Vol. 1 of the Shazzwick of Land Trilogy by Ka-Yee Essoe
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Address to the Island
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Libre)
A formal public speech that Libre’s Governor delivers, annually on the morning of the first winter moon.
Aestiva (Queen)
- Pronunciation: ee-STEE-vuh
- Category: Character Name
The elven monarch of Pensa’dor, resides in Palacio Draconi at the Capital City of Pensa’dorei.
ai’ren (愛人)
- Pronunciation: aye ren (ài rén)
- Category: Relational Term
A term used in Yan’zhou for spouses and long‑term, exclusive consorts, similar to amada/amado in elvish.
Alejandro
- Pronunciation: al-eh-HAN-droh
- Category: Character Name
The aged topaz kerasis captain who is the great grandson of the late bond of Ayaisha of Macrofauna, and addresses her as ‘Gran‑Grand Auntie’.
Alexandra Savannah
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s sister-friend (nickname: Alex), sister of Pat. A Librean human business-woman who owns a flower shop in the Elmsborough Market. Married to Mason, and they call three boys "the troops."
Amy
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Wife of Nicco the veteran manor guardsman; Librer, human, female.
avatar
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Magic /Force
A blood-and-flesh vehicle created by a Sister of Macrofauna, which an Unnamed can summon, inhabit, and dismiss in order to be tangible to those who come and go.
Ayaisha of Macrofauna
- Pronunciation: eye-AY-shuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Ayth of Time
- Pronunciation: AY-th (rhymes with faith)
- Category: Character Name
Mysterious and powerful, She of Time is as scarce to the Unnamed as the Unnamed are to those who come and go. One of a kind, even the Unnamed are uncertain if she is one of the brethren or another form of being altogether.
B
Bandura
- Pronunciation: ban-DOR-ruh
- Category: Place (Peasnya)
A prosperous imperial state in Peasnya; Prince-of-Duke Volodymyr’s home nation.
bask
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
Collective noun for beastly red dragons, referring to a close-knit social unit.
Beleza (Lady)
- Pronunciation: beh-LAY-zuh
- Category: Character Name
The author of The Insider’s Memoir of the House of Jarh’ri: Dark Elf Society High and Low (a rare tome documenting the society and customs of nox society). Nox, female.
C
Caballero
- Pronunciation: kab-uh-YAIR-oh
- Category: Character Name
The false surname the Thrakes provided to Captain Kratovil .
Cardyte of Ore
- Pronunciation: KAH-dyte
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Gephria.
Cath of Land
- Pronunciation: KATH
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Gephria.
Cathian
- Pronunciation: KATH-ee-un
- Category: Character Name
The name of the elven persona that Cath of Land takes on, to live amongst the nox in Vence’dorei.
Collection of the Beautiful
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Vence’dorei)
A nox custom described in the Memoir, where powerful Vence’doreians collected beautiful specimens from other races.
Connor
- Pronunciation: KON-uh
- Category: Character Name
The false surname Magnolia and Lu-Wah adopted when they moved to Libre.
Convocation of Ambassadors
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Government (Libre)
A temporary, fluid governing body in Libre’s Ministry of Diplomacy consists of formerly and currently deployed ambassadors. They convene semi-annually to elect senior diplomatic officials, especially those who will be entrusted with selecting trainees for future ambassadorship.
Copper Dragon’s Breath
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A tavern located on Willow Creek (a thoroughfare of the City of Libre), visible from Magnolia’s little house.
D
Damia the Victor
- Pronunciation: DAH-mee-uh
- Category: Character Name
A formidable Vence’doreian general; nox, female.
Daysha of Water
- Pronunciation: DAY-shuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Dayus of Land
- Pronunciation: DAY-us
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Yan’zhou.
E
Elenore
- Pronunciation: EL-uh-nor
- Category: Character Name
A girl of pleasure in Sycamore near the docks; adopted mother of Baby Jo; Librer, human, female.
Elion
- Pronunciation: ELL-ee-un
- Category: Character Name
Yulania Thrake’s (Magnolia’s maternal grandmother) adopted son, twin of Teon. Elf.
Elionnette
- Pronunciation: ell-ee-on-ET
- Category: Object
Magnolia’s toy copper dragon.
Ellen (Ms. Ellen)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Wife of Kevin the manor guardsman; Librer, human, female. She and Kevin befriended Shari and Magnolia when Kevin was a city guardsman.
Elmsborough
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A neighbourhood in Libre, located between Sycamore and the Manor of Libre where the governor resides.
Envoy Assignment Chamber
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Government (Libre)
The governing body under Libre’s Ministry of Diplomacy, where Magnolia serves as Deputy Chair. The Chamber selects candidates and votes on envoy postings/ assignments.
