Hear the Houses…
Glossary of Terms
Regional Lexicon
Orynthia
(Universal)
al’Haidren: /al-Hay-dren/ The next representative in line to sit on the royal heir’s Quadren, typically the closest blood relative from the generation behind the current haidren
Breakaway: Member of the outer Houses who chooses to live in Unitarian lands, typically in Bastiion proper
Cross-caste: One of split lineage; an individual born of two separate Houses
Ethnicam: The assembly or association of all four Orynthian Houses
Forgotten Wars: The unknown events that led to the old world’s destruction
Hagarh: /HAY-gar/ Wetlands opposite the Mirajii Forest inhabited by nomadic peoples
Haidren: /HAY-dren/ A legal, judicial, and social representative on behalf of his or her corresponding House, seated on the current ruler’s Quadren
House: The collection of a people and their preserved, self-governed territory within Orynthian borders, though still beholden to the throne
Interim Haidren: The next familial relation to the Haidren, though sometimes elected by the House, put in place when the rightful haidren is deceased or incapacitated
Orynthia: /OR-in-thee-Uh/ Central kingdom comprised of four Houses; governed by the royal line of Thoarne and the Ethnicam
Outer Houses: Self-governed Houses on the outskirts of the Unitarian lands
Quadren: The committee of advisors encircling each Orynthian ruler, consisting of one haidren from each House
The Wastes: A barren, uninhabitable wasteland on the eastern bank of the Yachel River
War-taint: Residual, toxic poisoning as a result of the Forgotten Wars
War-tainted: An individual, animal, or land harboring the symptoms of war-taint
Witchiron: Najjani weaponry (slang)
House of Bastiion
(Eastern Coast & Plains)
Aurus: /AUHR-ruhs/ Gold coin; Bastiion origin; adopted by all Houses
Bastiion: /BAHS-tee-on/ Crown city of Orynthia
Byrnnzite: /BERN-zite/ An organic composite of petrified ash, wood, and Old-World metallics
Crupas: /CROO-pahs/ Copper coin; Bastiion origin; adopted by all Houses
Drifting Bazaar: Merchant market of floating stalls along the bank of the Thoarne Bay
Dromas: /DROH-mahs/ Silver coin; Bastiion origin; adopted by all Houses
Inner Proper: Walled and fortified inner city of Bastiion encompassing the palace, Marketown, upper and lower-class districts
Marketown: Mass market within the streets of Bastiion’s inner proper
Outer Proper: Royal land encircled by the noble provinces; outskirts of the city of Bastiion
Pipe Marrow: A highly pungent opiate often smoked in the tents of Marketown
Province: Land bestowed to the heads of the nobility and their heirs
Vàssa Ship: /Vaah-sa/ Leisure vessel
The Veiled Lady: Popular tavern and night den in Marketown owned by Salma Nabhu
Yancy: /Yan-see/ Universal slang for any wealthy Unitarians; the nobility
Unitarian: Primary language spoken in the House of Bastiion and the Unitarian lands; general mixture of ancient languages, refined over time
Unitarians: Orynthian bloodline comprised from a blended ancestry from centuries past
UNITARIAN
Shtàka: /ShTAH-kuh/ Shit (slang)
Y’siti: /Yuh-ZEE-tee/ Filthy Ice-Witch (derogatory slang)
House of Pilar
(Western Coast)
Chancellor: Head of the Pilarese Shoto Collective
Gakoshū: /Gah-koh-shoo/ City of Learning
Lempeii: /Lem-PAY/ Port city; station of the Orynthian navy
Shoto: /ShOH-toe/ A philosopher or scholar; statesman dedicated to the pursuit of learning
Shoto’shi: /ShOH-toe-shee/ A shoto acolyte; training in the ways of the Collective
Shoto Collective: Pilarese congress of scholars and politicians
Shoto Prime: Senior leader within the Shoto Collective
PILARESE
Kiataki: /Kee-uh-ta-kee/ Sword-keeper
Pyō chakrit: /Pie-oh cha-KREET/ Wisdom affirmed (statement of accord)
Pyō jien: /Pie-oh JYEN/ Knowledge accepted (statement of accord)
“What is that phrase you’re constantly spouting off?” Dmitri mused, twirling the lily. “‘Every gain has a loss’, is it?” He plucked the petal, crumpling it. “I’ve listened to that phrase so many times but feel as though I’ve finally heard you.”
