian kingdom of Drakmourn. Zenos was the eighth Shadowstalker heir in direct decendence. His death in 1085 N.I.S. ended a family rule that had lasted close to a millennia. Xenos was noted for the brutal strength of his assigns, especially in regards to his war machine, run by general Zhendar Skyedoom, one of the most powerful war-mages known in Silissia, and perhaps all of Sharikaar. However, it was the kingdom's association with the cult of Kali that brought about it's downfall. The followers of Kali had centuries before been stamped out by the armies of Queen Drakka'Tah Sarn Ariok, better known as the Dragon Queen. When Kali cult sought a new foothold in Silissia under the Stewardship of the Shadowstalker royal family, Xenos brought the baleful eye of the Ariok family on him. Gabriella Sarn Ariok issued warnings that if he continued to harbor the Kali thugs that the Kingdom would suffer. King Xenos, having heard rumor that Gabriella and her entire family had been subjugated by members of the Band of the Crescent Moon passed off her warnings as threats coming from a paper tiger. Xenos was wrong. Instead of being weaker or restrained, the Dragon-queen was even more fearsome than before. Backed by her daughters and a small band of picked adventurers, Gabriella methodically destroyed the Kingdom in a violent purging that claimed the lives of all but two members of the royal family and most of its significant servants including general Zhentar Skyedoom who challenged Gabriella to a magic duel in an effort to end the attack. Despite the general's renowned magick skills he was brushed aside by the great elder's legendary power. Xenos was survived by his daughter Bronawyn, and his son Nevarr. In a bid to continue the Shadowstalker lineage, Nevarr agreed to marry Gabriella's daughter Sabella and bind their families together and assure the followers of Kali never gain entrance into Silissia or any other part of Titaan. shae'a'tae Silissian. It means literally 'known but not', which is idiomatic for something secret. Corim Vale translates this correctly when he reads the title "Shae'a'tae da mada Mirafleg" from a book interpreting the Silissian as "Secrets of Mirafleg's Rose" a common arcane work studied by students of magic. Shael Dal Members of the universal protectorate serving as the avatars (surrogates) of the eternals. See eternals. shakiran war wand A sword smithed on the continent of Sharikaar. "War wand" is the dubbed name of a sword forged in the mines of the dwarven colony at Blackstar. shal counsel Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to an Admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. shal prime Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a fleet admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. shal'kar Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a lieutenant commander. See also Kriar Ranks. Shal'kar Techstar (Ivral) see Techstar, Ivral. shal'kath Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a captain. See also Kriar Ranks. shal'kiran Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a commander. See also Kriar Ranks. shaladen A weapon made of the spirit metal shael dal. The most notable Shaladens are those wielded by the ki'succorund surrogates of the eternals. See eternals. The shaladens of the eternals are a physical manifestation of that particular eternal's spirit that has been combined into alloy of ishtite, adamantine, and krill. The resulting material is for most practical purposes indestructible. See krill. All of the shaladens have a 'vorpul' quality edge. When a user is "bound" to any of the blades the following abilities are conferred to the wielder: <UL> <LI> Physical enhancement: All wielders are endowed with varying degrees of enhanced strength and resistance to physical injury. The smallest such enhancement (provided by the shaladen Cataract) confers strength sufficient to lift 30 stone overhead without straining. The body is toughened to the point that the user's bare skin is as resistant to injury as if they were wearing chain mail. Most of the blades confer a limited form of "environment adaptation" that allows operation in hostile environments including airless space for a short periods of time. <LI> Unlimited telepathy: this ability allows mental communication across any normal-space distance, and in many cases across trans-dimensional distances as well. This communication can take place regardless of whether the target creature has any telepathic ability. <LI> Cross-culture idiomatic language translation: The shaladen confers the ability to synchronize with a particular creature to speak and understand in their mother tongue. The spoken language is as non-biased and idiomatically correct as is possible when translating the wielder's thoughts to words in the target language. <LI> Point-to-point summoning: A wielder can "summon" another wielder via plane-shifting provided the other wielder is willing and not resisting the transfer. The "summonee" must be conscious and able to grant permission for the summoning to work. The "call" of the blades is very powerful and can occur across dimensional barriers and through all but a few kinds of magical and technological defenses. <LI>Temporal autonomy: After binding with an eternal shaladen, the wielder is thereafter completely immune to the effects of time. They do not age, and chronological shifts and attacks are ineffective. The shaladen acts as an anomaly compensator allowing the wielder to function in back-time without causing downstream event disruption. The shaladen's most unique power is its ability to confer pan-temporal uniqueness. The wielder cannot meet his "alternate" parallel time-lines. <LI> Undetectability: As a function of its anomaly compensation, under normal circumstances the wielder of the shaladen is completely undetectable. The user's presence is not registered by electronic or magical devices. There have been some agencies which developed items specifically for the detection and tracking of the Shael Dal, but in most of the cases the eternals soon confiscated the devices. </UL> ADDENDUM: In the later Shaladen Chronicles books (Anvil of Sorrow) Corim Vale introduces the ability to change the shape of the shaladens. He teaches this ability to the other Shael Dal and this becomes an important extension of the powers used by the Protectorate forces. In the Gaea's Legacy arc, the parameters and capabilities of shaping shaladens in battle is further expanded and defined by Bannor Starfist, who, aside from the eternals themselves, is one of the most adept users of the shaladen. Shamada The heavy set (described as porcine) mage who works in Meridian Arcturan's employ. Shamada along with all the other mages who helped Meridian are slain in a blast from a bomb thrown by Rakaar. Actually, Vulg and Shamada die before the rest because Talorin Falor cuts their heads off with the shaladen blade Nova. shapeshifting Literally, the altering of a creatures physical form. In the case of more sophisticated magic, this can also mean assuming special abilities, and in the most extreme cases taking on a new aura, memories and even personality. Shargris, Eclipse Tarkath of the Kriar Shrike Legion Elite, twelve time decorated hero of the Jyril conflicts, and various war causes. Eclipse was a career military warrior with extreme patriotic dedication to his people. He and his close companion Quasar Diliaysus were two of the best warriors the Kriar corps ever saw. On many occasions these two resilient warriors were the last Kriar standing in several unfortunate encounters. Sharikaar The largest continental landmass on Titaan. The major continents of Titaan in order of size are are Sharikaar, Fraestar, Canth, Pedon, and Silissia. sharikaarian Referring to ones origin from the continent of Sharikaar. See Sharikaar. sharonsheen The shaladen focus for Protectorate Prime Commander Koass Vinax. Koass' wife Megan wields the reality altering powers of Sharonsheen. Sheento, Daena An orphaned teenage savant whom Bannor meets in order for her to bind with her beta half, the Aesir pantheon lord Hella. Daena is a Da'Jhamack Nola, a savant of attractions. Daena joins with Hella, and the two merge into what is thought to be a reincarnation of a first one. Daena's natural abilities equal and in some cases surpass that of a pantheon lord. She has virtually limitless astral strength, and amazing powers of recovery. Daena's biggest limitation is her age and inexperience. Having the powers of a goddess and knowing how to use them are different things. Though she is learning quickly, it will be some time before she ever realizes a significant portion of her full potential. Daena now lives as the protege of Princess Janai T'Evagduran of Malan, who is educating and gentrifying the young girl turned first one. The youngster has already learned to alter her shape at will, and can now transport herself across vast distances through psionic teleportation. The Malanian princess' real intentions for Daena are an ongoing issue for concern. shields (generic) For a force-field (c.f.) protecting an area. shimack Elvish slang word. Its rough translation is 'good'. shimmerleaf A white barked slender tree that grows at high altitude. The tree's name comes from the two-colored leaf that is attached to branches on a very thin stem that allows the leaves to turn freely even in a faint breeze causing a flashing of differing hues of green. Groves of this tree are characterized by the rustling sounds of the leaves. On earth, these trees might be mistaken for aspen trees. shimmerpetal A small fragile flower whose delicate reflective petals are disturbed by the faintest of breezes, causing them to "shimmer" in low light conditions (usually morning or evening). ship-time (same as subjective time) as applies to time specific to a vessel traveling in and out of speeds faster than light. shriekwing Small nocturnal winged rodents that typically pray on insects. The creatures navigate in the dark by means of sound, and are characterized by the high pitched ululations they give out while hunting. shuriken A flat multibladed throwing weapon sometimes referred to as a throwing star. They are an exotic weapon favored by the G'yaki. Shuzuka Hana Once Shuzuka Sagiwara, the daughter of the head Jissentenki of the Hoshin clan who defied her father for the love of Enjiro Hana. Shuzuka naively is completely unaware of her fathers capacity for treachery and his willingness to create havoc. The result devastates the Hana family. Siderous Chronous Siderous Chronous is a physical interpretation (dimension) that occupies the foundation of temporal reality. If the time is thought of a river, Siderous Chronous is the bed and banks through which time flows. In Siderous Chronous, space and time are the same thing. Time is represented as distance. siegecraft The art of surrounding and attacking a fortified place in such a way as to isolate it from help and supplies, for the purpose of lessening the resistance of the defenders and thereby making capture possible. sigils Magical writing or symbology, that can either be carved into a surface or merely symbol-shaped objects. The idea of sigil is essentially any arcane symbology or representative object. Sigils need not be physical, they can be drawn in the air in the process of casting certain powerful spells. The term sigil is similar to rune, except runes tend to be carved in stone or wood. In Child of Ascendants, Dray Cartha had shaladen like triangular artifacts embedded in her body that were simply called sigils. These immensely powerful artifacts gave her numerous physical and mental abilities. sil'matra Translated literally this term means 'bright mother' or 'star mother'. It is typically used as a respectful form of address for a woman who is older or of higher station. In the novel Gaea's Legacy, Cassandra uses this form when speaking to Queen Kalindinai (rather than her given title "Matradomma"). Ordinarily, this would be considered disrespectful, but in that particular situation the Queen wanted a favor from Cassandra that she couldn't get elsewhere. By using the lesser title, Cassandra was testing to see how badly Kalindinai wanted the particular favor. If Kalindinai let it pass without comment, it showed that it was important enough she wouldn't risk rebuffing Cassandra's deliberate misuse of title. Sil'vaya The elven name of Desiray Illkaren Felspar. Silcanna A huge forest in the southwest of Malan. Home to many elvish colonies. Elves from this forest are, strangely enough, called the 'Silcanna Elves'. It is perhaps just a coincidence that this name is shared with the elder race of 'silver elves' also called the 'Silcanna'. Any similarity is intentional and unnecessarily confusing which is why I should change it but don't. silcomhad jihira Elvish. It translates to 'star kisser'. The phrase is to indicate Elves who make the mistake of falling in love with short lived human-kind. Silissia Large island continent in the southern hemi-sphere of Titaan. Silissia is renowned for the evil creatures which have bred and grown in its territories. Most notable are the enclaves of evil dragons that have extensive cavern networks on the borders of the Silissian desert. silissian Someone from Silissia. see Silissia. Silkere, Ceraph Miratha Ceraph is a gray-elf lady from one of the lesser noble houses of Malan. It is rumored that she might have blood ties to Queen Kalindinai of Malan, but there has been no substantiation to support this. Ceraph is battle trained warrior and mage. She is considered seventh circle master of the Can Danee style of two-handed sword fighting. She has significant magical training, and is expert on the identification and operation of magical itemry. Typically elves are very tight lipped about their actual age and Ceraph is no exception. It is guessed she is around 600 cycles old. This