The Fire Sword

by Colin Glassey

  Hutinin – Second-largest city in province of Kunhalvar.

  Iron Duke – Brother of the Iron King, famous for leading daring cavalry raids. His real name is Gosta Feshti.

  Iron King – King of Dombovar, former iron miner. Older brother of the Iron Duke.

  Jay Kirdar – Native of Shila, member of the Rutal-lil, cousin of Miri Kirdar, former unofficial leader of the Scythe. Older brother of Ven Kirdar.

  Jori Vaina – Born to a very humble family of riverboatmen. Orphaned and destitute at fourteen, he took up a life of aimless wandering, traveling across much of Serica. He studied the teachings of Eston at Yellow Dragon Monastery. Later he joined the Red Swords and became one of the main leaders. He and his soldiers seized control of Tokolas about four years ago.

  Junithoy – The name the Serice use for the little people who once lived in the mountains of Kisvar. The Keltens believe these are the same as the Piksies.

  Jupelos – Northernmost city of Kunhalvar, located on the Jupol River.

  Jupol River – Major river that flows southwest from Lake Ruduhe, through Kemeklos, and down to the river Mur.

  Kagaya – Coastal kingdom south of Rakeved. Known for its sea raiders and its strange religious practices. Kagaya is usually at war with either Rakeved or Murkathaz.

  karst – Unusual mountains found in the Towers of Heaven, characterized by isolation from other hills, nearly sheer slopes, and rounded tops.

  Kemeklos – Capital city of Kisvar province. Former capital of all Serica during the Water Kingdom. Once the largest and grandest city in Serica and all surrounding lands.

  Kimarom – A large province of Serica, its capital is Daka. The second-largest city is Somjarvi, it has been firmly under the control of the Kitran empire for more than one hundred years.

  King Banatar – One of the greatest kings in Serica’s history; reigned during the Gold Kingdom. He was one of the last Serice kings to lead his soldiers into battle.

  King Borsos – Former ruler of Vasvar province. Murdered by General Tuno while the Archives Expedition was staying in Gipu.

  King Galmari Russu – King of Rakeved. Russu Ti Tuomi’s father was his half-brother.

  King Olvin – King of Shila, member of House Tols. Lady Eun is a relative.

  Kirdar – AKA House Kirdar. Major clan of Shila, ruling much of the western part of the country. Based in the city of Birumaz. The head of House Kirdar is High Lord Palsomo.

  Kisvar – Formerly the richest and most important province of Serica. Kemeklos is the capital of Kisvar. See also: Kunhalvar, Dombovar, etc.

  Kitran Empire – A great power that recently ruled over all Serica and the northern lands as well. The Kitran Empire is run by the Kitran tribe, one of the Sogand tribes. The founder was Tolu Tem, styled Emperor of the World.

  Knights of Serica – Newly created order of knights under the direction of Sir Ako. All the men of the Archives Expedition who reached Tokolas were made members of this order: Ako, Sandun, Basil, Kagne, Padan, Damar, Farrel, Wyatt, and Gloval (posthumously).

  krasuth – A group of mysterious men who have magic power over wind and fog.

  Kulkasen – Ghost Seekers, a major religion/philosophy in Serica. Some Kulkasen are warriors (such as Blue Frostel); others are traveling healers who use their mystical powers to drive away demons and ghosts.

  Kun the Younger – Brother of General Kun and commander of Kunhalvar cavalry.

  Lakava – Capital city of Vasvar province, port city on the River Mur.

  Lake Histel – A lake northeast of Kemeklos. Part of Kisvar province. Famous for its scenic beauty and as the site of many temples and schools such as Telihold Tanul and the old Great Sage Temple.

  Lathe Rupp – Student and disciple of Valo Peli, born near Segvarket.

  Linuno – Ancient kingdom of Serica from the days before the Fire Kingdom. The Great Sage lived in this kingdom for most of his life.

  lopor – Strange black powder that explodes when set on fire. Discovered by alchemists of the Water Kingdom.

  Lord Itor – Leader of Gipu and head of the Laska clan.

  Lord Onell – Ruler of the Channel Islands, which lie between Shila and Budin.

  Lord Sakkel – Ancient Serice hero from the time after the Fire Kingdom collapsed.

  Mairen Pal – Ancient Serice hero, now worshiped as a god by some Kulkasen.

  Mar Raddi – Ancient hero of Serica. Famed for his hot temper.

  Marso River – River that flows past Marsolil in the Kingdom of Shila.

  Marsolil – Town near the center of Shila.

  Master Donath – Current leader of the Great Sage Temple in Torsihad.

  Mavana – Goddess worshipped by the Red Swords. They believe the Mavana will soon appear in the world and cleanse it of evil, ending the suffering for all believers.

  Minak Kingdom – Founded by nobles of the former Dedilon Kingdom. Almost annihilated in a war with the Kitran Empire. Minak hatred for the Palahey Kingdom was legendary.

  Minister Momen – Head of the Ministry of Rituals for the government of Kunhalvar.

  Minister Renieth – Official in the Ministry of Rituals, in charge of relations with the Kelten ambassadors.

