Night of Blood

by Richard A. Knaak

  Crown of Toroth — Ceremonial piece recreating crown worn by legendary emperor who expanded minotaur maritime interests. Used primarily at coronations.

  Darot — Militia fighter from Jarva. dartfish — Thick, yard-long, deep-sea fish with pointed noses. Predatory. Considered a delicacy. de — Designation in minotaur clan name that indicates clan originating from Kothas stock. dekarian — Sub-officer serving under a hekturion. Generally commanding ten soldiers.

  Delarac — Clan allied with House Droka.

  Detrius — A grain merchant in the imperial city.

  Dexos — Prominent House which supports Hotak.

  Doolb — A captain in the Imperial Guard under Hotak.

  Dom Es-Hestos — Son of Rahm Es-Hestos.

  Dragon’s Crest — Ship owned and commanded by Captain Azakde-Genjis.

  Droka — Clan of General Hotak.

  Duma — Colony located in the southern region of the empire.

  Dus — Colony located east of Mito.

  Dwarkyn — A captain of the Imperial Guard.

  Eastern fleet — The largest of the imperial fleets, with general duties of maintaining security in all waters east of Mithas.

  Edan Es-Brog — High priest of the Temple of Sargonnas.

  Egriv — An apprentice at Master Zornal's cooperage and a member of Forerunner faith.

  Emperor’s Pride — A warship of the Imperium's Eastern fleet.

  Es — Designation in clan name indicating clan originating from Mithas stock.

  The Eye — Large, iridescent pearl used in special ceremonies by the high priestess of the Forerunners.

  Faros Es-Kalin — Nephew of Chot Es-Kalin.

  Firemount — An iron-rich island just to the south of Kothas that has been colonized for mining.

  First Master — Title given to Ardnor de-Droka as leader of the Protectors.

  Five — Number considered good luck by minotaurs. Any multiple is also considered to be lucky.

  Flight of the Gods — Minotaur term for the departure of the gods after the Summer of Chaos.

  Flying Gryphon Legion — Legion noted by its banner, a golden gryphon ascending upon a field of silver.

  Forerunners, or Forerunners — According to the tenets of the sect, those minotaurs, either ancestors or loved ones, who have died and now watch over their living kin. Also, those who follow the faith.

  Frask — Aide to Senior Councilor Tiribus.

  Gaerth — Tall, slender captain of a mysterious ship aiding General Rahm's escape.

  Gar — A captain of the guard within the imperial palace.

  Garsis — The former governor of Mito. Executed by Haab.

  Gask — An island to the east of Mito that has been colonized for mining.

  Genjis — Clan house of Captain Azak, represented by trident and ship symbol.

  Gol — Island colony on eastern edge of the minotaur empire.

  Golgren — An ambitious Grand Lord of the ogres.

  Gorsus — Prisoner who died in Vyrox.

  Goud — First Hekturian of the port city of Varga.

  Gradic Es-Kalin — Younger brother of Chot. Father of Faros.

  Grand Khan — Symbolic ruler of Kern.

  Great Circus — The vast, oval arena, seating thousands, in which by rite of combat duels, emperors, and more are decided.

  Grisov Es-Neros — Patriarch of House Neros and counselor to Emperor Chot.

  Gryphon’s Wing — Minotaur ship plying the Courrain. Commanded by Captain Hogar.

  Gul — A distant island colony, not to be confused with Gol.

  Gully dwarf — Sub-race of dwarves generally found living among squalor and having limited intelligence but some cunning.

  Haab — Provost captain, later colonial governor of Mito under Hotak.

  Habbakuk — The Fisher King. Benevolent god of the sea.

  Halrog — A prisoner in Vyrox.

  Han — A blacksmith on the isle of Tadaran. Friend to Mogra Es-Hestos.

  Harod — A guard at the Vyrox mining colony.

  Hathan — A remote island colony to the southeast of Kothas, location of a garrison.

  Hekturion — A legionary officer in charge of one hundred warriors.

  Hes — An overseer of Master Zornal's cooperage.

  Hestos — A prominent House which supports Chot. Clan of General Rahm.

  Hiddukel — A god, often called “the deal maker,” who trades in souls. Patron of greed.

  Hila Es-Kalin — Wife of Zokun Es-Kalin.