Elf lady is the mother of two daughters. One of whom was married to Tal Falor. During one of the rare East Realm incursions, the homestead where the Silkere family lived was over-run and destroyed. Ceraph's husband and both daughters were lost. Ceraph herself killed many in the battle but was eventually overcome and captured. Her treatment while kept captive by the East Realm regulars was anything but gentle. Talorin Falor eventually tracked and freed her. Feeling responsible for what happened, Tal cared for Ceraph during her long recovery. Needing some purpose and focus to help her deal with the loss of her family, Ceraph began taking part in the operations of Tal's training academies, performing as an administrator and talent scout. silkstrand Alchemically produced lightweight robe created from webbing of giant spiders and discarded coocoons of gargantua moths. Plant fibres are woven around the extraordinarily strong core to give more mass and gripping bulk. silrada Elvish. From the phrase silrada jihira, literally star-shy-kiss. Poetically, one who is shy of kissing the star. Silvanshire Town in southeastern Malan. This is the village where Irodee rejoins the group and Bannor is given the ultimatum by Hecate. Silvertree Inn Inn located in the West Hill district of Hokar city in middle South of the former Hold of the Sea Princes. The Yggdrasil clan stays at the inn during the course of their insurrection against the Sea Princes. simulcra A creation that is a copy or simulation of another creature. The quality of simulcra are such that they are usually fairly easy to tell from the original. In some forms of magic, they can be indistinguishable from the host creature however. simulcraic Of or pertaining to simulcra i.e. pertaining the duplication and copying of creatures and objects. Simulcraic derivatives are mathematical formulas which scan fractal space for mathematical expressions of which resolve to discrete patterns. While this might seem like a fictional concept its basis comes from existing technology. Such algorithms exist and it only is the lack of computers powerful enough that prevent wider utilization of this technique for data compression. simulcrum A creation or copy of a living thing. See simulcra. Sjelnistenmir Hall of the Towering Tree, the citadel (fortress) of Idun Yggdrasil, her retinue, and military forces. The five tower citadel is host to some three to four thousand soldiers, and has aeries of griffons, dragons, and pegasai. Idun is served by sixty-three Chosen valkur maidens who are nominally lead by her advocate, Millicent Roval. skalding The original skalding was simply a recital of inspirational heroic poetry practiced by the Aesir and Vanir in order to bolster morale and encourage camaraderie. Skalding can, in general, be referred to as organized story-telling for entertainment purposes. skalds While skalding is story-telling, the skalds were both purveyors of story but also keepers of history. While the literary tradition of written records is widespread, there are still considerable concentrations of people who have no access to the education needed to learn to read and write. In those areas, the oral tradition is still strong, and in those places skalds ply their trade entertaining and keeping the people in touch with their roots. skellar A large winged creature similar to a Wyvern in appearance with two powerful forelegs ending in magically sharp claws easily able to sever limbs. Skellar are pack-creatures with a strict hierarchy. They are extremely intelligent, have their own rudimentary language, and hunt in groups. Their flying ability is phenomenal both in the maneuverability of their snake-like bodies and the speed at which they can achieve both in level flight an in a dive. These creatures are particularly unique for their ability to ingest and metabolize magical and non-magical metals. The metals they consume are actually integrated into the bone structures of their bodies. As a result they are extraordinarily hardy creatures. Few are the warriors that relish doing combat with them. Because of their intelligence and obstinate nature Skellar are not domesticatable. However, on occasion individuals will respect an individual enough to serve as a mount. Talorin Falor of the Band of the Crescent Moon keeps an entire squadron of these creatures in his lands on the continent of Canth. He has on occasion ridden one of the members of that group. Skellar are not natural creatures, but breed-able creations engineered by the Dream Merchants. The elite members of the Dream Merchant hierarchy use magically dominated Skellar for guards and mounts. It is rumored that Skellar are actually a creation of the Kriar grand-loremage named Theln. skharvarren A particularly vicious form of soul magic. Skybane, Vulcindra One of the oldest and most powerful of all living savants. She is a savant of space, able to sense, create, and control paths through subetheral space. Vulcindra is the ancient patron of the G'yaki martial art, and an mage of incomparable knowledge and skill. One of the last remaining members of the Dreel race, she possesses more than a fair number of the physical gifts of the firsts. She is guessed to be close to a hundred millennia old and is conquerer of the known planets of the first alliance. Her name 'skybane' is an appellation given for her tactic of opening portals into the coronas of nearby stars from high vantage points creating a destructive rain of plasma on resisting populaces. She is, without doubt, among the most dangerous elders alive in Eternity. Skyedoom, Caladar Recognized as the only patriarchal figure in the Frielos family. Longtime paramour of Aarlen Frielos. For more than ten millennia, Caladar served as one of the family heads, organizing affairs and running battle campaigns. Around 1088 N.I.S. Aarlen Frielos was taken prisoner by the Eternals and subsequently punished. The powerful matriarch lost much of her will to live. Through a course of events several seasons long, she took up with Beia Targallae. In the following summers, Aarlen grew closer to Beia and more apart from her dark associations (and Caladar). She eventually married Beia in 1092. In 1112 N.I.S, Caladar tried and failed to assassinate Beia, and was subsequently ostracized from the Frielos family. Caladar had two brothers, Marduk Skyedoom, and Zhentar Skyedoom. Zhentar is the father of Ziedra Skyedoom, a good friend of Wren Kergatha. Skyedoom, Zhentar (General) Zhentar Skyedoom was a renowned warmage who served under King Shadowstalker defending the kingdom of Drakmourn. Zhentar lost his life in a magical duel with Gabriella Sarn Ariok, who at the time was staging a coup over the Shadowstalker family. Zhentar was married to a Cloudwalker maiden named Beldwin, also a formidable warrior and magic user, who also lost her life in the bloody takeover. Zhentar and Beldwin had two children, Ziedra and Tarl. Prior to the attack which took their lives, Ziedra and Tarl were placed on separate ships and secreted away to Sharikaar. Tarl returned Drakmourn several seasons later to get revenge for the loss of his parents. His whereabouts are unknown. It is surmised that he lost his life attempting to fight Gabriella, though this is unsubstantiated. Ziedra made a life in the Sharikaarian city of Corwin, and prospers to this day. Skyedoom, Ziedra Ziedra Skyedoom is a ex-patriot noblewoman of the eastern Silissian kingdom of Drakmourn. Daughter of General Zhentar Skyedoom, and Beldwin Skyedoom. At a young age, Ziedra was sent away from her home to seek refuge in the Sharikaarian city of Corwin. There Ziedra joined up with a band of gypsies for shelter and refuge. She later met and befriended Wren Kergatha another orphaned young girl. Wren joined the Brethren guild and with her guild earnings supported herself and Ziedra for many seasons. In the interim Ziedra began learning to dance, and over a span of seasons grew famous and prosperous on her own. She took up with royalty and she and Wren gradually grew apart. Ziedra's prosperity was not to last, she dallied with the wrong man and was forced to escape Corwin with city guard on her heels. Again destitute, the young woman wandered from kingdom to kingdom doing odd jobs and staying ahead of the princess' agents. She finally ended up in the port city of Ivaneth where she again met up with an older wiser Wren Kergatha who again took her under her wing. It shortly after this reunion that Ziedra's destiny was to truly crystallize. Through Wren's recent acquaintances she met Bronawyn Shadowstalker, one of the only surviving family members of the uprising that killed her father. She also discovered her father's relationship to family Frielos, discovering she was actually the niece of Caladar Skyedoom the paramour of Aarlen Frielos. The revelations were not to end there. Wren Kergatha also discovered that Ziedra was a savant, an Ishtar Nola, a savant of magic. Through circumstances, Ziedra was forced to develop skills quickly simply to survive the events that her relationship with Wren got her involved in. Ziedra learned sword fighting and ended up as an magical apprentice of Aarlen Frielos. As an Ishtar Nola, Ziedra is a natural mage, able to learn spells simply by touching the caster during the incantation. She has an eidetic memory that allows her to memorize movements and vocal sounds with the briefest exposure. Her ability to couple memorization and the coordination of her body makes Ziedra an incredible student of any coordination reliant skill. This ability is sophisticated enough that she can build skills virtually as fast as she is exposed to the nuances. The Ishtar Nola also allows the reading of magical auras. Ziedra can read not only the properties of magic, but can discern details about the caster who created the enchantments. As a living avatar of magic Ziedra is extremely resistant to harmful magicks, and totally impervious to all forms of magical charms, paralyzation, control and domination. She can manipulate magical energies much the same way the Kel'Varan Nola manipulates forces. This control combined with her personification of magic allows Ziedra to use a magic item that would otherwise work only for a specific person. The exact limits of this last skill are unknown, but it is believed that her nature as 'magick's mistress' causes all magical items to see her as their 'true creator'. The pantheon lord Isis possesses a similar capability and some surmise she is the tao-beta to the Ishtar Nola. Skyweir Master devote of the martial arts, and legendary hand-to-hand combat expert. Skyweir is a second generation member of the Band of the Crescent moon. This sturdy monk's steel-hard hands have lent support to many a quest. For much of his career he was the companion of, and worked with, the monk Giquokor who was another master of the open-hand. Together, the first to negotiate, and often the first into any combat. Their bravery and honor were well regarded by all the members of the Band. slagtown sleipnir slepnir The eight-legged steed ridden by Odin. slitherbelly slithershell Snowfire Name of the intelligent shape changing weapon utilized by Beia Targallae. Snowfire is far more than just a weapon but a living autonomous being. This became even more prevalent after he was promoted to honorary shaladen status and Zarr Benwarr of the eternals granted him the powers of eternity. When not actively in the shape of a weapon or a piece of jewelry on Beia's person, Snowfire prefers the shape of a small dragon. He is a especially fond of gems. He consumes cheap jewels for energy and hoards precious stones whenever he can. Though he is Beia's weapon, in many ways Snowfire thinks of her as a possession. This was probably intentional on Aarlen's part when she made the weapon, as he jealously guards Beia from any who would do her harm. Snowfire is strongly masculine, a fact which at times rubs Beia the wrong way. As a shaladen imbued with a portion of Stellaraac's (and hence eternal Foross' power), Snowfire is a master of shape altering powers, both in his own form and Beia's. Additionally, he can control other materials and creatures as well by absorbing them. Doing forced shape absorption of unwilling intelligent creatures is a frowned upon practice however... software A conglomeration of computer understandable instructions which control its functions. Sol The greek name for our own sun. solar-cycle One circuit of a planet around a star. (A year) solarians Followers of Marna Solaris. see Solaris, Marna. Solaris, Marna (Counsel) (Vatraena) Marna Solaris is the spiritual mother of the Kriar race, and the oldest living Kriar in existence. While the persona of the Vatraena dates back to before the launching of homeworld, she is only in spirit that same person. Untold millions of cycles old, the Prime Mother of the Kriar has been through renewal thousands of times. While she is (in spirit) the eldest Kriar, she is, in many ways, the youngest because she has forgotten so much of her past in antiquity. Marna is the undisputed mistress of the Kriar warp science, and the most skilled time diver on Fabrista homeworld. She is rivaled only by military commander Tarkath Quasar Diliaysus, who uses extensive matrix enhancements to increase her powers. In addition to her time diving capabilities, Marna is able to perform n-space folding by pure force of will. This talent is the ability to cause the atomic and sub-atomic structure of matter to twist upon itself and occupy higher order dimensions. This process can be likened to taking a two dimensional object and folding it so it occupies three dimensions. Marna can take three dimensional matter and "fold" it so that it occupies four and even higher order spaces. After the adoption of Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri by house Techstar, it became a fashion among the Kriar nobility to start interacting with