by C S Marks
Alterra (Al-TAIR-ra): The World That Is; the Realm in which these tales take place. From terra (earth) and alta (being).
Amari: The two streams that define the northern and southern borders of Mountain-home. These are wild, very cold, and difficult to cross. The northern stream is named Amar Tuath; the southern one Amar Dess. From amar (majestic).
Amar Tuath: The northern of the Amari streams.
Ambros (AHM-bros): Great River of Western Alterra, it is formed by the Eros and the Brocca in the north. From ambra (great) and ros (river).
Angael (AHN-gehl): Small but doughty mare ridden by Gaelen in her youth. Name means “valor-mare.” From gael (valor, feminine).
Aontar (Ay-ON-tar): The One Lord of All, the Creator. Also known as the Lord of Light.
He formed the Lands of Alterra and endowed them with light in the form of stars, sun and moon. To aid and instruct His children, Aontar sent emissaries known as Asari. They played a great role in the growth and enlightenment of the Elves and the men of Tuathas.
Artan (AR-tan): River formed by the 2 streams that flow from Monadh-talam.
Aruin: Only son and heir of King Osgar of the Greatwood. His name means “of the forest.”
Asarla (Ah-SAR-la) pl. Asari (Ah-sah-REE): Ancient magic-users sent to enlighten the children of Aontar. Each was affiliated with one of the four elements—earth, water, air, or fire. Their influence is at the heart of most of the great Elf-realms, as well as the northern realm of men known as Tuathas.
The Asari were never many; it is thought that only twelve were sent by Aontar. Of those, only three are known to remain in the western lands at the time our tales begin. Two are of the light—Lady Arialde of Tal-sithian, and Lord Shandor of Mountain-home. The other, Lord Kotos, sits at the right hand of Wrothgar and is responsible for much of the corruption of men.
The founders of the Elven-realms of Eádros and Tal-elathas, and of the northern realm of men known as Tuathas, are believed lost. They were called Léiras the far-sighted, Cuimir the beautiful, Baelta the bright, and Duinar the guide.
Three Asari made their way to the far eastern lands; their fate is unknown to Western scholars.
The last two turned to Darkness during the Time of Mystery. Though it is believed that they no longer dwell in Alterra, they were said to have given rise to the Bödvari, the demonic captains of Wrothgar’s army.
The powers of the Asari vary according to the gifts given them by Aontar, but all are very learned, and they are capable of exerting their influence to protect their people. The Elven-realms have remained hidden from their enemies largely due to the Asari, who do not stray from them. The exception was Shandor, who actually went forth on several occasions, notably during the Second Uprising.
The climate within their lands is moderated by their benevolent power. Mountain-home, for example, is not locked in the grip of deadly winters despite its location, and the lands of Tuathas did not often suffer from flooding or drought.
The Asari can beget children, though rarely have they done so. These included the Bödvari, who thankfully could not beget children themselves, and Lady Ordath of Mountain-home, daughter of Lord Shandor.
Each Asarla is ruled by an element—air, water, fire, earth—and his/her powers likely reflect this. Shandor, for example, is an air spirit. Duinar was of earth, Arialde of water, Kotos of fire, and so on.
Asgar (ASZ-gar): Elf of the Èolar and elder son of Aincor. Asgar was like Aincor in temperament. After witnessing the disastrous consequences of his father’s stubbornness, he declined the throne in favor of his cousin, Ri-Aldamar. His name means “the bold.”
Bödvari, sing Bödvar (BODE-var): Dark servants of Wrothgar, they are the offspring of Dark Asari. They are as black demons that kill their enemies with fire after first paralyzing them with fear. They are terrible enemies in battle. From bödvar (demon).
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).
Dardis (DAR-dees): The second son of Aincor, Dardis was 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.
