by C S Marks
Chupa-jul (CHOO-pa-JUL): Oasis settlement, home of Estle and the House of El-morah. The name means “hidden water.”
Collyn: Spokesman of the Currgas of Tal-sithian.
Cós-domhain (Coss-Dome-Ha-EEN): Great Dwarf-realm, known as the Realm of Caverns. Ruled by Lord Grundin. From cós (cavern) and domhain (domain).
Cronar: Captain of the Guard in Dûn Bennas.
Cuimir (COO-ee-MEER): Asarla who founded Eádros, the Realm of Light, lost during the War of Betrayal. Name means “comely, handsome.” From cuimas (handsome).
Cúinar (COO-ee-nar): Sylvan Elves, Wood-elves. Considered to be of lesser stature than High-elves, they did not have the benefit of Asari influence. They inhabit and defend the Forest Realm of Greatwood. Examples are Gaelen and Nelwyn. From cúin (silent).
Cúingael (COO-in-gale): Greatwood Elf, friend of Gaelen and Nelwyn. She once tried to set a snare for Wellyn, and ensnared Ri-Aruin instead. Her name means “silent valor.”
Currgas (KOOR-gahs): Small, otter-like river people of western Alterra. They are secretive, but friendly and gentle. They prefer to live in the southern Dominglas River, but have recently been driven into the Lake-realm.
Dardis (DAR-dees): The second son of Aincor, a highly talented and inventive artisan and lover of learning. Unlike his father, Dardis was of gentle temperament and was revered especially by the dwarves. He was apprenticed to an Asarla named Léiras (the far-sighted), who taught him of the making of things that could be endowed with magical properties. It was Dardis who made the mirror given to Gorgon Elfhunter; he also created the Stone of Léir and the Amulet of Kotos. He was killed on the eve of the Second Uprising.
Darkmere: The name given to the Great Forest Realm (Greatwood) when Wrothgar’s power began to grow there. The Elves refer only to the southern part of the Forest as the Darkmere, but others make no such distinction. See also Dominglas Forest.
Dessa (DESS-sa): River that marks the southern boundary of King Hearndin’s influence.
D’hanar (Dah-NAHR): The ruin of Tal-elathas. It is now an evil place inhabited only by dark beings. The name is dwarvish for “land of darkness.”
Diomar (DYOH-mar): Man of the Tuathar, sire of Rogond. His name means “the proud,” from diomas (proud).
Dominglas Forest (DOME-een-glas): The vast woodland occupying approximately one-third of the northern lands of Alterra. In the north dwell the Sylvan Elves, and in the south Wrothgar has made his new, Dark Tower. From domhain (domain) and glas (deep green). See also Greatwood, Darkmere, Aruinnas.
Doniol (DON-ee-ol): Lord of Eádros during the War of Betrayal. His name means “he who possesses many gifts.”
Drach: Night-flying northern dragon of the Fell-ruin. Night fliers are kept belowground during daylight, emerging only at night. They fly in near-total silence and are very difficult to see, as they are a dull black. They resemble enormous bats. Drach has a twin sibling named Garthor.
Dromadan (pl. Dromadin): Desert-dwelling beasts used by the Ravani-folk, often in place of horses. They are a type of camelid.
Duinar (DOO-ee-nar): Asarla who founded the northern realm of Tuathas. He appeared to be very old, with a long, snow-white beard and a lined, weathered face. He was thought slain during the cataclysmic rising of the Fire-mountain that destroyed Tuathas and all lands near it. Name means “guide.”
Dûn Bennas (Doon-ben-NAS): City of Men founded by the Tuathar, located in the southern tip of the Monadh-ailan. Name means “white fortress.” From dûn (fortress) and bennas (white).
Dûn Arian (Doon-ah-ree-AHN): Largely unknown City of Men founded by the renowned scholar Salasin, located in the far southern lands. Also known as The Citadel. Name means “fortress of silver.” From dûn (fortress) and ariant (silver).
Eádram (Ay-AH-drahm): High-elves, Elves of the Light. Their realm was called Eádros. Examples are Galador and Lord Airan of Tal-ailean. From eádra (light).
Eádri (Ay-AH-dree): The Evening Star.
