Glossary of Terms
Words and terms used in the books. Additions to this page will be on-going.
Use your browser search function (Ctrl-F) to find terms and their definition.
To request additions, leave a message through Etaski.com. Etaski's patrons may also message her through Patreon.
Jump to letter:
A
B
Beco
an undefined figure of the Red Desert, a trickster creature that no one knows is real or not. Often blamed for lost items, heat mirages, or strange happenstances and coincidences. (Origin: Regional: The Red Desert Davrin and Zauyrian)
bekil
a Draconic word for a desert or land with an arid climate (Origin: To'vah ).
Series Note: This is a word uncommonly known. Draconic as a language is spoken by very few sentients on Miurag, for the opportunity to learn it effectively usually comes directly from one with Dragon blood.
bua
a Dark Elf word for any male of this race. (Origin: Davrin)
Cultural context: Alternative words for a bua are only in relation to his female relatives, as sons, brothers, or mates (see also: consort, sire). "Bua" can be used derisively but is as often just descriptive or used in place of his name to get his attention. Buas are assumed to be young as most do not live to the age of the most powerful females. The Davrin do not have a current word for an elder male as most do not live past 300 years.
C
cait
a Dark Elf word for a younger female (usually less than 300 years) who has not borne a child. (Origin: Davrin ) See also: mata, matron, grandmatron.
consort
a Dark Elf word for a male publicly claimed by a female as her companion/sexual partner for however short or long a time. A female may choose to have one or many consorts at one time. (Origin: Davrin ) See also: bua, sire.
cycle
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one day. (Origin: Davrin )
Chenkyte
a neutral entity of unknown origin, neither Hellish devil nor Abyssal demon but often mistaken for both by mortals, due to its unmatched and horrific zealotry in both inflicting and experiencing pain and alteration of the body to a spiritual level, which many Chenkyte call "The Art." The entity may also be called a "chain devil." (Origin: unknown )
D
Dark Sight
Races capable of "seeing in the dark" are using energy movement in the absence of light to perceive the shapes and depth of their environment. This view is almost always without color unless influenced by a divine being. See also: Radiants.
Deathwalker
In the Serenity Era, a Deathwalker is a mortal mage that transcends death and experiences a sort of rebirth in service of Nyx. Among new tasks and duties among the living, they also guide the dead through the Nexus. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic.)
Series Note: a Deathwalker in Sister Seekers has strong ties to the Greylands thanks the influence of the Ma'ab and is capable of traveling to the Nexus itself, with or without their body, depending on the preparation.
Before Serenity Era: A Deathwalker was commonly known as a mortal practitioner of death magic in service to the Grey Maiden, often acting as a shaman or cleric in their community. They provided last rites and communed with the dead, giving a soul the push it often needs to leave Miurag and transition to an Eidolon of the Greylands. Deathwalker magic and rituals helped to summon further assistance from Nyx's agents in the Greylands on behalf of their dearly departed.
See also: Timeline
druid
a sentient mage with a realized magical affinity to plants and animals.
E
Eidolon
A physical manifestation of the soul within the Greylands, primarily made of Vis and lacking most of its Vitas. See also: Ghost (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic.)
F
flick
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one second. (Origin: Davrin )
G
Ghost
The incorporeal or semi-incorporeal manifestation of the soul on a plane outside the Nexus. See also: Eidolon. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic. )
grandmatron/Grandmatron
a Dark Elf word for an elder female (600+ years) who has borne at least one child who has also borne a child. This is easier to track with daughters than with sons and carries more weight when a daughter bears another daughter to make three generations of females living. (Origin: Davrin)
Cultural context: Grandmatron is also a posthumous title granted a Noble Matron upon her death.
guardsvrin
a Dark Elf word for a Davrin guard, overseer, or sentry. (Origin: Davrin )
Cultural context: this word is gender neutral on account that many non-mageborn commoners female and male become guards if they are not selected to serve in another capacity.
H
Hilsav
a breed of horse native to the Red Desert. Highly prized for its swift gait and tolerance of heat, the Hilsav comes in many colors but all are easily recognized by the near-metallic sheen of its incredibly short-haired coat when standing in sunlight.
