Here you will find a handy guide to the places, structures, deities, historical figures, and ideas as told within OWL TOTEM, and, where applicable, translations of their names.
Achyanak, “Wolves’ Teeth” :: Mountain range separating Belocharas from the Winterborn lands to the north, as named by the Ayunyeri’un, the most prominent of the clans residing within said mountains. Called Súrnfellath (“Red-Ash Mountains”) by the Winterborn and Har-Kizir (“Dagger Mountains”) by the Belochyar.
Aeren :: God of healing and dreams in the religion of most mainland Kintaran tribes. He is also the patron deity of the Beresoi (Birch) clan of the Belochyar and linked to birch trees.
Ailageana, “Like the Ocean’s Beauty” :: Minor house of the Feacthengead living in southwestern Heithlean; vassal to Cathanda Eirendranga.
Ajato :: In the traditions of the Winterborn, the god who offers knowledge to sapienkind. He is sometimes known by his ancestral name of Hrunir.
Akë :: Goddess in Winterborn mythology, daughter of Sonnetë; she is the protector of mothers and bestower of fortunes upon the newborn.
Alandrim, “Clan of Alanðyr” :: Winterborn clan of Stenvandë, who claim descent from the mythical mariner from whom comes their name.
Amandric Yerevolos :: Leader of the Kintaran rebellion against the Ganhar Khanate in Tareas Darandine 506; first king of Belocharas. His epithet “Yerevolos,” which became the surname of his descendants’ noble house, means “Whose Dreams are Mighty.” (The name Amandric comes from the Belochyar word aman, “rock.”)
Amara, “Daisy” :: Minor house of the Feacthengead dwelling in central Wyrduil, under the aegis of Cathanda Meada.
Amarion, “Golden Tribe” :: Northern Vorowongo kingdom of Sordana, inhabiting the rich Arrowhills region south of Darakhast; wealthiest of all Vorowongo kingdoms.
Amlakhan, “Place of Bones” :: City in the southern Khadagan; the primary trade hub in Cildana and current capital of the kingdom of Khodryzh. The name “Amlakhan” long predates any settlements, and was the Khadagani name for the southern interior as a whole, which was long thought to be inhospitable until underground springs were discovered there, leading to caravanserais being established, and later the major city it has become.
Anharda, “Honor Value” :: The measure of one’s honor and personal worth in the legal and societal customs of the Feacthengead. In past times, one’s anharda was displayed by up to twenty-four bone beads worn around the wrist. At the present time, written legal records are kept of all Vacids’ honor value, and beads are typically only worn by the sacred guilds.
Aratanni, “Harvester-Folk” :: Kintaran tribe dwelling in the valley between the Har-Caras and Har-Kizir; one of the nine constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas.
Arghors :: Chieftain of the Ayunyeri’un in ancient times, called “Dragonsbane” for he is reputed to have killed the last of the Dragons while riding his warhawk, Muri the Hammerwing.
Arrosti :: Goddess of love and healing in Winterborn religion. She is named Neiamë in the Alandrim tongue, but most Winterborn continue to use her ancestral name.
Arthandiné, “Realm of the Bear” :: Island off the east coast of central Sordana; one of the group known as The Twelve. Its name comes from the indigenous inhabitants’ extremely martial culture, of whom the Vacid explorers who discovered the island said, “they fight like bears.” The island is currently home to a military academy where nobles from around Balad send their sons and relations for training.
Arwan, “Sky” :: Spiritual essence of the heavens in the cosmology and religion of the Feacthengead.
Arynnë, “Sun” :: In Winterborn mythology, either the personification of the sun or the goddess who carries the sun through the sky (as a bird), depending on the clan. She is surnamed Kottusarë, “Dawn-Bringer,” and was called Halda in ancient times.
Atli :: Mythical chieftain (sometimes even called a king) of the Elladar clan who rode to the Northplace to challenge the gods. His quest was said to have driven him mad, so mad that he slew his entire clan before killing himself.
Atya, “Old-Fathered” :: One of the three Therecoi noble houses recognized by the Feacthengead and the Kingdom of Belocharas. Their landhold sits on the west bank of Fryd Ariennes and borders that of Cathanda Siska.
Aulir :: Ancestral name of Elenjanno, the god of dreams in Winterborn mythology.
Ayni :: Prominent figure in Winterborn mythology and religion. She is the daughter of the sea god Vendar, sometimes portrayed as a mermaid, and is revered as the protector of seafarers. She is also known by the more modern name Leisavanë, “Sea-Song,” though some clans, such as the Alandrim, consider these two separate beings. The Alandrim mythos claims that Ayni fell in love with the mortal mariner Alanðyr, which angered Vendar; they do not, however, explicitly claim descent from Ayni.
Ayunyeri’un, “Courageous Ones” :: One of the three primary clans of the Achyanak (together with the Tichruni’un and Vokhni’un), occupying the mountains east of the Vraçii High Plateau. Unlike the other clans of the Achyanak, their leaders still use the titles of Khan/Khatun, as they are distantly related to the nomads of the Khadagan.
Baçu-Kurgin, “Riding-Folk of the Coal River” :: Nomadic tribe from the northern Khadagan. Their name comes from the river Kurgal, which runs through their ancestral homeland and is sacred to them. During Amandric’s rebellion against the Ganhar Khanate, the Baçu-Kurgins joined the Kintaran alliance due to their long-standing enmity with the Ganhar and their dissatisfaction with the latter’s abandonment of the old nomadic ways. Though their cavalry was extremely effective in the conflict, they quickly resumed their isolationism after the war and never established relations with Belocharas. Despite being geographically separated and physically distinct from the Kintaran peoples, their religious beliefs share some striking similarities, such as the five demiurge gods (albeit with different names).
Balad :: The name given by the Kintaran peoples to the known world at large.
Balcha, “Proud” :: Minor house of the Feacthengead dwelling in western Dearviél, near the Therecoi lands. They are vassals to Cathanda Inamhra.
Baranc, “Humble” :: Vacid sociopolitical leader, branded as a rebel and traitor for speaking against the cathbrainead and adopting the language and customs of the Belochyar. He was formerly named Floghain Luachmathea. He was called Baranc the Leper for his ascetic ways. His followers were known as Baravacids.
Beanatena, “Crowfoot” :: Minor house of the Feacthengead, dwelling in southwestern Heithlean, vassals to Cathanda Hantheanga. Their surname is said to have come from the epithet of the first cathbrand.
Bearnawan, “Above the Sky” :: Spiritual essence of the firmament in the religion and cosmology of the Feacthengead; the boundary between the material world and Fial-taodh-Awla (but not to be confused with the latter). The literal translation is “Upon the Sky’s Roof,” sometimes translated more poetically as “Beyond the Ceiling of the Sky.”
Belocharas, “Luminous Kingdom” :: Monarchic realm in western Cildana comprising of nine constituent Kintaran nations plus some conquered territories. The kingdom’s name is sometimes translated as “White Kingdom,” though it should be noted that the word beloch refers specifically to white light, as of Light itself, and so, while this translation is technically correct, “Luminous Kingdom” is more accurate.
Belochyar, “White Roots” :: Kintaran tribe dwelling in northwestern Cildana, mostly between the Har-Kizir and the river Celedoz; one of the nine constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas and the largest both numerically and in terms of their ancestral lands. As noted above, the root word beloch refers to white light (the purest kind of light, as in the metaphysical phenomenon of Light) rather than the color white, so “White Roots” is not the most accurate translation of the tribe’s name; better translations would be “Luminous Roots” (as the tribe’s name is generally accepted to refer to the celestial tree from whose roots the High Gods were born) or “Pure Roots” (a reference to the legend of Sacathar, the tribe’s founding father, which scholars consider apocryphal).
Birkan, “Frost” :: The seal who fathered the god Jothan and the goddess Keriel in Winterborn mythology. Once the first gods were born, they became cold, and slew their father Birkan and their mother, Bren (“Fire”), using their blubber to keep warm.
Birkenlad, “Frost-Hammer” :: The ancestral sword of the Winterking of Stenvandë, said to have been forged by the Dwarven smiths of Solren in the fires of Súlfell; a gift to the Winterking from the gods, with their blessings such that it is fated that the hand that wields Birkenlad will always prevail in combat.
Birtirsen, “Lightfrozen” :: The five mermaid servants of Uðmenyr, whose names are Eurannielë (“Oar-Swallower”), Leivaskallë (“Ship-Gnasher”), Lempairë (“Wave-Spinner”), Lynojannë (“Keel-Splitter”), and Ylterodë (“Wind-Renouncer”). They are said to have once been mortal women who were drowned, whose spirits were enslaved by the Demon of the Deep, and now serve him by luring mariners to their dooms. See their individual entries for their attributes and appearances.
Black Owls :: One of the sacred guilds of the Feacthengead; a shadowy and feared society of sorcerers. It is said that any who hears the voice of a Black Owl will immediately be stricken with death. Their name in the language of the Feacthengead is feachadúirn.
Blaurr, “Wicked” :: An epithet of the goddess Eythelga.
