by Myers, Karen
Neshilik (neh-SHEE-lik)
The western district of Kigali, surrounded by mountains and traversed by the Seguchi River. Often disputed with Rasesdad.
Nuntse Tepan (NOON-tseh TEH-pahn) - The Eastern Plateau
The region to the east of the Kwatka Kote lowlands, disputed with Peighar.
Pago Hanjong (PAH-go HAHN-jong) - Pago Bay
The bay into which the Junkawa River flows via Pingmen Harbor. Zannib Ussha shares the southern end of the same bay.
Pingmen Hanjong (PAH-go HAHN-jong) - City View
The bay or series of harbors carved out by the Junkawa River.
Seguchi Jun (seh-GOO-chee joon) - Seguchi River
The southern and main branch of the Junkawa. It finds its source in the Mratsanag Mountains in Radesdad above Nagthari, and Gonglik in Neshilik is the site of the last downstream bridge. All crossings are by boat or ferry below that point. It is navigable up to the Steps at Gonglik, and navigable again above the rapids to Dzongphan.
Seguchi Norwan (seh-GOO-chee NOR-wahn) - The Gates
The gorge and water gap of the Seguchi River in northeastern Neshilik, dividing the Craggies from the Red Wall ranges. The river currently hugs the southern side.
Shaneng (SHAH-neng)
An important trade city on the Seguchi River just south of the Gates, with active ferry traffic.
Shirtan (SHEER-tahn)
A disputed region with Rasesdad and Fastar on the far side of the water divide of the Neshikame headwaters. It provides ocean access in the far northwest of the main body of the southern continent.
Shukyun Tep (SHOOK-yoon tep)
A river city on the upper Neshikame.
Song Em (SONG ehm)
The southern cove of Neshilik.
The Craggies
See “Totok.”
The Gates
See “Seguchi Norwan.”
The Horn
See Rasesni “Nakshadzam.”
The Meeting of Waters
See “Jonggep.”
The Mother of Rivers
See “Junkawa.”
The Red Wall
See “Lang Nor.”
The Steps
See “Gonglik.”
Totok Himbun (TOH-tock HIM-boon) - The Craggies
The low range that forms the northern border of Neshilik.
Tse Jan (TSEH jahn) - The High Pass
Caravan route between Zannib and Neshilik at Jaunor.
Wechinnat (weh-CHIN-naht)
The northern cove of Neshilik.
Yenit Ping (YEH-nit ping) - Endless City
Capital city, on both sides of the Junkawa River, overlooking Pingmen harbor.
PLACES - RASESNI
Damsnag (DAHMS-nahg) - The Right Horn
The southern encircling range at the eastern end of Mratsanag.
Dzongphan (DZONG-fan) - Temple Quarter
The capital city, which includes the mother temples of all the gods, in Nagthari.
Garshnag (GARSH-nahg) - The Left Horn
The northern encircling range at the eastern end of Mratsanag.
Mratsanag (m-RAHT-suh-nahg) - The Wild Ram’s Horns
The second tallest mountain range in the world.
Nagthari (NAHG-ta-ree) - Between the Horns
The region between the eastern mountain pincers, bordering Neshilik.
Nakshadzam (NAHK-shud-zahm) - The Horn’s Tip
The intrusive escarpment that marks the extreme end of Garshnag. Known locally as “The Horn.”
Neshred-pur (NESH-red-poor)
A coastal town west of Shilit Bay, where the Voice was first discovered.
Olmrad (OLM-rahd) - Wild Sheep Place
Rasesni name for the disputed territory north of the Craggies. Known to Kigali as Lomat.
Rasesdad (RAHS-ess-dahd)
The Rasesni nation includes the Mratsanag Mountains and the well-watered and fertile plains they support on two coasts. It is the western neighbor of Kigali, in the southern hemisphere.
Shirtan-pur (SHEER-tahn-poor)
City at the mouth of the Kabanchir River in northern disputed territory Shirtan.
PLACES - ZANNIB
(Yud) Aziyal (YOOD ah-zee-YAHL)
River flowing into Hilj Wandat at Mard Shimiz.
(Yud) Harin (YOOD ha-REEN)
River flowing into Pago Bay on the east coast at Mard Ussha.
(Jus) Shamr (JOOS SHAHM-er) - The Low Pass
Caravan route between Zannib and central Kigali, west of Jonggep, the Meeting of Waters.
