A Magic of Nightfall (85 page)
Read A Magic of Nightfall Online
Authors: S. L. Farrell
Domestiques de chambre
“Chamber servants”—the servants whose task it is to attend to the Kraljiki or Kraljica in their bedchamber. Only highly trusted servants are given this assignment.
“Chamber servants”—the servants whose task it is to attend to the Kraljiki or Kraljica in their bedchamber. Only highly trusted servants are given this assignment.
Family Names
Within Nessantico and most of the Holdings, the family names follow the female line. A man will (except in rare cases) upon marriage take his wife’s family name, and all children (without exception) take the family name of the matarh. In the event of the death of a wife, the widower will usually retain his wife’s family name until remarried. Status within society is determined by a prefix to the family name. In rising order, they are: none, ce’, ci’, cu’, ca’.
Within Nessantico and most of the Holdings, the family names follow the female line. A man will (except in rare cases) upon marriage take his wife’s family name, and all children (without exception) take the family name of the matarh. In the event of the death of a wife, the widower will usually retain his wife’s family name until remarried. Status within society is determined by a prefix to the family name. In rising order, they are: none, ce’, ci’, cu’, ca’.
Firenzcian Coalition
The loose alliance between Firenzcia and states that have seceded from the Holdings: Firenzcia, Sesemora, Miscoli, East and West Magyaria.
The loose alliance between Firenzcia and states that have seceded from the Holdings: Firenzcia, Sesemora, Miscoli, East and West Magyaria.
Fjath
[Phiy-AHTH]
The title for the ruler of Sforzia.
[Phiy-AHTH]
The title for the ruler of Sforzia.
Garda
“Guard” or “soldier” (used interchangeably). The plural is Gardai.
“Guard” or “soldier” (used interchangeably). The plural is Gardai.
Gardai’s Disease
A euphemism for homosexuality.
A euphemism for homosexuality.
Garde Brezno
[GAR-duh BREHZ-noh]
The city guard of Brezno in Firenzcia.
[GAR-duh BREHZ-noh]
The city guard of Brezno in Firenzcia.
Garde Civile
[GAR-duh Sih-VEEL]
The army of the country of Nessantico. Not the largest force (that’s the army of Firenzcia), but the Garde Civile directs all the armies of the Holdings in war situations.
[GAR-duh Sih-VEEL]
The army of the country of Nessantico. Not the largest force (that’s the army of Firenzcia), but the Garde Civile directs all the armies of the Holdings in war situations.
Garde Kralji
[GAR-duh KRAHL-jee]
The city guard of Nessantico. Based in the Bastida, their insignia is a bronze dragon’s skull. The common ranks are “gardai” (ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’), the officers are “offizier” (also ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’). The highest rank in the Garde Kralji is Commandant.
[GAR-duh KRAHL-jee]
The city guard of Nessantico. Based in the Bastida, their insignia is a bronze dragon’s skull. The common ranks are “gardai” (ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’), the officers are “offizier” (also ranging from a prefix of e’ to a’). The highest rank in the Garde Kralji is Commandant.
Gardes a’Liste
[GAR-dess Ah-LEEST]
The bureaucratic organization responsible for maintaining the rolls of family names, and for assigning the official prefixes of rank to them.
[GAR-dess Ah-LEEST]
The bureaucratic organization responsible for maintaining the rolls of family names, and for assigning the official prefixes of rank to them.
Généra a’Pace
[Jhen-AH-rah Ah-pah-SAY]
“Creator of Peace”—the popular title for the late Kraljica Marguerite I. For three decades under her rule, there were no major wars within the Holdings.
[Jhen-AH-rah Ah-pah-SAY]
“Creator of Peace”—the popular title for the late Kraljica Marguerite I. For three decades under her rule, there were no major wars within the Holdings.
Grandes Horizontales
[GRAHN-days Hor-eh-ZHON-tah-leh]
The term for the high-class courtesans with ca’ and cu’ patrons.
[GRAHN-days Hor-eh-ZHON-tah-leh]
The term for the high-class courtesans with ca’ and cu’ patrons.
Greaves
Leg armor.
Leg armor.
Gschnas
[Guh-SHWAZ]
The “False World” Ball—takes place every year in Nessantico.
[Guh-SHWAZ]
The “False World” Ball—takes place every year in Nessantico.
Gyula
[G-YUH-lah]
Ruler of West Magyaria. East Magyaria also uses the same title.
[G-YUH-lah]
Ruler of West Magyaria. East Magyaria also uses the same title.
Hauberk
A short chain mail coat.
A short chain mail coat.
Hïrzg
[HAIRZG (almost two syllables)]
The title for the ruler of Firenzcia. “Hïrzgin” is the feminine form, and “A’Hïrzg” is the term for either the female or male heir.
[HAIRZG (almost two syllables)]
The title for the ruler of Firenzcia. “Hïrzgin” is the feminine form, and “A’Hïrzg” is the term for either the female or male heir.
Ilmodo
[Eel-MOH-doh]
“The Way.” The Ilmodo is a pervasive energy that can be shaped through the use of ritualized chants, perfected and codified by the Concénzia Faith. The Numetodo call the Ilmodo “Scáth Cumhacht.” Other cultures that are aware of it will have their own name. The Tehuantin call it “X’in Ka.”
[Eel-MOH-doh]
“The Way.” The Ilmodo is a pervasive energy that can be shaped through the use of ritualized chants, perfected and codified by the Concénzia Faith. The Numetodo call the Ilmodo “Scáth Cumhacht.” Other cultures that are aware of it will have their own name. The Tehuantin call it “X’in Ka.”
Instruttorei
[Inn-struh-TORR-ay]
Instructor.
[Inn-struh-TORR-ay]
Instructor.