the humanity and skilled mages in particular. The ability of magic to overcome something Kriar science could not opened many eyes, and sparked intense interest in learning the secrets of magic. Also, humans being young and impressionable, made them excellent proteges. The Kriar being empaths, derive a great deal of satisfaction being around creatures who still experience excitement and passion. They can feel "vicariously" through their empathy, emotions and sensations that they themselves have become numb to due to hundreds of millennia of life. Sornai Kriar mistress of psionic powers and physical adept. A devote of Kriar martial arts with over six million cycles of dedication to developing the mind and body. Sornai has something of a roustabout's reputation on homeworld, a pursuer of lost causes, and an instigator of conflicts. Most of this is slander was directed against her by the Daergon's because of her dedication to removing them from power. Sornai's abilities make her a nightmarish opponent able to move with blinding speed and strike with a power sufficient to shatter boulders and deform metal. Her ability to control energy and toughen parts of her body makes her invulnerable to all but the most severe attacks. soulbiter soulforce soulforging soulname soulspark soulspeak soulstone Southrealm Kingdom ruled by Corwin regent Balhadd before it was overrun by Northrealm. In the aftermath of a ten summer war it was absorbed into the Kingdom of Ivaneth. soveriegn The soveriegns are a special sect of the pantheon lord Isis' devotees. These versatile men and women serve both as mages and clerics in their service to the goddess. They are highly regarded and revered even by other clerical sects. spankin spectrum The distribution of energy arranged in order of wavelengths. spellbows A bow which functions in much the same way a magic staff does for a mage. A spell-bow can store, absorb, and release magical energies. A properly trained wielder can fire spells embedded in arrows giving them farther than normal range and imbuing the spells with properties beyond their normal scope. spellshackled spellsword spicewood A light-colored fragrant wood used in the construction of some furniture, and often used to line walls. Chips of spice-wood are sometimes used in gardens for their odor. spidered sproutboy Rammal Starfist's nickname for Bannor (one he hated). Sroth Mephista See Mephista, Sroth. star cluster A close grouping of stars all of the same general age. Usually associated with bodies of stars outside the lens of the galaxy, but can apply to the dense clusters at the heart of the galaxy as well. starbark A pale barked tree characterized by a ridge pattern that looks like hundreds of interlocking stars. starbinder, dulcere Starbinder, Dulcere Val'Saedra Daughter of Marna Solaris by her second husband Louvros. Dulcere is a well regarded Belkirin who commanded the star vessel Tiraka. While trying to defend her ship, Dulcere fought a hand-to-hand battle with the blue eternal named Garn. She was subsequently injured and forced to make planetfall, where a mishap with her damaged command-level power matrixes caused a cliff to collapse and bury her. The avalanche forced her into stasis, which over a long period of time allowed her to heal. Many millennia later she was uncovered by Meridian Arcturan and Rakaar Steelsheen who used magic to control her. They later bound her to a device and used her time-diving powers to cause a massive time quake (isolinear diffraction). Dulcere eventually escapes control and joins forces with Corim Vale, Beia Tarallae, Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar, and Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Felspar. Together the group manages to undo the damage caused by Meridian and restore time to normal. As a reward for her assisting the humans, the Jyril Vasar Sa'Gairin removes the curse from Dulcere's body. The ancient Kriar is very confused when she begins to have feelings for Corim. Eventually, they do begin to grow closer. However, their relationship is made difficult by others who also have amorous intentions for Corim. Starbinder, Louvros Second husband of Marna Solaris and father Dulcere Val'Saedra Starbinder. Louvros is slain by agents of Daergon Surr, and Dulcere is implicated in the plot so as to cause distention in Marna's family. stardock A self sufficient space-station for the purpose of maintaining a way-point for star-ships. A trade center. (One definition) stardrive Any FTL propulsion system that makes interstellar travel possible. Starfist, Bannor Border guardian for the Barony of Tenax. He holds the rank of captain in the Baron's ranger regulars. Bannor has the power of the Garmtur Shak'Nola (A savant of reality) which gives him control over the threads of probability, interaction, and creation. His senses allow him to perceive the forces, energies, and interactions of matter and energy through simple concentration. As part of his power he can recognize and memorize such patterns instantly in order to later manipulate them. Bannor's control over the Garmtur is rather limited, so it often acts in undesirable and sometimes self-destructive ways. Bannor is a skilled warrior with a several years of battle experience. He uses the Jac'Daw style of two-handed fighting which is specifically tailored for axe combat. Bannor is proficient in tracking, plant, and animal identification. As a scout, he is extremely familiar with the borderlands, and has become a proficient in cartography (map making). Bannor is twenty seven years old and engaged to Sarai T'Evagduran the 3rd princess of Malan. Starfist, Rammal Bannor's Older brother. Deceased. Rammal died from arrow wounds and shock in the war of South Realm. A ghost of Rammal appears to live on in Bannor's dreams. Whether this is a figment or an actual impression of him is unknown. If he were still alive, Rammal would be 29 years old. Starfist, Ravan Bannor's older sister. Currently, living and married. Ravan and Bannor have not spoken since his father cast him out. Ravan has two children. Ravan is 28 years old. starhawk Starholme Prime Legendary home of the first-ones. According to the Dedriad, this place was somehow closed to the pantheon lords by Wren Kergatha. starpaths starpetal An attractive forest flower characterized by its double colored petals and the star-like splotch of color at its center. starreach starreach (armor) Space armor used for exploration in deep space. Starreach suits are characterized by having more powerful thrusters, heavier screens, and their ability to mount heavy weapons and equipment. starscape starship Any vessel capable of traveling between stars. starships Starsong Shaladen blade and spirit talisman of the eternal Areth Jalt. Starsong confers the ability to manipulate sound, and immunity to sound (sonic) based attacks, these include sound-based forms of charm and domination by magical creatures. Starsong also allows the wielder to completely truespeak an object or creature to the level of even learning its true name. Obviously, while an indirect form of attack, it is nonetheless and extremely powerful ability. starvessel starvessels starwand Any of a group of bladed weapons supposedly imbued with the essence of the stars. Wren Kergatha is given the starwand Corona to use against Hethanon. Starwind One of the shaladen swords. Corim Erik Vale summons Starwind and uses it in the fight against Meridian and Rakaar. See Vale, Corim Erik. The blade Starwind is slightly different than the other Shaladens. Its natural form is as a short-sword. Magic in the weapon allows it to strike with enhanced speed, making the heavy blade maneuver as though it were nearly weightless. Starwind's major power is its ability to manipulate & control the minds of intelligent creatures, and shield its user from hostile mind affecting attacks. In the brief time Corim Vale wielded the blade he did not have time to learn to utilize the Aurra's primary ability. While using the sword he was able to tap into an impressive amount of the eternal's power, so much so that he came close to burning his physical body out on a couple of occasions. stasher stasis The cessation of relative time for an object or area. A stasis by definition arrests the decay of matter within its confines. Steelsheen, Rakaar Powerful Baronian warmage forced to serve Meridian Arcturan in his attempt to destroy the Protectorate. Rakaar proved on many occasions to be both a skilled user of magic and a nearly unstoppable sword combatant. He defeated the extremely experienced DacWhirter Ironfist in a pitched battle with a lucky con'gorot move. He later fought an undecided match against Beia Targallae who technically got the better of him through a surprise move. His most prolonged combat was with 16th ranked Talorin Falor where the battle was essentially a stalemate until a chance opening allowed Tal to cripple Rakaar and force him to retreat. Of the battles he fought, only the ancient belkirin warrior Dulcere Starbinder was his superior, and only then when she was at full strength. Rakaar is particularly significant for his possession of the Genemar, a weapon he stole from the Baronian hierarchy. This powerful device is being sought by a number of agencies, none of whom have yet located it. No-one yet knows much about the genemar, and whatever Rakaar knew of it was taken to his grave when Corim Erik Vale defeated him in battle with the shaladen Starwind. Rakaar did describe the item as 'creation run amok' but nothing else. Rakaar had in his service a trained battle-nurse named Senalloy whom Corim subsequently frees. Senalloy is the blood sister of another Baronian woman named Luthice. Steelwood, Jolandrin Renowned ranger and lady student of Loric Felspar. Wife of Sebenreth'Kar Felspar. stellar nova The collapse and subsequent explosion of a star. Stellaraac Shaladen blade that is spiritually bound to the eternal Foross. The blade confers the ability of ultimate metamorphosis (shape changing). The wielder can manipulate not only their form, but the forms of others, and inanimate objects as well. It is said that this blade is second only in power to Sharonsheen, the blade bound to Koass Vinax, the commander of the eternals. Aarlen Frielos currently wields Stellaraac. She and Foross have something of a love/hate relationship going on... sterlans One of set of daggers of flight given to Liandra Kergatha by her grandmother Idun Yggdrasil. See also Sterrand. See also Sterslaan. See also Stervaart. See also Stervallan. sterrand One of set of daggers of flight given to Liandra Kergatha by her grandmother Idun Yggdrasil. See also Sterlans. See also Sterslaan. See also Stervaart. See also Stervallan. sterslaan One of set of daggers of flight given to Liandra Kergatha by her grandmother Idun Yggdrasil. See also Sterlans. See also Sterrand. See also Stervaart. See also Stervallan. stervaart One of set of daggers of flight given to Liandra Kergatha by her grandmother Idun Yggdrasil. See also Sterlans. See also Sterrand. See also Sterslaan. See also Stervallan. stervallan One of set of daggers of flight given to Liandra Kergatha by her grandmother Idun Yggdrasil. See also Sterlans. See also Sterrand. See also Sterslaan. See also Stervaart. stickerberry Bumpy red berry fruits about the size of the end of a thumb. The flavor is both pithy and sweet. stone Measure of weight. For those concerned with Terran equivalents, a stone is equal to 20 pounds or just hair over 9 kilograms. Stonebones A powerful magical potion for mending internal bone structures (like ribs). The ritual of the stonebones is an extraordinarily painful but quick way of magically repairing hard tissue that would otherwise take weeks or months to heal. stonehaven Stonewood Kingdom to the north of Ivaneth, so named for the rock-like fossilized trees that can be found through much of its territories. Stonewood is has the notorious reputation of having been the birthplace of Lady Karn Taath, the Iron Queen, otherwise known as the womb of abominations. The birth-mother of the avatar Mishaka. stormreaver stroma strongbow su'ko sub-ether The area of space existing below the atomic level, closely linked and (possibly) the same as hyperspace. subjective-time The apparent passage of time to an observer separate from relative and real-time. Though a persons biological clock might run slower, and all matter decay at a slower rate near the speed of light, once a mind can count to sixty a subjective minute has passed. subnet subpath A flow (like a tube) that occurs in the sub-ether. The actual connections between weak spots in time/space. subpaths subspace Another term for the sub ether. succorund The act of spiritually binding a being to a pantheon lord. There are various forms of this process that have varying side-effects on the host. succorunding succubi Demonic residents of the outer planes who take the form of beautiful women (or men). They are vampires that live on the blood and life-force of other creatures. They are shape-changers and can take male or female form. The male shape is known as an incubus. These creatures make sport of seducing humanoids and slowly draining the life from them. These creatures enjoy carnal pleasures and love to toy with their prey, making virtual slaves of victims too weak-willed to resist their enticements. sunglory, kirran supernova When any of the giant class stars go nova. See stellar nova. surcoat Surn Larger Elven community north of Silvanshire. Surr, Daergon Prime Kath and later notorious political leader of the Fabrista Kriar dasta. Daergon was responsible for many major events in Kriar history. His main contribution was his dissolution of the previously adhered to cultural protection "prime-directive". His particular push was to establish the Kriar as a dominant species, in this process actively interacting with and studying other cultures in a non-damaging