  Hogar — Captain of the ill-fated Gryphon's Wing.

  Holis — A member of Maritia de-Droka's personal bodyguard.

  Horned God — Rebel vessel.

  Horsetail grass — Grass with herbal abilities, revered by minotaurs as a symbol of strength and honor. Bound sheaves are tossed during processions or laid by the bodies of the dead at funerals.

  Hotak de-Droka, also known as Hotak the Sword, Hotak the Avenger — General of the legions and emperor following coup against Chot. Commander of the Rearing Horse Legion.

  Hybos — High-ranking minotaur living on Kothas. Supporter of Chot.

  Ilionus — Prisoner in Vyrox.

  Ilos de-Morgayn — First Dekarian of the port of Varga.

  Imperial Guard — Elite legion whose chief task is to protect the emperor.

  Imperial Legions — The military might of the empire. Each legion serves under a general. Noted by their banners, such as the Rearing Horse Legion, and their silver kilts with red tips.

  Irda — According to legend, the beautiful, glorious ancestors of both the ogres and the minotaurs.

  Istar — Powerful nation once located where the Blood Sea now exists. After its ruler, the Kingpriest, proclaimed himself the God above Gods, a mountain fell from the sky and plunged Istar beneath the waves. At the same time, the minotaur kingdoms were separated from the mainland, becoming islands.

  Itonus — Patriarch of House Droka.

  Japfin — A prisoner working the Mines of Vyrox.

  Jarva — Town located on Mithas, near the villa of the merchant Bilario.

  Javelin — Rebel ship.

  Jhonus — Protector skilled at hand-to-hand combat.

  Jolar — Husband of Tyra de-Proul. Sea captain.

  Josiris — Aide to Senior Councilor Tiribus.

  Jubal — Raspy-voiced governor of the colony Gol under Chot.

  Kaj — Prisoner in Vyrox.

  Kalin — Clan house of Emperor Chot. Clan colors are crimson and black.

  Kalius — A guard and wagon driver in Vyrox.

  Kaz Dragonslayer — Legendary hero and renegade. Companion of Huma Dragonbane.

  Kazelati — Descendants of Kaz's followers. Their hidden domain lies beyond the empire.

  Kelto — Bodyguard to Grisov Es-Neros.

  Kern — More dominant of the two ogre kingdoms. Blöde is the other. Ruled by a Grand Khan.

  Kernen — Capital of Kern. Once the seat of High Ogre might, now ruled by the decadent descendents of that fabled race.

  Kesk the Elder — Member of the Supreme Circle under Chot.

  Kesk the Younger — Member of the Supreme Circle under Chot. Son of Kesk the Elder.

  Kiri-Jolith — Bison-headed god of just cause. Rival of Sargonnas. Second most prominent deity among the minotaurs until the Flight of the Gods.

  Knights of Neraka — Human military organization derived from the defunct Knights of Takhisis.

  Recognizable by their black armor, they seek the conquest of the continent of Ansalon. Sometime ally of the empire, especially during the reign of Chot.

  Kolotihotaki de-Droka — Youngest son of Hotak de-Droka, commonly known as Kolot. Officer of the legions.

  Konac — Imperial tax master under Chot.

  Kothas — Twin island of Mithas and nominally its equal. Major importer of meat to the empire.

  Kreel — Militia fighter from Jarva.

  Kroj — General and commander of the empire's southern forces. Hero of the battles of Turak Majo
r and Selees.

  Krysus de-Morgayn — One-armed commander of Vyrox.

  Kyril — Young officer with duty to capture or slay Rahm on the Night of Blood. He attempts to atone for his failure by entering the Great Circus.

  Lavender — Scent favored by female minotaurs. Used in perfumes and potions.

  Lord Chieftain — Title of ruler of ogre kingdom of Blöde.

  Lothan — A member of the Supreme Circle. Appointed Head of the Supreme Circle following Hotak's coup. Also one of the Forerunner faithful.

  Luko — Drunken young minotaur whose ear is shorn off in game of chance in the tavern Challenger's Roost.

  Maelstrom — The vast whirlpool set in the midst of the Blood Sea. During the Summer of Chaos, it fell dormant.

  Magori — Aquatic crustaceans who warred against the minotaurs during the Summer of Chaos.

  Majar — Father of Luko.

