by C S Marks
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 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 that were never beguiled by the dark Asari. 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): Elf, lost and taken to Wrothgar, who is no longer in her right mind. The name means “Star-elf,” from elàn (elf) and réalta (star).
Elwyn (EL-win): Sylvan Elf, mother of Nelwyn. Name means “Elf-maiden.” From elàn (elf) and wyn (maid).
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 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).
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).
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.
Faladinn (FA-la-deen): small, plain horse, given to the Company by the Kazhi. 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.
Fayalah (FYE-ah-lah): Wife of Hari, the horse-provider of the sandstone.
Fesok (FES-ok): Legendary dwarven hero, known as “The Iron-beard.”
Fiana (Fee-AH-na): Wood-elves” name for the constellation Orion, also the clear stream that flows from the Linnefionn. Name means “huntress.”
Fima (FEE-ma): Dwarvish Loremaster, originally of Cós-domhain and now serving Lady Ordath in Monadh-talam, he is a good friend of Rogond.
Finan (Fih-NAHN): desert-bred 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.”
Fioran (FYOR-ran): King of Dûn Bennas, felled by the Plague. His nephew, Hearndin, rules at present.
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 (such as Rangers and Elves).
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).
Galdor (GAL-dore): Beloved of Elraen, he was slain in the Greatwood while grieving for her after she was lost.
Gelmyr (GEL-meer): Èolarin Warrior-elf of Monadh-talam, friend of Magra, slain by Gorgon. He “appears” in Gorgon’s mind, taunting him, whenever Gorgon doubts himself. From gal- (valor, masculine) and mirys (graceful).
Gilien (GIL-lee-en): Bright, cold stream near the northern mountains, it means “bright maiden.”
Gloranel (GLOR-ah-nel): Sylvan Elf, mother of Gaelen. Name means “Bright tree”, from glora (bright light) and nellas (tree).
Gorgon (GORE-gun): Dark but mighty perversion brought into being by Wrothgar, he is also known as the Elfhunter. From gor- (dark) and gundas (horror).
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.”
Gryffa (GRIF-fa): Chestnut horse ridden by Nelwyn, his name means “The red.”
Gwynnyth (GWIN-nith): Beloved mortal woman, lost love of Galador. Her name means “blissful.”
Habib (Hah-BEEB): Worthy but ill-fated commander of Dûn Arian.
Haifa (HYE-fah): Unsavory tavern-keeper of the Chupa oasis.
Haldur (HAL-dur): Master armourer of the Greatwood Realm.
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).
Hamad: (Ha-MAHD): Eldest son of Hamir.
Hamadir (HA-ma-deer): Sire of Hamir.
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.
Harnien, or Harnen: Dwarf-realms that lie beneath the northern mountains. They were founded in large part by the descendants of Rûmm, also known as the Rûm-harnen.
Harsha: Wine-vendor of Castalan, friend to the Company.
Hassan the Giant: Very large and ill-tempered inhabitant of the Chupa oasis. He appears in a rather memorable encounter with a drunken Hallagond.
Hattaras (HAH-ter-rahs): Sutherling, a member of Azori’s band of outlaws. He has only one remaining hand.
Hearndin (HERN-deen): Present King of Dûn Bennas.
Ikari (Ih-KAH-ree): Anori easterner, member of Azori’s band of outlaws. Ikari has a pet crow named “Karatsu,” and he is a member of a rare dragon-cult. He despises Galador.
Ishtar Al-Khamal: Known simply as “Ishtar,” he is imprisoned as a criminal in Dûn Arian. Hallagond releases him in the belief that his battle-experience will aid the City. He is of Ravani heritage, and somewhat resembles Azori.
Jao: Scholar of Dûn Arian, he is an easterner that proves to be very helpful in the battle-preparations. His name is pronounced “Jow.”
Kaffa (KAFF-fa): Sutherling drink, akin to coffee, highly prized and very costly when of fine quality.
Kamal (Ka-MAHL): Sutherling employed by Radeef to deceive Rogond by directing him to Fómor.
Karatsu (Ka-RAHT-soo): Tame crow belonging to Ikari.
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.
Koka: Dark, bittersweet material relished by the people of the Ravani. It is most likely akin to chocolate.
Kumri (KOOM-ree): Odd-tasting but powerful liquor of the Ravani; it is made from fermented mare’s milk.
Laffas (LAH-fahs): A sutherling pepper stew that is difficult to prepare and not for the weak of stomach, it could probably take the tarnish from silver and the rust from iron.
Lamas (LAH-mahs): Young son of Hamir, and a fine singer.
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 (léir-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, very deep and very clear Lake in the center of which is located the Elven-realm of Tal-sithian. The Lake 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.
maglos (MAG-los): Soft, white metal discovered and refined by the dwarves, it reacts violently when exposed to water. It is most likely akin to sodium or magnesium. Name means “mighty light,” from magra (mighty).
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 had golden hair. He was 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.
Makita (Mah-KEE-tah): Head of the clan of Kazhi-folk encountered by the Company.
Makkbah (MAHK-bah): Horse-merchant of the Mumari oasis.
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.
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.
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 (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 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. 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.
Neela-jul (NEE-la-Jool): The Neela Oasis, a fair place with good water. Unsavory folk are not welcome there. The name means “blue water” in the sutherling speech.
Nelwyn (NEL-win): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Turanen and Elwyn, younger cousin of Gaelen. Name means “Tree-maiden,” from “nellas” (tree).