I
Ilharn
a Dark Elf word for a male primary caretaker of a child. This can be the blood-father or an adopted father-figure. Series Note: archaeic, forgotten after the exile from V'Gedra. (Origin: Davrin )
J
Jennu
a Draconic word for "great one" or a prefix to a title, meaning someone auspicious and worthy of respect (Origin: To'vah ).
Series Note: This is a word uncommonly known. Draconic as a language is spoken by very few sentients on Miurag, for the opportunity to learn it effectively usually comes directly from one with Dragon blood.
K
Kiabil
a Draconic word for "companion." This name is gender-neutral and, while considered significant, does not necessarily require a sexual bond. The word indicates that the Kiabil has enough trust from the Dragon-blood to influence the magic of his Hoard in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. (Origin: To'vah ).
Series Note: This is a word uncommonly known, used among To'vah and their offspring as an honorific to identify a member of a younger race with a recognized bond to a specific Dragon or Dragonchild. It can also be used as a term of endearment by the To'vah blood if appropriate.
L
Lich
A magic user that has 'transcended death' through their own abilities, remaining anchored to Miurag despite becoming some form of undead. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic. )
M
mage
a sentient born with a magical affinity which has become realized to some level, with or without training from other mages. See also: druid, mystic, priestess/priest, sorceress/sorcerer, wizard.
Maknuut
Ma'ab mages in the lowest Maggot Caste, a native slur meaning ‘bitter blood,’ as they are treated as of little more than tools to be used by one more talented and educated. (Origin: Ma'ab )
See also: The Ma’ab & Greylands Influence on Miurag
mark
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one hour. (Origin: Davrin )
Cultural note: this measurement comes from the incremental marks made on a candle to measure the time it has been burning.
mata
a Dark Elf word for a younger female (usually less than 300 years) who has borne at least one child. (Origin: Davrin)
matron/Matron
a Dark Elf word for a middle-aged (300-600 years) or elder female who had borne at least one child. (Origin: Davrin)
Cultural context: Matron is also an inherited title for the lead female of a Noble House, even if she has not yet birthed a child. The title is only granted upon the death of the previous Matron.
mind flayer
Sometimes called a "flayer." The top sentient race of the Deepearth, powerful in psionics, live as a "hive mind" with an Elder Mind in control. See also Ornilleth, or Races: Ornilleth (exclusive content until Book 15)
mystic
a sentient mage with a realized ability to access uncontrolled knowledge of their world through astral experiences, i.e. visionaries, prophets, oracles, dreamwalkers.
N
O
Ocuirar
a Draconic word for "oracle" or "far-seer." (Origin: To'vah ).
Series Note: This is a word uncommonly known. Draconic as a language is spoken by very few sentients on Miurag, for the opportunity to learn it effectively usually comes directly from one with Dragon blood.
Ornilleth
the top sentient race of the Deepearth, powerful in psionics, live as a "hive mind" with an Elder Mind in control. Distinctive features include large, all-white eyes, grey-purple skin, an oblong head lacking nose or ears, but with grasping tentacles hanging from the mouth, and a tall, gaunt, bipedal form. See also mind flayer, Races: Ornilleth (exclusive content until Book 15)
P
priestess/priest
a sentient mage with a realized affinity to the "divine" magics, i.e. gains magical benefit from any greater being willing to grant stronger magical expression and influence for worship.
Series note: A divine being suggests no particular moralty, but is instead a being with power beyond most sentient's ability to achieve and has made themselves known to mortals.
Q
Qobor
a Dark Elf word for a middling rank among the Blade Singers of House D'Shauranti. Series Note: archaeic, forgotten after the civil war. (Origin: Davrin )
quad-span
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one month. (Origin: Davrin )
Series Note: one span equals eight cycles, with four spans in a quad-span. On the Surface of Miurag, this means each month has 32 days.
qu'essan
a Dark Elf word for a daughter born to the Queen. Plural: qu'essanil. (Origin: Davrin )
R
racha
a Dark Elf word for a resilient and ubiquitous insect found everywhere in their city, especially in areas of higher refuse. They are flat, long, black, and quick. (Origin: Davrin )
Radiant
a Dark Elf word for the energy which lies outside detection of visible light. (Origin: Davrin) Races capacle of "seeing in the dark" are using Radiants in the absence of light to perceive the shapes and depth of their environment. See also: Dark Sight.
raza
a Dark Elf word for female genitals, particularly the visible folds. More often used in coarse company. (Origin: Davrin )
Revenant
A ghost (See also: Slaugh) motivated by vengeance who has claimed a physical form. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic.)