Ethian the Mighty
- Pronunciation: ETH-ee-an
- Category: Character Name
A warrior in the platoon that Michelia Thrake (Magnolia’s mother) leads; elf, male.
F
Felise
- Pronunciation: feh-LEES
- Category: Character Name
A beautifier in the District of Sycamore in Libre; Librer, human, female. One of the unwitting rumourists Alex manages, mentioned alongside Salma.
feng (鳳)
- Pronunciation: fèng
- Category: Species
The males in an intelligent species of magical birds as rare as earth dragons, but more common than dryads. The females are called Huang (凰). The birds resemble peacocks in shape and sexual dimorphism, but with feathers like silvery snow. The species signifies peace and concord, for they aided the end of an intercontinental war millennia ago.
Feng’guo (鳳國)
- Pronunciation: Fèng Guó
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
An imperial nation whose name means, transliterally, “the Land of the Fèng Huáng” (see feng). Feng’guo spans the southwestern coastline of Yang’zhou and is known for its black pearls and white jade.
Feng’guoian
- Pronunciation: fung-gwoh-ee-un
- Category: Demonym
An adjectival demonym meaning ‘of Feng’guo’ (e.g., Feng’guoian white jade).
First Brother
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Title
A title Shazzwick of Land uses to refer to the Cath of Land.
firstborn’s sapphire
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Pensa’dor)
A purple sapphire. The gift of the firstborn of the House of Thrake.
Forest Guards’ Feat of Arm-Wrestling
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Libre)
A public arm-wrestling event run by the Forest Guards at the Copper Dragon’s Breath.
foxtrot
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Husbandry
A smooth, four-beat broken diagonal gait, where at least one foot is on the ground, reducing bounce.
fresh-catch position
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Legal
A secure but uncomfortable posture in which dangerous prisoners are held–the right ankle is chained or shackled to the left wrist, and left ankle to the right wrist. Due to the associated discomfort, international law only permits captives to be kept in this position until they can be thoroughly searched and disarmed.
G
Gate Armonía
- Pronunciation: ar-moh-NEE-ah
- Category: Place (Pensa’dorei)
Pensa’dorei’s southern gate.
Gathering
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Unnamed)
A formal assembly of the Unnamed where collective decisions are made.
Gephria
- Pronunciation: JEFF-ree-ah
- Category: Continent
A continent where Pensa’dor and Vence’dor are located. The birthplace of the elves and the nox.
Gift of the Firstborn
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Pensa’dorei)
A Pensa’doreian tradition in which a parent passes an heirloom to their first child of the same gender when that child comes of age.
Gran‑Brisa
- Pronunciation: gran-BREE-zah
- Category: Character Name
Yulania’s cousin; elf, female; fondly remembered by Magnolia for playful visits and stories about Palacio Draconi.
H
Hansen, Reginald (Professor)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Professor of Literature at the University of Libre; Librer, human, male.
Hao-Lan Yang (楊皓嵐)
- Pronunciation: how-lahn yahng (Hào Lán Yáng )
- Category: Character Name
A professor of literature from Feng’guo University. Yang: A surname meaning “willow.” Hao-Lan: A given name meaning “a brilliant white mist.”
Harmony Park
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A small park in Elmsborough (a neighbourhood at the heart of the City of Libre) with spokes-shaped paths celebrating the races that founded the city. Formerly called Unity Garden, it was unironically renamed Harmony Park after the Race War drove the non-human races from Libre.
Hong’guo (鴻國)
- Pronunciation: Hóng Guó
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
Lu‑Wah’s homeland; an imperial nation (literally ‘Great Kingdom’).
Hong’guoian
- Pronunciation: hong GWOR-ee-an
- Category: Demonym
Demonym/adjective for someone or something from Hong’guo.
Hon-Mahn Lau (劉瀚文)
- Pronunciation: Laou Hon Mahn (Lau4 Hon6 Man4)
- Category: Character Name
Lead Councilwoman of the City State of Wan’hoi, a metropolis that leads the world in naval prowess and nautical technology. Lau: a surname meaning “a slayer’s blade,” or “to conquer by force.” Hon-Mahn: A given name meaning “vast knowledge and literary prowess.”
House of Valcon
- Pronunciation: HOWS ov VAL-kon
- Category: Other
The ruling house of Vence’dor whose signet is a falcon with spread wings. The monarchs are always female nox, and reside in the Valcon’s Keep.
Hutchin (Minister of Diplomacy)
- Pronunciation: HUTCH-in
- Category: Character Name
The head of Libre’s Ministry of Diplomacy where Magnolia works.
I
incompleto
- Pronunciation: in-kum-PLEE-toh
- Category: Other
A derogatory term used by the nox for other races.