  Minister Thrun – Official in charge of the inner palace of Tokolas.

  Minister Udek – Chief minister of Lord Jori Vaina’s government.

  Miri Kirdar – Native of Shila, member of House Kirdar. Related to Jay Kirdar and Ven Kirdar. Distantly related to High Lord Palsomo.

  Monavar – One of the provinces of Serica. Tesatur is the largest city, but there are several other large cities in the province. A triumvirate of dukes, working in alliance, has control over the province.

  Mount Mazal – Tallest mountain in Serica, located in Kimarom province.

  Mur River – Largest river in Serica; flows northeast to southwest. Flows into the sea near the city of Buuklos.

  Murkathaz – Large but somewhat disorganized kingdom south and west of Rakeved. Wars between Rakeved and Murkathaz have been frequent over the centuries.

  Naduva – Capital city of the province of Dombovar. Ruled by the Iron King. Formerly the last capital of the Water Kingdom.

  Nakata’an – Wilderness region south of Torsihad. The Gold Kingdom controlled it, as did the Water Kingdom, briefly.

  Nava River – Major river that flows north to south and joins with the River Mur at Solt’varkas.

  Nikawsa – Small frontier town on the southeast corner of Kunhalvar.

  Nilin Ulim – Kitran warlord, adopted son of Bolod Ulim.

  Number Eight – Chief spy for Lord Jori Vaina. Unknown background.

  Nurmes – Large city in Dombovar, situated on the River Mur.

  Oardulos – Large city on the Mur River, on the border between Kunhalvar and Dombovar. Occupied by the army of Dombovar at present.

  Okanka River – Large river that runs from Hutinin north to the Mur River.

  Olitik – Small town in the hills east of Jupelos.

  Omot – Small town in the province of Torsihad.

  opmi – Serice term that refers to the elite warriors of the Archipelago (i.e., knights). Opmi have an outsized reputation in Serica, as legends and stories paint opmi in a favorable light.

  Orinok – One of the two krasuth who were protecting Lord Jori Vaina. Orinok died in the battle of the Burning Tower.

  Orjan – A famous poet of the Gold Kingdom. Wrote poems about Kemeklos and the River Mur which are still read in the present day.

  Ors Divar – Former warlord of the Turans. He led a massive army of Sogands into Issedon but was killed in battle against a Kelten army under King Maklinos the Great.

  Palahey – Major kingdom that captured parts of Serica, including Kemeklos. Palahey was later conquered and destroyed by the Kitran Empire. See also Dedilon Kingdom.

  Po
lkinombu – A krasuth from Murkathaz.

  Polta – A member of the Kunhalvar messenger service.

  Pomoz – Large port town in Shila.

  Prempol – City and region of Murkathaz.

  Radiant Prince – Nominal leader of the Red Swords, AKA Herald of the Mavana. First name: Habaluk.

  rakeg – An old noble title in Serica, revived by Lord Jori Vaina and given to General Erdis and General Kun. Rakeg can best be translated as “hero” or “valiant warrior.”

  Rakeved – Significant nation south of Serica, a former province of Serica during the Gold Kingdom but independent for several hundred years.

  reblith – Shila word that is extremely insulting.

  Red Crane Army – The elite army of Kunhalvar province. Cranes are common along the river Mur near Tokolas. The Red Crane soldiers were originally part of the Red Swords.

  Red Prophet – The inspirational and effective leader of the Red Swords for many years.

  Red Swords – Religious movement that has spread throughout western Serica. Violently opposed to the Kitran Empire. Red Sword warriors captured Zelkat, Kisvar, and Vasvar in the first years of the rebellion. Later Lord Jori Vaina captured Kunhalvar as a member of the Red Swords. They worship the Mavana.

  Reija – A young women who joined the Red Swords and now lives in Tokolas.

  Rogge – A travelling merchant who guided the Archives Expedition from Gipu to Hazeny. Injured at the battle of Wheat Town. His nephew is Evet.

  Russu Ti Tuomi – A princess of Rakeved. She came to Tokolas with her father. After a failed assassination attempt, she came to live at the Kelten embassy with Sir Ako.

  Rutal-lil – Military/religious order of knights in the nation of Shila. Both Jay Kirdar and Ven Kirdar are members. The Rutal-lil are devoted followers of Ekon.

  Ruthal of Gatetown – Piksie linguist.

  Sakhat – Province of Serica in the northwest. Depopulated as it has suffered assaults from Sogand raiders for more than one hundred years. Capital city is Hevravi.

  Sasuvi – Capital city of Zelkat province, on the Nava River. Sasuvi was once the most populous city in western Serica. Sasuvi has been the center of the Red Swords movement for nearly a decade.

  Segvarket – A city at the border between Kunhalvar and Vasvar province.

  Serica – Very large and powerful kingdom that lies between the Tirala Mountains and the Great Sea. Serica used to be a single nation but is now divided into many warring states. One of the early kingdoms in Serica’s history was called the Fire Kingdom. Years later, a new kingdom conquered all Serica; it was called the Gold Kingdom. The Water Kingdom eventually took power after a long civil war. The Kitran Empire destroyed the Water Kingdom and briefly controlled a vast territory, much larger than Serica.