Eádros (Ay-AH-dross): Elven-realm, greatest of the Eádram. It was lost in the War of Betrayal, destroyed by the Dwarves of Rûmm.
Elàni (El-LAN-ee): Elves.
Elathanar (EL-ah-tha-NAR): Elvish name for Dûn Arian, it means “place of wisdom.”
El-morah (El-MOR-rah): Kindly host of the kaffa-house in the Chupa-jul oasis, he and his family are friends of the Company.
Elraen (EL-ray-en): Greatwood Elf, lost and taken to Wrothgar. The name means “star-elf,” from elàn (elf) and réalta (star).
Elysia (Eh-LEE-see-ah): Eternal Elven-home that has been provided to house the spirits of the Elàni after death. It is a paradise separate from the afterlife of Men. From elàn (elf).
Èolar (AY-oh-lahr): High-elves who achieved the highest level of learning and skill, but were deceived by Wrothgar and Kotos the Asarla. They were mostly lost during the second uprising. Examples are Aincor, Dardis, Magra, and Ri-Elathan. From Èolas (knowing).
Eros (EH-rohs): Sturdy, intelligent dun horse of Rogond. Also a smooth-flowing, gentle river that gives rise to the Ambros in the north. From eran (soft, easy).
Eryn (AIR-in): Daughter of Brinneal and Amandir, and half-sister to Gorgon Elfhunter.
Estle (ES-tle): Hard-bitten but endearing half-sister of Azori and Azok, the bandit brothers, Estle is forced to join the Company. Her mother was a citizen of Dûn Arian. She is beloved of Hallagond.
Falad capell (FAH-lahd ka-PELL): Horse pastures of Tal-sithian; from falad (pasture) and capella (horse).
Faladinn: Small brown Kazhi-horse given to the Company. His name means “hill-pony.”
Farahin (FA-ra-heen): Given name of Ri-Elathan. Name means “welcome rain,” from farath (welcome) and hin (rain).
Farath-talam! (Fa-RATH TAH-lahm): Elvish welcome, it means “you are welcome among us,” or “welcome to our realm.”
Farin (FAH-rin): Dwarf of Cós-domhain, eminent craftsman, and maker of Rogond’s ring. Farin is also an accomplished battle-commander.
Fima (FEE-ma): Dwarvish Lore-master, originally of Cós-domhain and now serving Lady Ordath in Monadh-talam, he is a good friend of Rogond.
Finan (Fih-NAHN): Doughty bay horse, rescued by Gaelen, he becomes her favorite mount. His name means “the fair.”
Fiona (Fee-YO-na): Elvish name for the constellation Orion, it is named after Fiona, the Huntress.
Fior (FYOR): The Dwarves” name for Aontar. Name means “The Maker.”
Fómor (FOE-mor): Southern coastal city, ruled by the Corsairs. It is not a place for either the faint-hearted or those of upstanding character.
Fynn: Elf of the Greatwood, younger son of Talrodin.
Gaelen (GEH-lehn): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Tarfion and Gloranel, cousin of Nelwyn. Name means “daughter of valor.” From gael- (valor, feminine).
Galador (GAL-ah-dore): High-elf, formerly of Eádros, beloved of Gwynnyth and later of Nelwyn. Friend of Rogond. From gal- (valor, masculine).
Garthor: Night-flying northern dragon of the Fell-ruin. Night fliers are kept belowground during daylight, emerging only at night. They fly in near-total silence and are very difficult to see, as they are a dull black. They resemble enormous bats. Garthor’s twin is named Drach.
Gelmyr (GEL-meer): Èolarin Warrior-elf of Monadh-talam, friend of Magra, slain by Gorgon. From gal- (valor, masculine) and mirys (graceful).
Gin-gin (jin-jin): Beloved mate of Collyn of the Currgas.
Gorgon (GORE-gun): Dark and mighty perversion brought into being by Wrothgar, he is also known as the Elfhunter. Name means “one who is dark,” from gor- (dark).
Gryffa (GRIF-fa): Chestnut horse ridden by Nelwyn, his name means “the red.”