Insider’s Memoir of the House of Jarh’ri: Dark Elf Society High and Low
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Culture (Literature)
A rare tome Authored by Lady Beleza, documenting the society and customs of nox society. Also called ‘the Memoir’.
Intercontinental Trade Treaty
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Legal
A major trade treaty. Qin Lu-Wah is noted as having brokered it when he was eighteen.
intertwine (intertwining)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Magic /Force
A form of telepathy, unprecedented and tied to a prophecy.
J
Jasiri
- Pronunciation: ja-SEE-ri
- Category: Continent
“The Land of Bravery,” the arctic continent from whence the dwarven races originate. Jasiri welcomes people of all races who can endure their harsh winters and appreciate their famed epic poems.
Jezzera
- Pronunciation: JEZ-er-uh
- Category: Character Name
Vence’dorei’s Chief Mage. A warrior mage who consolidated other mages into the League of Warrior Mages. Nox, royalty, female.
Ju’he (菊河)
- Pronunciation: Jú Hé
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
Transliterally, “the Chrysanthemum River.” A major river named for its murky yellow water. Shallow and wide, Ju’he’s long route makes it the key to Yan’zhouian culture and commerce, its sediment rich annual flooding nourishes Yan’zhou’s breadbasket region, making it the heart of agriculture.
K
Kalyre
- Pronunciation: KAH-lyre
- Category: Character Name
Ayaisha’s bond, deceased. A Librean poet-songwriter, many of whose works have survived and are still beloved to this day, including the melody to which the Librean Anthem is sung. A male aquamarine kerasis with platinum hair, black ram horns, and ruby eyes.
kerasis (pl. kerases)
- Pronunciation: KERR-uh-sis; KERR-uh-seez
- Category: Race
One of the horned races (alongside satyrs) with vibrantly coloured skin in any colour of gems.
Kevin
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Veteran Manor Guardsman; husband to Ellen; Librer, human, male. He and Ellen befriended Shari and Magnolia when Kevin was a city guardsman.
Kratovil (Captain)
- Pronunciation: KRAT-oh-vil
- Category: Character Name
The captain of the galleon that takes Magnolia and Lu-Wah from Pensa’dorei to Libre in Chapter 1. Amber kerasis, female.
Kwon, Su-Jung (권수정)
- Pronunciation: Guan Soo-Jung
- Category: Character Name
A diplomat and war strategist; described as a former scholar-ruler and adviser to the Resistance. Kwon: A surname meaning “authority” or “power.” Su-Jung: A given name meaning “crystal.” Dwarf, female.
Kyaisha of Macroflora
- Pronunciation: kye-AY-shuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Kyle
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Head of Manor Guard. Librer, human, male.
L
Last-Physician
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Title
An inquest doctor responsible for recording causes of death.
Lau, Hon-Mahn (劉瀚文)
- Pronunciation: Laou Hon Mahn (Lau4 Hon6 Man4)
- Category: Character Name
Lead Councilwoman of the City State of Wan’hoi, a metropolis that leads the world in naval prowess and nautical technology. Lau: A surname meaning “a slayer’s blade,” or “to conquer by force.” Hon-Mahn: A given name meaning “vast knowledge and literary prowess.” Human, female.
League of Warrior Mages
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Military
A dark-elf military unit consists entirely of magical warriors. Led by Lotus, commanded by Chief Mage Jezzera.
Libre
- Pronunciation: LEE-breh
- Category: Continent
A small island‑continent. “The Land of Freedom” was first colonised by the dwarfs for its productive librium mines. After the only Race War in recorded history, the island became a democratic republic bearing the same name, inhabited by only the human race but maintains dwarven naming conventions.
Librean forest hornets
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
A dangerous, palm-sized hornet species from Libre’s forests, with smooth stingers can deliver repeated stings, as painful as “hot nails driving into one’s flesh.”
Librean
- Pronunciation: LEE-bre-un
- Category: Demonym
An adjectival demonym meaning “of Libre”.
Librec
- Pronunciation: Lee-brick
- Category: Currency
The large denomination of currency of Libre. A average week’s wage is 8 Lebrec.
Librers
- Pronunciation: LEE-brehz
- Category: Demonym
People of Libre.
librium
- Pronunciation: LIB-bre-um
- Category: Nature, Magic /Force
A valuable ore/metal mined and smelted in Libre with various magical properties priced by multiple industries (e.g., garment, cuisine, metal), but especially in weapons and arms.
Lin (林; Co-Chancellor)
- Pronunciation: Lín
- Category: Character Name
A late co‑chancellor of Wing’fong; executed by Lotus.