— House of Bastiion, The Haidren Legacy (Book 1)
House of Boreal
(Highland Peninsula)
Aelect: /Aye-lect/ Chosen graduate warrior on the Iris of Viridis, its penannular brooch marked by the single branch
Aniell: /AHn-ee-eL/ High One; sole deity of Boreal
Armaeger: / AR-may-jer/ Officer within the Order of the Najjan, its penannular brooch marked by the double branch
Bomaerod: /BOH-may-rahD/ Vented staff utilized by the Najjan; typically made of bone and/or wood; used to created audible reference points in a space while training
Boreali: /Boar-eell-ee/ Primary language spoken in the House of Boreal; term for the people of Boreal
Clann: Ruling leader of the clans inhabiting the Boreali peninsula
Clann Darragh: /Klan Dahw-rah/ High leader of the Boreali clans; named as Boreal's governing mighty oak
Clan Elder: Elected leader of a Boreali clan
Consort Daggers: A set of short, curved luxiron daggers; ornate in design
Crescent Wraiths: A set of long, arced luxiron blades used in unison; gripped at the center; serrated or scooped at the ends
Feidierdanns: /Fee-DARE-dons/ A braided whip used to increase the agility of footwork in Najjani training
Ghostly Gate: Protective phenomena shielding Boreali shores from invaders
Great Harvest: Annual holy festival observed at Aksel’s Keep during the autumn equinox
Isle of Viridis: /eyeL of Ver-EE-dees/ A remote island off the coast of Boreal; fortress where Najjan train
Klödjen: /klode-Gen/ A wooden globe surrounded by a horizontal ring wide enough to hold a man; used in elementary training by the Najjan
Kuerre: /Koo-AIR/ Luxiron sword; curved blade
Kurtfierï: /Kert –FAYE-ree/ Courtship token; an article of the father’s clothing or dress, typically worn by the suited
Linsilk: Boreali linen made from silk harvested from spiders around the banks of the Dönumn
Lumin: /Loo-men/ Sacred light energy native to the Boreali highlands
Lumilore: /Loo-meh-Lore/ Lux-stone; lumin infused stone gathered near the banks of the Dönumn
Luxiron: Specialized najjani iron, forged in undiluted lumin; warm to the touch, prismatic in color, corrosive in nature and lightweight; trade restricted
Luxsmith: A najjani smithy, dedicated to the creation of Luxiron (i.e., luxcrafting)
Lycran: /LIE-kran/ Orallach fox-wolf (wolx) hybrid; genes enhanced by war-taint
Master of the Najjan: Nonpartisan leader of the Order of the Najjan
Najjan: /Nah-zhahn/ Elusive sect of the warrior faction; elite Boreali warrior(s)
Orallach Mountains: /Orr-uh-laK/ Range of frigid mountains; uninhabited
Order of Hosts: Core martial branch of the Order of the Najjan
Radials: Hidden luxiron blades; worn as three-fingered rings; fans open when triggered
Ranger Aelect: Operatives on covert assignment within najjani Set Apart Stewards, its penannular brooch marked by a reingafier antler
Roüwen: /Roe-OO-wen/ The village-fortress; capital of Boreal
Sanctuary of Scribes: Sacred hall of scribes within Aksel’s Keep
Set Apart Steward: Branch of specialized operatives within the Order of the Najjan
Shepherd of the Keep: Head najjani protector of Aksel’s Keep; descendant of Aksel Bailefore
Söhlo: Ritual two-day period spent in the wilderness upon one’s sixteenth birthday; Hearing Day
Solrahs: /SOL-rahs/ Half-moon shaped septum piece made of luxiron; worn by the haidrens to Boreal
Taemplar: Senior officer within the Order of the Najjan, its penannular brooch marked by the triple branch
Talï: /TAHL-ee/ Traditional prayer stones embedded down the wearer’s cheeks
Teller’s Bane: Flowering ivy planted at the base of the Altar of Truth
Tiergan: /TARE-ghan/ Sacred bloodline of the haidrens to Boreal; direct descendants of Tiergan
