The Pillars of Sand

by Mark T. Barnes

  Ashinahdi

  A warrior of the elite-caste or royal-caste who has cut the ties to their Great House or Family, to pursue a course of action that might

  otherwise be contrary to the best interests of the family group. A person becomes an ashinahdi generally only after some great shame, or insult to the family, which the rules of sende would otherwise forbid. The separation from family exempts the greater family group from the consequences of the ashinahdi’s actions.

  Aspect

  Terrifying illusory manifestations that appear around a witch when they use their powers.

  Asrahn

  The highest-ranking rahn in Shrīan, elected through the process of Accession, held every five years in Avānweh.

  Avāndhim

  The first generation of the Avān to be created in the Torque Spindles of Avānisse, on the isle of Castavān.

  Avānweh

  The political capital of the Shrīanese Federation. Under the governance of Sayf-Ajomandyan of the Näsaré.

  Awakening

  The process whereby a person is given the potential to connect with the consciousness and power of Īa, as well as gaining the ability to access the unbroken line of their Ancestors in living memory. An Awakened rahn is able to affect the weather, see and hear vast distances, increase the speed crops grow, see through the eyes of birds

  and beasts, etc., in their prefecture. The process is solidified, and made stable, through the drinking of the Water of Life in the Communion Ritual, and the process of Unity.

  Blade Master

  A weapons instructor, subordinate to a Poet Master in skill and training.

  Canto

  The vocalization of a scholar’s formula, used to create an arcane effect.

  Catechism

  The governing body of the witches, represented by the Mother Superiors and Father Superiors of the various Covens. The Catechism works closely with the ruling class of the Golden Kingdom of Manté and is reputed to have significant influence in setting policy across the Human nations of the Iron League.

  Dai

  A warrior.

  Daikajé

  Traveling warrior-ascetics, thinkers, and monks of the various orders of philosophy across Southeastern Īa.

  Daishäri

  The sects of the warrior-poets, including their traditions, heritage, and measure of conduct.

  Daimahjin

  A warrior-mage who is no longer a member of the Order that trained them. Such people have been released from service and given the freedom to exercise their skills on

  behalf of suitable employers, though they are forbidden to pass on their teachings to others. Most are also highly sought-after nahdi.

  Daul

  An esoteric pain amplifier and concussion weapon favored by Sēq Inquisitors.

  Dhar Gsenni

  From the High Avān term for “the good of all,” the Dhar Gsenni are an ancient sect of Ilhennim that work within the Sēq.

  Dilemma Box

  A complex metaphysical puzzle box, used to bind elementals and other spirits.

  Dionesqa

  High Avān word meaning “great wave.” From dion (great) and esqa (wave). The name for the Pashrean and Shrīanese recurved double-handed sword. It is a rare weapon, generally used by select members of the heavy infantry trained in its use.

  Disentropic Stain

  The discoloration of an Ilhennim’s aura as the result of their training.

  Disentropy

  The power of creation, manipulated by scholars using the formulae of the ahmsah, or by witches using their own Arcanum. The use of disentropy is known to cause rapid decay of those materials that it comes in contact with, including living flesh. Metals that decay slowly are generally used in the construction of arcane devices powered by disentropy.

  Drear, the

  The darkest and most malign depths and reaches of the ahmtesh. Source of dark desires and dreams, as well as the dwelling place of ancient beings from the old world. A place where one forgets all the good things about themselves, and sees only the dark, bitter melancholy that pools in the most hidden depths of the soul.

  Ebrim

  Nomads who take artificial simulacra in which to interact with the world.

  Ephael

  The purest of the Nomads, who exist as pure spirit.

  Ephim

  Nomads who live symbiotically with a host.

  Erebon-sûk

  The Stallion School of warrior-poetry from Erebus Prefecture. Currently under the governance of Master Delfyne of the Zam’Haja.

  Eshim

  Nomads who take possession of others against their will; the ephim, who live symbiotically with a host; the ebrim, like Sassomon-Omen, who took artificial simulacra in which to interact with the world; then there were the ephael, who took no hosts at all.

  Esoteric Doctrines

  Various schools that articulate how the Ilhennim perceive and stimulate natural energy to supernatural outcomes.

  Exalted Name

  Famous people who have gained a name, epithet, or other title as the result of their actions.

  Extrinsic Precept

  Within the Esoteric Doctrines, a method of mysticism that uses external forces as a conduit. The method has little restraint, or control, and is not as reliable as the Intrinsic Precept.

  Feigning

  The process whereby new individuals, or a small group of powerful beings, are created by consuming the essence of a thing, or things, in a Torque Spindle.

  Feigning Egg

  The gestational crystal required by a product of a Feigning to mature. Simulates the womb and allows for the merging of the various elements used to create the new life.