Bleikira, “Lady Arboreal” :: One of the second tier of high gods in Winterborn mythology; firstborn daughter of Jothan and Keriel. She is analogous to Vilenya in the Kintaran pantheon, as matron of all living things upon the land. She is sometimes given the epithet “of the Green Bosom.”
Boindeatha, “Knowledgeable” :: Minor house of the Feacthengead, dwelling in central Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Caragrinda.
Borcairdna, “Stag of the Golden Dawn” :: One of the fourteen fortified houses of the Feacthengead, whose castle of Trym is on the south coast of Dearviél. Their name comes from a mythical deer that was said to have been the mount of Galaith the Far-Seeing.
Borthrealda, “Upon Whom the Dawn Shines” :: Minor noble house of the Feacthengead, dwelling in southern Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Borcairdna.
Braidh-án-Eidwe, “Doors Woven in Ivy” :: Fortress of Cathanda Hantheanga in southern Dearviél, between the branches of Fryd Nimearas. Regarding its name, ivy is significant in the lore of the Feacthengead, symbolizing strength and resiliency. It is said to have been passed to sapienkind by the goddess Vilenya (or by the Elven heroine Ilívantha in some versions of the tale) and blessed with a divine enchantment.
Brantivien, “Swan-Guard” :: A series of five fortresses built around Innis Tivien by the Winterborn during the years of the raids, circa T.D. 150. The Northmen thought that, because of its shape, the lake was holy, so they built the fortresses on the north, northeast, southeast, south, and west banks to keep the native Vacids away. The forts were abandoned after the Vacids retook the land, and only one, Brantivien-Etollen (“Swan-Guard of the West”), remains, albeit as a ruin.
Breandarga, “Tall Like Kings” :: Minor landholding family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northern Wyrduil on the east bank of Fryd Ariennes; vassals to Cathanda Drochdeartha.
Brown Owls :: One of the sacred guilds of the Feacthengead comprised of craftsmen and shipwrights. They were forced into exile under King Olaister but reformed in Satranthia. Their name in the language of the Feacthengead is feachanengé.
Cadoacha, “Shield of Hope” :: Small island off the southwestern coast of Dearviél.
Cairh-oí-Cúise, “Where the Deer Run” :: Fortress of Cathanda Raisa on the southeastern coast of Dearviél.
Cara Kotal, “Kota’s Treachery” :: Belocharan royal fortress built upon the eyot of Laithen Meach in Dearviel. Its name comes from an event early in its construction, when a woman named Kota seduced and killed a holy man in order to learn the secret path to Paradise. The gods cursed the fortress in response, and it collapsed on Kota as she slept, her blood seeping into the mortar and staining the walls red. The Belocharans deemed the fortress haunted after this, but rather than tearing it down, offered it to the Vacid high king (the Golden Owl) as his residence.
Caragrinda, “Sleeping Sun” :: One of the fourteen fortified noble houses of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Dúingreath is in west-central Heithlean. Their surname comes from the epithet of their first cathbrand, Uileamh, who was born during a solar eclipse and was later elected as the first Golden Owl.
Cardha (pl.: cairdhaí), “Horn” :: A tall horn similar to a carnyx, but with a customizable head, used by the Feacthengead in heraldry and in battle. Colloquially called “shithorns” as it is said that a large number of them blowing at once can cause an enemy to spontaneously lose his bowels.
Carmanfaílé, “Stone Beast” :: Vacid name for the Heathen Horns, a formation of curved peaks in the Dúlmeannath.
Carmateach, “Guard-Stone” :: Fortress of Cathanda Hemhardea near the mouth of Fryd Ariennes.
Cathanda (pl.: caitheandaí), “Father’s House” :: Title for any landowning family of the Feacthengead.
Cathbrand (pl.: cathbrainead), “House-Ruler” :: Among noble houses of the Feacthengead, the highest-ranking person and designated master of estate. Usually translated simply as “landlord.” (Only the master of estate is given the title of cathbrand; all other landowning family members are granted the lesser, gender-neutral title of branda, “master.”) Under the laws of the Kingdom of Belocharas, the cathbrainead are responsible for the maintenance of their landholds and the collection of taxes (mostly in the form of harvest quotas) payable to the crown. Prior to Dearviél being annexed into Belocharas, they were petty kings with broad autonomy in all but times of war.
Ceadfaen Ilantha, “Isle of Renewal” :: An island off southeastern Sordana, one of the group known as The Twelve. It was uninhabited before being discovered by Vacid explorers under Gormfreith Eirendranga, and many nobles flocked to it for its warm climate and natural beauty.
Celedoz, “Way of the Rain” :: Major river in Cildana, whose source is in the Har-Caras and which is a major source of commerce and mobility in the Kingdom of Belocharas. The kingdom’s capital of Haragrund is at its mouth. It is also known as Vali-Celedoz (“River Celedoz”).
Cernadur, “Black Pond” :: Official name of the swampy western region of Dearviél in the records of the Kingdom of Belocharas; named as such for the many ponds whose flora causes the water to take on a tea-like black hue. In the tongue of the Feacthengead, it is called Denawyld.
Chadoacha, “Of the Shield of Hope” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, occupying the small island of Cadoacha, from which they take their name. They are vassals to Cathanda Eirendranga.
Ciascheal, “Water” :: The spiritual essence of fresh water in the religious beliefs of the Feacthengead.
Cildana, “East Land” :: Large continent in the eastern hemisphere of Balad.
Cillavalca, “Blue Capital” :: City in the Kingdom of Belocharas, in the territory occupied by the Kirlanni tribe; located on the banks of Celedoz, it is a major transit hub for goods, commodities, and military supplies between the kingdom’s northern nations. Its name comes from the blue spruce trees that grow around the city.
Cineachna, “Pine-Armored” :: Minor landholding family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northeastern Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Hemhardea. A more accurate translation of the surname is “Armored Like a Pine Cone” as said cones are renowned for their toughness.
Contych (pl.: contychaí), “Overseer” :: Title of a mayor in the independent towns of Dearviél.
Craghan aí-Shallach, “Heart of the Willow” :: Fortress of Cathanda Drochdeartha in central Wyrduil. Its name comes from the groves of willow trees around the family’s landhold, which the ancestral Feacthengead used to make their bows and arrows.
Craidogha, “We Who Embrace the Journey” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in southeastern Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Hana. Their surname comes from craido (“wander”) and doghan (“to kindle”).
Croglóth, “Shell-Town” :: Significant town in Dearviél, located on the banks of Fryd Ariennes; the location of the ferry to the sacred isle of Laithen Meach. Before the famine, it was the primary trading hub south of the Dúlmeannath. Its name comes from the crustacean shells often found on the riverbank beside the wharves.
Cúiganchea, “Fifth Pillar” :: Fortress of Cathanda Dolgaisa at the mouth of Fryd Ariennes, on the middle of five barrier islands.
Curinhé, “Earth” :: Spiritual essence of earth in the religious beliefs of the Feacthengead.
Darakhast, “Vast Lands” :: Large kingdom occupying more than half of the continent of Sordana. While it is most known for its inhospitable deserts, these only comprise a small fraction of its geography, which also includes mountainous regions, rich forests, and expansive grasslands (mostly in the south, bordering the Vorowongo kingdoms). Politically, it is highly decentralized, with most authority being vested in the amarun (singular: amar; equivalent roughly to a viscount) of the various satrapies.
Daran Ravenhelm :: First emperor of Darandiné (which was named in his honor after his reign was ended). Many believe that he was a god disguised as a man; the Winterborn claim that he was the god Eithrun, who was born a mortal.
Darandiné, “Daran’s Realm” (demonym: Darandingaí) :: Ancient empire thought to have encompassed most of Cildana, said to have been highly advanced in its tools and vast in wisdom and knowledge. Its historicity is broadly disputed among scholars.
Dearmhengaí, “Faerie-People” :: Vacid name for the Fae (as a whole).
Dearviél :: Anglicized form of Dearmhaillh, “Gift of the Fae;” an island off the west coast of Cildana, ancestral homeland of the Feacthengead.
Denawyld, “Our Land” :: Unofficial name given by the Feacthengead to the region of Dearviél know by the Belochyar name Cernadur. Its original Vacid name is not recorded.
Dizik :: A breed of small, hardy ponies bred by the clans of the Achyanak for trekking in the mountains. The name dizik comes from the plural form of dizi, the Ayunyeri’un word for horse.
Dolgaisa, “Gaison’s Dagger” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning noble families of Dearviél, whose fortress of Cúiganchea sits on a small islet at the mouth of Fryd Ariennes. Their surname comes from the name of the first cathbrand of the family.
Drochdeartha, “Bridge Builders” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning noble families of Dearviél, whose fortress of Craghan ai-Shallach lies on the banks of Fryd Ariennes in central Wyrduil. Their surname refers both to the bridge across the river that they guard, built by Drochdeartha masons, and their reputation for diplomacy.
Duchai, “South-Clan” :: Kintaran nation of western Cildana, one of the nine constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas. Their historical lands are the flat coastal steppe between the rivers Celedoz and Vali-Hazlad. “Duchai” is likely derived from the name given to them by the Belochyar, who dwell north of their territory, and, while it is in the Duchai language, it is probably not the name they have historically given themselves.
