by Davis Ashura
Aia: A young Shylow/Kesarin. Bonded to Rukh Shektan.
Alminius College of Medicine: One of the two Shiyen schools of medicine in Ashoka.
Aqua Oilhue: Caste Cherid. Born AF 2031. Murdered by Hal'El Wrestiva with the Withering Knife.
Arbiter, the: The administrative judge of the Chamber of Lords, interpreting the various rules and points of etiquette. Typically, he is an older Kumma chosen by the 'Els for his wisdom and knowledge. Upon his election, he gives up his House name and takes on the surname of 'Kumma'. The position is a largely ceremonial one, and his vote is only offered in the case of a tie. His social standing is that of a ruling 'El. Current Arbiter is Lin'El Kumma.
Ashok: Caste Unknown. Historical figure who is the reputed author of the Compact and Binding, the constitutional basis of all governments in Arisa.
Ashokan Guard, the: A reserve unit of about 25,000 warriors meant to support the High Army in times of crisis. It is composed of veteran Kummas, Murans, and Rahails. A few Duriahs have also joined the Guard over the years.
Attayya: Mother-in-law.
Baels: The commanders of the Fan Lor Kum. They are feared for their intelligence and unwavering commitment to Humanity's destruction as well as their imposing size, chained whips, and tridents. By convention, they are always given a hyphenated name in which Li- makes the first part.
Book of All Souls, the: Sacred text dating from the First World. Author unknown, but said to be Devesh Himself. Over time since the fall of the First World, it has taken on secondary importance to The Word and the Deed in the religious life of most people.
Brand Wall: Caste Rahail. Born AF 2041 to Trudire and Simala Wall. Survivor of the Trial between Ashoka and Nestle. Later on was killed by Kesarins.
Bree Shektan: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2044 to Dar'El and Satha Shektan.
Brit Hule: Caste Rahail. Born 2027. He is the youngest Patriarch in living memory as well as the youngest Magistrate in the Magisterium.
Cal Dune: OutCaste. Born AF 2011. Colonel of the Home Army of Stronghold. He was the highest-ranking officer in the Army and only answered only to the Governor-General.
Caravan: Trade expedition meant to maintain contact between the cities. Protection of the caravan—a Trial—has come to be seen as a holy duty, for only through the free exchange of knowledge can Humanity hope to survive Suwraith's unending madness.
Castes, the: The social, moral, and economic organization of all cities on Arisa.
Kumma: The warrior Caste. They are involved in all aspects of defense, supplying the vast majority of warriors to the Ashokan military and the caravans. Their Talents are especially suited for battle.
Sentya: Known for their accounting acumen and their skill with musical instruments and compositions. The finest musicians and composers are always Sentya. They possess the Talent of Lucency, which allows them to think with near utter clarity. In such a state, emotions are distant. They can also project this ability onto others.
Duriah: Born to build, they are thick and stocky. Their Talent is to Cohese: the ability to take various objects and substances, and from them, forge something different and more useful. Rare individuals can DeCohese, which is the ability to break any object down to its basic components. A master craftsman is known as a Cohesor.
Rahail: They maintain the Oasis, sensing where it is growing thin and working to repair and renew it. It is done through their Talent of Sharing wherein they literally give their Jivatma, letting it seep into an Oasis and keep it strong. It is an ability they can use but don't really understand, even two thousand years after it first manifested. Their Caste is structured entirely around this Talent, although some join the caravans or the Ashokan Guard.
Muran: Traditionally, they are farmers, although some join the caravans or the Ashokan Guard. Their Talent allows them to bring even a desert to flower. However, the pride of the Caste is their singers.
Cherid: Physically they are the smallest of all the Castes, but Cherids are generally the leaders of a city as a result of their natural intelligence and cunning, as well as their Talent. They possess the ability of Synthesis: they can combine Jivatmas and share it out amongst others. Thus, a Rahail can maintain the city's Oasis, not simply with the strength of his own Caste, but that of all Castes if need be.
Shiyen: They all possess the ability to Heal to a certain extent, but only the most gifted amongst them are chosen for one of Ashoka's two medical colleges. The rest are generally craftsmen and merchants.
Cedar Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2039 to Sateesh and Crena Grey. Lieutenant in the Stronghold Home Guard as a member of the Silversun scouts before his death.