  Font, the

  Central point from which the ahm flows. Theorized by scholars to be the center of all the worlds in space and time. Some scholars have posited that the Font is not a point, but a long axle around which an almost infinite number of worlds exist.

  Formulae

  The calculations scholars use to cause an arcane effect in the world around them.

  Gnostic Assassins

  A group of highly trained assassins of Mar am’a Din, the mountain range separating Shrīan and

  Pashrea. Highly sought after as killers for hire, the Gnostic Assassins are taught a series of physical, mental, and other disciplines that make them formidable spies and killers. Also known as the Ishahayans.

  Grieve, the

  Also known as the Erebon-sûk.

  Habron-sûk

  The Heron School of warrior-poets of Avānweh. Currently under the governance of Master Nirén.

  Hex

  The method for witches to cause an arcane effect.

  Houreh

  Versatile entertainer companions.

  Human

  Also referred to as the Starborn, the Humans are the predominant power behind the Iron League. Once the vassals of the Seethe, then the Avān, the Humans were the architects of the Insurrection which saw the end of the Awakened Empire.

  Huqdi

  From the High Avān term for “street dog.” The huqdi are generally common bravos, freebooters, and soldiers of fortune, sometimes criminals, without the sense of professional ethics of a nahdi.

  Ilhennim

  The illuminated, a general term used to describe the various types of mystic.

  Intrinsic Precept

  Within the Esoteric Doctrines, the way power is channeled, focused,

  and exercised from within. Based on the repeatable, predictable effects of formulae.

  Isenandar

  The Pillars of Sand. Formerly the greatest academy of learning for scholars.

  Ishahayans

  Gnostic Assassins.

  Jhah

  High Avān word for Master.

  Jhi

  The stigma. A physical manifestation known to have appeared in the most powerful of the ancient scholars and witches.

  Jombe

  Tau-se warrior who has chosen to travel
beyond the protection and guidelines of their tribe. Generally outcasts who have committed crimes of honor, in search of redemption.

  Jûresqa

  High Avān word meaning “short wave.” From jûr (short) and esqa (wave). The name for the Pashrean and Shrīanese recurved short sword.

  Kaj

  High Avān word for soul.

  Kaj-adept

  A scholar who has mastered a suite of complex spiritual disciplines. A kaj-adept is also able to speak with Nomads, as well as perceive Nomads who have not manifested a physical body, or who inhabit a simulacrum of some kind.

  Kajari

  Soul blade, as used by some Sēq Masters who have attained the level

  of insight and power to create one. A kajari has no blade in its passive form, the blade being created as a manifestation of the scholar’s soul, harnessed and focused by their mind.

  Kaj-jhah

  A Sēq, or other Ilhennim, who has died and returned to life, bringing back with them the memory of how to climb the ladder of their consciousness and interact in the ahm.

  Kanbōjé

  “The falling sapling” is a two-handed maul. Usually made of wood or iron, it is covered in thick stubs or spikes.

  Karia, the

  The elite military force of Mediin, comprised of both living and Nomad warrior-poets, warrior-mages, and other soldiers.

  Kherife

  An enforcer of the law.

  Khopesh

  The long Tau-se sickle sword.

  Kirion

  A rare metal smelted from meteors, also called star metal. It is usually black in color, shot through with a rainbow hue when seen in direct sunlight.

  Krysesqa

  High Avān word meaning “quick wave.” From krys (quick) and esqa (wave). The name for the Pashrean and Shrīanese recurved long-knife.

  Lament, the

  Also referred to as the Näsé-sûk, or the Phoenix School of warrior-poets, from Narsis in Näsarat Prefecture. Currently under the governance of Master Bensaharēn of the Näsarin.

  Lore Master

  A mystic who has been appointed to a Great House or Family as adviser to a mahj, rahn, or sayf. Traditionally Lore Masters have been members of the Sēq Order of Scholars, though it is not unheard of for Zienni Scholars, Nilvedic Scholars, or witches to assume the role.

  Magistratum

  Senior officials who represent the holistic interests of the Crown and State, led by the various Officers Marshall. The Magistratum is a neutral body, with a number of portfolios created to represent the common good, each managed by a senior officer. Examples of portfolios in the Magistratum include education, law, the military, finance, and trade.

  Mahj

  An Awakened Emperor, generally one who is a fully trained Sēq Scholar. The last Mahj was Mahj-Näsarat fe Malde-ran, currently known as the Empress-in-Shadows, in Mediin.

  Mahjin

  Title or honorific given to one of the Ilhennim.

  Mahjirahn

  A rahn who is also a trained mystic. These were quite common in the Awakened Empire where the Mahj was also a fully trained scholar, generally of the Sēq Order.

  Mahrahn

  A Coven-trained witch who is the rahn of a Great House. Almost became synonymous with mahjirahn.