  Makel Ogrebane — Legendary hero and emperor who freed his people from slavery. See Axe of Makel Ogrebane.

  Malk — A servant in House Dexos.

  Manticore — Monstrous, human-faced feline found in some rare parts of Krynn.

  Marine regiment — Contingent of naval fighters, as distinct from the crew of a warship. On imperial vessels, generally up to one hundred warriors.

  Maritia de-Droka — Only daughter of Hotak. Officer of the legions and Imperial Guard.

  Meditation room — Secluded chamber in the Temple of the Forerunners where the high priestess communes with the dead and casts spells.

  Meredrake — Horse-sized, savage lizard used by ogres as attack animals and trackers.

  Minotaur Empire — Sea realm consisting of some thirty-plus islands of varying population (Mithas and Kothas are the most populated) spread over the expanses of the Blood Sea and the Courrain Ocean. There are also a few minor colonies on the northeastern peninsula of the continent of Ansalon.

  Mirya — Ghost summoned by Nephera during outdoor ceremony.

  Mithas — Foremost of twin islands. Location of Nethosak, seat of the imperium.

  Mito — An island colony that is third in population and the third largest builder of ships in the Minotaur Empire. Located three days east of Mithas. The chief settlement is the port city of Strasgard.

  Mogra Es-Hestos — Wife of Rahm Es-Hestos.

  Morthosak — Chief city and capital of Kothas.

  Mykos — Eldest son of Tyra de-Proul.

  Nagroch — Subchieftain of Blöde.

  Napol — Commander of the marine regiments serving Rahm.

  Nemon de-Droka — Father of Hotak.

  Nephera — Wife of Hotak de-Droka and high priestess of the temple of the Forerunners. Mother of Ardnor, Bastion, Maritia, and Kolot.

  Neros — A prominent House which supports Chot.

  Nethosak — Capital of both Mithas and the empire as a whole.

  Night of Blood — The horrific night of carnage in which Emperor Chot and his family and those most loyal to Chot are struck down by the supporters of General Hotak.

  Nilo — Prisoner in Vyrox.

  Nolhan — First adjutant to the head of the Supreme Circle, Senior Councilor Tiribus.

  Nymon — Noble seeking to fomulate opposition to Hotak's plans to create hereditary rule.

  Olia — Headmistress of the imperial kitchens and cousin to both Zornal and Quas.

  One True God, also One God — A deity rumored to exist on the mainland.

  Orcius — Commander serving Hotak.

  Paug — A warden in Vyrox. Also known as “the Butcher.”

  Petarka — Mist-enshrouded island far to the east, beyond official boundaries of the empire.

  Utilized by followers of General Rahm.

  Polik the Pawn — Corrupt emperor from the time of Kaz the Dragonslayer. Kept in power by the secret manipulations of the red dragon Infernus. processing station — Dangerous, fiery location where the ore from the Vyrox mines is prepared for shipment and use to the empire.

  Protectors — Martial arm of the Forerunners, noted by their black armor with gold insignias and the maces they generally wield. Commanded by Ardnor de-Droka.

  Proul — A prominent House which supports Chot. provost captains — Military liaisons appointed as acting governors under Hotak.

  Pryas — Protector officer.

  Quar — Obscure island colony just beyond official boundaries of the empire.

  Quas — Overseer of Master Zornal's cooperage. Cousin of the master cooper.

  Rahm Es-Hestos — Commander of the Emperor's elite Imperial Guard under Chot. Later, rebel leader against Hotak.

  Rearing Horse Legion — Legion commanded by Hotak, noted for its banner—a black, rearing warhorse on a field of red.

  Red Condor — New name given to former imperial warship captured by rebels.

  Res — Second Dekarian of the port city of Vargas.

  Resdia — Daughter of Gradic Es-Kalin. Younger sister of Faros.

  Rogan — First Mate of the Javelin. Brother of Tyril.

  Ryn — Militia commander in Strasgard.

  Ryog — A prominent House which supports Chot.

  Sardar — Cousin of Ulthar. Pirate and brigand killed in accident in Vyrox.

  Sargas — See Sargonnas

  Sargonath — Small colony on the northeastern peninsula of Ansalon created as a sign of alliance by the empire, the Knights of Neraka, and the Kazelati after the Summer of Chaos. Its chief resource is timber.