Dúingreath, “Doom of Wings” :: Fortress of Cathanda Caragrinda in central Heithlean. Its name comes from the hill on which it is built, said to be the one where the Elf king Nimvë was punished by the gods for his transgressions and stripped of his wings, along with all his followers.
Dúlmeannath, “Spine of the Treacherous” :: Mountain range across northern Dearviél that acts as the border between the lands of the indigenous Feacthengead and the Winterborn clans who were gifted the northern part of the island (Gamhranda) under treaty. The ancestral name for the range is Chairthín-úin-Dhówyrd (“Stone Teeth at the End of the Green World”); the change in name may have been influenced by the presence of Belochyar refugees who had settled in northern Wyrduil after the initial Ganhar raids, who were said to have remarked that the mountains reminded them of Har-Caras (“Treacherous Mountains”), the range on mainland Cildana that separates the Kintaran lands from the Khadagan. They are called Fellath Jutadan in the language of the Winterborn.
Dwarves :: English translation of any number of names for Fae who dwell in caves, mounds, or mountain passes.
Eadosath, “Desperation” :: Fortress of Cathanda Hana on the southeastern coast of Dearviel. The name comes from a proclamation by the cathbrand who commissioned the fort’s construction: “Should any enemy wish to scale these walls, may he know only desperation as our arrows rain down upon his head!”
Earantha, “Who Shine Like Silver” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in eastern Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Raisa.
Éataín :: Assumed name of the goddess Eryda when she took mortal form and aided sapienkind in their struggle against Naiherah. The meaning of the name is unknown, but, according to the creation epic of the Feacthengead, it appears to be a mispronunciation of the name “Eryda” made by the first mortal who encountered her.
Eindearsca, “Oaken Soul” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northern Wyrduil west of Fryd Ariennes; vassals to Cathanda Inamhra.
Eirendranga, “Morning Star” :: One of the fourteen fortified noble houses of the Feacthengead. Their fortress of Únfeagaillh is at the tip of a peninsula in the southwest of Dearviél, below the Bay of Himilorn.
Eithrun, “Wellspring” :: Prominent figure in most Winterborn mythology, said to have been born a mortal man but later elevated to godhood by Vardi for his virtue. For many Winterborn clans, he is the most revered of all the gods, and is said to be the one most concerned with and active in the affairs of sapienkind.
Elenjanno, “Sleep-Disturber” :: God of dreams in Winterborn mythology; also known by the older name of Aulir.
Elenusveinë, “Silver Sleep” :: A lake in northern Stenvandë, beneath the hill of Fallenorn, whose waters are of quicksilver. According to legend, the Elves who once dwelled there became greedy and horded silver, only to have that silver melted by the fires of the dragon Jildur, and they drowned beneath the lake. It is sometimes called Innis Elenusveinë (innis meaning “lake”), and often mistranslated as “Silver Sorrow.”
Elidë, “Brook” :: Minor goddess in Winterborn mythology, usually depicted as a water sprite; she is a daughter of Vendar and Bleikira and is the matron of all fresh water.
Elves :: English translation of any number of names given to Fae capable of flight. Sometimes referred to specifically as “Winged Elves,” or as “Winged Gnomes” as they are often considered alike to those beings.
Erd :: In the religion of most Kintaran nations, one of the five High Gods, the lastborn and the only to exist in the singular rather than being paired with another deity. Erd is the god who gives the breath of life to all creatures and creates sapienkind. While often referred to in the masculine, due to Erd’s singular nature, he is often depicted as hermaphroditic. He is also known as Elethandi, “Who Gives Breath to Clay,” in the ancient traditions of the Duchai and Vihichai nations.
Eryda :: In the religion of most Kintaran nations, one of the five High Gods; either the firstborn or second, depending on the tradition. She is the goddess of earth, known as the Fire-Mother, and is often paired with her brother, Salion, as a dyad of authority. Her name is thought to be from the old Darandingaí tongue, meaning “Ember.” She is also known as Tangredanys, “Whose Flame Gives Birth to Stone,” in the ancient traditions of the Duchai and Vihichai nations.
Etollaiya, “Western Spill” :: Deep valley between the Fellath Pyridon and Fellath Icilhavtë in eastern Stenvandë, location of Virleilian, the Winterking’s residence. The source of the name is something of a mystery; some say that it refers to the waters of the Usvenhaivë, the series of waterfalls spilling from the sheer cliffs, whose waters form into a river (also called Etollaiya) that follows a southwesterly course; others say that it is actually an error, and that the early Alandrim who named it believed that they were on the western side of the island, and no one corrected the mistake.
Eurannielë, “Oar-Swallower” :: One of the five daughters of Uðmenyr. In some traditions, she is depicted as a mermaid, as are her sisters. She is also said to take the form of a kraken whose tentacles reach up from the darkest waters and ensnare the oars of wayward ships, yanking them out of their rowers’ hands and leaving the ships at the mercy of the wind and swells (in which case she usually works together with her sister, Ylterodë, Wind-Renouncer, to leave ships stranded at sea).
Eutúllië, “Hundred Lives” :: Term for the Fae in the language of the Alandrim and some other Winterborn clans, referring to their immortality. It is used only for Fae present in the material world; those who remain in the Otherworld are referred to as olemë.
Eythelga :: Goddess of death and queen of the underworld in Winterborn religion. Sometimes known by the more contemporary name of Mormene (note: this is the correct typography of the name; the umlaut present on the final e most feminine names, and its associated pronunciation, is not used here). Her epithets include Pala-Akalen (“Mother Carcass”), Súlveilen (“Death-Queen”), and the archaic Blaurr (“Wicked”).
Fae :: English translation of any number of names for beings of Light and Song, present either in the material world (either clad in material forms or as illusions of Light) or in their native abode in the worlds-beyond. This grouping may include (but is not limited to) Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Mermaids/Sprites, and sometimes other beings such as Giants (which are usually depicted either as fallen Fae or the corrupted offspring of Fae and sapienkind) and sometimes even the gods.
Faen Sordos, “Stone-Fortress of the West” :: Isolated island in the Great Sea, roughly halfway between the continents of Cildana and Sordana, in the cold and stormy higher latitudes. It is known for its vast stone quarries. Its name is in the language of the Feacthengead, who established it as a penal colony.
Fallenorn, “Fate-Hill” :: Mountain at the northern tip of Fellath Icilhavte, thought to hold the portal into Paradise. It is also the place where the Fae first came to the material world.
Fandoreacha, “We of the Longest Night” :: One of the fourteen fortified noble houses of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Ótheadhuré lies in northeastern Wyrduil beneath the Dúlmeannath. Their name comes from the mountains’ shadow that lies upon their estate.
Feachaift, “Owl’s Sanctuary” :: Fortress of Cathanda Feacheanga on the southern coast of Dearviél. It is sometimes more colloquially translated as “Owl Haven.”
Feachanduisa, “We Who Seek the Owl” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in the southwestern peninsula of Dearviél; vassals to Cathanda Eirendranga.
Feacheanga, “Owl’s Wisdom” :: One of the fourteen fortified noble houses of the Feacthengead, whose fortress is Feachaift in southeastern Dearviél. Their surname is often erroneously (and derisively) translated as “Wise Owls.”
Feacthain, “Owl Totem-Stone” :: Menhir used for ritual purposes by the Feacthengead, carved with the likeness of an owl, the messenger of the Sacred Ancestors.
Feacthengead, “People of the Feacthain” :: Kintaran tribe dwelling mostly on the island of Dearviel. The name is usually translated “People of the Owl-Totem” and is derived from feacthain as described above, as the nation was said to have been founded by the chieftain Prandleth before the feacthain on the isle of Laithen Meach. They are colloquially referred to as Vacids, a shortened form of the tribe’s Belochyar name (Vachedoi, “Owl Clan”).
Fearhan, “Owl-Sight” :: Legendary and tragic figure from the legends of the Feacthengead, the grandson of Galaith the Far-Seeing and brother of Fionna the Fair. It remains a very common masculine name among the tribe. It is a short form of Feacharhán. The literal translation is “He Sees as the Owl Sees” (meaning he sees through obscurity, or with arcane vision).
Fellath Icilhavtë, “Mountains of Enduring Twilight” :: Mountain range in eastern Stenvandë, whose name comes from the belief that they are so tall that any who ventures into their passes will never see the sun, even in the endless days of midsummer, and thus will walk forever in twilight.
Fellath Jutadan, “Mountains Where Giants Dwell” :: Winterborn name of the Dúlmeannath, so called because they were believed to have been raised by Giants.
Fellath Pyridon, “Mountains of Hallowed Reach” :: Mountain range in central Stenvande, joined to the Fellath Icilhavtë at the Etollaiya vale. Though they are nearly as formidable as their neighboring peaks on either side, the name refers not so much to their heights as their steep slopes, said to look like spears reaching for the abode of the gods.