Chamber of Lords: Kumma ruling Council. It consists of all the ruling 'Els and is presided over by the Arbiter. It is involved in decision-making that will affect the Caste as a whole. The Chamber also renders judgment for those charged with being Unworthy or thought to be traitors.
Chak-Soon: A young jaguar-spotted Tigon. He is the first of his kind to learn of fraternity and accept it.
Chimeras, the: Suwraith's created forces who comprise the Fan Lor Kum. There are seven species of Chimeras: Baels, Tigons, Braids, Ur-Fels, Bovars, Balants, and Pheds. All species of Chimeras have some degree of intelligence except for Pheds and Bovars. Pheds are simply a meat source, grown only to feed the Fan Lor Kum. Bovars are beasts of burden, much like oxen, but it is from them that the most intelligent of all Chimeras were birthed: the Baels. The Chimeras are marsupial and born in groups of five, what they label a crèche, and mature to full adulthood within a few years, although the Baels take slightly longer.
City Watch, the: Peacekeeping unit of about three hundred warriors, called upon to maintain the peace and investigate crime in Ashoka.
Compact and Binding: The constitution by which all cities on Arisa are organized. Dated to just after the Night of Sorrows.
Conn Mercur: Caste Shiyen. Born AF 2005. He is the dean of the Verchow College of Medicine.
Constrainers: Leather vambraces used in training or tournaments as a means to suppress the expression of an individual's Jivatma.
Council of Rule: Ruling Council of the Sil Lor Kum. It is comprised of the SuDin and the six MalDin.
Court Deep: OutCaste. Born AF 2040. Cousin to Cedar and Jessira Grey and brother to Sign Deep. Died shortly after Stronghold was destroyed.
Crena Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2007. Married to Sateesh Grey and amma to Kart, Cedar, Jessira, and Lure. Adopted Court and Sign Deep.
Croft, the: Large fertile valley that provides all of Stronghold's food. It was tightly regulated by the Home Senate.
Crofthold: A neighborhood in Stronghold. Each Crofthold is built vertically, each with ten levels and a large atrium in the center. There were ten Croftholds.
Dar'El Shektan: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2006 as Darjuth Sulle to Jarned and Tune Sulle of House Ranthor. Completed four Trials before retiring at age thirty-one. He transferred to House Shektan upon his return to Ashoka after his fourth and final Trial. Married Satha nee Aybar in AF 2039. Later, in AF 2050, he became the ruling 'El of his House.
Days of Desolation: A period of decades where the light of civilization was almost put out. Suwraith raged unchecked throughout the world, and Humanity lay huddled within its cities, hoping to ride out the storm.
Disbar Merdant: OutCaste. Born AF 2035. Plumber and one-time fiancé to Jessira Grey. Died shortly after Stronghold's destruction.
Dos Martel: Caste Muran. Born AF 1998. As well as being the Magistrate representative of her Caste, she is also a singer of great repute.
Dru Barrier: OutCaste. Born AF 2024. Major East of the Home Army of Stronghold. Second highest officer of the Army and only answered to the Colonel and Governor-General. Died during Stronghold's destruction.
Dryad Park: A large, public park known variously as 'the Soul of Ashoka' or 'the green jewel of Ashoka'. It was developed under the auspices of the Magisterium in AF 1363 on an area of boggy, impoverished land full of rundown hom
es and apartments. The park has gone through several transitions, including a disastrous period of time in the 1600s where the fashion of the day was to return public land to its natural state. The park quickly became a bog once again with swamp gases regularly polluting the air. Thankfully, this idea of 'natural' spaces was swiftly abandoned. In addition, during times of emergency, the park can be converted into arable land.
Durmer Volk: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 1990 to Hurum and Kiran Volk. Completed six Trials before retiring at age thirty-five. He is charged with the early training of young Shektans and known as the 'Great Rahail' for how seriously he takes his duties. Member of the Shektan House Council.
East Vineyard Steep: An area of relatively rundown homes and buildings, which barely stand erect. However, the main denizens, the Sentyas, prefer it this way. They would rather not waste money to maintain their homes beyond what's absolutely needed.
Fan and the Reed, the: All-female Kumma academy in Ashoka. Founded AF 343.
Fan Lor Kum: The Red Hand of Justice. Suwraith's forces in the Wildness. Their sole purpose is to kill Humans wherever they find them. They are organized into Plagues, and the commander of each Plague is titled the SarpanKum, a Bael of great cunning and skill. The Fan Lor Kum are sometimes referred to simply as the Chimeras.
