by S L Farrell
Family Names Within Nessantico and most of the Holdings, the family names follow the female line. A man will (except in rare cases) upon marriage take his wife’s family name, and all children (without exception) take the family name of the matarh. In the event of the death of a wife, the widower will usually retain his wife’s family name until remarried. Status within society is determined by a prefix to the family name. In rising order, they are: none, ce’(pronounced Keh), ci’ (Kee), cu’ (Koo), ca’ (Kah).
Firenzcian Coalition The loose alliance between Firenzcia and states that have seceded from the Holdings: Firenzcia, Sesemora, Miscoli, East and West Magyaria.
Fjath [Phiy-AHTH] The title for the ruler of Sforzia.
Garda “Guard” or “soldier” (used interchangeably). The plural is Gardai.
Gardai’s Disease A euphemism for homosexuality.
Garde Brezno [GAR-duh BREHZ-noh] The city guard of Brezno in Firenzcia.
Garde Civile [GAR-duh Sih-VEEL] The army of the country of Nessantico. Not the largest force (that’s the army of Firenzcia), but the Garde Civile directs all the armies of the Holdings in war situations.
Garde Kralji [GAR-duh KRAHL-jee] The city guard of Nessantico. Based in the Bastida, their insignia is a bronze dragon’s skull. The common ranks are “gardai” (ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’), the officers are “offizier” (also ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’). The highest rank in the Garde Kralji is Commandant.
Gardes a’Liste [GAR-dess Ah-LEEST] The bureaucratic organization responsible for maintaining the rolls of family names, and for assigning the official prefixes of rank to them.
Genera a’Pace [Jhen-AH-rah Ah-pah-SAY] “Creator of Peace”-the popular title for the late Kraljica Marguerite I. For three decades under her rule, there were no major wars within the Holdings.
Grandes horizontales [GRAHN-days Hor-eh-ZHON-tah-leh] The term for the high-class courtesans with ca’-and-cu’ patrons.
Greaves Leg armor.
Gschnas [Guh-SHWAZ] The “False World” Ball-takes place every year in Nessantico.
Gyula [G-YUH-lah] Ruler of West Magyaria. East Magyaria also uses the same title.
Hauberk A short chain mail coat.
Hirzg [HAIRZG (almost two syllables)] The title for the ruler of Firenzcia. “Hirzgin” is the feminine form, and “A’Hirzg” is the term for either the female or male heir.
Ilmodo [Eel-MOH-doh] “The Way.” The Ilmodo is a pervasive energy that can be shaped through the use of ritualized chants, perfected and codified by the Concenzia Faith. The Numetodo call the Ilmodo “Scath Cumhacht.” Other cultures that are aware of it will have their own name. Niente’s people call it “X’in Ka.”
Instruttorei [Inn-struh-TORR-ay] Instructor
Kraljica [Krahl-JEE-kah] Title most similar to “Empress.” The masculine form is “Kraljiki” (Krahl-jee-kee). To refer to a ruler nongender-specifically, “Kralji” is generally used, which is also the plural.
Kusah [KOO-sah] The title for the ruler of Namarro
Lake Ixtapatl [Ish-tah-PAH-ull] The large, brackish lake in which the island city of Tlaxcala rests.
Marque The document given to an acolyte who is to be taken into the Order of Teni and placed in the service of the Concenzia Faith.
Matarh [MAH-tarr] “Mother”.
Moitidi [Moy-TEE-dee] The “half-gods”-the demigods created by Cenzi, who in turn created all living things.
Montbataille [Mont-bah-TEEL] A city set on the long slopes of a mountain in the east of North Nessantico; also the site of a famous battle between Nessantico and the province of Firenzcia, and the only good pass through the mountains between the Rivers Clario and Loi.
Morellis The disciples and followers of the self-proclaimed prophet Nico Morel.
Na’ [NAHH] “Mother” in the Tehuantin language.
Nahual [NAH-hu-all] The proper title for the chief spellcaster of the Westlanders. The spellcasters are called “nahualli”-which is both singular and plural.
Namarro [Nah-MARR-oh] The southernmost province of the Holdings of Nessantico.
Nessantico [Ness-ANN-tee-ko] The capital city of the Holdings, ruled by the Kraljica.
Note of Severance A document that releases an acolyte from his or her instruction toward being in the Order of Teni. Typically, 5% or less of acolytes complete their training and are accepted into the Order. The vast majority will receive a note.
Onczio [AHNK-zhee-oh] “Uncle.”
