by Davis Ashura
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 homes 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-growin
g 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.
Jivatma: Some believe this to be the body's soul. It springs from a person's Well like a waterfall and can be made richer and more vibrant through discipline and hard work.
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.
Li-Dox: A young Jut ordered west from Continent Catalyst.
Li-Grist: Sarpan from Continent Catalyst who Mother Lienna (Suwraith) orders west, along with his Dread, to join with the Eastern Plague of Continent Ember.
Li-Quill: A young Jut of the Eastern Plague of Continent Ember.
Li-Reg: SarpanKi to Li-Dirge and his crèche brother. Killed by Suwraith when She discovered Her betrayal at the hands of the Baels.
Li-Shard: Young SarpanKum of the Western Plague of Continent Catalyst. Later he is ordered by Mother Lienna (Suwraith) to take command of the Eastern Plague.
Li-Torq: Crèche brother to Li-Boil. Later on becomes SarpanKi of the Eastern Plague upon the deaths of Li-Shard and Li-Brind.
Lighted Candle, the: Sentya academy given over entirely to the study of finance and accounting.
Lin'El Kumma: Caste Kumma. Born into House Therbal on AF 1980. Completed six Trials and retired at age thirty-four. Elected as the Arbiter of the Chamber of Lords on AF 2051, and thereafter took the surname 'Kumma'.
Lure Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2044 to Sateesh and Crena Grey. Warrior of the Stronghold Home Army and once a member of the Silversun Scouts. He was killed by Kesarins.
MalDin: The Servants of the Voice. The leaders of the Sil Lor Kum. Along with the SuDin, the six MalDin comprise the Council of Rule.
Mavayya: Father-in-law.
Mesa Reed: Caste Cherid. Born AF 2017. She is one of the wealthiest women in the city, having earned her money through a combination of inheritance from her deceased husband and her own investments. She was executed for her role as a MalDin of the Sil Lor Kum.
Mira Terrell: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2042 to Janos and Sophy Terrell. She exposed Hal'El Wrestiva as the SuDin of the Sil Lor Kum and was murdered by him.
Moon Quarter: Area of wharves, docks, and factories. By law, all manufacturing or industry, which might result in malodorous pollution, must be placed in the Moon Quarter. As such, it is an undesirable residential area.
Moke Urn: Caste Sentya. Born AF 2020. He was born in relative poverty and obscurity but is brilliant when it comes to finances. He was given an opportunity to demonstrate his skills as a member of the Sil Lor Kum. He rose to the rank of MalDin before his execution.
Mon Peace: OutCaste. Born AF 2000. Governor-General of Stronghold at the time of the city's destruction.
Nape Pile: OutCaste. Born AF 2014. Major West of the Home Army of Stronghold at the time of the city's destruction.
Night of Sorrows: The night when Suwraith was born and killed nearly half of all people living at the time.
Nine Hills of Ashoka:Mount Creolite
Mount Walnut
Mount Channel
Mount Crone
Mount Cyan
Mount Bright
Mount Auburn
Mount Equine
Mount Style
Oasis: A powerful manifestation, supposedly of Jivatma, which appeared suddenly and unexpectedly around certain cities of the First World just prior to Suwraith's arrival. Over the ensuing two millennia, they have proven nearly impervious to Suwraith's power. Rahails maintain the Oasis of a city through their Talent of Sharing, but how they manage this is a mystery even to them.
Peddamma: Aunt as father or mother's older brother's wife or father or mother's older sister.
Peddananna: Uncle as father or mother's older brother or father or mother's older sister's husband.
Pera Obbe: Caste Duriah. Born AF 2018. She is stupid, yet she was clever enough to rise to the rank of MalDin of the Sil Lor Kum. Hated by Hal'El Wrestiva.
Plaza of the Martyr: The largest public plaza in Ashoka. Also known as the 'Heart of Ashoka'. It is famous for the Union Fountain.
Plaza of Toll and Toil: The large plaza into which the Magisterium opens. Historically, it was where the contracts of indentured servants were auctioned.
Poque Belt: Caste Sentya. Born AF 2018. He founded a forensic accounting service. Rumor has it he was elected Magistrate for his Caste simply so he could no longer audit the work of other Sentyas.
Rector Bryce: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2029 to Garnet and Maris Bryce. His parents divorced when he was twelve. Completed four Trials before retiring at age thirty-two. Member of Ashokan Guard a
s a lieutenant of the Fifth Platoon, Third Company, Second Brigade, Third Legion, and also a lieutenant in the City Watch.
Ronin: A Kumma warrior expelled from his House. Other than being found Unworthy or given the Slash of Iniquity, nothing is more shameful.
Rose and the Thorn, the: One of the schools of song in Ashoka. Open only to Sentyas.
Rukh Shektan: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2041 to Dar'El and Satha Shektan. He was twenty-one years old at the time of his first Trial. He is the first Virgin to win the Tournament of Hume. Married to Jessira Shektan.
Sarath, the: Rahail academy in Ashoka. Students are instructed in both the maintenance of the Oasis and also trained as warriors.
Sateesh Grey: OutCaste. Born AF 2008. Married to Crena Grey and nanna to Kart, Cedar, Jessira, and Lure. Adopted Court and Sign Deep. Died during the destruction of Stronghold.
Satha Shektan: Caste Kumma. House Shektan. Born AF 2019 to Mira and Rukh Aybar of House Shektan. Married Darjuth Sulle (later to be Dar'El) in AF 2039. She is as responsible for House Shektan's rise in wealth and prestige as her husband. She is admired and loathed in equal measure by the other ruling 'Els.
School of Water, the: All-female Kumma academy in Ashoka. Established AF 153.
Semaphore Walk: Ashoka's theater district.
Shield, the: Rahail academy in Ashoka. Focus is on the training of those sufficiently gifted to maintain the Oasis.
Shir'Fen, the: Rahail military academy in Ashoka. Rigorous admission standards and instructors are a mix of Kummas and Rahails.
Shon: A tawny-coated Kesarin. Bonded to Jessira Shektan.
Shoke: A wooden blade used in training and tournaments. It is blunted and possesses properties that allow it to produce as true a representation as possible of the damage inflicted by an edged weapon without actually causing permanent injury or death.
Shylows: The great cats of the Hunters Flats. They grow to be over seven feet in height and twenty-five feet from nose-to-tail. They are feared for their great speed, power, and ability to see through Blends. The cats are extremely territorial and hunt in glarings, packs of forty-to-fifty. They name themselves the Kesarins.