(Mard) Shimiz (mahrd shee-MEEZ)
Important harbor city at the mouth of Yud Aziyal on Hilj Wandat, near the Rasesdad border.
(Jus) Sidr (JOOS SEED-er) - The High Pass
Caravan route between Zannib and Neshilik at Jaunor.
(Mard) Ussha (mahrd OOSH-shah)
Capital city, founded by Kigali, on Pago Bay on the east coast near the Kigali border, at the mouth of the Harin River. Also known as Zudiqazd mar-Sarq, the Winter Camp of the Nation.
(Hilj) Wandat (heelj wahn-DAHT) - Enclosed Sea
Very large almost-landlocked sea in the far west, bordered also by Rasesdad.
(Ardib) Yakush (ar-DEEB yah-KOOSH) - The Fence Mountains
The somewhat porous border range between Kigali and Zannib.
Sarq-Zannib (SAHRK-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib nation. It occupies the bottom of the southern hemisphere and is neighbored on the north by both Rasesdad and Kigali. The western third concentrates on fishing and small farm agriculture, while the remainder is steppe and grasslands.
Zudiqazd mar-Sarq (zoo-dee-KAHZD mar-SAHRK) - Winter Camp of the nation
See Mard Ussha.
WORDS & PHRASES - ELLECH
Bendu (BEN-doo) - Device
A device for performing raunarys, usually made of wood.
Beolrys (BAYOL-rewss) - Mind-skill
The wizardly skill of mental-magic, things of the mind such as mind-speech.
Ellechen guma (ELL-ekh-en GOO-mah) - Ellechen language
The language of Ellech.
Emkenrys (EHM-ken-rewss) - Moving
One of the aspects of raunarys.
Felkenrys (FEHL-ken-rewss) - Binding
One of the aspects of raunarys.
Hakkengenni (HAHK-kehn-gen-nee) - One who knows
An archaic term for a wizard with unusual strength in mind-skill and thing-skill both. Usually translated as “Adept.”
Raunarys (ROW-na-rewss) - Thing-skill
The wizardly skill of physical-magic, things of the real world, such as moving, binding, and destroying.
Rysefeol (REW-seh-fayol) - Device framework
A composite framework, usually made of wood, a level of complexity greater than a bendu.
Ryskymmer (rewss-KEW-meer) - Magic detector
A specialized rysefeol, for smelling out the use of devices and moving to their location.
Sennevi (SEHN-neh-vee) - “It is done.”
The customary final phrase that marks the end of a traditional tale, often accompanied by the slash of a hand.
Strekenrys (STRECK-en-rewss) - Destroying
One of the aspects of raunarys.
Thennur holi! (THEH-noor HOH-lee) - Wasted sweat!
An exasperated curse.
WORDS & PHRASES - KIGALI
Binochi (bee-NOH-chee) - Sir, Sirs
An honorific.
Gepten (GHEP-tehn) - Market Fair
A seasonal market place serviced by traveling traders.
Gwatenno (gwah-TEN-noh) - Traveling traders
Merchants who make their living on the gepten circuit.
Juk (JOOK) - Luck charm
Religious or luck charm, small and pocket-sized, usually made of wood or ceramic or metal and brightly painted.
Kigalino (kih-GAH-lee-noh) - A Kigali person
An individual citizen of Kigali.
Kigaliwen (kih-GAH-lee-wehn) - Kigali people
A group of Kigali people, or the coll
ective citizens of Kigali.
Kigali yat (kih-GAH-lee-yaht) - Kigali speech
The language spoken in Kigali.
Kwajigomju (KWAH-jee-GOHM-joo) - Ram unit leader
A military rank roughly equivalent to Sergeant.
Laigom, Laigomju (LYE-gohm (-joo)) - Wolf unit (leader)
A military rank roughly equivalent to Colonel. The unit is the equivalent of a cavalry squadron.
Lakju (LAHK-joo) - Horsemaster
A military title for the man in charge of all the horses for the cavalry unit.
Leipum (LAY-poom) - Silk petal (branch)
An artificial version of the branch-in-leaf that is used to symbolize a truce.
Liju (LEE-joo) - Country Master, Emperor
The title of the Emperor of Kigali.
Maiju (MY-joo) - Tent master
A military title roughly equivalent to Quartermaster.
Minochi (mee-NOH-chee) - Madam, Ladies
An honorific.
Notju (NOTE-joo) - Master of secrets
A military title roughly equivalent to Intelligence Master. Usually this is an imperial representative.