Much of what transpires in Alterra has little to do with magic. The people live and die according to the laws of nature, and are subjected to the hardships of living as in any other world. It was once true that magic played a greater role in the affairs of Alterra, and the scholars state that the waning of magical influences reflects the waning of the Asari. Yet there is still magic at work in the world at the time these tales begin, and Dardis is responsible for much of it.
Léiras instructed Dardis in the making of magical things—blades, rings, mirrors, amulets, armor, and shields. Mirrors made by Dardis could tell an enemy from a friend despite outward appearances; hence it was Dardis who first realized the treachery of Lord Kotos. He was killed on the eve of the Second Uprising.
Dardis was rather plain and disheveled, often spending months in his “chamber of inspiration” as he created some new and wondrous object. Gentle, humble, and unassuming, he was perhaps the most universally beloved of all Elves in Alterra.
Elàni (El-LAN-ee): Elves. Immortal and impressive, they do not willingly serve the Darkness, though they may unwittingly do so through pride or deception. They have established some of the greatest realms in Alterra. Because of their very long lives, Elves are highly skilled, and many are quite learned. They make many beautiful things, and are unrivalled as musicians, singers, poets, and artisans. Elves are formidable in battle, and quick to defend their lands from any perceived threat.
Elves are almost universally beautiful, High-elves in particular. They are tall and very well made, with fine, silken hair that is usually worn long and flowing or plaited to keep it out of the way. Their hair may be of any color: silver, flaxen, golden, chestnut, mahogany, or raven. Their elegantly-shaped ears aid in distinguishing them from men. Their eyes are bright, and may also be of any color—the High-elves tend toward blue and grey, the Sylvan Elves green and brown. The males are beardless, which also separates them from men and rather pointedly from dwarves.
Elves enjoy an endless life span, unless they are slain. Their flesh will not fester, and they do not suffer disease. Yet they may be poisoned, killed in battle or by mischance, or even die from grief. Because of their very long lives, they do not often beget children, and they will do so only with their perceived life-mates.
They delight in sharing their knowledge and their language; hence most names of places and roots of common speech are in their tongue. Though some Elves can be arrogant and dismissive of other races, they have formed alliances and friendships with men and dwarves. Regrettably, they have also warred with them at times. The War of Betrayal between the Elves of Eádros and the dwarves of Rûmm accounts for much of the remaining enmity between Elves and dwarves.
The magical abilities of the folk of Alterra are held mostly by the Elves and, naturally, by the Asari. The Elves’ abilities are varied according to their origins, age, and experience. For example, the High Kings were possessed of supernormal strength in battle. They could exert a sort of inner power, engulfing their enemies with blue-white light, as could certain others among the High-elves. They could prevail over all but the most powerful of enemies. By contrast, the Bödvari also engulfed their opponents, but with fire rather than light.
Many Elves have the gift of foresight and insight, and they sense things over great distances. A rare few can actually see into the hearts and
minds of others; some can do this only with living thought, and some can perceive only the final thoughts of the dead.
Some Elves possess powers that assist them in the healing of wounds, though they have little knowledge of or power over the afflictions of men.
The Wood-elves are thought to be less magical than the High-elves, but this is untrue. Their abilities are entirely practical; they are the stealthiest, lightest-footed and most agile beings in Alterra. They sometimes seem to defy the laws of nature, springing up into impossibly high tree-limbs and treading so lightly upon mud or snow that tracking them is difficult. They communicate on a very high level with other good-hearted creatures, especially horses and birds. It is said that an Elf of the Cúinar can tame the most fractious horse in a manner of moments. All Elves are known as Elàni.
Elwyn (EL-win): Sylvan Elf, mother of Nelwyn. Name means “Elf-maiden.” From elàn (elf) and wyn (maid).
Èolar (AY-oh-lahr): High-elves that achieved the highest level of learning and skill, but were deceived by Wrothgar and his dark Asari. They were mostly lost during the second uprising. Examples are Aincor, Dardis, Magra, and Ri-Elathan. From Èolas (knowing).