Grundin (GROON-din): Dwarf-lord, ruler of Cós-domhain. Grundin was very wise and reasonably open-minded, and he could trace his lineage back directly to the Five Founders. Name means “solid-as-stone.”
Gwaryn (GWAR-in): Son of Brinneal and Amandir, and half-brother of Gorgon Elfhunter.
Gwynnyth (GWIN-nith): Beloved mortal woman, los
t love of Galador. Her name means “blissful.”
Gwyr Farsing (Gweer FAR-sing): From gwyr (grass) and farsa (wide); wide grasslands to the west of the Ambros, also known as Lón Ailan, from lón (marsh-meadow) and ailan (green).
Haifa (HYE-fah): Unsavory tavern-keeper of the Chupa oasis.
Haji (HAH-zhee): Sturdy roan horse of Carmyn, the map-maker.
Halladin (HAL-la-deen): High-elf held captive by Wrothgar, charged with the task of educating Gorgon Elfhunter and later slain by him. Also referred to as “The Old One.”
Hallagond (HAL-la-gond): Older brother of Rogond. His name means “tall stone” from halla (tall) and gondas (stone).
Halrodin (HAL-roe-din): Hunter-scout of the Greatwood, friend of Gaelen, slain by Gorgon. His name means basically “tall-tree,” from halla (tall) and rodo (trunk of a tree).
Hamir (Ha-MEER): Merchant of the Ravi-shan, friend to the Company. He is the head of a large family.
Hari (HA-ree): Horse-merchant of the Sandstone settlement.
Harsha: Wine-vendor of Castalan, friend to the Company, slayer of Asaad.
Hattaras (HAH-ter-rahs): Sutherling, a member of Azori’s band of outlaws.
Hearndin (HERN-deen): Present King of Dûn Bennas.
Iolar (Yo-LAHR): Also called Monadh-iolar. Two tall peaks comprising the Iolari Pass, the best way across the Monadh-hin in the region of the Linnefion. Name means “eagle.”
Iomar (Yo-MAR): Elf of the Eolar, elder son and heir of Ri-Aldamar, elder brother of Farahin (Ri-Elathan). Iomar was in line to succeed Ri-Aldamar as High King, but he was slain during the Second Uprising. His name means “eagle.”
Ivar (EE-var): Dwarf-lord of the City of Rumm during the War of Betrayal.
Kaffa (KAFF-fa): Sutherling drink, akin to coffee, highly prized and very costly when of fine quality.
Karatsu (Ka-RAHT-soo): Tame crow, originally the companion of Ikari the easterner. He follows the Company to Dûn Arian.
Kazhi (Kah-ZHEE): Short, stocky, good-natured people of the eastern stone-desert. They are nomads of a strong horse culture, and are generally hospitable to well-meaning strangers. They are a type of Anori-folk.
Khandor (CON-door): Master of Horse of Dûn Arian. He is at least half Khazhi.
Killim (Kil-LEEM): Door-warden of Lord Salastor.
Kino (KEE-no): Leader of one of the clans of Rûm-harnen, Kino is the sire of Noli.
Koka: Dark, bittersweet material relished by the people of the Ravani. It is most likely akin to chocolate.
Kotos (KO-tos): Dark Asarla, formerly of Tal-elathas, whose desire for power and to learn all things turned him to the service of Wrothgar. He can see into the hearts and minds of those he encounters. Since the Third Battle, Kotos no longer has a physical body and must be carried by a living host. He possesses a magical amulet that allows him to alter his host’s appearance. Before the Third Battle, he served Wrothgar as his emissary, turning men to Darkness through deception and promise of reward. His name means “the powerful,” but it can also mean “wrathful.” He is called “the deceiver” by the Elves, and they name him Trachair, the treacherous.
Krraah: Raven of the Northern Mountains. Krraah was Dwarf-friend. His name translated means “golden-eye.”
Kro-aark: Raven of the Fell-ruin, used by Lord Kotos as host to carry him to the Darkmere.
Laban-fuath (la-Ban-foo-ath): The great evil bog surrounding Tur Dorcha in the south of the Darkmere. Name means “terrible mire,” from laban (bog) and fuath (terrible).