but socially and psychologically damaging process that equivalents to 'tag and release'. Kriar ships would move into a system and request access. Access not granted resulted in a 'forced' study that involved capture, probing, and release of a significant portion of a planets population, through the Kriar dimensional gating system. (Alien abduction anyone?) The purpose of these studies was to scan for and locate unique ideas, concepts, and lore that could further the currently stagnant Kriar body of scientific and sociological enlightenment. This accelerated "study" of other cultures did yield significant results but at the cost of inflicting severe culture-shock on every race the Kriar came in contact with. This plan was vehemently opposed by many of the ruling hierarchy, but those that resisted ended up meeting with mishaps, or having some other misfortune occur in their lives. It was over this matter that the reigning Kriar matriarch Marna Solaris, and her two confidants and staunch supporters Gwensullin Techstar, and Eladrazelle Delarn left the Kriar ruling counsel. The cycle of study and culture shock continued across several universes until the Kriar encountered the homeworld of the Jyril. Not believing there might be an older and more advanced race, Daergon pushed the study when Jyril warned the Kriar not to enter their territory. The push into the Jyril territory immediately resulted in combat losses where there had been none for millennia. The Jyril had craft that not only matched the power and speed of Kriar star-vessels, but surpassed them in firepower. Smelling that some really significant technological secrets might be gained from the Jyril, Daergon continued to press the invasion, escalating the conflict into the first war that the Kriar had been involved in for several eons. The conflict did not last. The Jyril moved en-mass and were quick to crush the Kriar vanguard long before it ever got within striking distance of their homeworld. It was then they decided to give the Kriar something to occupy themselves. They inflicted a race-wide "curse" on the Kriar making them not only infertile but unable to feel or experience pleasurable sensations or emotions. This was deemed an appropriate punishment for their "unfeeling" and "insensitive" invasions into the sanctity of other cultures. This loss was devastating to the Kriar in more than the obvious ways. It was stunning blow to the arrogant and superior attitude carried on by Daergon and his followers. Limping away from Jyril space they retreated to inter-universal void to lick their wounds, analyze the lessons learned, and try to undo the damage done to their race by the Jyril. The Kriar researchers were soon to discover that the Jyril curse went beyond even their eons old super science. The genetic infertility and "numbing" could not be engineered away, even when manipulating the genes at the atomic level. Somehow, inexplicably, the cells would revert. No detectable radiation or change other those wrought by the Jyril magic could be discerned. This set most of the leadership into a panic. The Kriar had given rise to their last generation and they as a race would have no more progeny. The only continuance the Kriar would have lay in the then living individuals. A continuance project immediately ensued, and all living Kriar went through engineering to effectively make their lives "perpetual". A renewal procedure was scheduled for all members so that psychotic ennui would not set in from too-long lives. At the time, there were already members from the second generation of Kriar who were already involved in a "perpetual life" program so it came as no shock to the general population when this course of action was chosen as a intermediate solution to the infertility conundrum. The Jyril curse became a new and powerful motivation in the lives of the Kriar. The resources of an entire race were now focused on discovering a means to defeat this disastrous attack. Plans to revisit an attack on the Jyril were immediately dismissed because it was deemed that there simply was too big a gap in the capacities of the two races, and any losses experienced would be permanent and irreplaceable. It was decided that the search for lore to rectify their problem would be sought in other universes. As one would hope, the ruling body had learned something from its mistakes, and was careful with the initial forays seeking information that might lead to a solution. The next cultural contacts were cautious and resulted in a minimum of disruption. An thus was begun "the great seeking". Agents of the Kriar homeworld scoured civilization after civilization looking for the choice bit of knowledge that would give them the key that would unlock the Jyril curse. With prime-directive protections back enforce the process was painfully slow and research stretched into decades, centuries, and millennia. Several hundred thousand fruitless cycles had passed when the Kriar found themselves entering a new universe. The universe of the Ring Realms. The followers of the still ruling Daergon decided that the process to discover the solution needed to be stepped up. The Kriar people were growing tired of life even with renewal. A decision was made to again abandon the prime-directive protections. With this new universe the Kriar soon discovered that they had their hands full. Not one but several races possessed not only the ability to resist, but the ability to inflict serious harm. There were the vicious and brutal Lokori who's immense strength and natural time-related psionic powers took many Kriar lives. There too were the Dreel and the Toroth who staged devastating invasions into Kriar outposts and even managed to get war parties in the soft belly of the Kriar homeworld. The Kriar defense forces trained harder, developed stronger weapons, and continued to press deeper into this new and extremely dangerous universal envelope. As they gained a toehold on the some of the richest core worlds they began constructing the gate system to allow better movement and study within the confines of Eternity. It was the activation of the gates and the scanning of the time-streams that were to prove fateful to the Kriar hierarchy. With their roots buried deep in the etheral flesh of eternity, the gates were seen as a threat by the time guardians. The eternals were dispatched to order the deactivation and dismantling of the Kriar portal system. The meeting with the arrogant Daergon did not go over well, and Koass promised that any further incursion would be deemed an act of war. A line was drawn in the sand and Daergon Surr was warned not to step across it. Daergon and his followers dismissed the warning of the eternals. After all there were only twelve eternals. What kind of threat could such a small force pose? The Kriar learned to their dismay that Koass and his followers could do a lot, and thus began the war with the eternals. No quarter was asked and none was given. Ship after ship was destroyed, often being brought down by only one of these curiously powerful creatures. Kriar were dying, and there was no hope for their replacement. Soon the Daergons realized that they needed to change their tactics. They needed a weapon to match the power of the eternals. Thus they engineered the creature Garfang, essentially a super-kriar with immense chronal, physical, and psionic power that drew upon the same sources of energy that the eternals did. With the future of their race at stake and smelling a possible solution to the Jyril problem, Daergon personally oversaw the Garfang project. He created a plan by which he could strike down all of the eternals in a single blow using their new secret weapon. Garfang was installed at Kriar way-point deep in the heart of eternal controlled space along with a battalion of the Shrike legion elite. Garfang was trained and prepared for the battle to come. Unbeknownst to Daergon, Garfang was far more self-willed than even the scientists who designed him knew. The powerful creature discovered what was planned for it after it had fulfilled its purpose. Garfang then developed plans of his own. Daergon's plan proceeded. He mobilized a significant number of his forces to the way-point to create a "final strike" opportunity for the eternals, hoping it would lure them in with the intent to cripple the Kriar's offensive capabilities. The ploy worked and the eternals' entire force arrived to strike a single retributive blow against the Kriar contingent. Summoning their energies, Koass led the coven of eternals in a ritual to create a single devastating blast that would destroy the entire way-point, all of the ships, and the Kriar within them. As the eternals prepared their attack, Garfang was deployed. However, the living weapon did not attack as had been originally planned. To the Kriar's dismay, he instead waited until the eternals began the attack before taking action. Using his immense powers, he turned their energies back against them, striking through time and dimensional space before they could react. In heartbeats, the defenses of the eternals were crumbling and the mass attack was on the verge of failing. The eternals gritted the attack out, thinking that their energies could overwhelm Garfang. The push grew, the summed powers of eternity growing in a devastating ball of energy, shoved this way and that between the coven of eternals and Garfang. Slowly, their attack was shoved back by the technically born powers of this super creature as he fed on more and more of their power. It was a fierce battle and the first one who blinked would be vaporized, and it was one of the lesser eternals, Yi Esperantil, who flinched. The balance of the coven shuddered and in a sudden flash the energy they had been directing against Garfang washed over them in a devastating and lethal wave. Detached from the coven, Yi herself escaped but the rest of her comrade eternals were destroyed. As this was happening, Garfang allowed the remainder of the eternal attack to pass him unimpeded. In an instant, the way-point screens were shattered, and the massive strike rained home destroying the Shrike Legion elite and the other forces stationed at the way-point. After the assault was over, Garfang disappeared, and the Kriar mourned their Pyrrhic victory. The incredible loss was simply too much to bear, and the ruling Daergonians were summarily dismissed for the massive blunder that had resulted in so much irredeemable death. The main contingent of Homeworld retreated back into inter-universal space to recoup and rethink its follies. Hundreds of millennia later a mage by the name of Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri would find and don a set of Kriar power matrixes once belonging to a certain notorious Kriar leader, and set him loose in the boundaries of eternity to wreak havoc. Through her contact with him she would eventually make contact with Ivral Techstar, the daughter of Gwensullin Techstar who would summon back the Kriar homeworld. This famous mage would eventually assemble the pieces of the shaladen amulet (the amulet of Tarkimaar) used by Koass Vinax to bind the eternals into a coven, and restore the shattered paradise stone that served as the key to all of the energies to eternity's heart. She would gain the powers of eternity and eventually begin restoring the bodies of the eternals. Thereafter, she would enact the most significant change in Kriar history. The lifting of the Jyril curse. Now as an outsider, Surr tried to foment discord on homeworld, but his efforts would eventually bring him into conflict with members of the Band of the Crescent Moon, and the new members of the Shael Dal. He would eventually meet his final end at the hands of Cassandra and a Jyril agent named Mira. svartalfheim sweetbark A heavy bodied cold climate tree that creates a sweet sap that can be turned into various confections. On earth, it might be confused for a maple tree. Swiftwing, Adwena Member of the Valkur, air-maiden of the "Ascendants" clan of Valkyries serving Ukko. Adwena was the second to Megan Vinax when she served Ukko. Adwena actually suffered more at the hands of Ukko than did Megan. Dorian persuaded Adwena to leave and it was Adwena's decision that triggered Megan to herself seriously consider separating from Ukko. Ukko's harsh punishment of Adwena for entertaining thoughts of leaving was one of the catalysts that moved Megan to break away. In the cycles after Adwena broke away, she took up with Desiray Illkaren Felspar and the two of them were very close--close enough to have children (something she could never do with Ukko even though the pantheon lord forced himself on her regularly). She and Megan remain tight like sisters, and it was this closeness that brought Adwena to the attention of the Koass and the eternals. They had a vacancy in ranks of the Shael Dal and Adwena was a powerful warrior and an elder currently without a cause. They asked her to join up and she accepted. Adwena is the surrogate for the eternal Yi Esperantil wielding the shaladen blade Krelstar. sylissian symbiote Literally, the word means 'to live together'. Many creatures in nature exist in a symbiotic relationship. The best example of this are insects and plants. Many varieties of plants rely on flying insects (like bees) to spread their pollen which results in genetic diversity which is necessary for survival. Some extremely advanced races create specially tailored symbiotic creatures to perform various tasks. One example of this is an organism that can be used as clothing. The creature itself is a colony organism that binds together into a non-porous "cloth". This living clothing feeds on the body heat, skin oils, dead skin, salts, and perspiration present in a humanoid creature. The colony creature also scavenges any metabolizable particles that come in contact with its surface, including hair, pollen, (dandruff =)), dust, and, of course, any trace amounts of food a sloppy wearer might spill on it. It is designed to absorb to break down or depolarize (disassociate) itself with many of other kinds of inorganic particles as well. In essence, this creates a "self cleaning" fabric. Added to this basic structure are "microdot energy capacitors" anchored throughout the body of the symbiote. These organic "batteries" store bio-electric energy and are arranged in a positive-negative lattice allowing them to repel or attract one another. Through this mechanism and the symbiote's own fibrous motility the fabric can be reshaped, creating a form of reconfigurable clothing. Kriar symbiote clothing is more sophisticated yet, employing discrete matter conversion nodes into the symbiote's body, allowing for more involved changes of the wearer's living attire. In her trip to Starholme Prime, Wren accidentally triggers some "hungry" first one symbiotic clothing. symbiotes synthezoid An entirely organic artificial creation. Used mostly in reference to artificial beings indistinguishable from natural born members of the target species. Similar to Clones (c.f.) but not necessarily using the cell template of a specific member of the target species. t'a'fugit The spell of spirit binding. The words actuallyly mean 'spirit in time' but this literal translation doesn't really capture the essence of what the spell does which is to transfer or bind a 'free' spirit into host body. t'a'kaas The spell of spirit attraction. This arcane enchantment is designed to draw a spirit from a body and siphon it into a gem repository. Usually, to prepare the spirit for transference to another host via t'a'fugit. See t'a'fugit. T'Evagduran, Janai (2nd Princess) Janai is Kalindinai's second daughter and around 500 cycles old. Of the Queen's three daughters, Janai is actually the most rebellious, however, unlike her younger sibling she is much better at hiding it. Janai has a reputation as a schemer and a hedonist, but is well liked in Malanian court despite this. The princess is well traveled and has significant holdings outside of Malan. She owns countryside keeps and apartments in Ivaneth, Corwin, and Coormeer. She also has holdings in Canth and Pedon. She is rumored to have a controlling interest of one of the Nomarian trade guilds. Both of Janai's husbands have died under suspicious circumstances. In both cases, the marriages had been arranged by her father. Her first husband died in one of the Realm wars. However, he died well inside territory controlled by Malan. A much decorated warrior, though the bodies of enemies were found around him. One court physician maintains the wound responsible for his slaying was actually an arrow shot. Evidence of this was never formally brought to the Malanian court however. Her second husband was slain in a magical duel. Strangely, both duelists were killed in the fight along with their seconds. The incident was considered a "freak accident of magical amplification". The fire-blast that hit the combatants was far in excess of what either Elf could generate. The families of the four slain men maintain that Janai had a hand in their death. This was never brought to court because it was well known that Janai possessed no talents in magic. Janai and Sarai constantly fence with each other verbally and socially, and though they openly display hostility toward one another, they are quick to rally in defense of one another. Janai has great deal of respect for her older sister Ryelle, to whom she gives more deference to than even her mother at times. Some sources speculate that the eldest sister Ryelle knows something about Janai that keeps the younger sister step and fetch... Janai is a natural with the bow, and takes top honors in any tournament she enters. She has beaten her father on two occasions who is renowned through the realms for his skill. Because her father takes losing badly, she has never again entered a tournament in which he was competing. Janai is a schemer and a hedonist. She has significant magical talents which she keeps secret due to certain obligations imposed on Malanian citizens who are mages. Janai has no children. After events in 'Neath Odin's Eye, Daena Sheento becomes Janai's One, much to the chagrin of the King and Queen. Same sex One's are not unknown, but regarded with some bemusement. Officially, Daena is Janai's ward prodigal. T'Evagduran, Jhaann (King) King T'Evagduran ascended to the throne of Malan 1116 summers ago at the age of 972, and has had a fairly peaceful rule throughout. Malan has fought many skirmishes, but the conflicts were short lived due to the military and magical might commanded by house T'Evagduran. Jhaann is reputed to be the best archer in all of Sharikaar. Only his daughter Janai can contend against him, and she does not participate in warfare. He has moderate magical skills and is capable of enchanting minor magic items. Jhaann married Kalindinai in his 115th summer of rule. He and his wife have been married for 999 summers. They have had three daughters. T'Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen) Queen Kalindinai became the bride of Malan 999 summers ago at the age of 1153. She is a well respected and regarded queen who travels extensively within the borders of Malan conducting affairs of state. Kalindinai is what as known as a wilder mage, possessing extraordinarily strong magical and mental abilities. Her skills are only equivalent to an arch-magi but the power of her magic is significantly greater. It is the Queen's participation in some of Malan's border skirmishes that have caused the conflicts to end so quickly. The Matradomma is a devastating warmage and capable of destroying entire legions. Because of her intimidating reputation, Kalindinai often conducts negotiations on behalf of Malan. Kalindinai has three daughters. T'Evagduran, Ryelle (1st Princess) Ryelle is Kalindinai's first daughter, born one summer after she was married to the King. Ryelle is 998 summers old. Ryelle is the steady daughter, who has always gotten along with both her parents. She is good at keeping her sisters under control when necessary, and get her sisters out of trouble when their stubbornness causes problems. Ryelle has never married though she has had several serious relationships that each time were thought would end in marriage. Her younger sister Janai maintains that she scares potential husbands away with talk of duty and loyalty to the affairs of the realm. T'Evagduran, Sarai (3rd Princess) Sarai is Kalindinai's youngest daughter and is 473 summers old. Sarai idolizes her father and was the only daughter to join the Malanian military. Disguising her identity, she entered the ranks as a common recruit and earned her way to high Praelor of the hippogriff elite before it was discovered she was in fact the crown princess. Because of this, she is well regarded and respected amongst the officers and regulars of the Malanian forces. Sarai is skilled in the sword and bow, and served in three cavalry campaigns. She has some minor skills in magic. Sarai is the most independent of the daughters, and very direct in her manner. It is this directness that causes her to clash with her father who feels a need to reign in his willful daughter. Shortly after her enforced engagement to Duke Myrgul Tradeholme, Sarai slipped out of Malan. She later found Bannor Starfist in borderlands and fell in love with him. They later decided to get engaged. T'Gor D'shar see D'shar, T'Gor. ta'arthak nola A savant of matter. Mandrimin is a famous Ta'arthak Nola. See Mandrimin. As savant of matter is able to affect the structure and volume of organic and inorganic matter, able to shape it or transmute it to their will. The Ta'arthak's perceptions allow them to recognize the constituent compounds and components of any object they see, and in so doing alter its cohesive properties and density. While Ta'arthaks can affect organic matter, their powers are far more effective against base materials, especially pure forms of base molecules, iron or gold for instance. These they can shape and manipulate with but a whim. Taath, Mishaka (princess) (avatar) Hated avatar of Hecate, and arch-nemesis of Wren Kergatha. Mishaka is the offspring of Lady Karn Taath, known as the Iron Queen. Baroness Taath was so evil and her children hellions of such magnitude she was dubbed 'the womb of abominations'. Mishaka was the most infamous and notable of the string of despots and witches birthed by the woman. Mishaka is around eight hundred cycles old and due to the influences of Hecate's powerful demiurge almost completely insane. tachyon Any of several theoretical FTL particles. taija Elvish. It means 'nice'. talonbows An Elven legion specializing in long range archery tactics. talonlancer A Elven legion specializing in spear and griffin-back riding. Talorin {Tal} Falor see Falor, Talorin. tan'acho The highest level of awareness and affinity with the forces of the cosmos. The Garmtur Shak'Nola can reach this affinity. Bannor briefly experiences Tan'Acho without knowing it while fighting Hethanon in a lakeside clearing. tanglefoot A common type of weed that acts as the name suggests. tao The spirit force of savants. The tao is a far stronger essence than that of a typical mortal, able to retain consciousness and identity for extended periods of time outside of a physical shell. The tao can all retain and capture the essence of mortal life-forces and keep them intact within its matrix, incorporating that pseudo-life into the host entity. tao-principles The philosophical essence of tao-training. See tao-training. tao-training A discipline that hardens the spiritual essence of the practitioner until they gain tao-like abilities similar to those of savants. The G'yaki clan of shadow warriors train extensively in tao hardening. Vera, who serves as a cook in the Felspar household is a G'yaki master. Tao disciplines have many benefits for both mind and body, the ability to go prolonged periods without sleep, reduced requirements for food and water, increased life-span, faster healing, to name only a few. It is said G'yaki tao masters can harden their bodies to the consistency of steel and can shatter anything from walls, people, to weapons with a single focused punch. targallae, ess Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen) Summary Queen of the Jhandris'Kul clan of Myrmigynes that reside in the great tree Duran'Gravar. Beia is a survivor of the Arcturan death spectacles, victor of 611 bouts, 7 losses and 12 draws. She wears the shadowbolt tattoo and in an acknowledged 12th circle grand master of the Jac Daw and Dan Sadad fighting styles. She is a renowned archer and hunter as well. See has a younger sister named Ess. Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri is her adopted 'clan sister'. History Beia has a long and sordid past. Raised in the arenas she new nothing but gladiatorial combat until the age of 26 when she escaped the arena's with the assistance T'Gor D'Shar. T'Gor had been drafted in the arenas as an outside competitor, lured there by promises of great weapons, fabulous wealth, and the best fight training available in the realms. Most of this being true if one could manage to win seven combats in a row-- which draftees rarely did. Beia served as an arena "ringer" or block-master an impossible opponent set up to defeat draftees so that they would be forced to continue their gladiatorial contracts. As a lifer, a pit fighter born in the arena, freedom could only be achieved by going one hundred battles undefeated. As Meridian Arcturan's star fighter, Beia suffered exactly one defeat every hundred battles through various tricks rigged by the evil mage. One of the conditions of defeating an opponent in the arenas is that the warrior may opt to take 2 of that person's belongings, or take that person into servitude. Part of Meridian's twisted arena schemes is that his riggers were often able to defeat their opponents without slaying them outright. These hapless people would be carted off the field hanging by a thread where revival magicks would be used to restore them to health. Each revival cost the contractee seven battles. So, in defeat not only did they still need to fight seven more battles, they owed seven more. As as result draftees rarely could rarely overcome the deficit of owed fights to earn their way out. T'Gor D'Shar fought for three years in the arenas, learning the Dan Sadad from various block-masters. He deliberately forfeited optional matches to maintain his contract but not dig himself into a hole where he could not win his way out. When he felt he had learned everything of value, he began his push to win his way clear of the arena. Unfortunately, T'Gor had become rather popular and had a reputation for winning all the big fights. When it looked like T'Gor would get himself free. Meridian arranged to have him fight Beia. The fight was vicious and Beia was more than challenged by this powerful draftee. However, her greater experience and wild animal power (plus a little rigging by Meridian) ensured that she defeated him. This being her six hundredth battle, Beia resented that Meridian had robbed her of a fair fight. She chose to take T'Gor's service rather than deprive him of his magic items. It was during this service time that T'Gor and Beia got to know one another. Both of them were mutually angry at Meridian's rigs, T'Gor for being duped, and Beia for being robbed of an honorable challenge against a worthy opponent. It was during this time that T'Gor convinced Beia to try to leave the arenas. Years of conditioning and abuse had made her believe that it was not possible to overcome Meridian. T'Gor believed different. His plan was to request a special challenge rematch and have Beia throw the fight. He would "kill" her and collect the body as his spoils. Of course, there