Liu, Qing-Ping (劉清平, Professor)
- Pronunciation: leeu ching ping (Liú Qīng Píng)
- Category: Character Name
Tao Xin-Mei’s husband; a marbled-roan satyr professor with expertise in history and strategies. Liu: see Lau. Qing-Ping: A given name meaning “lucid purity and serene peace.”
Lotus
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Head of the nox League of Warrior Mages. Female.
Lu Lei Jiu (鷺淚酒)
- Pronunciation: loo lay jyo (Lù Lèi Jiǔ)
- Category: Food /Drink
A Wing’fongian wheat-and-barley whisky; the name means “Heron’s Tears Liquor”.
Lucas Connor
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
The false name Lu-Wah uses in Libre.
Lu‑Jing Qin (秦鷺靖; Prince)
- Pronunciation: loo jing (Lù Jìng)
- Category: Character Name
A royal of Hong’guo, the king’s, Lu-Wah’s cousin. Lu-Jing: A given name meaning “a heron in its peace and stability.”
Lu-Wah Qin (秦鷺華)
- Pronunciation: loo wah (Lù Huá; Ceon4 Lou6 Waa4)
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s father; a human diplomat/ ambassador born of Hong’guo, later the Governor of Libre. Lu-Wah: A given name meaning “a heron in its magnificence.”
Lu-Yi Qin (秦鷺逸)
- Pronunciation: loo yee (Lù Yì)
- Category: Character Name
Lu-Wah’s younger brother, who has gone into hiding in a village near Wing’fong. Lu-Yi: A given name meaning “a heron indulging in its leisurely flight, eluding the bounds set against its freedom.”
Lyaisha of Microflora
- Pronunciation: lie-AY-shuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Lysha of Air
- Pronunciation: LIE-shuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
M
Macrofauna
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
The domain of animals/living creatures large enough to be seen by the naked eye.
Macroflora
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
The domain of stationary life large enough to be seen by the naked eye.
Magdalene Connor
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
The false name Magnolia uses in Libre.
Mage of Rinnah
- Pronunciation: RIN-nuh
- Category: Character Title
Someone (singular/plural ambiguous) featured in a prophecy known to the Unnamed. Rinnah means ‘songs of rejoicing’ in the Unnamed’s tongue.
magnolia grandiflora
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
A magnolia species native to Gephria, which grows to a towering thirty meters. The dryad Myra is bound to the specimen in the Thrake’s garden.
Magnolia Thrake
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
An elf-human hybrid born in Pensa’dorei. Daughter of Michelia Thrake and Qin Lu-Wah. Nicknamed ‘Mags.’ Uses the false name of Magdalene Connor in Libre.
Mags
- Pronunciation: Mags
- Category: Character Name
Nickname for Magnolia.
Manasa
- Pronunciation: MA-na-sah
- Category: Character Name
An earth dragon (i.e., copper dragon) of Libre.
mavet’maen
- Pronunciation: MA-vett-maaen
- Category: Magic /Force
A magic-like force associated with death and corruption, that can, in specific circumstances, stay the perception and power of the Unnamed.
mavet’maenic
- Pronunciation: MA-vett-maaen-ik
- Category: Magic /Force
That which is associated with mavet’maen.
mavet’oyeb
- Pronunciation: MA-vett-to-yeb
- Category: Character Title
A person who wields mavet’maenic forces.
Memoir, the
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Culture (Literature)
Insider’s Memoir of the House of Jarh’ri: Dark Elf Society High and Low. Authored by Lady Beleza. A rare tome documenting the society and customs of nox society.
Merriwether
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Other, Person Name
The brand of a Librean family who make high‑quality equestrian gear.
mi’amada
- Pronunciation: mee ah-MAH-dah
- Category: Relational Term
An elven term of endearment, meaning “my beloved”, feminine form.
mi’amado
- Pronunciation: mee ah-MAH-doh
- Category: Relational Term
An elven term of endearment, meaning “my beloved”, masculine form.
Michelia Thrake
- Pronunciation: mi-SHIL-lee-uh
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s mother; a stealth warrior with the rank of Lieutenant in the Pensa’doreian military; epithet: “Michelia the Fierce”.
michelia-alba
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
The namesake of Michelia Thrake. A small, ivory-coloured flower, a cousin of the magnolia. Both Michelia and Magnolia wear a parfum made of this bloom, but each from their local cultivar.
Microfauna
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
The domain of animals/living creatures too small to be seen by the naked eye.
Microflora
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
The domain of stationary life too small to be seen by the naked eye.
Ministry of Diplomacy
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Government (Libre)
Libre’s institution responsible for diplomacy, headed by Minister Hutchin.