  Sargonnas, also called Sargas, Argon, and the Horned God — Chief deity of the minotaurs before the Summer of Chaos and the Flight of the Gods. Consort but also rival of Takhisis. The red condor is his symbol.

  Scorpion’s Sting — Imperial vessel escorting supply ships to outer colonies.

  Scurn — First mate of the ill-fated Gryphon's Wing. sea dragon banner — Banner of the imperial fleets.

  Sea Reaver — Former imperial ship commanded by Captain Tinza.

  Selees — Lush, southern island noted for historic battle. shadow sellers — Disreputable merchants plying their wares in the torchlit areas of the Great Circus. They will sell anything.

  Ship Master — Appointed head of a clan's maritime affairs, overseeing most sea merchant functions.

  State Guard — Military force with primary function of overseeing police duties in all major settlements. Their armor is gray.

  Strasgard — The port city of Mito. A chief shipbuilding facility.

  Summer of Chaos — Minotaur term for the Chaos War, when the gods fought over Krynn.

  Supreme Circle — The august governing body under the emperor. Consisting of eight members, they deal with the day-to-day functioning of the realm.

  Tadaran — An island colony in the northeast of the imperium. Hiding place of General Rahm's family.

  Takhisis — Powerful, manipulative dark goddess who is constantly seeking control of the mortal plane. Sargonnas is her consort, but also her rival.

  Takyr — Sinister ghost serving Lady Nephera.

  Targonne, Morham — Leader of the Knights of Neraka.

  Temple of the Forerunners — Central temple of the dominant religious sect in the empire, following the Flight of the Gods. Its tenets preach that those who have passed on watch over their loved ones left behind. Their symbol is a bird ascending over a broken axe. The main temple, in Nethosak, was formerly used by the priests of Sargonnas.

  Tengis — Distant tropical colony noted for foodstuff such as breadfruit.

  Thorak — An island near Thuum.

  Thuum — A wooded island colony on the southeastern edge of the imperium.

  Tinza — Female captain of the Sea Reaver, former ship of the eastern fleet.

  Tiribus de-Nordmir — A Senior Councilor and head of the Supreme Circle under Chot.

  Tohma — General and member of the Supreme Circle under Chot.

  Toroth — The emperor instrumental in expanding minotaur maritime interests beyond the Blood Sea. See Crown of Toroth.

  Tovok — Young rebel fighter.
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  Tremanion — Prisoner in Vyrox.

  Tupo — Youngest son of Gradic Es-Kalin. Younger brother of Faros.

  Turak Major — Southern island. Location of historic battle.

  Tyklo — A House whose tradition in stonework has made them one of the most respected clans among the minotaur. Chief artisans of the throne.

  Tyra de-Proul — Imperial administrator of Kothas, appointed by Chot.

  Tyril — First mate of Scorpion’s Sting. Brother of Rogan.

  Ulthar — A prisoner working the Mines of Vyrox. A tattooed, former pirate and brigand from the distant colony of Zaar.

  Ursun — A prominent House which supports Hotak.

  “Uruv Suurt” — Ancient ogre words meaning “minotaur.”

  Varga — A small but significant port in north Mithas used as a link between the far northeastern colonies and those in the innermost Blood Sea region.

  Veria de-Goltyn — Chief Captain of the imperium's eastern fleet under Chot.

  Vyrox — A harsh mining community, worked mostly by prisoners, located in Argon's Chain. Iron, copper, lead, and zinc are some of the minerals found here.

  Warhammer Point — A harsh island to the east of Mito that has recently been colonized for mining.

  Xando — A general of the imperial legions. Stationed on Kothas.

  Yarl — Prisoner in Vyrox.

  Zaar — A remote island colony that lost contact with the minotaur empire for several generations and has only recently been rediscovered. Home of Ulthar.

  Zeboim — Volatile dark goddess of the sea.

  Zemak — The Colonial Governor of Amur under Hotak.

  Zen — Governor of Amur under Chot.

  Zephros — Heavyset elder of Clan Droka and rival of Itonus. Patriarch of Droka under Hotak.

  Zokun Es-Kalin — First cousin of Emperor Chot. Ship Master of House Kalin's merchant fleet.

  Zornal — A master cooper in Nethosak.

  Zygard — An ogre settlement near Sargonath.