Vödalera: /Voh-duh-LARE-uh/ Najjani longship outfitted with a sleigh-shaped prow
Wreath of Wisdom: The ceremonial headdress passed from predecessor to successor during the haidren’s Seating ceremony
BOREALI
Allöh: /AH-loe/ May peace convene with you (informal greeting)
Allöh’jomn’yeh: /AH-loe zhoM-yay/ May peace convene with you (formal greeting)
Ana’Brödre: /Ahna-Broe-DRuh/ Great Brother(s)
Ana’Frödre: /Ahna-Fro-derr/ Great Father
Ana’Innöx: /Ahna-ee-NOHCKS/ Great Harvest
Ana’Mere: /Ahna-Mare/ Great Mother
Ana’Sere: /Ahna-Sare/ Great Sister(s)
Aniell’silaem: /AHn-ee-eL see-lame/ Aniell’s grace
Aurynth: /Aur-rinth/ Eternal resting place; heaven
Bolaeva: /Bo-LAY-vah/ Please
Crestï: /CRES-tee/ Now; this instant
Dönumn Lux: /Doe-nuM Lux/ Gift of Light
Eiide Corün: /Eye-dee-kor-OOn/ Wreath of Wisdom
Enjjen anar: /En-zhen ah-nar/ To none other
Daeünna: /Day-oo-nuh/ Blessing
Fappa: /Fah-puh/ Daddy
Fapapï: /Fah-pah-pee/ Grandaddy
Heh’ta: /HEH-tuh/ Stay; halt
Lothadim’Aniell: / Loth-uh-dim AHn-ee-eL/ Glory to Aniell
lu’Lycran: /Loo LIE-cran/ Little Lycran (nickname)
Lux aemida hen. Hen mii’orr vida: /Lux aye-mee-duh hen Hen MEE-or vee-duh/ The Light is within her. She will not fall
Mamu: /Mah-Moo/ Mommy; mama
Meh fyreon: /Meh Feer-ee-on/ I’m sorry; I apologize
Meh’daeünna’yeh: /Meh Day-oo-nuh yay/ My blessing to you
Meh’dajjeni Dönumn, weh’dajjeni Lux: /Meh Dah-zhen-ee Doe-nuM, weh Dah-zhen-ee Lux/ My strength in the Gift, our strength for the Light
Niit: /Neet/ No
Prajja’Veriidim: /Prah-zhah ver-EE-dim/ Altar of Truth
Pricta’siim, fojjünaet’Aurynth, benadicta’anar: /PREEK-tuh-seem foh-zhoon-aTe-aur-inth BEN-uh-diK-tuh-ah-nar/ Tested by iron, quenched by Aurynth, separated by none
Rul’Aniell: /Rool AHn-ee-eL/ In and to Aniell
Rul’Lothadim Aniell: /Rool-Loth-uh-dim AHn-ee-eL/ All Glory in and to Aniell (formal declaration)
Rüsha’silaem: /ROO-shuh see-lame/ Ears of grace
Se’lah Aurynth: /se-Lah Aur-rinth/ Until the shores of Aurynth
Tadöm: /tah-Dome/ Thank you
Tredae’Aurynth: /Tred-AYE Aur-rinth/ Walk in Aurynth (parting)
Veridaedill: /veR-eh-DAYE-dil/ Teller’s bane
Veriidim: /veR-EE-dim/ Pure, untainted truth
Waedfrel: /Wade-frell/ Good; great; exemplary
Weh yeyisha’shadü tredae lim Lux: /weh yeh-YEE-shuh Shah-doo tred-AYE lim Lux/ We live in the shadow to walk by the Light
Wem: /whem/ Yes
Yeh’maelim: /Yeh-may-lim/ Welcome to you
Ykah lö: /Eye-kuh Loe/ What; huh; come again
House of Darakai
(Southern Mountains & Foothills)
Alpha: Leader of a regional pryde of militia
Alpha Zà: Leader of the militia prydes
Andwele: /An-DWEE-lee/ Native language of Darakai
Andwele Mountains: Mountain range forming the western border between Darakai, Razôuel, and Mworra
Arrowball: Darakaian field game consisting of three baskets, two archers, and ladle-like sticks
Beta: Second to the pryde alpha
Beta Warlord: Official second to the chief warlord; second to a Darakaian tribal chieftain
Bwoloa: /Beh-WOE-lo-ah/ Golden liqueur imported from Darakai; made of fermented grain and citrus blossoms
Byumbé: /Beh-YOOM-bay/ Octagonal daub and rock dwellings built into the City Nest
City Nest: Soaring city carved into the towering, rounded cliffsides of the Faraji canyon
Chief Warlord: House leader of all native tribes and minor chiefs, appointed by the Darakaian War Council
Commander of the Orynthian Armies: Supreme military leader over the united Orynthian realm, of Darakaian descent, appointed by the king
Cub: Kid (slang)
Darts and Dice: A Darakaian game coupling a set of dice, a hung board, and a blowpipe; adopted by gambling houses in Bastiion
Faraji: /Fah-rah-zhee/ Capital of Darakai; fortified mountain city; location of War Council and tribal leaders