Monte Dansa’lobeira (狼舞山)
- Pronunciation: MON-tei DAHN-sa lo-BAY-rah (elvish); Láng Wǔ Shān (S. Yan’zhouian)
- Category: Place (Intercontinental)
A mountain range whose name means “the mount where wolves dance,” separating the continents of Yan’zhou and Gephria.
morning ink
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Food /Drink
A name, in jest, with which Magnolia’s family refers to the strong tea she prefers.
Mount Kei’leun (麒麟山; Qi’lin’shan)
- Pronunciation: Kei4 Leon4 Saan1; Qí Lín Shān
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A Yan’zhouian midland mountain named after the region’s cherished pair of qi (麒, a male member of the species) and lin (麟, a female). See qi’lin.
Mount of Liberty
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A forested mountain, central and largest on the Continent of Libre, the backdrop of the City of Libre.
My Hero, He’s at Sea
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Culture (Music)
A Librean tune performed by a quartet at the Address to the Island.
Myra
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
The name for the dryad, which she has never told to those who come and go.
N
na’phil
- Pronunciation: nah-FIL
- Category: Race
A magical race, most members are animalistic during in the present time, widely despised for their propensity for sadism, greed, lack of empathy and altruism. Able to perform long‑distance teleportation carrying small objects. Their magic is often accompanied by a distinctive scent akin to sulphur (‘rotten eggs’).
na’phillian
- Pronunciation: nah-FIL-ee-an
- Category: Magic /Force
A person‑for‑hire to send items/letters quickly across continents via na’phils whom they have contracted.
na’phillic
- Pronunciation: nah-FIL-ik
- Category: Magic /Force
Adjectival form relating to a na’phil (e.g., ‘na’phillic scent’).
Navalny (Ambassador)
- Pronunciation: nah-VAL-nee
- Category: Character Name
Bandura’s (an imperial state in the Continent of Peasnya) ambassador to Libre. Human, male.
Netta
- Pronunciation: NET-uh
- Category: Character Name
A she-wolf, mother-leader of the pack living in the forest north of Libre’s governor’s manor.
Névoa (Queen)
- Pronunciation: NEH-voh-ah
- Category: Character Name
The current Queen of Vence’dorei, inaugurated the year before Chapter 3.
Nicco
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Veteran Manor Guardsman; husband to Amy; Librer, human, male.
North Rose Garden
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A garden on the grounds of Libre’s Governor’s Manor.
nox
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Race
A race of achromatic elves, ‘those of the moon and the night’; biologically identical to other elves. Even the Unnamed cannot distinguish nox from elves except visually and behaviourally. The nox are referred to as “dark ones” or “cursed ones” by the elves, and “dark elves” or “cursed elves” by other races.
O
On’shing (安城)
- Pronunciation: on-shing (On1 Sing4)
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A city state whose name means “the City of Peace and Stability.” The scholar-ruled city’s long history of peace cultivated its vibrant economy and art scene. It is most famed for its woodwork, from string and woodwind instruments to ornate river vessels.
P
Palacio Draconi
- Pronunciation: puh-LAH-see-oh dra-KOH-nee
- Category: Place (Pensa’dorei)
The monarch’s seat for Pensa’dor. A castle wherein Yulania and Gran‑Brisa enjoyed their childhood adventures.
Pascal
- Pronunciation: pa-SCAL
- Category: Character Name
The so-called “Wizard of Libre”; comically absentminded and clumsy, and not known for his competence in his magic. Human, male, middle age.
pâte‑à‑choux
- Pronunciation: pat-ah-SHOO
- Category: Food /Drink
A light, pan-stirred and pan-cooked pastry dough, puffs dramatically when baked.
Patricia Callahan
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s sister-friend (nickname: Pat), sister of Alex. A Librean human scholar, Professor of Panthropology, Dean of Colleges at the University of Libre.
Peasnya
- Pronunciation: PEES-nee-yah
- Category: Continent
“The Land of the People of Songs,” from whence the horned people—the satyrs and kerases—originated, but is populated by people from every race and continent.
Pensa’dor
- Pronunciation: PEN-sah-dor
- Category: Place (Gephria)
An imperial nation founded by the elves, comprised of citizens from every race and continent.
Pensa’dorei
- Pronunciation: pen-sah-DOR-rey
- Category: Place (Pensa’dor)
The capital of Pensa’dor built within a rainforest, whose name means “City of Thinkers” in ancient elvish.
Pensa’doreian
- Pronunciation: pen-sah-DOR-ray-an
- Category: Demonym
An adjectival demonym meaning ‘of Pensa’dor’ or ‘of Pensa’dorei.’
phylactery
- Pronunciation: fy-LAK-tuh-ree
- Category: Magic /Force
An object through which a mavet’toyeb returns from death.