  Mahsayf

  A Coven-trained witch who is the leader of a Family. When the Great Houses were formed, they were also referred to as Mahrahn.

  Mahsojhin

  The great university of the witches in Avānweh. Closed by the Sēq at the end of the Scholar Wars, then reopened again by Corajidin.

  Maladhoring

  The arcane language of the Elemental Masters.

  Marmûn

  The elite warriors of the Rōmarq and Bey Prefecture. Most are graduates of the Marmûk-sûk.

  Marmûn-sûk

  The Marsh Hawk School of warrior-poets, from Bey Prefecture. Currently under the governance of Master Indera.

  Marsh-puppeteer

  Also known as malegangers. A parasitic species from the Drear that virtually kills its host, then takes control of it. Malegangers share a hive mind: What one knows, all know.

  Master of Arms

  The highest-ranking military officer and strategist in a Great House or Family.

  Master of Assassins

  The commander of the assassins assigned to a Great House or Family. This role will include the responsibilities of the Master of Spies.

  Master of Spies

  The commander of the spies assigned to a Great House or Family. Generally used when a House or Family does not usually have assassins in their permanent employ.

  Master of the Fleet

  The highest-ranking naval officer of a Great House or Family.

  Master of the House

  The role of managing all the financial, mercantile, and other administrative tasks required to run a Great House or Family. Quite often the role is also that of secretary to a rahn or sayf. Sometimes the role also assumes the responsibilities of a rajir.

  Nahdi

  From the High Avān word meaning “iron dog,” a nahdi is the name for a mercenary or other professional soldier unaffiliated with a Great House or Family. Nahdi generally operate with a strict code of professional ethics.

  Näsé-sûk

  Also known as the Lament.

  Nayu-adept

  A scholar who has mastered a suite of complex physical disciplines.

  Nemhoureh

  Gold Companion of the House of Pearl. A prized courtesan and entertainer who engages only with the upper-castes and the most affluent members of society.

  Nilvedic, the

  An order of scholars famed for their expertise as healers, herbalists, and alchemists. Known for their dark yellow robes, they are not a militant order.

  Nomad

  The Avān term for the undead.

  Officers Marshall

  The most senior officials in the Magistratum. Some are representatives from the Hundred Families or the Great Houses, though many are representatives from the merchant-caste, warrior-caste, or the freehold-caste, which includes artisans, farmers, and other tradespeople.

  Pah

  High Avān word for the child of a rahn.

  Pahavān

  The highest-ranking members of the Avān in a country where there are no Awakened rahns.

  Pillars of Sand

  See Isenandar.

  Poet Master

  The head of a Poet Master academy, teaching the ancient arts of the warrior-poet.

  Prefect

  The appointed ruler of a city. A Prefect is always a rahn or a sayf, where the title is inherited. Where

  a Great House or Family is Exiled, or otherwise removed from the roles, a new Prefect from a different House or Family will be appointed.

  Psé

  High Avān word for “mind.”

  Psé-adept

  A scholar who has mastered a suite of complex mental disciplines.

  Pséd

  A field of study in the Esoteric Doctrines that focuses on mentalism, reputed to have been taught in the lost university of Khenempûr.

  Psédari

  High Avān word meaning “mind blade.” From psé (mind) and dari (blade). Used by some Sēq Knights and Sēq Masters who have the skills and disciplines for creating such weapons. A psédari can only be wielded by the person who made it.

  Pséja

  The marriage of minds, used by mystics to work in concert and maximize effectiveness.

  Qadir

  A palace.

  Qua

  Also referred to as the Font.

  Rahn

  Leader of one of the Great Houses. A member of the royal-caste.

  Rajir

  Closest adviser to a rahn or sayf. Usually a Lore Master, Master of Arms, Master of Spies, or other senior officer in a household.

  Sahai

  High Avān word for “teacher.”

  Saidani-sûk

  The Four Swords warrior-poet academy o
f Sûn Prefecture. Currently under the governance of Master Jarrah.

  Sayf

  Leader of one of the Hundred Families. A member of the elite-caste.

  Sende

  The collection of policies, codes, measures, and other behaviors that the Avān use to regulate their social interactions.

  Sēq, the

  Scholastic order that teaches a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines.

  Serill

  The drake-fired glass of the Seethe. Serill is lighter and harder than steel and can be made into almost any shape. Often colored, serill is popular with the Seethe in the making of armor and weapons.

  Shamshir

  The typical weapon of the Avān. It is a long, single-edged curved weapon with a hilt long enough to use in either one or two hands.

  Shan

  The unofficial title used by the heads of influential tribes or clans. Generally used by the mountain peoples of the Mar Jihara, the Mar Ejir, the Mar Silin, the Mar am’a Din, and the Mar Shalon. It is also sometimes used by affluent families with a military tradition.