Gunjas: /Goon-Juh/ Loose fitting pants; wrapped at the waist and ankles; worn for drills and combat
Halona: /Hah-LOE-nuh/ Major tribe in the foothills of the Andwele Mountains
Holiday of Hands: Annual Darakaian holiday wherein tribes claim one another with their handprints
Kindred Bridge: Historic natural stone bridge stained by the blood of ancestors past
Kopar: /Koh-PAR/ Sickle-sword carried by the Darakaian military
Mantle of the Fallen: Historic cape constructed of ancient, bloodstained arrowheads; typically worn by the haidren to Darakai or the chief warlord
Pammu: /PAH-moo/ Fermented pam sap; brewed with beetles in the base of the bottle
Pryde: Localized group of Darakaian militia
Yowekao: /Yow-uh-KAY-oh/ Remote mountain tribe within the Andwele Mountains
ANDWELE
Ahoté: /Ah-HO-tay/ Restless Bobcat (nickname)
Àla’maia: /Ah-lah MY-ah/ The Moon (name)
Ano: /Ah-Noe/ No
Ano’puwàa dim’hakku, yona alpha ni ràtomdai: /ah-noe-POO-ah dim-hah-koo YOHN-uh Al-fuh nee rah-tohm-dye/ Unworthy and wanting, an alpha’s blood will be claimed
Ano zà: /Ah-Noe Zah/ No (final; absolute)
Chombà ano’ruko yon namàa tswé: /Chom-buh ah-noe-roo-koh yohn nah-MAH tet-sway/ The pot is not named by the tool that shapes it
Doru: /DOH-roo/ Stop; wait; pause
Fàkkadim’Chalim: /Fah-kuh-dim-Chah-lim/ Holiday of Hands
Fhàdda: /Fah-duh/ Dad (informal)
Gaibai: /Guy-buy/ Story-dance
Hérumaa: /Hare-oo-mah/ Mercy
Hewe hai Darakai: /Hay-way hi Dare-uh-kye/ We are Darakai
Hewe ràtomdai na hewe: /Hay-way rah-tohm-dye nah hay-way/ We claim us
Ho’waladim: /Hoe-wall-a-dim/ As is due to you (in place of “you’re welcome”)
Jaha: /Jah-Hah/ Pretty thing
Jwona rapiki: /Jeh-wahn-uh rah-pee-kee/ Fate writer
Kàchà kocho: /Kah-chah Koe-cho/ This or that; so, so; either
Kakk: /Kak/ Babble; ramblings; nonsense
Kakka-shtàka: /Kak-uh ShTAH-kuh/ Dumb; shitty thing; useless (slang)
Kwihila rapiki mu jwona: /Kwih-hee-luh rah-pee-kee moo Jeh-wahn-uh/ Victory writes over fate
Làtoh Ché: /la-TOH Chay/ The City Nest
Maji’maia: /Mah-zhee MY-ah/ Witchy-Moon (nickname); full moon
Mhàdda: /Mah-duh/ Mom (informal)
Motumbha: /Moh-TUM-buh/ Arrowball
Na huwàa tàkom lai na huwàa: /Nah hoo-ah tah-KOM lie nah hoo-ah/ It takes a hound to hunt a hound
Ni yeye ràtomdai na wewe: /Nee yay-yay rah-tohm-dye nah way-way/ Do you claim rights to him/her/them/it
Owàa: /Ow-WAH/ The Sun (name)
Owàamo: /Oh-WAH-moe/ The Sun greet you (greeting)
Papyon: /Pap-ee-on/ Love; sex (slang)
Qondai: /Kon-Die/ To understand; to know
Rhàana ne’Etswégo: /RAH-na neh-et-SWAY-go/ Mantle of the Fallen
Rhaolé: /Ray-OH-lay/ Hurry; speed up
Rhaolé ono: /Ray-OH-lay OH-no/ Hurry faster
Shàla’maiamo: /Sha-lah my-AH-moe/ The Moon watch you (parting)
Shamàli: /Shah-mah-lee/ If you see fit (in place of “please”)
Uni: /Oo-nee/ Yes
Uni zà: /Oo-nee Zah/ Yes (final; absolute)
Yaya: /Yah-Yah/ Honey; an attractive woman (slang)
Zullee: /Zool-lee/ Accepted with honor (in place of “thank you”)
Zwaàlu Ghopar: /Zwah-loo goh-PAR/ Kindred Bridge
Royal Quadren
KORBIN AQUILA THOARNE
Korbin Thoarne: /KOR-ben THorn/ Stag King of Orynthia
Gregor Hastings: /greg-GOR hay-stings/ Haidren to Bastiion
Nyack Kasim: /NYE-ak kah-seem/ Haidren to Darakai
Tetsu Naborū: /TET-soo nah-BORH-oo/ Haidren to Pilar
Alora Tiergan: /ah-LORH-uh TARE-ghan/ Haidren to Boreal
DMITRI KORBIN THOARNE
Dmitri Thoarne: /deh-MEE-tree THorn/ Crown Prince of Orynthia
Ira Hastings: /EYE-ruh hay-stings/ al’Haidren to Bastiion
Zaethan Kasim: /ZAY-thin kah-seem/ al’Haidren to Darakai
Sayuri Naborū-Zuo: /sye-YER-ee nah-BORH-oo-zow/ al’Haidren to Pilar
Luscia Darragh Tiergan: /LOOH-shah Dahw-rah TARE-ghan/ al’Haidren to Boreal