Poetic Dwarfs
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
The former name of the western path in Unity Garden (see Union Garden).
Prefect Counsellor for Diplomatic Strategy
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Title
Magnolia’s role within Libre’s Ministry of Diplomacy.
President Mesmer
- Pronunciation: PREZ-ih-dent MEZ-muh
- Category: Character Name
President of the Librium Traders’ Guild, noted for leading the standing ovation. Human, male.
prime na’phils
- Pronunciation: PRYM NAH-fils
- Category: Race
Extinct. The most powerful of the na’phils castes, powerful enough to travel by magic with another person.
prince-of-dukes
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Title
The Peasnyan noble title of Volodymyr.
Pryzius
- Pronunciation: PRY-zi-us
- Category: Character Name
A mavet’toyeb. Human, male.
pu’erh
- Pronunciation: poo-air
- Category: Food /Drink
A strong tea. The most valuable variety are harvested from the highland old-trees of eastern Libre.
Q
Qi’lin’shan (麒麟山; Mount Kei’leun )
- Pronunciation: Qí Lín Shān; Kei4 Leon4 Saan1
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A Yan’zhouian midland mountain named after the region’s cherished pair of qi’lins.
qi’lins
- Pronunciation: chee-linz (Qí Lín in Southern Yan’zhou, Kei4 Leon4 in Norhtern Yan’zhouian dialects)
- Category: Species
Qi (麒, male) and lin (麟, female) are intelligent, magical beings as rare as dryads. They have been observed in various forms—elk-like bodies with heads like lions and tails like oxen, or ox-like forms with heads like dragons and tails like lions—but always quadrupedal with cloven hoofs and fine, iridescent scales. Signifying kindness and humaneness, qu’lins so gentle that their hoofs never harm plants or insects.
Qin (秦)
- Pronunciation: Qín
- Category: Character Name
A surname meaning the “thresher of grain.” The surname of Hong’guoian royalty.
Qin, Lu‑Jing (秦鷺靖)
- Pronunciation: loo jing (Lù Jìng)
- Category: Character Name
A royal of Hong’guo, a son of the king, a cousin of Lu-Wah. Lù Jìng: A given name meaning “a heron in its peace and stability.”
Qin, Lu-Wah (秦鷺華)
- Pronunciation: loo wah (Lù Huá; Ceon4 Lou6 Waa4)
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s father; a human diplomat originally from Hong’guo, later the Governor of Libre. Lu-Wah: A given name meaning “a heron in its magnificence.”
Qin, Lu-Yi (秦鷺逸)
- Pronunciation: loo yee (Lù Yì)
- Category: Character Name
Lu-Wah’s younger brother, who has gone into hiding in a village near Wing’fong. Lu-Yi: A given name meaning “a heron indulging in its leisurely flight, eluding the bounds set against its freedom.”
Qing-Ping Liu (劉清平, Professor)
- Pronunciation: ching ping leeu (Qīng Píng Liú)
- Category: Character Name
See Liu, Qing-Ping.
quercus myrsinifolia
- Pronunciation: KWUR-kus mir-sin-ih-FOH-lee-uh
- Category: Nature
The species referenced as the first tree to which Myra the dryad was bound generations ago.
R
reach
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Magic /Force
A customary way the Unnamed prepare to converse: a telepathic probing that allows them to gauge another’s surface emotions and thoughts.
Rinnah
- Pronunciation: RINN-uh
- Category: Magic /Force
“Songs of rejoicing” in the Unnamed’s tongue.
River of Wistaria
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
The river that springs from the Mount of Liberty. It runs through the centre of the City of Libre, coming alongside Willow Creek (a thoroughfare) as they approach the piers of Sycamore District; often referred to simply as “Wistaria.”
Rosewood
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A neighbour in the City of Libre.
rumourists
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Other
Unwitting people identified by "the wranglers of rumourists" to be talented, well-positioned gossipers. The wranglers interact with them regularly to gather, spread, and shape public gossip/rumours for political means.
Ryan
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
A young manor guardsman; Waterborne (see Waterborne); Librer, human, male.
Rye-Sing Sun of the East
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Food /Drink
A prized Peasnyan rye whisky. Magnolia gifts a bottle to Shazzwick, who calls it “the prince of rye.”
Rysaac of Land
- Pronunciation: RYE-zak
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Peasnya.
S
Salma
- Pronunciation: SAL-muh
- Category: Character Name
One of Alex’s rumourists, a beautifier; mentioned alongside Felise as a possible intelligence lead; Librer, human, female.
Sapient Panthropology
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Culture (Academia)
The study of intelligent races.
scuttle-flies
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
A small fly species that Ayaisha sometimes uses as trackers.