was the little matter of winning six more fights. With Beia's additional training and coaching, T'Gor won the six fights and made the special challenge against Beia. It was this "special challenge bout" that brought Beia to the attention of Aarlen Frielos. Unbeknownst to Beia and T'Gor, the fight had been rigged so BOTH warriors would end up in a three way match and get defeated. This was known to the spectators but not the two warriors. It was Aarlen who made the gave the gift of Tariegron, the great battle blade to Beia right before the fight. The odds ranged from fifty to one to over a hundred-to-one against the two fighters surviving. The battle was horrendous, invisible block masters, monsters and a host of trickery was turned against them. However, Meridian had not counted on Tariegron's vorpul edge nor the determination of the two. When the dust had settled they had defeated four Rhinotaurs, a half dozen hidden block masters, and several other fighters. Gasping for breath, facing Meridian's box the two of them looked up at him defiantly. While Beia stood their glaring at the evil mage, T'Gor stepped back and slammed Beia across the back of the head, knocking her unconscious and "defeating" her for the seventh time. T'Gor claimed her "body" as the spoils. Emotions from this titanic struggle were so high and audience involvement so great that Meridian was forced to release T'Gor who in turn pulled Beia from the arena. After a brief stint with freedom and recovery, Beia and T'Gor would return to the arena to help others escape the rigged battles including Beia's younger sister Ess. On the outside Beia would go through a long recovery and acclimation process. She became "attached" to Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri after serving as body-guard for her in a few adventures. The gold mage and her friend Dorian would eventually soften the hard exterior of this cold fighting machine and bring out her real emotions and feminine nature. She would go on to make friends with Talorin Falor, and become the widely regarded teacher of pit fighting techniques. Tal would eventually persuade Beia in backing a campaign to destroy all of Meridian's arenas. Years later she would meet and grow close to Aarlen Frielos. tariegron tarkath Combat and engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a rear admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. Tarkath, Quasar Diliaysus see Diliaysus, Quasar (Tarkath). tarkimaar {amulet of} tarlonn Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a lieutenant. See also Kriar Ranks. Tarmagal Red-haired thief of the brethren guild who served as second to Vulcindra Rotiart. Tarmagal was noted for her fighting ability. Unfortunately, she was not good enough to survive the assault of the Cult of the Dagger. Tarrantil, Bertram Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the honorary Shaladen weapon Golnir. Bertram is the high Justicar of Ukko, the highest ranking law upholding religious figure on the continent of Sharikaar. Bertram is married to Desiray Illkaren Felspar for particular political reasons too complicated to enumerate here. Desiray is also married to Loric Felspar and Brin Ishtarvariku. Bertram has six birth children from a previous marriage to Thamara Narrimar. Recently Bertram married Val'Siden D'Tarin (the daughter of Lord Algernon D'Tarin). Bertram has close to thirty adopted sons and daughters. tarthane Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a senior chief. See also Kriar Ranks. technomagic technomancer Techstar, Gwensulin Mother of Ivral Techstar and one of the few living 2nd generation Kriar. One of the high counsels and close friend to Marna Solaris and Eladrazelle Delarn. techstar, gwensullin Techstar, Ivral Ivral Techstar is the youngest of the Kriar at (only 156,000 years old). Like the rest of her people she was cursed with infertility and sense deprivation by the Jyril. Complex genetic locks prevented the Kriar from cloning or engineering away the reproductive and sensory disorder. To ensure race survival Kriar extended their lives until a normal reproductive and evolutionary cycle could begin again. In early 1078 N.I.S Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar cured the Kriar gene lock using the power of Eternity. Ivral Techstar had previously come in contact with Cassandra because she had been seeking the Kriar's help in apprehending a rogue Kriar warrior (and political leader) named Daergon Surr. Also during that time Cassandra was still adjusting to the Kriar power matrixes that she had acquired during the quest against Hellzan. The stones had been "healing" her-- the end result being a slow metamorphosis to Kriar physiology. Through Ivral, Cassandra learned about the Jyril curse. She eventually decided to assist the race in reclaiming their normal evolution. A year later she did succeed and became an instant hero amongst the Kriar people. The Kriar government however was wary of Cassandra, this (to them) virtual infant had overcome in a single year what they had spent a thousand millennia trying to defeat. It was decided that a guardian should be assigned to the mage. Ivral being the youngest Kriar, and already knowing Cassandra, was selected to be that liaison. It was decided that "adoption" was the best way to give Cassandra legal citizenship on Homeworld and further assist in the Kriar hierarchy in keeping track of this powerful mage. Though initially the adoption was a matter of convenience, Ivral eventually came to know and care for Cassandra. After many millennia of being unable to reproduce, the Kriar psyche is rather preoccupied with procreation and child- rearing. To someone a thousand millennia old, Cassandra is still a child. Ivral by stages became in function as well as name-- Cassandra's mother. Dame Techstar (Ivral's birth mother), eventually became infatuated with her grand-child mostly because of Cassandra's daughters (Cassin and Annawen) who were children (in human terms) and born Kriar. The Techstar family has profited enormously by Cassandra's addition to their ranks, as the mage's "star status" among Kriar is worth a great deal in favors, media deals, and other "celebrity status" benefits. This, of course, certainly hasn't hurt Cassandra's popularity among the members of her adoptive family. telekenesis The manipulation of objects purely through the power of the mind. (see also Kenesis). telekenetic telekensis telekinetic A mental and magical energy capable of manipulating objects. telepath Used generally to describe a person who has telepathic ability. However, the word is also often used to distinguish a group of individuals with psionic capabilities that might or might not include telepathy. telepathed telepathic The ability to communicate via mental projection. The capabilities of telepaths ranges from simple impressions that can only be communicated across a room to creatures like the Eternals and pantheon lords that can physically control several creatures across interstellar distances. telepathing telepathy The ability to project / communicate via mental energies. See telepathic. teleport The act of teleporting. See teleportation. teleportation Magical teleportation was originally developed by Mandrimin (c.f.). The simple explanation is that it is a magical process which allows instantaneous transport between two locations. For the technical mage, teleportation involves two phases, the first being the extraction a simulcraic derivation of the source matter from chaotic space, then a fractal compression of the interpolated particulate helices is performed. The corresponding magical data is then compact enough to do matter / energy exchange with the target locale where the simulcra are reconstructed into their approximations. Note that the source and destination are no longer the same, but extremely accurate approximations created out of the templates located in mathematical space. [Complicated isn't it? That's why it takes special training to be a mage! ] teleported teleporting temporal Of or pertaining to Time. tenax Tenax (barony Of) Territory west and north of what used to be known as Northrealm. tenday Like it sounds-- ten days. tera-rev One trillion revs. see rev. terabyte One thousand gigabytes. terapsion Teritaani A human-like elder race that live in the remote parts of the Ring Realms. Aarlen Frielos is a notable member of the Teritaani. Terra Karlin-Falor see Falor, Terra Karlin. terra-force Another name for the energy of stone-- stone elementalism. See elemental. See also elementalism. terran Of or pertaining to earth of the Sol system. Terranath, Damrosil Damrosil is a 2nd generation member of the Band of the Crescent Moon. She has free-booted across many planets and participated in numerous adventures. Damrosil was a longtime companion of Tiernia Nirvanae and the two of them had numerous encounters with the Dream Merchants and their operatives. Damrosil and Tiernia grew apart in their later years as Tiernia settled down to build a bard school. Damrosil went on to fight in the Arcturan Death Spectacles and made the acquaintance of Beia Targallae. Damrosil escaped the arena and shortly thereafter assumed leadership of the Jhandris'Kul clan of Myrmigynes. Several years later, Beia also escaped the spectacles and returned to her home among the clans. Itching to begin adventuring again, Damrosil willingly stepped down from her seat as queen and gave the position to Beia. It was shortly after this period that the Eternal Yi began the reformation of the Protectorate with the help of Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri Felspar. By that time, Damrosil had already found the Shaladen blade Cybersong. Since Damrosil had bonded with the weapon, and few better warriors existed, the protectorate asked her to join their ranks. Damrosil accepted. Damrosil has the distinction of being the first of the indoctrinated warriors of the Shael Dal. Tournament details: All-World's Tournament of 1089, winner 14th circle, All-World's Tournament of 1093, winner 15th circle, placed in top 10 of unlimited play in 5 entered tournaments. Damrosil is a veteran tournament warrior with over 312 victories at various ranks. She spent some years in the Arcturan Death Spectacles and has trained extensively with Beia Targallae. Beia and Damrosil often compete in tag-team unlimited class tournament play. When together they have never failed to place below the top 10. Terrantil, Jahnny Daughter of Bertram Terrantil. Terrantil, Kahless Son of Bertram Terrantil. territaani tesseract First coined by Madame L'ingle in A Wrinkle in Time. Defined as the act of folding space to cross large distances. A corrupted version of this is an isolated area where four physical dimensions exist. thane Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to an ensign. See also Kriar Ranks. thane'kar Engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a junior lieutenant. See also Kriar Ranks. Thanos Frielos See Frielos, Thanos. thaumaturgic circle A circle for the performing of ritual magic. Theln Azyogos See Azygos, Theln. thistlewings Thor Lord of the living lightning, son of Odin and Jord, pantheon lord of war and ally to mortals. Thor is the husband of Sif, and has two sons Magni and Modi. Thor flies on his chariot pulled by the goats Tanngrisni ("gap-tooth") and Tanngnost ("tooth grinder"). Thor sometimes wears the belt Megingjard which doubles his already considerable strength. At one point in 'Neath Odin's Eye he loans this belt to Bannor Starfist. Thor's home hall is Bilskirnir, which is located in the region Thrudheim ("place of might"). thornflower A rose by any other name... Thrudheim The territory where the pantheon lord Thor lives, and where his hall Bilskinir is built. thrusters (generic) low speed jets for adjusting the attitude of a vessel. tieshu time guardians Agents of eternity who specifically defend the chronal frontier from various threats both natural and created. time/space The fabric of the cosmos, the fundamental associativity that binds matter and causality. timediver A person capable of moving through time. See timelord. timediving timeflow timegate A gate which allows perception of (and perhaps travel to) different events in the past. timeline An abstract concept that describes the flow of events that form a temporal causality. timelines timelord A mage, psionicist, or technomancer with the ability to travel in or manipulate the fabric of time. timequake The reaction caused by altering an event in time. The storm of changes which occur after the event changes. timequakes timescan The act of looking back in time in a particular area to gleen information, and sometimes sample material evidence. timescape The body and dimensional existence of non-consecutive time. timeshadow A visual impression of events left by fragments of displaced time. timeshadows timestreams timewinds A figure of speech, the "flow of time". timewipe The act of disrupting the chronological continuity so that it is impossible to timescan an area. Time wiping obviously does not remove the events from the time-stream, so a persistent time diver can actually dive back to point of the events of interest. However, since all time-diving has a certain element of risk, and that effective anomaly compensation is difficult to come by. Time-wiping is deemed an effective deterrent against everything except the most powerful chronomasters. Tiraka The starship commanded by Dulcere Starbinder when she was attacked by the eternals and was forced to make planetfall. Titaan One of the core worlds of the Ring Realms, the planet from which the Band of the Crescent Moon hails (among others). titaanian titles/honorifics There are many uses of title and honorifics in the fiction of the Ring Realms. This chart lists most of them collectively. [%@import('titles.html')%] torn'fratar A Teritaani fighting demonstration