S
Sargt
a Draconic word for "guardian." (Origin: To'vah ).
Series Note: This word is uncommonly known. Used as an honorific mostly among the Dragons and those sentients who are aware of and recognize their role on Miurag.
Shadow (ref. death magic)
Incorporeal or semi-incorporeal manifestation not linked to any individual soul. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic.)
sire
a Dark Elf word for the male acknowledged by the female as the breeder for her child/children. (Origin: Davrin)
Cultural context: Physical likeness and inherited magic can make the sire of a mata's child difficult to deny, but it is not unusual or even necessarily a negative that the sire may be unknown (if there are simultaneous consorts, for example, or if the female is lying for reasons of her own and there is not enough convincing evidence or motivation for another to refute it).
Slaugh
A hungry ghost resulting when a soul begins to self-cannibalize its Vis to sustain itself, losing what personality and memory it once had. A Slaugh can become a threat to souls who lack the knowledge or will to protect themselves, attempting to possess and consume the Vis and Vitas of the living. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic. )
sorceress/sorcerer
a sentient mage with a realized affinity to the arcane magics, i.e. those which are the result of expanded study and experimentation with magical auras and enchantment which can, to some extent, be recorded and taught among peers.
span
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to week. (Origin: Davrin ).
Series Note: a week in Miurag has eight days instead of seven.
syvis
a midday rest or sleep, especially to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day. (Origin: Regional: The Red Desert Davrin and Zauyrian )
T
tick
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one minute. (Origin: Davrin )
To'vah-krav
a Draconic word for "Dragonchild." (Origin: To'vah See also Races: To'vah-krav ).
Series Note: This is a word uncommonly known, used mostly among the Dragons and their offspring, plus those individuals of younger races who interact with them.
turn
a Dark Elf measurement of time in the Deepearth approximately equivalent to one year. (Origin: Davrin )
U
uroan
a Dark Elf word for a large, dull-witted beast of burden. These animals are bred for food and labor and most closely resemble a hairless ox with thick, grey skin. (Origin: Davrin )
V
Valsharess
the Dark Elf title for the Queen of the Davrin. (Origin: Davrin )
Vis
One of two main parts of a soul, manifesting in the memories and will of that living sentient. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic. )
Vitas
One of two main parts of a soul, manifesting in the life energy and motive force that allows growth and change. (Origin: The Nexus, most frequently used among those studying death magic. )
vith
a Dark Elf word for the excrement from large beasts of burden, aka dung. Also used as a curse. (Origin: Davrin )
W
Wargan
an informal Ma'ab title for a commander or leader of a close-knit "pack" of warriors or guards. This is usually the oldest male or the male that has been on the most campaigns outside of Ennikar. This can apply to an elite and highly-specialized group such as the Hellhounds or can apply to the oldest male operating a prison. It does not apply in the larger operations of the army, as a "pack" usually only counts as 5 to 25 men. [Origin: Ma'ab]
Series note: This rank may be informal and unofficial but still has great power and is used as a compliment in Ma'ab culture. Wargan is meant to recognize a warrior who has survived many fights and has successfully formed closer bonds with his direct subordinates, always by sharing one or more females in a group fertility ritual on at least two proven occassions. A Wargan is helping to heighten group loyalty and the overall fertility of the Ma'ab people, thus are valued by their superiors as leaders outside the capital. Among the Ma'ab, few males are a destructive to the fabric of their society as a "loner" who fights his brothers over females and tries to keep them to himself.
wizard
a Dark Elf word for a male sorceress, strictly of cultural importance to engender magical studies and imply status.
Series note: There is no functional difference between a wizard and a sorceress/sorcerer.
