[Darkblade 01] - The Daemon's Curse

by Dan Abnett

  Courva

  Root extract from a plant found in the jungles of Lustria. When chewed, it acts as a stimulant, sharpening the senses. It is believed to increase reflexes. Favoured by duellists and assassins. Mildly addictive.

  Drachau

  Literally “Hand of Night”, the title held by the six rulers of the great druchii cities as appointed by the Witch King Malekith. The drachau serve as the Witch King’s lieutenants and his inner council, each fulfilling a specific function in that capacity. Traditionally the drachau of Hag Graef serves as the general of the Witch King’s armies in times of war.

  Druhir

  The spoken language of the druchii.

  Hadrilkar

  Literally “collar of service”. A torc worn by members of a highborn’s retinue or followers of certain religious cults or professional guilds. The tore is typically made of gold or silver and etched with the highborn’s family sigil.

  Hakseer

  The “proving cruise” made by every druchii highborn upon reaching adulthood. Every highborn is expected to lead a yearlong raiding cruise to demonstrate his skill and ruthlessness and establish his reputation in highborn society. Oftentimes, success on the cruise depends on how much the family spends to outfit it. It is not uncommon, for example, for a drachau’s son to take to the sea with a small fleet of ships at his command. The commander of the cruise keeps the lion’s share of the plunder, as is customary on all raiding cruises.

  Hanil Khar

  The “Bearing of Chains”, an annual ceremony held in all six of the great druchii cities, where highborn families restate their oaths of allegiance to their drachau and present some form of tribute as a symbol of their fear and respect for him. The Hanil Khar marks the end of the raiding season and the beginning of the long winter of Naggaroth.

  Hithuan

  The druchii, with their passionate and murderous nature, have evolved a rigid etiquette of social space that allows the highborn to function socially without the near constant risk of bloodshed. Distance is measured in sword lengths; lowborn may not approach closer than three sword lengths (approximately twelve feet) without being summoned, while retainers may stand as close as two sword lengths from their masters. Valued retainers, lieutenants and lower-ranking highborn stand just out of sword reach. The closest, most intimate space is reserved for lovers, playthings and mortal foes. Hithuan does not apply to slaves, as they are expected to shed their blood at a druchii’s whim.

  Hushalta

  A thick, acrid liquid also called “Mother’s Milk”, made from plant extracts taken from Tilea and alkaloid substances found in the mountains of Naggaroth. The drink induces a deep sleep, characterized by vivid nightmares and lingering hallucinations after waking, though it also speeds the healing process for the druchii. High doses can result in memory loss and even dementia over a prolonged period of use.

  Kheitan

  A thick gambeson of leather and cloth worn over a dark elf’s layered robes, covering his upper and lower torso. Typically worn beneath a coat of fine mail (in social situations), or an articulated breastplate (in wartime), the kheitan provides both added protection and insulation from the elements.

  Maelith

  Malevolent spirits, supposedly the ghosts of druchii who offended the Dark Mother and were consigned to haunt the earth until the end of days. They feed on the blood of the living and cannot be harmed save by the touch of cold iron. Occasionally used by powerful sorcerers as familiars and guardians.

  Nauglir

  Literally “cold one”, the druchii name for the huge, lizard-like predators found in the caverns beneath Hag Graef. Mistaken as large reptiles by humans, the nauglir are in fact a distant relative of the dragon, and are used by the highborn as cavalry and hunting mounts.

  Raksha

  One of the Autarii’s many names for the restless dead. In this case, the name specifically refers to a vengeful ghost that preys upon the living.

  Sa’an’ishar

  A shorthand of the command “Shields and spears!”—the standard druchii order for a formation to ready itself for action. Druchii lords often use the phrase as a general command for attention.

  Urhan

  Literally “High One”, the title of an Autarii clan leader.

  Vaulkhar

  Literally “Maker of Chains”, a title held by the warlord of a drachau’s army. The title comes from the warlord’s right of indenture — rather than killing or ransoming prisoners of war, he can enslave them if he so desires.

  Vauvalka

  Literally “Shadow-casters”, illegal users of the dark arts who can raise angry spirits and inflict them on a druchii’s rivals — for a price.

  Scanning, formatting and basic

  proofing by Undead.