Farahin (FA-ra-heen): Given name of Ri-Elathan. Name means “welcome rain,” from farath (welcome) and hin (rain).
Farath-talam (Fah-RATH TAH-lahm): Elvish welcome, it means “you are welcome among us” or “welcome to our realm.”
Gaelen (GEH-lehn): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Tarfian and Gloranel, cousin of Nelwyn. Gaelen is rightly credited with bringing about the downfall of Gorgon Elfhunter. Name means “daughter of valor.” From gael- (valor, feminine).
Giron (GEER-ron): Trained falcon, light grey above and white below, belonging to Tarfion of the Greatwood. Giron is an excellent scout and messenger.
Gloranel (GLOR-ah-nel): Sylvan Elf, mother of Gaelen. Name means “Bright tree.” From glora (bright light) and nellas (tree).
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. Kotos wore a magical amulet that allowed him to appear benevolent and wise, and he served Wrothgar as his emissary, turning men to his service through deception and promise of reward. His name means “the powerful,” but he is called “deceiver” by the Elves, and they name him Trachair, the treacherous. Fire is his element.
Léir (Stone of Leh-eer): Great crystal made by Dardis in which one may behold visions of the future or of the past, and gain enlightenment. It derived much of its power from the grieved and bitter spirit of Shandor, the Asarla, who was entrapped within. Shandor eventually was persuaded to come out of the Stone, which he then destroyed. From léir (far-sighted).
Liathwyn (Lee-ATH-win): Elf of the Eolar, mother of Ordath, espoused to Shandor the Asarla, with whom she founded Mountain-home. She relinquished her spirit after the Second Uprising. She was kin to the High Kings Ri-Aldamar and Ri-Elathan. Her name means “Blue-eyed maiden.” From liath (blue).
Malathon (MAL-a thon): Great war-horse of Ri-Elathan. Dark-coated and fleet-footed, his name means “swift runner.”
Magra (MA-gra): Èolarin Elf-lord, second-in-command and friend to Ri-Elathan. Magra was very tall and strong, and had golden hair. His name means “mighty.”
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-around. Name means “peaks of rain.” From hin (rain).
Monadh-talam, or Mountain-home (Monath-TAH-lahm): Elven-realm presided over by Lady Ordath. Hidden among tall peaks of the Monadh-hin, it is also known as Mountain-home. It is perhaps the greatest of remaining Elf-realms and holds great stores of written record. It is a place of healing, study, and enlightenment, and is home to folk of many races. Ri-Elathan, the High King, made it his seat of power. Name means “mountain-realm.” From monad (mountain) and tal- (realm).
Mulafiann: Name given affectionately to Gaelen by Ri-Elathan, it means “little hunter.” From mula (small, loveable) and fiana (huntress).
Nachtan (NOCH-tan): Narrow and turbulent cold river that flows to the south and west from Monadh-talam. From nachta- (wild)
Nelwyn (NEL-win): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Turanen and Elwyn, younger cousin of Gaelen. Name means “tree-maiden.” From nellas (tree).
Ordath (OR-dath): The Lady Ordath, very powerful overseer of Monadh-talam. She is the product of a union between a powerful Asarla (Shandor) and an Elf of the Eolar (Liathwyn). She is a great healer and protector of Monadh-talam. Name means “treasure-of-the-land.” From or- (golden, gentle) and –dath (of the land).
Osgar (OSZ-gar): King of the Greatwood and sire of Aruin, he was known as “the fierce.”
Quanto: Impressive hunter of the Greatwood, Quanto was especially adept at hunting fierce wild boar. He more than met his match in Turoc, however.
Rain: Name given to Ri-Elathan by Gaelen, his beloved.
Ri-Aldamar (ree AL-da-mar): Second High King of the Eolar, brother of Liathwyn and sire of Farahin. He was killed by a dragon during the Second Uprising. His name means “most noble ruler.” From ri- (ruler), aldos (high, noble) and –amar (great, majestic).