Shahday of Water
- Pronunciation: SHAH-day
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Yan’zhou.
Shardite of Ore
- Pronunciation: SHAR-dyte
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Shardon of Fire
- Pronunciation: SHAR-don
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Shari Lancaster
- Pronunciation: SHAH-ree LANG-kas-tuh
- Category: Character Name
The name Shazzwick of Land adopts when he presents himself, as a ruby kerasis boy, to Lu-Wah and young Magnolia.
Sharika of Macrofauna
- Pronunciation: sha-REE-kah
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Yan’zhou.
Shasta of Microfauna
- Pronunciation: SHAS-tuh
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Shaston of Coast
- Pronunciation: SHAS-tun
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Shazz Farland
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
A pseudonym Shazzwick of Land uses when presenting himself to Librers as a chestnut-brown-skin human gentleman.
Shazzwick of Land
- Pronunciation: SHAZZ-wick
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Libre.
Shield for Liberty
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Military (Vessel)
A galleon in Libre’s naval fleet.
Su-Jung Kwon (권수정)
- Pronunciation: Soo-Jung Guan
- Category: Character Name
A diplomat and war strategist; a former scholar-ruler who advises the Resistance. Kwon: A surname meaning “authority” or “power.” Su-Jung: A given name meaning “crystal.” Dwarf, female.
Sycamore
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
The liveliest district of Libre; at the city’s south end, where the major ports are.
Sydrike of Ore
- Pronunciation: SID-dryke
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Jasiri.
Syrick of Land
- Pronunciation: SYE-rick
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Jasiri.
T
Tao, Xin-Mei (陶心美)
- Pronunciation: taow shin-may (Táo Xīn Měi)
- Category: Character Name
A scholar-ruler, co-chancellor of Wing’fong (a Yan’zhouian city state); a leader of the Resistance against the expansionist Hong’guo; wife of Liu Qing-Ping; close friend of Pat. Jade kerasis, female.
Teon
- Pronunciation: TEE-un
- Category: Character Name
Yulania Thrake’s (Magnolia’s maternal grandmother) adopted son, twin of Elion. Elf.
Tevai’hau
- Pronunciation: ta-VEY-hau
- Category: Continent
“The Islands in Peaceful Waters,” first colonised by a joined expedition of humans and kerases, it is now populated by people from every race and continent, especially those who enjoy oceanic climates and livelihoods dependent on the sea.
Thasus of Land
- Pronunciation: THAH-sus
- Category: Character Name
One of the Unnamed of Tevai’hau.
Thrake
- Pronunciation: THRAKE
- Category: Character Name
Family name of Magnolia’s elven maternal house in Pensa’dorei
Timothy Bax (Timmy)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s almost-brother; son of Valerie. Official duty: the governor’s assistant, stable master; unofficially: wrangler of rumourists. Librer, human, male.
töltting
- Pronunciation: tuhlt-ing
- Category: Husbandry
A smooth four‑beat lateral ambling gait, with footfalls like an even, accelerated walk and no moment of suspension (at least one hoof stays on the ground).
Tsay (蔡; Ambassador)
- Pronunciation: Cài
- Category: Character Name
Wing’fong’s (a city state in the Continent of Yan’zhou) ambassador to Libre. Human, male.
Tumbledown
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
The northernmost fishing village of Libre.
twine (twining)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Magic /Force
Shorthand for "intertwine," a form of telepathy, unprecedented and tied to a prophecy.
U
Unity Garden
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
Unity Garden, a small park in Elmsborough (a neighbourhood at the heart of the City of Libre) with spokes-shaped paths celebrating the races that founded the city. Unity Garden was unironically renamed Harmony Park after the Race War drove the non-human races from Libre.
Unnamed
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Magic /Force
A people who are one with nature, so rare that some scholars insist they are mythical.
V
Valcon’s Keep
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Vence’dorei)
The seat of power in Vence’dor.
Valerie Bax (Ms. Valerie)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s Governess; Timothy’s mother; famed for her chefmanship. Librer, human, female.
Valour for Peace
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Military (Vessel)
A galleon in Libre’s naval fleet.
Vence’dor
- Pronunciation: VEN-se-dor
- Category: Place (Gephria)
An imperial nation where only nox can be free citizens unless exempted by the queen herself. Generally considered a rogue state.
Vence’dorei
- Pronunciation: ven-se-DOR-rey
- Category: Place (Vence’dor)
The capital of Vence’dor. Its name means “The City of Conquerors” in ancient elvish.
Vence’doreian
- Pronunciation: ven-se-DOR-rey-an
- Category: Demonym
Demonym/adjective meaning “of Vence’dorei or Vence’dor.”