Parkap (PAHR-kahp)
A traditional western Kigali weapon, a small ax suitable for hand use or throwing, similar to Rasesni models.
Posom (POH-som)
A deprecatory reference to self when addressing someone of higher status—“your servant”, “your slave.”
Puichok (POOIE-chohk)
The standard six-mule military wagon, usually topped with a canvas roof stretched over a bow framework.
Salengno (sah-LENG-noh) - Yak men
A pejorative term for Rasesni men.
Samke (SAHM-keh) - Kin home
A multi-generation compound for a large family. In some regions, it is combined with buildings that are part of the family business.
Shiksupju (shick-SOOP-joo)
A doctor or healer.
Tatgomju (TAHT-gohm-joo) - Bison unit leader
A military rank roughly equivalent to Captain.
Tengom (TEN-gohm) - Trader’s Guild
The guild of Traders in Neshilik.
Wanbum (WAHN-boom)
The small gong that hangs on the wall next to a door, intended to be struck with a knuckle.
Yankatmi (yahn-KAHT-mee) - Headwoman
The (female) person who leads a village.
Yekungno (yeh-KOONG-noh)
Civilians (from the military perspective). Non-combatants.
Zopgep (ZOHP-gehp) - Town Council
The governing body of larger towns.
WORDS & PHRASES - RASESNI
Brudigdo (BROO-dig-doh) - Mage
The standard title for a male wizard (mage).
Brudigna (BROO-dig-nah) - Mage
The standard title for a female wizard (mage).
Bzinsabrud (b-ZIN-suh-brood) - Object’s magic
The magic related to the use of external objects, especially devices, in contrast to setsabrud.
Grakedke (GRAH-kehd-keh) - Stone-carrying thing
A magical device, one using a granyalig, a power-stone.
Grakkedo (GRAH-ked-doh) - Device Master
A title reserved for an expert in bzinsabrud, physical magic, especially in the use of grakedke, magical devices.
Granyalig (GRAHN-yall-ig) - Powerful stone
A power-stone, a special crystal that can store and release magical power.
Klando, Klanna (KLAHN-doh, -nah) - Mage Master/Mistress
A title reserved for an expert in setsabrud, mental magic.
Pyalshrad (PYAHL-shrahd) - Mountain Hand
The Hand of the Mountains, the collective term for the hill-tribes used as enforcers by the the ruling priests.
Sedchabke (SEHD-chahb-keh) - Mind stop
A drug that both paralyzes the body and inhibits all use of magic. A tool of discipline for errant mages.
Setsabrud (SET-suh-brood) - Mind’s magic
The magic related solely to the use of the mind, in contrast to bzinsabrud.
Tsevog (TSEH-vog) - Student
The formal title given to students by their masters.
Zendo (ZEN-doh) - Great Lord
A general title, analogous to “sir” but also used more literally to address men of high status.
Zhabbydedum (ZHAHB-byehd-doom) - Way-less
Those without gods—heathens.
WORDS & PHRASES - ZANNIB
Abin (ah-BEEN)
A stoneware cup, specifically used for the binwit or in other ceremonial contexts.
Baijuk (bye-JOOK)
Mead, a drink fermented from honey.
Bawi-anit (BAH-wee ah-NEET) - Name day
The day an infant is named, usually a few days after birth.
Bikraj, Bikrajti (beek-RAHJ(-tee)) - Wizard, Wizardress
The common title for a wizard.
Bikr mar-thulj (BEEK-er mar THOOLJ) - Magic of Things
The Zannib term for physical magic, not practiced by the Zannib.
Binwit (been-WEET) - Mead kit
The collection of materials for drinking mead ceremoniously. It includes the stoneware bottles and cups, often handed down within families, wrapped in an engraved leather rolled pack, usually presented at the transition to adulthood.
Bunnas (BOON-nahss)
A low wild shrub native to Zannib whose berries are collected and dried as part of the taridiqa, the annual migration. The infusion of ground, dried, berries in hot water is high in caffeine. Popular throughout the southern countries and a significant trade item for Zannib.
Dirum (dee-ROOM) - Herd-mistress
The senior woman responsible for all the clan’s herds while on taridiqa.
Dirum-malb (dee-ROOM-mahlb) - Apprentice to the Herd-mistress
A younger woman learning the position of dirum.
Dunaq wandim (doo-NAHK wahn-DEEM) - The World That Surrounds
The Zannib term for the world of reality that exists outside the ordinary world of perception.