Okami (Oh-KAH-mi): Anori easterner, a member of Azori’s band of outlaws.
Olaf the Unfortunate: Rough, savage northman who competes for the prize in the Sandstone during the Festival. He will do whatever is necessary to win, but he more than meets his match in Sajid. His name “The Unfortunate” is well-earned.
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).
Osha (OH-sha): Evil spirits of Anori lore, these pretended to be good spirits. Elves were often viewed as Osha masquerading as beings of light.
Quarinar (KWAH-ree-nahr): People of Tuathas that did not hold sufficient faith in Duinar’s ability to quell the Fire-mountain that destroyed it. They were the only people that escaped the Cataclysm. There is some question as to whether their lack of faith lessened Duinar’s power, and hence the descendants of the Quarinar carry some guilt with them. From quari (to doubt).
Radeef (Ra-DEEF): Very unsavory horse-trader from whom Gaelen acquires Finan; he orchestrates the deception of Rogond for a price.
Raenien (RAY-nee-en): Master weaver descended of Tuathas, mother of Bint Raed.
Rashid (Rah-SHEED): Pleasant young sutherling hired by the Company as a translator while in the Sandstone.
Ravi-shan (RAH-vee- SHAHN): The southern desert region of Alterra. Name means “Sun-country.” It is also known simply as the “Ravi” or even the “Rav.” The people are known as “Ravani” or Ravani-folk.” From sutherling Rav (sun) and shan (realm, land, country).
Réalta (ray-AL-ta): Swift and beautiful grey stallion, favored mount of Galador and companion of Eros. His name means “Star.”
Redruin (Red-ROO-een): Fearsome Fire-drake featured in a tale, told by Fima, involving an encounter with the legendary dwarvish hero, Fesok the Iron-beard.
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-Aruin (ree-AR-oo-een): Ruler of the Sylvan Elves of the Greatwood Realm. His name means “King of the forest”. From ri-(ruler) and aruinnas (forest). (note: the prefix “ri” was not adopted by the Sylvan Elves until the death of Ri-Elathan. Prior to that time it was reserved only for the High King.)
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. Beloved of Gaelen Taldin, he was killed during the Third Uprising. His given name was Farahin. His name means “King of Wisdom.” From ri-(ruler) and elathas (wisdom).
Ri-solas (Ree-SO-las): Elves” name for the midsummer festival, it means “king sun.”
Rogond (ROE-gond): Man of the Tuathar, born during the Plague Year and fostered by the Elves of the Verdant Mountains. Name means “Treasure within the stone.” From or- (golden, gentle) and gondas (stone).
Rosalin (ROS-a-lin): “River-beauty.”Woman descended of Tuathas, mother of Rogond. From Ros-(river) and –aille (beautiful).
Rûmhar (ROOM-har): Dwarves. Their speech is known as Rûmhul. From Rûm- (to delve).
Rûmm (RHUM): Ancient and Great Dwarf-realm, known as the Deep Delving, which was lost in the War with the Eádram. From Rûm- (to delve).
Rûndiam-har (Roon-dee-ahm-HAR): The Book of Mystery, an accounting of what is known of the time before the First Reckoning begins. From rûndiam (mystery).
Sajid (Sah-ZHEED): Ne’er-do-well of the Ravani. Little is known of him, other than having been branded as a criminal.
Salasin (SAH-lah-seen): Chief Lore-master of Tuathas, he was prominent among the Quarinar. He founded the City of Dûn Arian after the
Cataclysm, having been carried there by great waves, bearing much of the library of Tuathas with him.
Salastor (Lord Salastor): Present Lord of Dûn Arian, and her chief Lore-master, he presides over the High Council. He is descended directly from Salasin, who founded the City.
Scourge: the: Fearsome, savage army that is presently sweeping across the Ravi-shan. It is made up of fierce warriors, gleaned from Plague survivors, and is a very dark and dreadful enemy. Scourge warriors wear red and black garb.
Seti (SEH-tee): Good-natured former ivory trader, now living in Dûn Arian. He aids in preparing the City’s defenses.
Shadowmancer: Wrothgar, the Dark Power of Alterra. He is thought by many to be an extremely powerful, black sorcerer, hence the name “ Shadowmancer.” The name has also been applied to Lord Kotos, but in these tales it refers specifically to Wrothgar.
Shandor (SHAN-dor): Arguably the most powerful of the Asari, he loved Liathwyn, an Elf of the Èolar, and together they founded Monadh-talam. 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, which is presently in the keeping of Lady Arialde, the Asarla of Tal-sithian. Shandor was the only Light Asarla to leave his protected realm and go forth to Battle. His name essentially means “great spirit.”
Shiva (SHEE-vah): Healer of the Chupa oasis.
Siva (SEE-va): Silver-white horse ridden by Gaelen, her name simply means “grey.”
Sundahi (Soon-DAH-hee): Trustworthy guide arranged for by Harsha. Regrettably, the Company never encounters him.
Tal-ailean (Tal-EYE-lee-ahn): Elven-realm located in the Monadh-ailan. It is inhabited by various small, secretive groups of Cúinar known as the Elàni-ailan (green-elves). From tal- (realm) and ailan (green).
Taldin (TAl-deen): Name given affectionately to Gaelen by Ri-Elathan, it means “walks unnoticed, stealthy.” From taldin (unnoticed).
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 there were no less than three Asari that resided there; they were 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).