Organization of the Fan Lor Kum:
One hundred Chimeras form a Smash, and the commander is labeled a Jut
Ten Smashes form a Fracture, and the commander is labeled a Levner
Fifteen Fractures form a Shatter, and the commander is labeled a Vorsan
Eight Shatters form a Dread, and the commander is labeled a Sarpan
Two Dreads form a Plague, and the commander is titled the SarpanKum
*All commanders at every level are Baels. Of note is the SarpanKi, who does not fit into this hierarchy. The SarpanKi is the special adjunct to the SarpanKum, almost always from his crèche, and outranks the Sarpans.
Farn Arnicep: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2041 to Evam and Midre Arnicep. Survived the Trial between Ashoka and Nestle and lived in Stronghold for a brief time. Later on, he commanded the only Trial to that doomed city.
Felt Barnel: Caste Muran. Born AF 2020. Completed two Trials. A glassblower who was the first person murdered by Hal'El Wrestiva with the Withering Knife.
Fifty-Five, the: The fifty-five survivors of Hammer's Fall. They went on to found the city of Stronghold in AF 1753.
First Father: Along with the First Mother, He was the ruler of the First World, greatly responsible for the peace and fortune of that time. Legends say that the First Father broke the WellStone and was thereby able to gain entrance to the fortress of the First Mother, and together, they were able to bring life to a dead and desolate land. The Baels claim it was the First Father's own Daughter, Lienna, who murdered both of Her Parents.
First Mother: Along with the First Father, She was the ruler of the First World, greatly responsible for the peace and fortune of that time. The Baels claim it was the First Mother's own Daughter, Lienna, who murdered both of Her Parents.
First World: Legendary time of peace and prosperity prior to the arrival of Suwraith. With the death of the First Mother and the First Father, the First World ended with the Night of Sorrows.
Fol Nacket: Caste Cherid. Born AF 2006. He is the Cherid Magistrate and head of the Magisterium.
Fort and the Sword, the: All-male martial academy in Ashoka. Only open to Kummas. Established AF 121.
Fragrance Wall: An area of manses and estates. It is the home to most Cherids.
Garnet Bosde: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 1985 to Reoten and Preema Bosde. Completed five Trials before retiring at age thirty-four. One of Dar'El Shektan's earliest supporters and once a member of the Shektan House Council.
Gelan Criatus: Caste Shiyen. Born AF 435 in Hammer. Widely considered the Nanna of modern medicine.
Glory Stadium: Ashoka's main stadium where the Tournament of Hume and other citywide events take place.
Gren Vos: Caste Shiyen. Born AF 1975. She was a highly respected physician in her day, and is currently the longest serving Magistrate, having first been elected in AF 2021.
Gris Holianth: Caste Shiyen. Born AF 2011. Owner of the Long Pull, a pub.
Hal'El Wrestiva: Caste Kumma. House Wrestiva. Born AF 2000 as Halthin Bramer to Suge and Bryni Bramer of House Wrestiva. Completed eight Trials before retiring at age thirty-six. Married to Kilwen nee Asthan in AF 2038 and widowed in AF 2049. Became the ruling 'El of his House Wrestiva in 2046. He was the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum of Ashoka before being found out by Rector Bryce and Mira Terrell.
High Army of Ashoka: Professional army of Ashoka made entirely of veterans of the Trials. Most of their ranks are filled out by Kummas, including the post of Liege-Marshall. Currently composed of two legions and a total of approximately 11,000 warriors.
Hold Cavern: A quiet neighborhood of small homes and shops. It is home to many Rahails.
Home Army: The Army of Stronghold.
Home Senate: Highest governmental body in Stronghold with eleven members. There is one senator per Crofthold and the Governor-General. (All members are deceased)
Senators:
Nox Bitter: Represents Crofthold Babylin.
Mix Ware: Represents Crofthold Primus.
Brill River: Represents Crofthold Jonie. Oldest senator.
Gourd Mille: Represents Crofthold Sharing.
Thistle Rub: Represents Crofthold Lucent.
Foil Leak: Represents Crofthold Ware.
Shun Morn: Represents Crofthold Clannad.
Drape Wilt: Represents Crofthold Cohesed.
Frame Seek: Represents Crofthold Healed.
Wheel Cole: Represents Crofthold Synthesis.
Home Watch: Police force of Stronghold. The members are all veterans of the Home Army, with roughly five of them stationed in each of the ten Croftholds (all members are deceased).