which combines many different disciplines into a single prolonged shadow-fighting exhibition. The torn'fratar is actually a corruption of the Toran'Ta Frataar practiced as a test by Numinorian warriors to demonstrate a working knowledge of the different attack and defense techniques. traba A variety of root Wren uses in a magical concoction that makes Irodee's hair grow. trackazoid trackazoids Also known as the Hyssta, a reptilian race which possesses natural time-diving capabilities. The Hyssta are an elder race and extremely hostile to other cultures. The Hyssta are carnivorous and use lesser mammalian species as cattle. Tradeholme, Edmund (King) King of the realm of Ivaneth. transition realm The void between normal space and chronal disassociation. A physical interpretation (dimension) that exists between all time-lines, essentially buffering space between co-existing realities. Where each temporal reality has its own local physics and logic, transition space is common bridge between them. translator (generic) Any device which makes possible inter-communications between non-like speaking individuals. transphase Transphase is the transition state between real-space and subspace. A point at which the variances in matter shift from lineal decay to non-chronological stasis. The state of 'timelessness'. transvectoral Transvectoral is related in concept to inter-vectoral time/space. Where inter-vectoral deals with relativism in subspace, transvectoral reflects the pseudo-temporally while undergoing transphase. Time divers who spend a lot of time moving through parallel times and spaces begin to pick up a 'transvectoral charge'. Their bodies and equipment sublimate the unique transphase energies. Once these energies build up to a certain point, time diving becomes difficult and anomaly compensation begins to break down. Worse, if the transvectoral charge is allowed to build up, the actual molecular structure of the diver's body and equipment begins to disintegrate. treant Magical forest creatures that resemble animate trees. Triatus The smaller of Titaan's two moons, characterized by its reddish color. It's color gives this moon its nickname-- the demon's eye. trilithon Tristar, Gwenafra Half Kriar mage and wielder of a magically altered Kriar master gate key. Like Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri, Gwenafra put on some Kriar matrix stones, unknowing of the changes they would ultimately make in her. Unlike Cassandra, Gwenafra didn't have access to the tools and technologies necessary to remove the stones when the changes started to become undesirable. The changes were many cycles along before she was able to properly get the change under control. It wasn't until many decades later after she met Cassandra that she was able to truly satisfactorily resolve the issue. Gwenafra continues to wear the stones to this day, enjoying the protections of the stones the same way a full blood Kriar might. Gwenafra is a skilled loremage and student of the Kriar timegate network. She currently wields the spirit talisman Cataract belonging to the eternal Jarella Kepsforia. Being three centuries old, Gwenafra is one of the more "senior" members of the Shael Dal. truespeak A form of magic which allows the divining of truth. Powerful forms of this magic can enable to wielder to see into a person's past and speak general facts (highlights) about their lives. Loric true-speaks Wren Kergatha enabling her to learn her family name. Tuffala, Grahm Wren's contemporary in the thieves guild of Corwin. Grahm died when the cult of the Dagger overran the Brethren guild that she and he were trying to defend. Grahm lives on as a ghost-like impression in Wren's memories. For more on Grahm, see savant's Blood. tuvan Derogatory term used by Myrmigynes to refer to outsiders, presumably those with little to no actual skills. Terran cowboys use the words 'green horn' and 'tenderfoot' in a similar context. tween-realm same as tween-space or transition realm. see transition realm. tween-space Same as tween-realm or transition realm. see transition realm. Tymoril Dragon that traveled with Kegari. She accompanies Bannor extensively while he is in Gladshiem. See also Kegari. Ukko Pantheon lord, god of the atmosphere and lord of the Vanir. Ukko is to the Vanir what Odin is to the Aesir. Laramis and Irodee serve Ukko as avatars. undead unicorn Equine appearing mammals that have a single spiral horn. Unicorns are uncommon but can be found in faery forests throughout the Ring Realms. unidiameters Shortened version of "universal diameters" or span of a universe. A typical universal pocket is considered to be about 400 billion parsecs across. upload To send information (data) to another location via some form of communications link. urakai The largest and most prevalent breed of orc that live on the continent of Sharikaar. Val'saedra, Dulcere Starbinder See Starbinder, Dulcere Val'Saedra. Vale, Corim Erik Corim Vale is a well-known tournament competitor, scholar, and treasure hunter. He is also a devote in the ways of Mataya, following the lore-knight's code of ethics. In 1094 at the Blackstar Tournament he was overall winner in three events. He has an exceptional tournament record spanning 253 bouts, 211 victories, 31 draws, with only 12 losses. For several cycles Corim toured the tournament circuit, using his winnings to further his studies and finance his treasure hunting. In the various tournament towns he would tell stories, pass along information, and teach on various subjects making him known as a kind of pseudo-bard. As a solo adventurer he was moderately successful, not easily able to penetrate deeply into the wild lands without the support of an entire exploration group. All of the magic items in his personal arsenal are the result of those explorations. Corim's solo treks in the wilderness were sharply curtailed when he ran afoul of a large and rather irritable green dragon. The creature did it's best to eat him but soon found his sharp sword and tournament honed strength made him a rather unpalatable meal. The encounter left scars on the fighter that will not be soon forgotten. One of Corim's unusual abilities is his unusually strong metapathic talent. Metapaths, like empaths, can sense the emotions of others, however metapaths actually manipulate the emotions and mental states of others around them. Corim comes into this ability unusually late in life, and the first manifestations of the talent are raw and uncontrolled. When unfocused, this talent can evoke an instinctive hostile reaction in the creatures it touches. This caused Corim quite some trouble until Cassin Kel'Ishtauri Felspar and Annawen Kel'Ishtauri Felspar help him get the ability under control. Not long after the dragon incident, Corim decided to take root and formalize his scholarly studies. He heard that the Falorian academy for warriors paid its instructors well and decided that it would make a good substitute for constantly wandering from kingdom to kingdom pursuing the various tournaments. With his tournament record in hand he set out to qualify for the coveted 7th circle teaching position. It was in the school that he made the acquaintance of Ceraph, Talorian Falor's Elf talent scout. Due to the effects of Corim's metapathic ability, Ceraph becomes infatuated with him. It is also around this time that Corim has an encounter with Beia Targallae. It is shortly thereafter that Corim becomes involved with Meridian Arcturan and the Death Spectacles. A combination of good looks, gentlemanly propriety, and metapathic talent makes Corim an unintentional lady's man. He becomes involved with Ceraph, catches the eye of Annawen Felspar, and even gets the ancient belkirin Dulcere to notice him. It is Dulcere who Corim falls in love with, other entanglements aside. The young man's troubles do not end there. In the pursuit of Meridian, and his attempt to avenge the "death" of his friends that Corim chases down Rakaar Steelsheen. On the Baronian's starship Corim encounters and frees the war-mage's battle-nurse Senalloy. After the combat which takes Rakaar's life, but seriously injures Corim, Senalloy sets her eyes and Desires on him. Eventually, the Baronian's forward and lascivious behavior becomes a wedge between Corim and Dulcere. By the end of the events in Shaladen Chronicles: A Knot In Time Corim has been indoctrinated into the ranks of the Shael Dal, and has been temporarily given protectorate enforcer beta status in the wake of Aarlen Frielos' breakdown. Aarlen's mental patterns have taken residence in Corim's body, and the Shaladen Stellaraac now answers his call... Valhalla The outer realm to which warriors who have died honorably go. Valkyries personally bare particularly noble warriors to their final resting place. See Valkyrie. valharesh valharesh {clan} Valharesh, Bertrand (lord) Elder brother of Queen Kalindinai T'Evaguran and noble member of one of the ruling houses of Malan. Though the Valharesh are only a recent (in Elf terms) addition to the circle of ruling houses, Bertrand is extremely concerned with Elven purity and the separation of Elves from other races. This attitude is mostly likely due to the death of his youngest sister Draline Ryelle Valharesh (Note, Kalindinai's eldest daughter is named Ryelle--this was an memorial tribute to her younger sister.) Draline died in the Kingdom Corwin. The young noble Elf had fallen in love with a human, and became with child. The man who was fairly high in the Corwinian noble houses was much persecuted for taking an Elf woman as a consort. Draline underwent several demeaning experiences which infuriated her parents and especially her brother, Bertrand, who already didn't like humans much. Draline died in childbirth but was survived by their infant son who was named Kham. Draline's death hit the Valharesh family hard, but Bertrand seemed to take it the hardest, blaming her foolish and demeaning association with humans, as the source of her demise. Since Draline's death, and several bloody campaigns with Corwin, Bertrand's hatred of humans grew even more pronounced. Bertrand has become focused on expunging all outsiders from Malan. The lengths to which he would actually go to accomplish this are unknown. Valharesh, Draline Ryelle (Lady) Draline is the deceased younger sister Queen Kalindinai T'Evaguran. Draline dies in child-birth, and is survived by a son named Kham. Kham lived many summers, but much of what happened to him remains unknown. Valharesh, Ellistan Ancient forebear of House Valaharesh and long time companion of Theln Azygos of the Kriar dasta Fabrista. Because of her centuries long ties to Ellistan the powerful Kriar matriarch (who is one of a few Kriar who practice magic) serves as the mage patron of the descendants of house Valharesh. Theln is the magic master who apprenticed both Queen Kalindinai and her daughter Janai. See also Azygos, Theln. valkur The race of winged creatures to which the valkyries belong. Valkurum The hierarchy within which the Valkyries are organized. See Valkyrie. valkyrie Winged warrior women who serve both the Aesir and Vanir. They have many immortal qualities but are not truly immortal like their masters. These winged women come in all shapes, sizes, skin, and hair colors. There are three major recognized sects of Valkyrie which comprise the Valkurum, the 'Chosen' who serve Odin, and the 'Ascendants' who serve Ukko. The third group, the 'Bloodguard' also serve Odin, but they are not 'true' Valkyrie in the sense that they 'earned their wings' as the other two sects did but are instead magical creations that did not 'ascend to heaven' as did the other two groups. Both the Chosen and the Ascendants revile the Bloodguard, especially since they receive favored status without having earned it. This situation was only worsened when Ukko began using them as well. valkyries Plural of Valkyrie. See Valkyrie. valkyur valsiden Vanidaar Kergatha See Kergatha, Vanidaar. vanirian Of or belonging to the Vanir. See Aesir. Varheath Lake Lake in the northwestern part of the barony of Tenax. Source of Branager's river. varkath Combat and engineer grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a vice admiral. See also Kriar Ranks. varlonn Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a lieutenant commander. See also Kriar Ranks. Varon, DacWhirter Ironfist see Ironfist, DacWhirter Varon. varthane Combat grade rank in the Kriar military equal to a master chief. See also Kriar Ranks. vasar vassistor vatraena Vatraena Solaris, Marna see Solaris, Marna (Vatraena). vector-language A mathematical subset of Kriar speech specifically tailored for describing proper motion coefficients in N-dimensional space. The understanding of vector-language requires both an extensive education in vector-calculus and Kriar synapse-array conditioning. Synapse-array conditioning is a process performed by Kriar cybermeds which super-enables the discreet portions of the mind that perform math. Part of the conditioning specifically adapts a section of the mind to perform matrices and polynomial integration. This treatment is what allows Kriar time-divers to perform the proper motion coefficients for N-dimensional space translation without the assistance of a cyber. vector-speak Same as vector-language. see vector-language. Vectra A dagger of flight enchanted by Cassandra Kel'Ishtauri. Wren Kergatha uses Vectra in several battles. Velastra A baker who runs an open air bakery in the Hill Court merchant venue in the capital of Malan. Rumored to be among the best in the nation. Bannor and Wren sample her wares in Eternal's Agenda. Velosse A mage from Cosmodarus who helps Wren and her mother Euriel Kergatha in their assault on the forces of Mishaka and Hethanon who were then controlling the Cosmodarus baronial mansion. ventrils Term used by Gaia (the blue sister of Gaea) in Child of Ascendants. What it means is