Fennadh aí-Lauda, “Citadel of the Moon” :: Fortress of Cathanda Inamhra in northwestern Wyrduil, by the southern branch of the Dúlmeannath, near the headwaters of Fryd Nimearas.
Fialath Draiche, “Mirror-Sphere” :: In the cosmology of the Feacthengead, the realm of dreams, and that through which the lastaí bielthé connect all beings in all planes of reality. It is said to be extremely difficult—and forbidden—for a conscious mind to ascend into this realm. The tribe’s creation story tells that the god Erd went there to dwell after creating sapienkind, and may influence Light and Song from within. It is sometimes called the “World of the Mirrors” or “World of Illusion.”
Fialath Meadhe, “Cognizant Sphere” :: The material world, in the cosmology of the Feacthengead.
Fial-taodh-Awla, “World beyond the Aether” :: The abode of the Sacred Ancestors in the cosmology of the Feacthengead; the realm of the afterlife. Upon their deaths, virtuous souls will be collected by the owls and taken there to dwell forever. It is said to be a mirror of Fial-taodh-Dogól (the Otherworld), but the Fae are forbidden to enter as it was intended for the souls of sapienkind alone.
Fial-taodh-Dogól, “World beyond the Shadow” :: The Otherworld in the cosmology of the Feacthengead; the original realm of Light and Song into which the High Gods were born, and later, their children, the Fae. Sometimes translated simply as “World-Beyond.”
Fiolamha, “By Fionna’s Hand” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, whose landhold is on the border of Heithlean and Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Caragrinda.
Fionna, “Maiden” :: Tragic figure from the legends of the Feacthengead; daughter of Galaith the Far-Seeing. She was accidentally slain by her brother, Fearhan, while defending her newborn child, Sacathar, who would become the first chieftain of the Belochyar tribe. Her name in the Belochyar tongue is Iteline.
Fire-Drakes :: One of two species of dragons once found in Balad, together with the Poison-Tongues. The Fire-Drakes are the (much) larger and more powerful of the two species, though they were also the first to go extinct. As their name suggests, they breathed fire, whereas the smaller Poison-Tongues breathed poisoned fumes. “Fire-Drakes” is the translation of the Vraçii word Baras-draughes, their name for the species (“Poison-Tongues” is Nemha-targhes).
Fóhairnea, “Autumnal” :: One of the fourteen fortified noble houses of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Gioldran is on the northeast coast of Dearviél.
Foirfeachail, “Owl-Caller Staff” :: Wooden staff adorned with the feathers and skull of an owl, used in the religious rituals of the Feacthengead, particularly in burial rites, as a means to summon the owls that carry the souls of the dead to the afterlife. They are mostly used by the Sacred Guilds of Horned Owls and Snowy Owls, responsible for shamanic functions after the destruction of the Grey Owls.
Fryd Ariennes, “Silver Path” :: Major river in Dearviél, running south from the Dúlmeannath into central Wyrduil before turning east to the sea. It is the primary source of commerce for the island. Its name comes from its waters, which are said to shine like polished silver.
Fryd Nimearas, “Serpent’s Path” :: Major river in Dearviél, running south from the southern branch of the Dúlmeannath. Its name comes from its many sharp bends, especially where it flows through the marshy areas of Cernadur.
Frystinnun, “Crystal Lakes” :: Three vast, clear lakes in northern Stenvandë, beyond the Fellath Pyridon. They are Svilmen (“Reflection”), Lavennes (“Long Lake”), and Tanijanen (“Dreamswim”).
Fuiltheanna, “Blood Flower” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling on the border of Heithlean and Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Meada. Their name comes from a daylily that grows in abundance on their estate.
Galaith, “To Whom is Revealed” :: Legendary figure in the tales of the Feacthengead; son of the mortal man Gormfreith and the Fae woman Ilívantha, renowned for his great wisdom and gift of foresight. Called Galaith the Far-Seeing.
Galas, “Blue” :: Island off the southeastern coast of Darakhast, one of the group known as The Twelve; named for the deep blue of its waters.
Gamhranda, “Land of Winter” :: Region of Dearviél north of the Dúlmeannath; inhabited primarily by Winterborn after a peace treaty between them and the Feacthengead south of the mountains (few of whom ever ventured so far north).
Ganhar :: Khanate from the Khadagan whose imperial ambitions extended to western and southern Cildana. It fell into decline after the Kintaran tribes won their independence and founded the Kingdom of Belocharas, and after several constituent tribes grew intolerant of the khans’ brutality and adoption of sedentary ways. Their name may mean “No Shelter.”
Gealscragh, “Blue Heart of the Storm” :: Name given by the Feacthengead to a metaphysical phenomenon in which the power of lightning (galsir, “Blue Spark”) can be harnessed and controlled.
Geisa, “Questing” :: Minor landholding family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northern Wyrduil on the north bank of Fryd Ariennes; under the aegis of Cathanda Hemhardea. Another translation of the surname is “Determined.”
Ghorns :: Kintaran tribe dwelling south of the Har-Kulos mountain range. They are one of only two Kintaran nations not part of the Kingdom of Belocharas, though that kingdom has often tried to conquer or annex their lands. The origin of their name is unknown, but may come from the same root word as the Belochyar word ornaz (“Amber”), from which the Ornaznya tribe’s name also comes.
Giants :: While not every culture’s mythos includes beings that could be described as such, they are common in Winterborn legends as the corrupted offspring of Fae and mortals. They are usually very large, though not to an especially exaggerated degree, and malignant in nature. Winterborn mythology tends to use the terms “Giant” and “Troll” interchangeably.
Gioldran, “Whole” :: Fortress of Cathanda Fóhairnea in northeastern Wyrduil. No one knows for certain where the name comes from, but an ancestral legend suggests that that the small hill on which the fortress is built is the last place on the island visited by Ilívantha, upon which she said “I have seen the whole of it.”
Glandmal :: Mythical fruit in Winterborn mythology, said to be able to undo the corruption of the material world and to end decay. Its name comes from an ancient word for “gold.”
Glawdiné, “Jungle Realm” (demonym: Glawdingaí, “Jungle People”) :: Mythical, possibly apocryphal realm in central Sordana, in a valley between Darakhast and the northern Vorowongo kingdoms. There are many fantastical claims about this realm, such as that it is inhabited by the gods (or Fae), and that theirs is a highly advanced and isolated civilization. Why it is called “Jungle Realm” (or why its name comes from the language of the Darandingaí, an early form of that spoken by the Vacids on the other side of Balad) is uncertain, as no living mortal has ever been known to visit, and thus no one truly knows what its topography is.
Gnomes :: English translation of any number of names for Fae who dwell in forests or fields. These are sometimes thought to give blessings to crops and vineyards.
Golden Owl :: Informal title of the high king of the Feacthengead, whose authority is only absolute in times of war, or when agreed upon by the consensus of the cathbrainead. The title in the tongue of the Feacthengead is feacharmain.
Gorais aí-Drumhaid, “Place of Blackened Memories” :: Petrified forest in northern Dearviél, between the west bank of Fryd Ariennes and the southern branch of the Dúlmeannath. Legends tell that the forest was once the lushest on the island, but was destroyed utterly by the wrath of Eryda (or sometimes her daughter, Ilívantha). The maps of the Kingdom of Belocharas identify the forest by the Belochyar name purun il stivonsot, “Forest of the Charred Trees.”
Gormfreith, “Instinctual Thrush” :: Mortal man in the legends of the Feacthengead who wed the Fae queen Ilívantha; father of Galaith the Far-Seeing. It was a common name among Vacid men until the high king Gormfreith Eirendranga, whose legal reforms included forbidding giving one’s offspring the name Gormfreith.
Greathain, “Sea-Wing” :: In the religious beliefs of most Kintaran nations, one of the five High Gods, associated with salt water and the seas, or sometimes with water in general. He is often paired with his sister, Vilenya, as a dyad of authority. He is known as Farhayani, “Whose Might is in the Swells,” in the traditions of the Duchai and Vihichai nations.
Grunacta :: Goddess of love and fertility in the traditions of most Kintaran nations of mainland Cildana. The Belochyar link her with rowan trees.
Gryndir :: Ancient name for the god of weather, and particularly storms, in Winterborn legends. He is also known by the more contemporary name of Túlvarin.
Hadda :: Ancient name for the goddess of horses in Winterborn mythology. She is also known by the contemporary name of Hévë.
Hakenoi, “Aspen Clan” :: One of the six clans of the Belochyar tribe recognized by the Kingdom of Belocharas. The family Sacathrion, from which all legitimate kings of Belocharas descended after the death of Amandric Yerevolos, comes from this clan. Their patron deity is Vrintashka, the goddess of hunts and harvests.
Haldeargha, “Deeply Perceptive” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in southeastern Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Feacheanga. A more accurate translation of the surname is “We Perceive What is Obscured.”
Hamath :: Recurring name in the legends of the Feacthengead; may refer to 1) the mortal man who aided the goddess Eryda, under the guise of Éataín, in the struggle against the World-Serpent and became her lover; 2) Hamath the Luminous, son of Daran Ravenhelm and second emperor of Darandiné; or 3) Hamath Eirendranga, the high king who led the armies of the Feacthengead to the aid of the Kintaran coalition against the Ganhar Khanate.