House of Fire and Mirrors, the: All-male martial academy in Ashoka. Generally for Kummas but open to other Castes. Founded AF 216.
Hume Telrest: Caste Kumma. Born AF 1702. He is universally regarded as the finest warrior in the history of Arisa, having completed twenty Trials. It is in his honor that the Tournament of Hume is held in every city throughout the world.
Hungrove, the: A glaring of Shylows/Kesarins led by Aia's nanna.
Insufi blade: The sword given to a warrior during his upanayana ceremony.
Ironwood: A fast-growing tree known for its lightweight, hardy wood, which has properties similar to iron and is similarly fire resistant.
Isle of the Crows: An island infamous for its black crows in Bar Try Bay. It is where the remains of traitors are left to rot. With the lack of a purifying pyre, such individuals are thought to lose Devesh's grace, and are either punished within the unholy hells or shackled again to the wheel of life to be reborn in a position of impoverishment and suffering.
Jaciro Temult: Caste Shiyen. Born AF 2007. A disreputable Shiyen physician whose addiction to opium and alcohol resulted in the loss of his medical license. He is reputed to offer illicit medical services to those for whom discretion is of utmost importance.
Janos Terrell: Caste Kumma. Born AF 2002. He has completed five Trials. Widower of Sophy Terrell and father to Mira Terrell. Recently appointed to the Shektan House Council.
Jared Randall: Caste Rahail. Born AF 2025. Completed three Trials. Caravan master of the caravan between Ashoka and Nestle. Suspected member of the Sil Lor Kum, although the proof is rather sparse.
Jaresh Shektan: Caste Sentya. House Shektan. Born AF 2042 to Bresh and Shari Konias. His birth parents died in an apartment fire, and he was adopted by Darjuth (later to be Dar'El) and Satha Sulle. He is the only such individual ever adopted into a Kumma House who is himself not a Kumma.
Jessira Shektan (née Viola Grey): OutCaste. Born AF 2042 to Sateesh and Crena Grey. Warrior of the Stronghold Home Army and once a member of the Silversun scouts. Married to Rukh Shektan.
Jone Drent: Caste Duriah. Born AF 2005. He has the rare ability to both Cohese and DeCohese. He is the Duriah Magistrate.
Jubilee Hills: An expansive area of rolling hills. It is home to Kummas.
Kart Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2028 to Sateesh and Crena Grey. Brother to Jessira Grey and Cedar Grey. Cousin to Court Deep and Sign Deep. Died during Stronghold's destruction.
Keemo Chalwin: Caste Kumma. House Dravidia. Born AF 2041 to Loriad and Mishal Chalwin. Survived the Trial between Ashoka and Nestle. Later on was killed by Kesarins.
Kesarin, the: See Shylows.
Kezin: See Slayer.
Krain Linshok: Caste Kumma. House Flood. Born AF 2003 to Halsith and Jennis Linshok. He has completed five Trials. He is the Kumma Magistrate.
Kuldige Prayvar: Caste Kumma. Born AF 1825. Originally of House Trektim, he went on to found House Shektan in AF 1872. He was thereafter known as Kul'El Shektan. He is also a self-confessed member of the Sil Lor Kum, ruling them for a time as the SuDin.
Larina, the: The only school of singing in Ashoka. Open only to Murans.
Laya Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2038. Widow of Cedar Grey and vadina to Jessira and Kart Grey, as well as Court and Sign Deep.
Layfind Fish Market: A raucous area of stores and booths near Trell Rue.
Li-Boil: VorsanKi to Li-Choke. Later on, following the murders of Li-Shard and Li-Brind, he becomes the SarpanKum of the Eastern Plague of Continent Catalyst.
Li-Brind: SarpanKi to Li-Shard. He is old and hard-bitten. He was SarpanKi of the Western Plague of Continent Catalyst and followed Li-Shard to the Eastern Plague where he held the same position.
Li-Charn: SarpanKum of the Fan Lor Kum at the time of Hammer's Fall.
Li-Choke: Vorsan and friend to Rukh and Jessira Shektan. Teaches Chak-Soon about the ideals of fraternity.
Li-Dirge: SarpanKum of the Fan Lor Kum during the destruction of the caravan from Ashoka to Nestle. Later on, he and his command were destroyed en masse by Suwraith when She discovered Her betrayal at the hands of the Baels.