only obliquely answered by Gaea. Since it was used in reference to two ascendants who could access Starholme Prime and the Wellspring Eternal, it is assumed refer to an access to the subetheral paths. Vera Hoshihana See Hoshihana, Virasama Takara {Vera}. vexhel Intelligent spells embedded in the fabric of eternity. They are primordial spells that are functions of the power of Gaea who is laced through out the subpaths of the cosmos. The ancient firsts could use vexhels to do complicated arcane tasks (like teleportation) through pure force of will. Maehr Cateye demonstrated several vexhels in her short existence while possessing the body of Wren Kergatha. vibro-weapon Similar to disruptor (c.f.) a weapon which utilizes a static field of energy to hyper-excite the molecules touched by it so as to give far greater damaging power. Vilesilencer Mythic appellation given to Loric Felspar of Numanor during his crusade against the pantheon lords of the abyss. See Felspar, Loric. See also Felspar clan. Vinax, Koass The prime commander eternal of the Universal Protectorate. Koass has a a wife named Megan, and two step-daughters Ralani and Silvia. Vinax, Megan Active member of the Shael Dal wielding the Shaladen blade Sharonsheen, wife of Supreme Commander Vinax. After the revival of the Eternals, Megan was the first mortal to become part of the Alpha rank Protectorate by marriage. Megan was once the personal second of the pantheon lord Ukko. As an air-maiden she upheld the Valkur law and represented the ranks of the 'ascendants' sect of Valkyries (the 'chosen' serve the pantheon lord Odin, Ukko's brother). However, during a period of time when Dorian Degaba Felspar and Thamara Narrimar Tarrantil were doing duties for Ukko at the behest of Bertram Tarrantil they became aware of certain "abuses" going on between Ukko and the Ascendants-- particularly in the case of Megan and also her close friend and colleague Adwena. Due to the abuses she witnessed, Dorian tried to convince Megan and Adwena to leave Ukko. Megan having served the lord for millennia was of course loyal to him. Ukko got wind of Dorian's attempts to persuade the two Ascendants away from him and in truly arrogant fashion made statements to the effect of 'owning' the Ascendants, and Megan and Adwena in particular. His behavior worsened, and more and more light was shown on how little freedom the air-maiden's truly had even though lip-service had been given to them being a part of Vanir pantheon. Because of the pressure of these new happenings, and some truly brutal fallout as a result of the spectres that Dorian had uncovered, Megan was eventually persuaded to leave. For some time, she and Dorian were very close, especially in the inconsolable times shortly after she chose to break from Ukko. The two of them gradually grew apart because Megan wanted a monogamous relationship, and a more committed partner. Megan finally got her wish when Koass Vinax proposed to her in 1087. They are finally married in 1089. Megan has two children with Dorian, Ralani who Dorian foathrad, and Silvia who Megan foathrad. Megan remains close to the Felspar clan, and her children school with the other clan children. Her daughter Ralani is particularly regarded amongst the children for her leadership qualities. Vinax, Ralani Kiverina Armadoi Daughter of Megan Vinax foathraed by Dorian Degaba Ishtarvariku. Ralani lives with and is in the care of her step father Koass Vinax and his now current wife Megan. Megan is an ex-airmaiden for Ukko (a pantheon lord related to Odin). The air-maidens are a clan sisters to the "Chosen" clan of Valkyries. In her natural form, Megan has wings. Her daughter Ralani has inherited this trait. She and her cousin Siriena are within hours of each others age. They were born only a few weeks after Cassandra's triplets Lorrik, Radian, and Celek. Both Ralani and Siriena are well regarded in the Felspar clan. They are both consume students of war and personal combat. Virasama Hoshihana {Vera} See Hoshihana, Virasama Takara {Vera}. void Of or pertaining to space. Voldroth Speaker for a unit of Odin's Bloodguard Valkyries. Voldroth and Kylindria of the Chosen apparently have some history and, ahem, bad blood. vorpul Weapons possessing a 'vorpul' edge are said to possess a 'perfect' edge that can (under the proper circumstances) cut through even hardened metal. Beia's spear Eboneye possesses a vorpul quality edge. The krill blades created by Loric Felspar, such as the one wielded by Desiray Illkaren Felspar, have a 'lesser' vorpul edge. The shaladen blades of the eternals have what is termed a 'greater' vorpul edge sometimes called an 'annihilator' edge that can carve through virtually any material (provided there's enough power behind it). vosta Myrmiqyne language. It is a reciprical to greeting much like 'to you too' or 'to you as well'. Example: Kaola! (Welcome). Kaola vosta! (Welcome to you as well.) vralczarr The battlestaff wielded by Aarlen Frielos. Vralczarr is said to rival the power of even a shaladen blade. This is probably an exaggeration. However, because the staff commands the energy of skharvarren the energy of spirit destruction, it is definitely a far worse weapon to be killed by. Vralczarr imbues the wielder with enhanced strength and resistance to injury and can stop most forms of energy attacks. It has numerous magical powers including the ability to dominate minds. Vratague Kriar Daergon who seduces Bertrand Valharesh, and nearly kills Bannor, Sarai, and Queen Kalindinai. Vratague is noted as being extremely attractive except for a single star-shaped scar around her left eye. Vratague is a belkirin rank soldier who learned her fighting and military skills from Eclipse Shargris just after the Kriar/Jyril conflict. Vulg One of the mages who assisted Meridian in his assault on the Protectorate through time. Vulg along with all the other mages who helped Meridian are slain in a blast from a bomb thrown by Rakaar. Actually, Vulg and Shamada die before the rest because Talorin Falor cuts their heads off with the shaladen blade Nova. Wallar (Captain) Soldier in the Southrealm army that Bannor first served under. warmage A mage specializing in warfare and battle magic. Often war-mages are trained in the martial arts and in weapons mastery. They are typically trained tacticians and strategists as well. When employed by a Kingdom or territory, war-mages often act as generals and lead the troops into battle, devastating the enemy ranks with their magic. warmaster Warmaster is a title accorded (or simply assumed) by veterans with extensive combat experience, usually mercenary experience. warp 1) any fold or distortion in space. 2) A unit of speed used in the Star-trek genre. 3) The field around a vessel (in the Star Trek universe) which makes FTL travel possible. warpdrive The propulsion system which produces the warp field and makes FTL travel possible for vessels in the Star Trek genre. Warstar Name of the shaladen blade first wielded by Tal Falor and shared with Dominique Ariok. Due to some friction between Algernon D'Tarin and his eternal master, Nethra. With the agreement of their boss eternals, Tal and Algernon agreed to switch blades and responsibilities (Tal didn't have any problems taking orders from a woman). The blade Warstar confers immense physical strength to the wielder allowing them to perform truly herculean feats of muscle. The blade also has the ability to stasis (freeze in time) any creature it comes in contact with. See shaladen. warwand A general term for any weapon used in battle. watercloth A densely woven cloth noted for its ability to retain water when treated with wax. It has a smooth texture similar to silk. Watercloth is often used in the manufacture of cheap but serviceable bedding. waterleaf A spidery plant with dozens of stems that grow up out of the bottoms of ponds and shallow lakes. The stems end in large leafs that can be up to a pace across that float on the surface of the water. waypoint The term waypoint in general means a spot on a map passed in or to reach a destination. The Kriar also have installations called waypoints that act in a similar fashion. The giant spheres two or more leagues across rest in deep space far outside the gravitational pull of any star. They act as beacon, rest stop, trade center, and repair and refueling depots. Usually playing host to sub-etheral bore holes and gate arrays, these giant artificial constructs stabilize and map the surrounding space creating attenuated matter corridors for FTL (faster than light) ships. Wejah, Chojo See Hoshiwejah, Chojo. weregild The practice of wereguild places a value on every being and piece of property a clan might have. Sometimes known as "man price". If property was stolen, or someone was injured or killed, the guilty person would have to pay weregild as restitution to the victim's family, their clan, or to the owner of the property. This primitive mechanism was a way of mitigating cycles of revenge by giving clans a way to save face when wronged by a rival. This practice has also been called blood money. A payoff to accept the killing or humiliation of a family member instead of them seeking retribution. Westros Mountain range that marks the border between Ivaneth and Corwin. whipwood A narrow reed like plan that grows in fens and marshy terrain. These small trees grow anywhere from a pace to several paces tall. They are characterized by the lack of branches, but extremely durable and flexible bole. white-seal A term used in the Kriar military indicating a document or situation that is of a classified (secret) high priority nature. whitebark A narrow pale-barked tree that grows at medium and high altitude distiguishable by its white skin and oblong leaves that grow in clusters that rattle in the wind. Whitelock Alias for Desiray Illkaren Felspar. See Felspar, Desiray Illkaren. windsbane, kas torin wired A term used for anyone with extensive cyber-enhancements. Witherwood, Darthal A half-Teritaani man on the trade counsel of the fourth alliance. He challenges Aarlen Frielos during a board meeting (much to his regret). woodgod A general way of describing the power of nature and natural spirits. It is used prejoratively a The Woodgod meaning nature incarnate. woodsclan General term for a ranger detachment in service to the king. Bannor Starfist was an officer in charge of one of the Tenax Duchy's woodsclans. woodscraft A term used to describe people who know outdoor survival skills such as hunting and tracking. work-station 1) a powerful computer designed for high resolution graphics and high speed mathematical computation. 2) Any generic computer console (c.f.) world-gate A rift in space/time that bridges the gap between two distant locales. worldgate Wren Kergatha See Kergatha, Liandra "Wren" Idun-daughter. Wysteri Level 8 mecha healer (cybermed) who escaped the Karanganoi Baronian's with her sub-net. She and her fellows end up in the employ of the T'Evagduran family. wysteria wyvern A vicious dragon-like reptile that has a prehensile scorpion-like tail with a barbed stinger at the end. Wyvern poison is not very potent in small quantities, but deadly in larger doses. Xenos Shadowstalker See Shadowstalker, Xenos (King). Xersis Honorary shaladen wielded by Bannor Starfist as a surrogate for Advocate Eternal Koass. Bannor shares Koass' powers with Megan Vinax. Xersis has special significance as it is Koass' personal weapon from the 'before time' and was the paladin commander's weapon through fifty campaigns. yadiz yadizians Yamah A Kriar combat healer (mecha) serving Quasar. Yggdrasil The world tree said to support the nine worlds of Gladshiem which include: Asgard, Ljossalfheim, Midgard, Svartalfheim, Hel, Jotheim, Muspelheim, Vanaheim, Nifelheim. Yggdrasil is both a metaphor and incarnation representing life and living things. If Aesirian lore, Odin allows himself to be spiked to Yggdrasil in order to gain knowledge. The great tree of Yggdrasil does exist in a territory deep in the heart of Gladshiem near the realm of Asgard. Magic gates built within the hollows of this mammoth tree provide access to the aforementioned realms above. Note: Hel & Nifelheim are synonymous with the same general world (territory)-- essentially the high rent / low rent sections of the land of lost souls administered by the dark goddess Hella. Yggdrasil is also the name of the clan of oldest the most powerful clan of pantheon lords to settle in Gladshiem. Idun Yggdrasil is the only survivor of that clan. See also Yggdrasil(1). Yggdrasil(1) Disambiguation. Yggdrasil is also the name of the clan of oldest the most powerful clan of pantheon lords to settle in Gladshiem. Idun Yggdrasil is the only survivor of that clan. See the entry under Aesirs And Vanir (origin) for the details of that clan's rise and fall. yggdrasilians Yi Esperantil See Esperantil, Yi. Yolagg One of Hecate's avatars, and leader of the avatar coven that attempted to destroy the entire Band of the Crescent Moon, plus the other players of the great game. Damay Alostar, Aarlen Frielos, Wren Kergatha and Desiray Illkaren-Felspar combined their powers in order to overcome the avatar trap. The end result was the dissolution of Yolagg and nine other avatars. Whether they were permanently slain is currently unknown. Yuukenko G'yaki shou who represents Sagiwara in the judgement contention concerning the offenses of the jissentenki against sub-clan Hana. Yuukenko is a specially trained infiltration / impersonation specialist skilled at disguising G'yaki style combat. Zarthel Benwarr See Benwarr, Zarthel. zersis Zeus Pantheon lord, ruler of the Olympian pantheon. Ziedra Skyedoom See Skyedoom, Ziedra. Zortach Sword used by Corim Erik Vale for most of his tournament wins. Zortach is later reforged by eternal Czar, and changed into an honorary shaladen that Corim uses as a surrogate for eternal Foross. See Vale, Corim Erik.