Offizier [OFF-ih-zeer] “Officer” the various ranks of offizier follow the ranks of teni. In ascending order: e’offizier, o’offizier, u’offizier, a’offizier. Often, an offizier in one of the armies also is a Chevaritt.
Oste-femme [OHS-tah-femm] Midwife.
Passe a’Fiume [PASS-eh ah-fee-UHM] The city that sits on the main river crossing of the Clario in eastern Nessantico.
Pjathi [Peh-HAH-thee] Title for the ruler of Sesemora.
Pontica a’Brezi Nippoli [Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee Nee-POHL-ee] One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica a’Brezi Veste [Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee VESS-tee] One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica Kralji [Phon-TEE-kah KRAWL-jee] One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica Mordei [Phon-TEE-kah MHOR-dee] One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Quibela [Qwee-BELL-ah] A city in the province of Namarro.
Sakal [Sah-KHAL] The sun-god of the Tehuantin people.
Sapnut The fruit of the sapnut tree, from which a rich yellow dye is made.
Scarlet Pox A childhood illness, often deadly.
Scath Cumhacht [Skawth Koo-MOCKED] The Numetodo term for the Ilmodo.
Sesemora [Say-seh-MOHR-ah] A province in the northeast of the Holdings of Nessantico.
Southern Fever An affliction that kills a high percentage of those affected-the fever causes the brain to swell, bringing on dementia and/or coma, while the lungs fill with liquid from the infection, causing pneumonia-like symptoms. Often, even if the victim recovers from the coughing, they are left brain-damaged.
Starkkapitan [Starkh-KAHP-ee-tahn] “High Captain”-the title for the commander of Firenzcian troops.
Stone A measure of weight for dry goods. Merchants are required to have a set of weights, certified by the local board. A stone is approximately a pound and a half in our measures.
Strettosei [STRETT-oh-see] The ocean to the west of Nessantico.
T’Sha [Ti-SHAH] The ruler of Tennshah.
Taat [Taaht] “Father” in the Tehuantin tongue.
Ta’Mila [Tah-MEE-ah] The ruler of Il Trebbio.
Tantzia “Aunt.”
Tashta [TAWSH-tah] A robe-like garment in fashion in Nessantico.
Tecuhtli [Teh-KOO-uhl-ee] The title for “Lord” or “War-King” in the Tehuantins’ language.
Tehuantin [Teh-WHO-ahn-teen] “The People”-the name the Westlanders call themselves.
Teni [TEHN-ee] “Priest.” Those of the Concenzia who have been tested for their mastery of the Ilmodo, have taken their vows, and are in the service of the church. The teni priesthood also uses a ranking similar to the Families of Nessantico. In ascending order, the ranks are e’Teni, o’Teni, u’Teni, and a’Teni.
Teocalli [Teh-o-CAHL-ee] The Tehuantin term for “temple.” The plural form is teocaltin.
Tete [teh-TAY] “Head”-title for the leaders of an organization, such as the Guardians of the Faith or the Council of Ca’. Another title for an organizational leader is “A’Morce” (used by the Numetodo, among others…).
Tlaxcala [Tlash-TAH-lah] The capital city of the Tehuantin nations.
Toustour [TOOS-toor] The “All-Tale”-the bible for the Concenzia Faith.
Turn of the glass An hour. The glass referred to is an hourglass, the sides of which are typically incised with lines marking the quarter-hours. Thus, a “mark of the glass” is roughly fifteen minutes.
Utilino [Oo-teh-LEE-noh] A combination concierge and watchman who patrols a small area (no more than a block ea
ch) of the city. The utilino-who is also a teni of the Concenzia faith-is there to run errands (for a fee) as well as to keep order, and is considered to be part of the Garde Kralji.
Vajica [Vah-JEE-kah] Title most similar to “Madam,” used in polite address with adults who have no other title, or where the title is unknown. The masculine form is “Vajiki.” The plurals are “Vajicai” and “Vajik.”
Vambrace Armor protecting the lower arm.
Vatarh [VAH-ter] “Taat.”
Venerable Carin One of the books contained in the Toustour.
Verzehen [Ver-ZAY-hehn] Foreign term for a telescope.
Ville Colhelm [VEE-ah KOHL-helm] A town on the border of Nessantico and Firenzcia, at the River Clario.
War-teni Teni whose skills in Ilmodo have been honed for warfare
White-Peak Wall Tehuantin name for the mountain range between the Tehuantin empire and the Helllins.
Zink A wind instrument similar to a cornett but curved rather than straight.