Léir (Stone of Leh-eer): Great crystal made by Dardis and presently located in Tal-sithian, in which one may behold visions of the future or of the past, and gain enlightenment. It derives much of its power from the grieved and bitter spirit of Shandor, the Asarla, who is entrapped within. Kept by Arialde, it must only be used in her presence.
Léiras (LEH-ee-ras): Asarla, friend and mentor of Dardis. He instructed Dardis in the making of objects that could be endowed with magical properties. Name means “the far-sighted.”
Liathwyn (Lee-ATH-win): Elf of the Eolar, mother of Ordath, espoused to Shandor the Asarla, with whom she founded Monadh-talam. Her name means “blue-eyed maiden.” She relinquished her spirit after the Second Uprising. She was kin to the High Kings Ri-Aldamar and Ri-Elathan. From liath (blue).
Linnefionn (Lin-neh-fee-YON): The very large, deep, clear lake in the center of which is located the Elven-realm of Tal-sithian. It is generally shrouded in mist and cannot be seen by unwelcome visitors. Name means “clear lake.” From linne (lake) and fionn (crystal-clear).
Lokai (LO-kye): Fearsome, ugly dragon of a rare desert variety. Lokai cannot fly, but he has many fearsome weapons, including venom and fire.
Lón Artan (Lohn ARE-tan): Marsh-meadow to the south of the river Artan.
Ludor: Corsair, former consort of Queen Tansy, he betrayed her and took over lordship of Fómor.
Magra (MA-gra): Mighty Èolarin Elf-lord, second-in-command and kinsman of Ri-Elathan. Name means “mighty.” Magra was very tall and strong, and has golden hair. He is related to Liathwyn, and hence to Lady Ordath.
Maidrin (MYE-drin): Name given to Gaelen by Gorgon, it means “fox.”
Maji (Mah-ZHEE): Minister of Omens in Dûn Arian, she is a woman of great insight and vision.
Marwani (Mar-WAH-nee): Herb that is frequently used in the southlands for its mood-enhancing and mildly intoxicating properties when dried and smoked. It is used as a medicinal herb rather than for recreation in the North, as it is difficult to obtain there.
Mikla (MEEK-lah): Man of the Chupa oasis, known as “the Poisoner.” He can provide any poison for a price.
Miradyth (MEER-a dith): Elf of Eadros, beloved of Varni, the dwarf. She admired Varni, but did not love him. Her actions, in part, brought about the War of Betrayal.
Mohani (Mo-HAH-nee): Spouse of El-morah, the proprietor of the kaffa-house in the Chupa oasis. Her name means “beautiful.” She is small, comely, and capable.
Monad Ëthas (Monad EE-thas): Fire-mountain that set off the Cataclysm that destroyed Tuathas. Name means “Mountain of Dread.”
Monad Fumar (Monad FOO-mar): Great Volcano that destroyed Tuathas, set off by tremors in the Monad Ëthas. Name means “Mountain of Smoke.”
Monadh-ailan (Monath-EYE-lan): The Verdant Mountains; gentle, coastal peaks that run along the sea, they are inhabited by folk of many races, notably the Wood-elves of Tal-ailean. Name means “green-mountains.” From monad (mountain) and ailan (green).
Monadh-hin (Monad-HEEN): The Great Mountains, largest of all mountain-ranges in Alterra, they are a daunting obstacle for travelers. Snow-covered in winter, they are shrouded by clouds year-round. Name means “peaks of rain,” from hin (rain).
Monadh-talam (Monath-TAH-lahm): Elven-realm presided over by the Lady Ordath. Hidden among tall peaks of the Monadh-hin, it is also known as Mountain-home. It is perhaps the greatest remaining Elf-realm and holds great stores of written record. It is a place of healing, study, and enlightenment, and is home to folk of many races. Name means “mountain-realm.” From monad (mountain) and tal- (realm).
Mumari (Moo-MAH-ree): Small desert settlement and last outpost on the way to Dûn Arian.
Nachtan (NOCH-tan): Narrow and turbulent cold river that flows to the south and west from Monadh-talam. From nachta- (wild), it is also called Amar Dess.
Nelwyn (NEL-win): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Turanen and Elwyn, younger cousin of Gaelen. Name means “tree-maiden,” from nellas (tree).