Hana, “Old” :: Fortified landowning family of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Eadosath is located on the southeastern coast of Dearviél. Their surname comes from their belief that they are descendants of the first mortal inhabitants of the island.
Hantheanga, “Wisdom from the Ages” :: Fortified landowning family of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Braidh-án-Eidwe is located on the flat lands between the two branches of Fryd Nimearas in southern Heithlean.
Haragrund, “Lovely Garden” (or “Peaceful Garden”) :: Large port city in western Cildana, built on a small island between the coast and the two forks of the river Celedoz. It is located within the historical territory of the Belochyar nation and is the capital city of the Kingdom of Belocharas.
Har-Caras, “Treacherous Mountains” :: Mountain range in Cildana that separates the forests of the Kintaran nations from the steppe known as the Khadagan.
Har-Kizir, “Dagger Mountains” :: Belochyar name for the mountain range in Cildana that separates the Kintaran lands now part of the Kingdom of Belocharas from the Winterborn realms to the north. Known by the mountain tribes as Achyanak, “Wolves’ Teeth.”
Havadhallë, “Joyful Vision” :: Large bay in southern Stenvande. The primary port of Paikkalë is roughly at its center; the second port of Limeneidë is on its western mouth.
Hazlovan, “Harbor-Fort” :: Port city of the Kingdom of Belocharas located at the mouth of the river Vali-Stribya. It was built on land historically disputed between the Aratanni, Vihichai, and Vuš Kalaiks tribes, largely as a base from which to enforce the peace between them.
Heathen Horns :: Formation of two prominent peaks in the Dúlmeannath that curve toward each other like horns. Known as Carmanfaílé (“Stone Beast”) in the Vacid language. The name in the Winterborn tongue is Tetarentoren.
Heithbrand, “Ruler of the Meadow” :: Fortress of Cathanda Meada in eastern Wyrduil.
Heithlean, “Singing Meadow” or “Meadow Song” :: Region of Dearviel in the southeastern part of the island, marked mostly by open meadowlands. The name comes from heithé (“meadow”) and leana (“song”); the latter referring to song in the prosaic sense rather than amhrán, the Vacid word for the metaphysical phenomenon of Song.
Hemhardea, “Ash-Honor” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning families of the Feacthengead. Their fortress of Carmateach is in eastern Wyrduil near the mouth of the river Fryd Ariennes. The more apposite translation of the surname is “Whose Honor is Etched in Ash” (meaning the ash tree, which symbolizes strength, as well as a bonding through time; essentially, “Whose Honor is Strong and Shall Always Be).
Himilorn, “Vastness of Sails” :: Bay on the southwestern side of Dearviél. Its name is from the Winterborn language, as they built the fortress city of Linnot Annavian on its shores and were the main inhabitants of the coastline thereafter. Its Vacid name is Aurhailé, meaning “Amber Beauty” for the hue of its marshy shoreline.
Hlodi :: Goddess of music in Winterborn religion; also known by the more contemporary name of Arkenvanë (“Magical Song”).
Horizon-Eater :: (see Önosettö)
Hormenvush, “Snow-Spire” :: Tallest peak of the Har-Kulos mountains of southwestern Cildana, considered holy by the native Vihichai tribe as it is the home of Helayani (equivalent of Salion), the highest of the gods, in their legends.
Horned Owls :: Sacred guild of the Feacthengead who deal primarily in matters of law. They are often appointed by the high king as arbiters of justice in his stead, and are renowned for their impartiality. After the disbandment of the Grey Owls, they also took on some of that guild’s functions (together with the Snowy Owls), mostly those concerning religious activities. Their name in the Vacid tongue is feachlafaín.
Hósóta Ha’oha, “Kingdom of Wind-Dancers” :: Island kingdom off the southeastern coast of Cildana, of which very little is known in the Kintaran realms, as only limited trade has ever been established in that direction due to the difficulties of sailing there.
Iaceala :: Legendary marach (matriarch) of the Vraçii nation, said to have been the first to learn to use mind-magic (vala-çegul) to tame the races of dragons. She is often referred to as the Dragon’s Whisper.
Ideara :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in southwestern Dearviel; vassals to Cathanda Eirendranga. They are quite reticent about the origin and meaning of their surname, which appears to come from an old word meaning “Heathen.”
Ilívantha, “Ever-Wandering” :: Legendary woman of the Fae from whom the Feacthengead and Belochyar tribes trace their lineage (through her romantic relationship with the mortal man Gormfreith). She is the daughter of Eryda, the Fire-Mother, and retains much of her mother’s power.
Inamhra, “Songbird” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning families of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Fennadh ai-Lauda is in northern Wyrduil. Their surname comes from an epithet of one of their antecedents, Domhain, who was called “the Songbird” for his songs and poems (poets have long been afforded an extremely high status in Vacid society, often equivalent to that of landlords and even the high king). They are sometimes referred to as the House of the Meadowlark.
Innis Adurië, “Heron Lake” :: Large lake in central Dearviél, named for the birds that are often found in large quantities on its shores. Like all lakes in Dearviél, its name is from the Winterborn language.
Innis Tivien, “Swan Lake” :: Lake in northern Dearviél, near the gorais aí-drumhaid, named for its shape, which resembles a swan taking flight. The Northmen who first encountered it (and named it) believed it was a sign from the gods.
Ionatha, “Trustworthy” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in central Dearviél; vassals to Cathanda Caragrinda.
Istrilad, “Hammer-Glove” :: Winterborn clan of mainland Cildana, occupying the coastal territories north of the Har-Kizir (Súrnfellath in their language). They are known by outsiders as ruthless pirates, though they are a mainly agrarian society.
Iteline, “Doom-Embracer” :: Belochyar name of the legendary tragic figure Fionna.
Jildur :: Great serpent in Winterborn mythology, the dragon-son of Eythelga/Mormene. He is the physical manifestation of the gods’ wrath and vengeance. He is usually depicted as a winged, fire-breathing dragon; in other tales, he takes the form of a great sea-serpent with poisoned breath (probably influenced by Kintaran world-serpent tales). His name probably comes from the ancient Winterborn word jildi, “want,” and likely means “He Who Covets” as he is said to be extremely greedy. He is sometimes called Jildur Grömunir, simply meaning “Jildur the Serpent.”
Jothan :: God of the sky and heavens in the mythology of the Winterborn; formerly known by the ancient name of Kjarnur.
Karl :: Title given to the chieftains of most Winterborn clans.
Kenhaivë, “Crow-Hair” :: Winterborn term for people of Kintaran ethnicity (and outsiders in general, but mostly Kintaran, since they are otherwise similar in appearance). Most often used derisively. Often colloquially translated as “crowhead.”
Keriel :: Goddess of earth in the religion of the Winterborn clans; less commonly called by her ancient name of Skelda. She is very similar in depiction to Eryda in Kintaran traditions. She is the sister-wife of Jothan, his twin, birthed from the two celestial seals, Bren and Birkan.
Khadagan, “Sea of Green” :: Vast steppe in central Cildana, reaching eastward from the Har-Caras. No scholars in the Kintaran lands or the west are certain how far east it stretches. The language of the Khadagani peoples is very poetic, and as such, the correct translation of the name is “Great Green Sea Painted Across the Bottom of the Sky” (though the accuracy of the word “sea” is somewhat disputed, as the nomadic peoples of the Khadagan would likely never have seen open water).
Khodryzh, “Golden Oasis” :: Mercantile kingdom located in the southern part of the Khadagan, formerly home to nomadic tribesmen and later established into a sedentary state.
Kilas :: God of war in the traditions of most mainland Kintaran nations. He is also the patron deity of the Himmanoi (Ash) clan of the Belochyar tribe, and is likewise associated with ash trees.
Kintaran, “Standing People” :: Name given to themselves by the agrarian peoples living west of the Har-Caras on mainland Cildana, differentiating them from the nomadic Khadagani tribes east of the mountains. The application of the term is debated, as it is sometimes applied to the tribes of the Achyanak, who are more similar in appearance to the Khadagani than the folk of the lowlands south of the Har-Kizir, and to the Winterborn clans living north of the latter range. Usually, however, it is reserved for the tribes living south of the Har-Kizir, along with the Vraçii of the Srehughul highlands within that range and the Feacthengead of Dearviél.
Kiras Opeten, “Festival of the Sea-Harvest” :: Holiday in Stenvandë marking the beginning of the halibut catch; one of the most important events on the Alandrim calendar.
Kirlanni, “Beautiful Folk” :: Kintaran tribe dwelling in what is now the northern region of the Kingdom of Belocharas, south of the Har-Kizir. They are one of the nine constituent nations of Belocharas.
Kûmurkhâdh, “Sand-Friends” :: Ethnic group of eastern Darakhast, named for their ancestral homeland in the heavily deserted central region of Sordana.