  Serica-glass – A remarkable form of pottery that is smooth like glass yet nearly unbreakable. It holds colors without fading and is prized throughout the world. Its manufacture is a closely guarded secret known to a few craftsmen in Serica, Shila, and Rakeved.

  Serice – the people of Serica are collectively referred to as the Serice. Unlike the people of the Archipelago, most Serice have pointed ears.

  Shila – Major independent nation east of Serica. The capital city is Sorabol, ruled by King Olvin. There are several major clans that run Shila, including House Tols and House Kirdar.

  Silan – Mythical flying horse, believed to grant good luck.

  Sogand tribes – The Sogands are a race apart, such that interbreeding between Sogands and other peoples is rare. They live in the northlands, occupying a huge swath of land from Thessegon in the west to Shila in the east. Many tribes make up the Sogands: the Kitran, the Gokiran, the Turan, the Gurwan, and others. The Kitran, under Beeshe Tem, subdued all the other clans. Under Tolu Tem, the unified Sogands conquered all the provinces of Serica, destroying the Water Kingdom in the process.

  Solt’varkas – Ancient capital of the Fire Kingdom, located at the junction of the Mur River and the Nava River. The city was largely destroyed by earthquakes and floods.

  Somjarvi – Major city of Kimarom. Located near Lake Rudohe, at the headwaters of the Jupol River.

  Sorabol – Capital city of Shila. Ruled by King Olvin of House Tols.

  Sorst – Member of the Rutal-lil.

  Sukanea River – Large river that joins the Mur River near Tokolas.

  Sumetar – AKA Sume. She is an expert horse archer.

  Tea Hills – Large region of foothills on the far west side of Serica. Famous for its tea.

  Teketavaska – Small messenger post on the Okanka River, at the midpoint between Tokolas and Hutinin.

  Telihold Tanul – Famous temple of Eston near Lake Histel. Vir Telihold is an offshoot of Telihold Tanul.

  tik – Serice unit of distance measurement, a bit more than one-third of a Kelten mile (roughly 2,000 feet).

  Tilsukava River – Small river of Torsihad that flows into the Sukanea River.

  timbal – Serice musical instrument with twenty-one strings. Similar to a Kelten harp but played flat.

  Tirala Mountains – Major mountain range east of Erimasran consisting of high peaks and plateaus. Almost entirely uninhabited, except by some Piksies and the trade cities at its eastern edge.

  Tokolas – Major city in Serica, capital of Kunhalvar province. Located on a bluff overlooking the River Mur. Lord Jori Vaina has ruled Tokolas for several years.

  Tolis – Senior member of the Red Swords in Tokolas.

  Tols – House Tols. Major clan of Shila that has ruled the nation from the capital of Sorabol for centuries. King Olvin of Shila is part of House Tols, as is Lady Eun.

  Tolu Tem – The most powerful Kitran emperor. A grandson of Beeshe Tem, his armies conquered Naduva and ended the Water Kingdom. Tolu Tem was called Emperor of the World, and all the lands around Serica either acknowledged his rule or were attacked.

  Torsihad – One of the poorest and least developed provinces of Serica, with many mountains and rivers.

  Towers of Heaven – Unusual geographic region of Torsihad. Five major temples are located here, including the Great Sage Temple and Flame Iris Monastery. See also: karst.

  Triatismas – Demonic creatures, believed to be mythical.

  Turan – One of the Sogand tribes. The Turan homelands are in the northwest, and they have been attacking Thessegon for centuries. Ors Divar was a former warlord of the Turan.

  Urmatos – Capital city and port town of the province of Anenohad.

  Valo Peli – The new name of Arno Boethy. He was an official and general of the Kitran Empire, but he retired after twenty-five years of service. Expert in the manufacture and use of lopor. Valo Peli met the Keltens in the town of Hazeny, and together they ventured to Tokolas. Valo Peli was marked for death by Nilin Ulim.

  Vellen – Senior member of the Great Sage Temple.

  Velochakan – Capital city of Rakeved. The palace of Hemina is found within the city.

  Ven Kirdar – Native of Shila, member of the Rutal-lil, cousin of Miri Kirdar, younger brother of Jay Kirdar.

  Vir Telihold – Southern branch of the Telihold Tanul temple, located outside Anessa in Torsihad.

  Vonmi Ti Tuomi – Native of Rakeved, one of Russu Ti Tuomi’s aunts. Lives in the capital, Velochaken.

  Water Kingdom – A major kingdom of Serica. Originally its capital was Kemeklos, but after this city was captured by the Palahey Kingdom, they relocated their government east. The second capital was Naduva till it was conquered by the Kitran Empire under Tolu Tem.

  Wrath of Hutinin – One of the great boats that Kunhalvar captured from Vasvar.

  Yellow Dragon Monastery – Monastery dedicated to the worship of Eston, where Jori Vaina spent several years as a young man. Burned down by the Kitran Empire army about a decade ago and not rebuilt.

 

  Colin Glassey, The Fire Sword