THE RECENT LINE OF THE KRALJI:
471-521: Marguerite ca’Ludovici [Marhg-u-REET Kahloo-doh-VEE-kee ]-also known as the “Genera a’Pace”
521-544: Justi ca’Dakwi [JUSS-tee Kah-DAWK-whee]
(nee ca’Ludovici, nee ca’Mazzak)-also known as the “One-Legged.” Son of Marguerite.
544-548: The Regency of Sergei ca’Rudka: for Kraljica Audric ca’Dakwi [AHD-ric-Kah-DAWK-whee], son of Justi, who is still in his minority.
548-548: Audric ca’Dakwi [AHD-ric Kah-DAWK-WHEE]-for the last few months of Audric’s reign before his assassination, Regent ca’Rudka is dismissed and Audric (later known as “The Mad”) holds the Sun Throne.
548-548: Sigourney ca’Ludovici [Si-GOHR-nee Kahloo-doh-VEE-kee ]-great grand-niece of Marguerite.
548-present: Allesandra ca’Vorl [Ahl-ah-SAHN-drah Kah-VOORL ]-great grand-niece of Marguerite
THE RECENT LINE OF THE HIRZGIN:
493-516: Karin ca’Belgradin [KAH-reen Kah-bell-GRAH-deen]
516-548: Jan ca’Vorl [Yahn Kah-VOORL]-Son of Karin. Seceded from the Holdings in 522 to form the Coalition of Firenzcia.
548-548: Fynn ca’Vorl [Finn Kah-VOORL]-Son of Jan. Assassinated by the White Stone.
548-present: Jan (II) ca’Vorl [Yahn Kah-VOORL]-Grandson of Jan (via Allesandra).
THE RECENT LINE OF THE ARCHIGI:
503-521: Dhosti ca’Millac [DOST-ee Kah-MEE-lok]-“the Dwarf.” Committed suicide (though some still whisper that it was murder).
521-521: Orlandi ca’Cellibrecca [Orh-LAHN-dee Kahsell-eh-BREK-ah ]-Left the throne to join with Firenzcia during the War of Secession. This began the Division of the Faith (521-548).
The Line in Nessantico:
521-548: Ana ca’Seranta [AHN-ah Kah-sir-AHN-TAH]-Assassinated by Tehuantin sorcerer under orders from Archigos Semini.
548-548: Kenne ca’Fionta [KENN-ah Kah-fee-ONTAH]-Tortured to death by Kraljica Sigourney.
The Line in Brezno:
521-525: Orlandi ca’Cellibrecca [Orh-LAHN-dee Kahsell-eh-BREK-ah] -Died of natural causes.
525-548: Semini ca’Cellibrecca [SEH-meen-eh Kahsell-ee-BREK-ah ]-marriage-son of Orlandi.
The Line of the Reunited Faith:
549-present: Karrol ca’Asano [CARE-ohl Kah-ahh-SAH-noh]-Named Archigos after the deposing of Semini ca’Cellibrecca. The line is now seated at Brezno rather than in Nessantico.
HISTORICAL PERSONAGES:
Falwin I [FAHL-win]-Hirzg Falwin of Firenzcia led a brief, unsuccessful revolt against Kraljiki Henri VI, which was quickly and brutally put down.
Henri VI [OHN-ree]-First Kralji of the ca’Ludovici line (413-435), from whom Marguerite I was descended.
Kalima III [Kah-LEE-mah]-Archigos from 215-243.
Kelwin [KEHL-win]-First Hirzg of Firenzcia
Levo ca’Niomi [LEHV-oh Kah-nee-OH-mee]-Led a coup in 383 and was Kraljiki for three days. Forcibly removed, he would be imprisoned for almost two decades in the Bastida, and there would write poetry that would long survive his death.
Maria III -Kraljica of Nessantico from 219-237
Misco [MEEZ-koh]-The legendary “founder of Brezno.”
Pellin I [PEH-Lihn]-Archigos of the Faith from 114-122.
Selida II [Seh-LEE-dah]-Kraljiki of Nessantico. Finished building the city walls and the Bastida d’Drago.
Sveria I [seh-VERH-ee-ah]-Kraljiki of Nessantico 179-211. The Secession War occupied nearly all his reign. He finally brought Firenzcia fully into the Holdings.