Laida Gamhrána, “Moon Wintersong” :: Epithet adopted by a legendary matriarch of the Sacred Guild of Snowy Owls, who defied the edict of King Olaister of Belocharas to disband the guild. Her assumed name comes from laida, the feminine form of lauda (“moon”), and the amhrán in Gamhrána refers to the spiritual phenomenon of Song rather than a physical song.
Laithen Meach, “Reflection in Water” :: Large eyot in the broad central part of the river Fryd Ariennes, upon which, according to legend, the nation of the Feacthengead was established. The Belocharan royal fortress known as Cara Kotal, built upon the isle, is sometimes also referred to by this name.
Lamhaín aí-Nimear, “Tongue of the Serpent” :: Branch of the river Fryd Nimearas that flows west to the Bay of Himilorn. It is a primary means of transit and logistics for the Belocharan fortress of Linnot Annavian despite its relatively shallow depth.
Lavennes, “Long Lake” :: One of the three lakes in central Stenvandë collectively known as Frystinnun; the largest of them by far.
Leamhachartha, “Hand That Protects” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northwestern Dearviél in the southern branch of the Dúlmeannath; vassals to Cathanda Inamhra.
Leivaskallë, “Ship-Gnasher” :: One of the five daughters of Uðmenyr, the Demon of the Deep. She takes the form of a great sea dragon who spits rogue waves that crash down upon unsuspecting ships, and is often portrayed as a great trickster.
Leivenheim, “House of Ships” :: Port city in eastern Gamhranda, the largest city (by far) in Dearviél.
Lempairë, “Wave-Spinner” :: One of the five daughters of Uðmenyr, the Demon of the Deep. She is usually depicted as a giant eel who swallows the waves, creating whirlpools that suck in ships. The waters she drinks in then impregnate her, and she births more eels, and, according to legend, in time, she and her offspring will drink all the oceans dry.
Lietò :: God of summer in the religion of the Winterborn. He is the son of Jothan and brother of Gryndir Lord of Storms, and is given the task of making the shapes of clouds. He is sometimes known by the ancient name of Fyntur, and given the epithet Pidëvalta, “Lord of Clouds.”
Light Everlasting :: Primordial force that acts as one of the foundational elements of all consciousness. Its true nature is generally accepted to be beyond the comprehension of the mortal mind.
Limeneidë, “Loon Harbor” :: Port town in southern Stenvandë; the second-largest dwelling on the island after Paikkalë.
Linnot Annavian, “Fortress of the Orchid Maiden” :: Fortified city in western Dearviél, built and named by Winterborn colonists around Tareas Darandiné 150. The great hall, armories, and some dwellings are built atop a large, almost mountain-sized black rock, known by the native Feacthengead as Faend-Mhairu (which itself is an archaic name, possibly derived from Fae-speech). Its Winterborn name comes from the belief that it was once the earthly abode of the goddess Bleikira.
Linnot Eiwesfallë, “Fortress of the Obsidian Hills” :: Ancient fortress in Stenvandë, in the far north of the Fellath Icilhavtë; said to have been built by Elves (or Dwarves). No mortal garrison is ever known to have inhabited it.
Linnot Tirastren, “Fortress of Steel Blades” :: Fortified watchtower at the eastern mouth of Havadhallë in Stenvandë, which doubles as a lighthouse. It is named for the four bladelike protrusions at its apex, which serve as guard posts.
Linraslan, “Swamp-Town” :: Port city of the Kingdom of Belocharas, located at the mouth of the river Vali-Hazlad in western Cildana. It is the second-most important port in the kingdom after the capital of Haragrund, and gets its name from the swampy land surrounding it.
Luachmathea, “Precious” :: Minor landholding family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in eastern Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Drochdeartha. Their surname is likely a shortened form of Luachmatheanga, “Precious Wisdom” (referring perhaps to a secret wisdom or knowledge passed down by the Fae that is held by the family).
Lúmelynnë, “Snow-Virgin” :: Epithet of Vardi, the goddess of winter in the mythology of the Winterborn.
Lynojannë, “Keel-Splitter” :: One of the five daughters of Uðmenyr, the Demon of the Deep. She is often portrayed as a mermaid or siren, using her sweet songs to lure sailors into the shallows where their ships’ keels are dashed upon hidden rocks.
Macheadga, “Red Reflection” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in central Dearviél; vassals to Cathanda Drochdeartha. The meaning of the surname is something like “Whose Reflection is in Blood,” as they are renowned for their martial prowess.
Malkanoi, “Oak Clan” :: Clan of the Belochyar tribe from whose ranks came Amandric Yerevolos, founder of the Kingdom of Belocharas. Their patron deity is Thalian, the god of justice.
Mallen :: Winterborn title for the highest official in a town or village, roughly equivalent to a mayor.
Mana, “Orchid” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in eastern Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Meada.
Manivah, “Spirit-Mind” :: The handmaidens of Altan, the three-headed god in the religious beliefs of the Khadagani peoples, who are responsible for shaping the fortunes of the material world. Their exact number is debated, but at least thirty are named in the nomads’ oral traditions. The foremost among them are Baghara, who is the matron of horses, and Odana, the heavenly judge. Their relationship with Altan varies based on the traditions; in some cases, they are his daughters, in others his wives, and in yet others, both.
Matumians, “The Hopeful” :: Vorowongo tribe living in and around the Arrowhills in central Sordana. Their kingdom borders that of the Amarion, who are their chief rival.
Meada, “Thoughtful” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning families of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Heithbrand sits on the central east coast of Dearviél.
Mormene :: Name of the goddess of death in the traditions of the Alandrim and some other Winterborn clans. Even among the clans from whose language this name comes, she is usually referred to by her ancestral name, Eythelga.
Naiherah, “Dreaded Demon” :: Great serpent in the mythology of the Feacthengead, the offspring of the goddess Eryda birthed as a punishment for sapienkind’s wrongdoings. After unleashing the serpent on Balad, Eryda quickly regretted her decision and joined forces with sapienkind to destroy her, wrapping her body around the edges of the material world and making Balad round. In the traditions of the Vraçii people, whose depiction of the great serpent is very similar to that of the Vacids, she is called Iašte ua Nemha-Targhal, “Queen of the Poisoned Tongue,” but this title is generally unspoken, and she is referred to only as Segemet, “the Adversary.”
Nensa :: One of three Therecoi families whose landowning rights are recognized by the Feacthengead. The origin of their surname is unknown, but may come from the ancestral Therecoi word for “plain” (meaning unadorned, rather than the geographical feature).
Nimvë :: Elven leader whose actions led to the sundering of the Fae from sapienkind. For long, it was said that those actions included teaching sapienkind the methods and tools of war, but new information, which can be found in the volume entitled Owl Totem, has cast doubt upon this.
Olemë, “Spirit” :: Winterborn term for the gods. This includes what other cultures would consider Fae (in Winterborn nomenclature, these are listed among the gods); only when these are present in the material world are other names for them, such as eutúllië and joldhinna, used.
Olemen Ilterë, “Spirit Flight” :: An arcane ability possessed by some Winterborn mystics (as well as others from different cultures, such as some guild adepts from among the Feacthengead) in which the consciousness can be projected away from the body, to see beyond what the mortal eye can see.
Önosettö, “Horizon-Eater” :: The only child of Uômenyr, the Demon of the Deep, to be given a male gender. He is depicted as a sea-sorcerer who summons great fogs that “devour” the horizon. While he is considered harmless on his own, his devices are meant to aid in the doings of his malevolent sisters, the Birtirsen.
Ordfallír, “Dark Spirit Hills” :: Winterborn name for the highlands within the Súrnfellath (Achyanak), surrounded by the Poison Sea, where dwell the Vraçii tribe; colloquially referred to as the Vraçii High Plateau.
Öreacha, “Of the Night” :: Kintaran tribe of western Cildana, one of the nine constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas. Their language is vaguely similar to that of the Feacthengead, and they are thought to be the descendants of Vacid merchants or mercenaries who settled on mainland Cildana. Their name in the Belochyar language is Urichoi, which is their official name within the Kingdom; this is not a recognized Belochyar word but rather an approximation of their native name.
Ornaznya, “Amber-Clad” :: Kintaran tribe of western Cildana dwelling in the highlands where the Har-Kizir and Har-Caras mountain ranges converge. Their name comes from the vast wheat fields in their domain. They are one of the nine constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas.
Othalvehtír, “Forest-Watchers” :: Faerie-beings in Winterborn legend, said to be lesser deities who serve the god Eithrun on behalf of sapienkind. They take the form of creatures of the mortal world, usually wolves, and can be recognized by the bright yellow of their eyes. The singular form is othalvahti.
Ótheadhuré, “North-Tower” :: Fortress of Cathanda Fandoreacha in northern Wyrduil. It was built at the roots of the Dúlmeannath during the early Winterborn invasions, guarding the most accessible pass through the mountains.
Paikkalë, “Fish-Place” :: Largest settlement in Stenvandë, a fishing village and harbor on the southern end of the island on the shores of Havadhallë.
Pasverna, “North-Place” :: The summit of the mountain Fallenorn, where it is said that the doorway to Paradise lies. Shortened form of “Paikasverna.”