Ghuzl mar-Tawirqaj (GOOZ-el mar tah-weer-KAHJ) - Circle of Speakers
The national tribal assembly in Ussha.
Had-kighat (mar-lud) (had kee-GAHT (mar LOOD)) - Stone touched (by a lud)
Found stones, usually hand sized or smaller, that have a significance for the finder.
Hadab-makhtab (had mah-KHAHT) - Powerful stones
Power-stones, special dull faceted gems than can hold and focus magic for bikr mar-thulj.
Himmib (hee-MEEB)
Cashmere, the very fine and soft wool of a particular species of goat, a valuable trade item.
Irghulaj (eer-goo-LAHJ)
The general title for student.
Jarghal, Jarghalti (jar-GAHL)
The title for a master wizard (wizardress).
Jimiz (jee-MEEZ)
The scholar’s rug, a rug given by a master wizard to a journeyman before he enters his tulqiqa. It is used to mark a special space for seating for a wizard and his guest or student.
Jukwit (jook-WEET)
The stoneware bottles used in the binwit. They have an indentation around the center to allow them to be hung from a cord.
Kazr, Kazrab (KAH-zer) - Yurt, Yurts
This is a structure similar to a yurt, made of a wooden framework encased in felt.
Khimar (khee-MAR) - Honey
Honey is a special substance, favored by the lud for its unusual locations and properties, and for its use in fermenting mead.
Kuliqa (koo-LEE-kah) - Turn home
The celebration when the taridiqa begins the last leg of the annual migration, to the zudiqazd.
Lij, Lijti (LEEJ, LEEJ-tee) - Sir, Lady
A term of respect. Lij-mar-lij—Master of masters. Derived from Kigali li, meaning king or emperor.
Lubr mar-az (LOOB-er mar AHZ) - A string of horses
A pack-train of horses.
Lud (LOOD)
Numinous objects or locations, often referred to as “little gods.”
Nal-Jarghal (nah
l-jar-GHAHL)
The title for an apprentice wizard.
Nayith (nah-YEETH)
The masterwork of a wizard, the transition between journeyman and master. So judged by another master wizard.
Nibar (nee-BAR)
Hospitality, guest right. Usually offered from senior to junior participant.
Nurti (NOOR-tee)
Younger sister.
Qahulaj (kah-hoo-LAHJ) - Taboo
Wizard-tyrant, one who does taboo things.
Sarq-Zannib (SAHRK-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib nation.
Shirqaj (sheer-KAHJ)
Warrior.
Sushnib (SOOSH-neeb)
Book.
Sushnibtudin (SOOSH-neeb-too-DEEN)
Trunk to hold a scholar’s books when stationary, carried in parts in special packs when on pack animals.
Taghulaj, Taghulajti (tah-goo-LAHJ(-tee)) - Teacher
A wizard or wizardress who teaches others.
Tahaziqa (tah-hah-ZEE-kah)
Traditional verses.
Taridaj (tah-ree-DAHJ)
The people who partake of the annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Taridiqa (tah-ree-DEE-kah)
The annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Tarizd (tah-REEZD)
The route taken by the annual seasonal migration performed by the traditional Zannib of the central region.
Tayujdaj (tah-yooj-DAHJ) - One who pairs for others
The marriage-broker who introduces potential partners and arranges betrothals.
Tigha (TEE-gah)
Older brother.
Tulqiqa (TEE-gah) - Wander time
The traditional wandering time when journeymen wizards travel to learn and to find opportunities to perform a nayith.
Tushkzurdtudin (tooshk-zoor-too-DEEN) - Has sixteen years
An adult, one who is at least sixteen.
Uthah (oo-THAH)
A small fabric square used to mark special spaces by being draped over a cushion or other object.
Wirqiqa-Zannib (weer-KEE-kah-zahn-NEEB)
The Zannib language.
Wishkaz (wish-KHAHZ)
Hot spice.
Yarab mar-uthkahi (yah-RAHB mar-ooth-KAH-hee) - Honor gifts
Gifts made in payment of an honor debt.
Yathbantudin (yahth-bahn-too-DEEN) - Has nine years
A child between nine and sixteen. Old enough to join the taridiqa.
Yawd-Rub (yowd ROOB)
An aromatic sap burned for scent.
Yawd-Suragh (yowd soo-RAHG)
An aromatic ground bark burned for scent.
Zamjilah (zahm-jee-LAH)
- Eye of heaven The central crown at the top of the kazr that holds the rafters together and lets the smoke escape.