SNIPPETS FROM THE “NESSANTICO CONCORDIA”
(4th Edition, Year 642)
Family Names in the Holdings:
Within Nessantico, lineage follows the matrilineal line. A husband might, in rare cases, retain his own family name (especially if it were considered higher in status than his wife’s), but the wife can never take his name. In the vast majority of cases, however, the husband will legally take on his wife’s family name, thus becoming a member of that family in the eyes of Nessantico law-the husband will continue to bear that name and be considered to be part of that family even upon the death of his spouse, unless and until he remarries and thus acquires his new wife’s name. (Divorces and annulments are rare in Nessantico, requiring the signature of the Archigos, and each divorce is a special situation where the rules are sometimes fluid.) Children are, without exception, given the mother’s family name: “One always is certain of the mother,” as the saying goes in Nessantico.
The prefix to a family name can change, depending on the relative status of the immediate family within Nessantico society. The prefixes, in order of rising status, are: • none • ce’ (keh) • ci’ (kee) • cu’ (koo) • ca’ (kah).
One of the functionary roles of the Kralji was to sign the official family rolls every three years wherein the prefixes are recorded, though the Kraljiki or Kraljica rarely determined any changes personally; that was the role of the bureaucracy within Nessantico known as the Gardes a’Liste.
Thus, it is possible that the husband or wife of the ci’Smith family might gain status in some manner and be awarded a new prefix by the Gardes a’Liste. Husband, wife, their children and any surviving maternal parents thus become cu’Smith, but brothers, sisters, and any cousins would remain ci’Smith.
Royalty Succession Within The Holdings:
Various countries within the Holdings, not surprisingly given the variance of customs, have various rules of succession within their societies. This is especially true when those countries are independently ruled. For instance, in East Magyaria, the closest male relative of the previous ruler who is also not a direct child of that ruler is named as the successor. However, with the ascension of Nessantico and the Holdings, those countries within Nessantico’s influence tend to follow the lead of the Kralji.
For the royal families of Nessantico, title succession is normally to the Kralji’s children by birth order regardless of gender. However, it is possible for the Kralji to legally designate a favorite child as the heir and bypass earlierborn children, if the Kralji deems them unfit to rule or if for some reason they fall out of favor. This is an uncommon occurrence, though hardly rare throughout history. For the Kralji, it means that his or her children will tend to curry favor so as to remain in good graces or perhaps to unseat one of their brothers or sisters from being named the a’Kralj.
The Ilmodo and Spellcasting:
Some people have the ability to sense the power that exists all around us: the invisible potent energy of the Second World that surrounds us. In the Nessantico-controlled regions of the world, usage of magic has always been linked to religious faith, all the way back into prehistory. The myth of Cenzi extends deep into the historical mist, and it is the followers of Cenzi who have always possessed the power to manipulate the Ilmodo through chants and hand-motions.
The chanting that binds the power of the Ilmodo is the “Ilmodo language” that all acolyte teni are taught. The Ilmodo language actually has its linguistic roots in the speech of the Westlands, though neither those
of the Concenzia Faith nor the Numetodo realized that for centuries. Those of the Westlands also take power from the Second World via the instrument of religion, though through a different god and mythology, and they have their own name for the Ilmodo: X’in Ka
The Numetodo have taken the most recent path to this power: not through faith at all, but essentially by making a “science” of magic. The cult of the Numetodo first arose in the late 400s, originally from the Isle of Paeti, and spread mostly west and south from there, sometimes reacting violently with the culture of Nessantico and the Concenzia Faith.
However the power is gained, there is a necessary “payment” for spell use: using spells costs the wielder physically; the greater the effect, the higher the cost in exhaustion and weariness for the caster.
Different paths have resulted in different abilities-for Concenzian teni, there is no “storage” of spells-their spells take time to cast and once prepared, they must be cast or they are lost. However, the teni of the Faith have the advantage of being able to cast spells that linger for some time after the casting (see “The Lights of Nessantico” or “The Sun Throne of the Kralji”). Teni who cast spells quickly and effectively are unusual, and have in historical times been suspected of heresy.
The Numetodo, in contrast, have found a way to cast their spells several turns of the glass earlier (though such spells can’t be stored indefinitely). Like all users of this power, they “pay” for it with exhaustion but hold the power with their minds to be released with a single gesture and word. Their spells are generally longer and more arduous to create (even more so than that of the teni), but do not require “faith”-as is required by both the path of Concenzia and the Westlanders. All they require is that the spellcaster follows a “formula.” However, any variation from the formula, even small, will generally ruin the spell.
The Westlanders, following what they call X’in Ka, must perform the chants and hand gestures much like the teni, but they can also “enchant” an object with a spell (something neither teni nor Numetodo can do), so that the object (e.g.: a walking stick) manipulated in a particular way (e.g. striking someone) can release a spell (e.g. a shocking jolt that renders the struck person unconscious).