Ri-Elathan (ree-EL-a-than): Last High-elven King, Ri-Elathan left no one to succeed him. He was arguably the wisest of all the High Kings, and was both feared and beloved, but he lived a very lonely and arduous life. Educated in Mountain-home under the hand of Lord Shandor, he chose to remain there after he became High King. His given name was Farahin. His name means “King of Wisdom.” From ri-(ruler) and elathas (wisdom).
Shadowmancer: Wrothgar, the Dark Power of Alterra. He is thought by many to be an extremely powerful, black sorcerer, hence the name. His true nature and origin is unknown. He can appear in nearly any malevolent form he chooses, but he prefers to appear from within a peculiar black fire which is seen nowhere else. He is also sometimes referred to as the “Black Flame.”
Shandor (SHAN-dor): Arguably the most powerful of the Asari, he loved Liathwyn, an Elf of the Èolar, and together they founded Mountain-home. He actually challenged Wrothgar in battle and defeated him during the Second Uprising. He is the sire of Lady Ordath. When Liathwyn relinquished her spirit and went to Elysia, Shandor withdrew from the world, eventually seeking refuge in the great stone crystal of Léir. Shandor was the only Asarla (other than Kotos) to leave his protected realm and go forth to war. Physically, Shandor is strikingly handsome, but cold, with silver hair and ice-blue eyes. Air is his element. His name essentially means “great spirit.”
Stone of Léir (Stone of Leh-eer): One of the most powerful and renowned magical objects remaining in Alterra, this gigantic crystal is now kept in the realm of Tal-sithian by the Lady Arialde, and she alone governs its use. It was made in Tal-elathas, and was first relocated to Monadh-talam. Originally endowed only with power to behold pleasant visions of the past, it was of limited use until the coming of Shandor.
Lord Shandor founded the realm of Monadh-talam, together with his beloved Lady Liathwyn of the Èolar. When Liathwyn gave up her life Shandor was so grieved that he sought refuge in the Stone of Léir, hoping to relive his happy memories with her.
He gazed so long into its depths, weeping and calling to his beloved, that his spirit was drawn into the crystal, and now resides there. Because of Shandor’s powerful spirit, the Stone is now a mighty object capable of great visions not only of the past, but of the future.
Many of the things seen in the Stone are disquieting, and if one looks into it without leave Shan
dor may afflict him with visions so terrible that they will haunt him until the end of his days. Yet the Stone can be of great value in predicting and averting disaster. From léir (far-sighted).
Sylvan elves: Wood-elves, or Cúinar.
Taldin (TAl-deen): Name given affectionately to Gaelen by Ri-Elathan, it means “walks unnoticed, stealthy”. From taldin (silent-footed).
Tal-elathas (tal-EL-a-thas): Ancient realm of the Èolar, it was the greatest center of invention and discovery that has ever been. At one time three Asari resided there—Leiras, Baelta, and regrettably, Kotos. It was destroyed by Wrothgar’s army when Kotos betrayed the Elves, aided unwittingly by Baelta. From tal- (realm) and elathas (wisdom).
Tal-sithian, (SITH-ee-ahn): Green forested island in the Linnefionn; the Elven-realm of the Lord Airan and Lady Arialde. From sithion (deer). It means “realm of deer roaming.”
Tarfion (TAR-fee-ohn): Father of Gaelen, spouse of Gloranel, twin brother of Tarmagil and elder brother of Turanen. Tarfion was probably unexcelled as a hunter-scout, and he gained the King’s favor upon saving the life of his son, prince Aruin. Name means “hunter of the realm.” From fiona (hunter) and tar-(of the realm).
Tarmagil (TAR-mah-geel): Fraternal twin brother of Tarfion and favorite uncle of Gaelen and Nelwen. Known for being free-spirited and of good humor, he was slain in the Third Uprising. Name means “strong ally.” From tar- (of the realm) and magra- (mighty).