Volodymyr
- Pronunciation: vo-LOHD-ih-meer
- Category: Character Name
A royal satyr from Bandura, powerful, well-connected, and wealthy; Lu‑Wah’s soul-brother; husband of Sofiy.
W
Wan’hoi (環海)
- Pronunciation: waan hoy (Waan4 Hoi2)
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A council-ruled city state of representative democracy whose name means “surrounded by sea.” Known for its fermented fish paste, Wan’hoi boasts the most advanced nautical technology, thus the best armed naval fleet in the world.
Waterborne
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Libre)
The people-group of humans with the longest history of living on Libre continent. Some Waterborne tribes continue to maintain a boat-dwelling tradition.
We Will Feast on the Mount of Libre
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Culture (Music)
The Librean National Anthem. A collaboration between two kerases. Melody by Kalyre (the Bond of Ayaisha of Macrofauna), lyrics by Lady Governor Gravesmill, she who named the island Libre after overturning their enslaver king.
Webster (Last-Physician)
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Name
The Last-Physician (inquest doctor) who records causes of death at Libre’s mortuary. Librer, human, male.
Willow Creek
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
Libre’s main thoroughfare. It runs from the Port District of Sycamore to the base of the hill of the governor’s manor.
Wing’fong
- Pronunciation: wing-fong (Wing6 Fong1)
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A Yan’zhouian scholar-ruled state where Tao Xin-Mei is elected one of two co-chancellors.
Wizard Cove
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Place (Libre)
A cove in Libre whose beach is frequented by local vacationers, where the Wizard’s Tower Lighthouse is.
Wolfsworth
- Pronunciation: WULFZ-wuth
- Category: Place (Libre)
An inner-city borough of Libre.
wrangler of rumourists
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Character Title
An informal role: someone who manages a network/flow of rumours (gossip and information) for political means.
X
Xin-Mei (心美)
- Pronunciation: shin-may (Xīn Měi)
- Category: Character Name
See Tao, Xin-Mei
Y
Yan’xi (雁夕)
- Pronunciation: yan-tsi (Yàn Xī)
- Category: Place (Hong’guo)
Birthplace of Qin Lu-Wah. Southern capital of Hong’guo is nestled at the foot of Monte Dansa’lobeira, which separates the continents of Yan’zhou and Gephria. Known for its majestic sunsets, Yan’xi means “The Wild Goose’s Dusk.” The wild goose is a migratory bird admired for its vigilance and discipline, symbolises farewells of dignified sorrow rather than tragedy, for it is faithful to seasons and cosmic rhythms rather than places—fitting for a border capital.
Yan’zhou (燕洲)
- Pronunciation: yan-joh (Yàn Zhōu)
- Category: Continent
“The Land of the Fork-Tailed Swallows,” a family of Yan’zhouian birds admired for their agile flight and ability to feed while on the wing. Yan’zhou is the birthplace of the human race, but is populated by people from every race and continent.
Yan’zhouian
- Pronunciation: yan-JOH-ee-an
- Category: Demonym
Demonym/adjective meaning “of Yan’zhou”.
Yang, Hao-Lan (楊皓嵐)
- Pronunciation: yahng how-lahn (Yáng Hào Lán)
- Category: Character Name
A professor of literature from Feng’guo University. Yang: A surname meaning “willow.” Hao-Lan: A given name meaning “a brilliant white mist.”
Yellow Moon Festival
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Tradition (Libre)
A festival where Librers release wild-caught canaries while making wishes.
ylang-ylang
- Pronunciation: std. English
- Category: Nature
A Librean flowering tree, a species of the magnolia family; blossoms cover Magnolia’s house.
Yuen’ping (源萍)
- Pronunciation: yuen-ping (Yuán Píng)
- Category: Place (Yan’zhou)
A scholar-ruled city state whose name means “the source from which duckweed flows.” Centrally situated at the junction of multiple land and river trade routes, Yuen’ping is famed for its entertainment industry and cuisine, both synergising cultures and materials from across the continent of Yan’zhou.
Yulania (Lady)
- Pronunciation: yoo-LAN-ee-uh
- Category: Character Name
Magnolia’s maternal grandmother; Colonel Yulania Thrake; Head of the Thrake House. Elf.
Z
Zeth
- Pronunciation: zeth (rhymes with Beth)
- Category: Character Name
A famed Vence’doreian assassin.
Zheng Shu-Nan (鄭書南)
- Pronunciation: zheng shoo-nahn (Zhèng Shū Nán)
- Category: Character Name
A young diplomat of Wing’fong. Zheng: A surname meaning “those who belong to the sovereign state of Zheng,” which no longer exists. Shu-Nan: A given name meaning “he of books and of the south.”