Prandleth, “Daylight’s Victory” :: Founding father of the Feacthengead and central figure in that tribe’s history.
Purple Tempest :: An extremely turbulent period in the history of the Kingdom of Belocharas in which “the crown changed heads as if tossed about in a storm.” It is generally defined as lasting from the coronation of the habitually lazy King Dovandric in T.D. 734 until the slaying of the usurper Prashas Alatulion, the only non-Sacatid to ever sit the Throne of Amandric, by Donimund III Ironhand in 740. Some historians declare, however, that the Purple Tempest raged on for another fourteen years, until Belyeric I slew Donimund, who had promised to abdicate once the former, considered the rightful heir, came of age, but ultimately refused. Others account the War for the Hallowed Crown, a brutal internecine strife within the Sacatid Line in T.D. 726, as the actual beginning of the Purple Tempest.
Pylas Norekien, “Tower of the Young Crow” :: Watchtower in the Fellath Jutadan (Dúlmeannath) built by the Winterborn in the early years of raiding in Dearviél. It was abandoned after a treaty was signed giving the Winterborn dominion over the lands north of the mountains.
Raisa, “Wolven” :: One of the fourteen fortified landowning families of the Feacthengead, whose fortress of Cairh-oí-Cúise sits on the southeastern coast of Dearviél. Their surname is not of Vacid origin, but comes from the name of Raisane, a she-wolf in Belochyar legend (adopted by the Vacids) who guarded sapienkind from malignant Fae.
Rhyt :: Highly nutritious root vegetable cherished for its ease of growing; staple food of Vacid peasants.
Rildan-aí-Cheanhath, “Festival of the Harvest” :: Major feast day celebrated by the Feacthengead on the thirty-fifth of Erydané, the midpoint of autumn. Families place hollowed turnips with illuminated candles inside by their doors to summon the Fae of the Fields to bless the farmland.
Sacathar, “Noble Mountain-Son” :: Hero of Kintaran, particularly Belochyar legend; founding father of the Belochyar tribe and son of the heroine Iteline. Also a popular name for boys among the Belochyar.
Sacatid Line :: Ruling family of the Kingdom of Belocharas since Sacatyer I, who claim descent from the legendary hero Sacathar.
Sacatyer, “Noble Dream” :: The first king to bear this name was Sacatyer I the Bold, squire to Amandric Yerevolos and named king after Amandric’s fall in battle. Five other kings of the Sacatid Line of Belocharas have been named Sacatyer.
Salion :: In the religion of most Kintaran nations, one of the five High Gods; either the firstborn or second, depending on the tradition. He is the god of the sky and heavens, known as the Sky-Father and All-Father, and is often paired with his sister, Eryda, as a dyad of authority. He is similar in many ways to Jothan in the Winterborn traditions. His name is likely from the old Darandingaí tongue, possibly meaning “Tree of Heaven.” He is also known as Helayani, “Who Blows the Mighty Wind,” in the ancient traditions of the Duchai and Vihichai nations.
Sapienkind :: Human beings; bipedal meatbags perpetually annoying the gods with their noisiness.
Satranthia, “Realm Apart” :: Island off the eastern coast of Sordana, one of the grouping collectively known as The Twelve. It is an independent city-state, a major port, and a place of learning, home to the Academy founded by Barastar Oldstaff. Guilds of the Feacthengead typically send their aspiring members there to be educated.
Seasprites (or Sprites) :: English translation of any number of names for Fae who dwell in the sea, rivers, lakes, or other waters.
Silenainë, “Winter-Maiden” :: Epithet of Vardi, the goddess of winter and purity in the traditions of the Winterborn.
Sinetin :: One of the major secondary gods in the religion of the Winterborn. He was a god of wisdom, and was mentor to Eithrun upon his apotheosis; after this, his role changed to a high judge of the gods and an arbiter of universal truths. His ancestral name was Kvold.
Sinhadryn, “Horse-Strong” :: Winterborn clan dwelling mostly in the northwestern forests of Dearviél, in the region of Gamhranda. Their choice of name is somewhat strange, as they are not especially known for their equestrian prowess.
Siska, “Iron Belt” :: One of three Therecoi families of Dearviél whose landowning rights are recognized by the Feacthengead. Their landhold is in the austere highlands between the main range of the Dúlmeannath and the southern branch of the mountains. Their surname is derived from the Therecoi word for a cuirass.
Skelnar, “Mighty Shield” :: God of battle and protector of warriors in the Winterborn religion. He is also known by the more contemporary name of Solren.
Sködhepes, “Fingers of Mist” :: Sheer cliffs of black rock on the southern coast of Stenvandë, named for the way clouds roll around them like curling fingers.
Snowy Owls :: One of the Sacred Guilds of the Feacthengead, founded originally for the purposes of studying and teaching the sciences. Alone among the Vacid guilds, this organization consists entirely of women. After the dissolution of the Grey Owls (the guild of doctors and shamans), they took on some of that guild’s functions, together with the Horned Owls; the Snowy Owls mostly focused on physical healing, which is in keeping with their study of the physical sciences, while the Horned Owls took on most of the religious aspects, though both guilds are said to be proficient in all practices. The Snowy Owls’ name in the language of the Feacthengead is feacheirané.
Solren :: Name of the god Skelnar in the language of the Alandrim and some other Winterborn clans, though many still refer to him by his ancestral name.
Song Immutable :: Primordial force that acts as one of the foundational elements of all consciousness. Its true nature is generally accepted to be beyond the comprehension of the mortal mind, but some say that it can be heard if one’s thoughts are finely tuned to it.
Sonnetë, “Most Fruitful” :: Goddess of fertility in Winterborn religion; mother of Akë. Her name is invoked for blessings upon both sapienkind and animals. She was called Syrgi in ancient times.
Sordana, “West Land” :: Large continent in the western hemisphere of Balad, whose realms include Darakhast and the Vorowongo kingdoms.
Spallvardi, “Craft of Vardi” :: Winterborn clan dwelling in northern Dearviél near the Valfellath, legendary for their woodworking skills and insular nature. So elusive are they that some believe them to be Fae. It should be noted that the word spallvardi is an ancient word for “tree trunk,” as Winterborn legends say that the goddess Vardi carved sapienkind from tree trunks.
Stavannin, “Jewel-Lakes” :: Region of northern Gamhranda, south of the Valfellath, named for the many lakes amid the vast forests.
Stenvandë, “Land of Towering Rock” :: Island in the northeast of Balad, named for its high mountains of mostly black rock. It is colloquially referred to as the Winterisle.
Storm Owls :: May refer to: 1) one of the Sacred Guilds of the Feacthengead, an elite corps of warriors sworn to the high king, disbanded under King Olaister’s purges; or 2) a rebel faction currently inciting violence and disobedience against the rule of Belocharas in Dearviél. In the Vacid language, the name is feachamalsaí.
Súlfell, “Death-Mountain” :: Volcanic mountain in the Svodefellath. According to Winterborn legend, it is the abode of the goddess Keriel.
Súlveilen, “Queen of Death” :: Epithet of the goddess Eythelga.
Suorniváni (pl.: Suornivanír), “Sea-Singers” :: Mystics who are said to be able to perceive the presence of the Birtirsen and use their music to distract or disorient the mermaids, keeping ships from harm.
Súrnfellath, “Red-Ash Mountains” :: Winterborn name for the range in Cildana called Har-Kizir by the Kintaran and Achyanak by the indigenous tribes. The name seems to refer both to the color of the mountains (ashen grey) and to the superstitions around the Vraçii clan who occupy the central region within the Poison Sea (the plateau known as Ordfallír, “Dark Spirt Hills,” by the Winterborn), whose religious practices are said to involve blood magic.
Surulien, “Azure Duskfall” :: Belochyar name for the region of Dearviél known by the native Feacthengead as Heithlean.
Suvarmo, “Nightingale Perch” :: Port city of Belocharas located at the mouth of the river Vali-Vihi in the south of the kingdom, in the lands of the Vihichai.
Svilmen, “Reflection” :: The smallest of the Frystinnun, known for its clear waters that reflect the stars in the winter sky.
Svodefellath, “Mountains of Night” :: Mountain range in western Stenvande, which includes the volcano Sulfell. The name is a mix of the ancient Winterborn language and that presently spoken by the Alandrim; an alternative name is Fellath Lagasen, meaning the same thing in the contemporary language.
Tearachaí :: (see Therecoi)
Teasha, “Hydrangea” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northeastern Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Fóhairnea.
Thencaida, “Elm” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in western Heithlean; vassals to Cathanda Caragrinda. The surname literally translates to “Mother-Tree,” which is what Vacids call the elm.
Therecoi, “Highland Clan” :: Subgroup of the Feacthengead dwelling in and around the Dúlmeannath; sometimes known as Mountain Vacids. They are known as Tearachaí in the main Vacid language, which is an approximation of Tarachai, their name in their ancestral tongue (which is seldom spoken) and likely meaning “Blood Ties” or similar. “Therecoi” is a Belochyar name and may be yet another approximation of the tribe’s ancestral name.
Tionchara, “Dominant” :: Island off the east coast of Sordana where wines and spices are produced and traded in vast quantities. Its name comes from the fact that it is the largest of the group known as The Twelve.
Tir-Carima, “Shepherd’s Seat” :: The seat upon which the Golden Owl, the high king of the Feacthengead, is coronated, colloquially known as the Oakenthrone. The term tir-carima is also used for any communal gathering of the Vacid landlords (cathbrainead), notably the election of a new Golden Owl, which take place before the Oakenthrone.
Trym, “Gauntlet” :: Fortress of Cathanda Borcairdna in southern Dearviél.
Tuangir, “Moon” :: In Winterborn mythology, either the personification of the moon or the god who carries the moon through the sky (as a bat), depending on the clan. He is also known by the more contemporary name of Tursinos.
Twelve, The :: Group of nine islands and three coastal city-states in eastern Sordana, founded by Vacid explorers. Each one is an independent entity, and the relationships between them are sometimes fraught. The names of The Twelve are: Arthandiné, Cald Shaibhaín, Ceadfaen Ilantha, Galas, Maith Armeann, Nimadnea (formerly Ani Ganchean), Odhánn, Satranthia, Sheailach, Thair-Caradagh, Thair-Silbhaín, and Tionchara.
Uðmenyr, “Deep-Beast” :: Shadow-self of the sea god Vendar; malignant entity who sends his offspring to bring him victims to feed to Eythelga, whose love he covets. The name is often translated as “Demon of the Deep.”
Úidaímha, “Cave-Dwellers” :: Minor landowning family of the Feacthengead, dwelling in northern Wyrduil; vassals to Cathanda Fandoreacha. Their surname seems to come from a legend they tell in which their forebears were shown to the safety of the many caves within the highlands by Dwarves, and that was how they were kept safe from raiders.
Úlnadóth, “Grape-Town” :: Independent town on the east bank of Innis Adurië in central Dearviél, named for the vineyards surrounding it; the site of a historic battle between Belochyar settlers and Winterborn mercenaries in defense of the townsfolk.
Ulvic, “Ivy” :: Winterborn clan dwelling mostly in northern Cildana.
Únfeagaillh, “Gift of the Last Watch” :: Fortress of Cathanda Eirendranga in southwestern Dearviél, named for the promontory on which it was built, said to have been gifted to sapienkind by the Fae queen Ilívantha as a place to watch the sea.
Usvenhaivë, “Grey Hair” :: Series of waterfalls in the Etollaiya of southern Stenvandë, surrounding the great hall of the Winterking.
Vacids :: Colloquial form of “Vachedoi,” the Belochyar name for the Feacthengead.
Vala-çegul, “Mind-Fire” :: Practice of mental persuasion practiced by the Vraçii tribe; a form of mind control, used by the tribe to tame the dragons that awoke in the mountains surrounding their lands in ancient times.
Valfellath, “Lordly Mountains” :: Mountain range in northern Dearviel. The name may also mean “White Mountains,” as the contemporary Winterborn words for “lord” (valta) and “white” (valke) are very similar, and are often shortened in similar fashion.
Vali-Kivusot, “Darkest River” :: Major river in Cildana marking the southern border of the Kingdom of Belocharas, separating that realm from the Kingdom of the Ghorns. The name Kivusot literally translates to “Beyond Dark.”
Vali-Stribya, “River of Silver” :: Major river in Cildana, flowing from its source in the Har-Caras to the sea, separating the lands of the Aratanni and Ornaznya tribes from those of the Vuš Kalaiks.
Vali-Vihi, “Stormy River” :: Major river in western Cildana, flowing from its source in the Har-Kulos southward to the sea through the lands of the Vihichai tribe. Another river, Stoaman (“Stony Foot”), branches off from Vali-Vihi to the southeast.
Valneinë, “Lordly Woman” :: Title given to the wife of the Winterking of Stenvandë.
Valta-Menyr, “Lord of the Depths” :: Epithet of Vendar, god of the sea in Winterborn religion.
Varchimid, “Vision of Warning” :: Belocharan royal fortress built upon the conquered lands of the Vuš Kalaiks tribe, used mostly as a base from which to patrol and pacify that land. The more apt translation of the name is “Which Sees Hidden Dangers,” as the Belochyar word chimid refers to a kind of arcane vision, the ability to see through obscurity.
Vardi :: Prominent deity and tragic heroine in Winterborn legends. She is the goddess of winter and purity, the creator and benefactor of sapienkind, and the one who gave immortality to the mortal man Eithrun and elevated him to godhood. She sacrificed herself to save sapienkind from the wrath of her mother, Keriel. She is known by the epithets of Korinkatë (“Raven-Eyes”), Lúmelynnë (“Snow-Virgin”), and Silenainë (“Winter-Maiden”), among others.
Varsakh, “Willow Clan” :: Kintaran tribe of western Cildana, one of the nine formally recognized constituent nations of the Kingdom of Belocharas; also known as Varsakians. They were once a Belochyar clan (Varsakoi) but became sundered during the plague years, with their language and customs changing enough from those of the Belochyar that both considered them a separate people.
Vendar :: God of the ocean in the religion of the Winterborn, who is together with his sister-lover Bleikira.
Vihichai, “Storm Warrior Clan” :: Kintaran tribe of western Cildana, dwelling in and south of the Har-Kulos mountain range. They are renowned for their skill in battle and their proficiency in the making of weapons.
Vihvilten, “Green Realm” :: Winterborn name for the island of Dearviél as a whole, and more specifically the region called Gamhranda in the Vacid language, where many Northmen dwell.
Vilenya :: In the religion of most Kintaran nations, one of the five High Gods, associated with forests, fields, and usually fresh water. She is often paired with her brother, Greathain, as a dyad of authority. She is also known as Anahyre, “Whose Milk is Green and Good,” in the traditions of the Duchai and Vihichai nations.
Virleilian, “Beside the Plain” :: Great hall of the Winterking of Stenvandë, located on an eyot within the flows of the Usvenhaivë in the Etollaiya vale.
Vithë :: Goddess of the hunt in Winterborn religion. She is usually depicted as a benevolent deity, but on occasion, she becomes a malignant rider whose coming heralds great sorrow, such as the death of a king or impending war. She is also known by the ancestral name of Svathi.
Vokhni’un, “Ones Who Destroy” :: Indigenous tribe of the Achyanak, whose domain is west of the Vracii High Plateau bordering the sea. Like the other nations of the Wolves’ Teeth, their nobles ride great warhawks instead of horses. It should be noted that this is not the name they give themselves, which is unknown outside their domain (they are an extremely insular people); it is from the language of the Ayunyeri’un, their historical adversary, and is meant as an insult.
Vorowongo, “Early Dwellers” :: Ethnic group living mostly in eleven tribal kingdoms in southern Sordana, with smaller populations found in Darakhast, The Twelve, and parts of Cildana, mostly large cities and coastal areas. Their name refers to the belief that, when sapienkind first awakened in the field of Tirifawaname, their ancestor was the first to rise and stake out a home. The eleven sovereign tribes of the Vorowongo are the Amarion, Avaeldon, Beregon, Imbali, Matumians, Orweaton, Shemit, Sivani, Tiweni, Wibarion, and Yaashaid.
Vraçii, “Pious” :: Highly insular tribe dwelling in the Vraçii High Plateau (known as Srehughul in their own language) within the Har-Kizir. They are usually considered a Kintaran people, as they bear a strong physical resemblance to the peoples living south of the mountains. The tribe has two rulers: a marach (matriarch) for secular affairs, and a vraçiun (high priest) for religious matters; as the tribe is deeply connected to its monotheistic religion, and is essentially theocratic, the latter is effectively the most powerful figure. As few outsiders have ever ventured into the tribe’s domain, there is much superstition surrounding them, even including accusations of vampirism.
Vuš Kalaiks :: Kintaran tribe of western Cildana, closely related to the Ghorns dwelling to their south. Their lands are presently under the control of the Kingdom of Belocharas, though they did not join the kingdom willingly and are treated as a conquered people, with no representation in Haragrund. The tribe’s name is unknown, as their language is difficult to translate, but may mean “Mountain-Cloaked.”
Winterborn :: Colloquial name for the ethnic group dwelling in the northern parts of Cildana; generally, they are light of skin and hair. Also known as Northmen, settlements of these people can be found throughout Cildana, including the many islands to the west (such as Stenvandë and Dearviél) and in Sordana, where many merchants and mercenaries and their descendants have settled.
Winterisle :: (see Stenvandë)
Wyrduil, “Greenleaves” :: Region of eastern Dearviel named for its verdant fields and forests (mostly deciduous). It is called Tavankine (“Singing Grass”) in the Belochyar language.
Ylterodë, “Wind-Renouncer” :: One of the five daughters of Uðmenyr, the Demon of the Deep. She is depicted as a great sea-dragon who leaps from the depths and uses her wing-fins to block the winds, forcing mariners to wear themselves out by rowing. As such, seafarers often pray to Gryndir, the god of storms (who also commands the winds in general), for aid before setting sail, as he is said to do battle with Ylterodë and is powerful enough to defeat her.