Kraljica
[Krahl-JEE-kah]
Title most similar to “Empress.” The masculine form is “Kraljiki” (Kralh-jee-kee). To refer to a ruler nongender-specifically, “Kralji” is generally used, which is also the plural.
[Krahl-JEE-kah]
Title most similar to “Empress.” The masculine form is “Kraljiki” (Kralh-jee-kee). To refer to a ruler nongender-specifically, “Kralji” is generally used, which is also the plural.
Kusah
[KOO-sah]
The title for the ruler of Namarro.
[KOO-sah]
The title for the ruler of Namarro.
Marque
The document given to an acolyte who is to be taken into the Order of Téni and placed in the service of the Concénzia Faith.
The document given to an acolyte who is to be taken into the Order of Téni and placed in the service of the Concénzia Faith.
Matarh
[MAH-tarr]
“Mother.”
[MAH-tarr]
“Mother.”
Moitidi
[Moy-TEE-dee]
The “half-gods”—the demigods created by Cénzi, who in turn created all living things.
[Moy-TEE-dee]
The “half-gods”—the demigods created by Cénzi, who in turn created all living things.
Montbataille
[Mont-bah-TEEL]
A city set on the long slopes of a mountain in the east of North Nessantico; also the site of a famous battle between Nessantico and the province of Firenzcia, and the only good pass through the mountains between the Rivers Clario and Loi.
[Mont-bah-TEEL]
A city set on the long slopes of a mountain in the east of North Nessantico; also the site of a famous battle between Nessantico and the province of Firenzcia, and the only good pass through the mountains between the Rivers Clario and Loi.
Nahual
[NAH-hu-all]
The proper title for the chief spellcaster of the Tehuantin. The lesser spellcasters are called “nahualli”—which is both singular and plural.
[NAH-hu-all]
The proper title for the chief spellcaster of the Tehuantin. The lesser spellcasters are called “nahualli”—which is both singular and plural.
Namarro
[Nah-MARR-oh]
The southernmost province of the Holdings of Nessantico.
[Nah-MARR-oh]
The southernmost province of the Holdings of Nessantico.
Nessantico
[Ness-ANN-tee-ko]
The capital city of the Holdings, ruled by the Kraljica.
[Ness-ANN-tee-ko]
The capital city of the Holdings, ruled by the Kraljica.
Note of Severance
A document that releases an acolyte from his or her instruction toward being in the Order of Téni. Typically, 5% or less of acolytes complete their training and are accepted into the Order. The vast majority will receive a note.
A document that releases an acolyte from his or her instruction toward being in the Order of Téni. Typically, 5% or less of acolytes complete their training and are accepted into the Order. The vast majority will receive a note.
Onczio
[AHNK-zhee-oh]
“Uncle.”
[AHNK-zhee-oh]
“Uncle.”
Offizier
[OFF-ih-zeer]
“Officer”—the various ranks of offizier follow the ranks of téni. In ascending order: e’offizier, o’offizier, u’offizier, a’offizier. Often, an offizier in one of the armies also is a Chevaritt.
[OFF-ih-zeer]
“Officer”—the various ranks of offizier follow the ranks of téni. In ascending order: e’offizier, o’offizier, u’offizier, a’offizier. Often, an offizier in one of the armies also is a Chevaritt.
Passe a’Fiume
[PASS-eh ah-fee-UHM]
The city that sits on the main river crossing of the Clario in eastern Nessantico.
[PASS-eh ah-fee-UHM]
The city that sits on the main river crossing of the Clario in eastern Nessantico.
Pochspiel
[POCK-speel]
A Firenzcian card game of bidding and bluffing, similar to modern poker.
[POCK-speel]
A Firenzcian card game of bidding and bluffing, similar to modern poker.
Pontica a’Brezi Nippoli
[Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee Nee-POHL-ee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
[Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee Nee-POHL-ee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica a’Brezi Veste
[Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee VESS-tee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
[Phon-TEE-kah Ah-BREHZ-ee VESS-tee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica Kralji
[Phon-TEE-kah KRAWL-jee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
[Phon-TEE-kah KRAWL-jee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Pontica Mordei
[Phon-TEE-kah MHOR-dee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
[Phon-TEE-kah MHOR-dee]
One of the Four Bridges of Nessantico.
Quibela
[Qwee-BELL-ah]
A city in the province of Namarro.
[Qwee-BELL-ah]
A city in the province of Namarro.
Rétes
A Magyarian strudel, often made with apples or sweetened cheeses.
A Magyarian strudel, often made with apples or sweetened cheeses.
Sakal
[Sah-KHAL]
The sun god of the Tehuantin.
[Sah-KHAL]
The sun god of the Tehuantin.
Sapnut
The fruit of the sapnut tree, from which a rich yellow dye is made.
The fruit of the sapnut tree, from which a rich yellow dye is made.
Scarlet Pox
A childhood illness, often deadly.
A childhood illness, often deadly.
Scáth Cumhacht
[Skawth Koo-MOCKED]
The Numetodo term for the Ilmodo.
[Skawth Koo-MOCKED]
The Numetodo term for the Ilmodo.
Sesemora
[Say-seh-MOHR-ah]
A province in the northeast of the Holdings of Nessantico.
[Say-seh-MOHR-ah]
A province in the northeast of the Holdings of Nessantico.
Southern Fever
An affliction that kills a high percentage of those affected—the fever causes the brain to swell, bringing on dementia and/or coma, while the lungs fill with liquid from the infection, causing pneumonia-like symptoms. Often, even if the victim recovers from the coughing, they are left brain-damaged.
An affliction that kills a high percentage of those affected—the fever causes the brain to swell, bringing on dementia and/or coma, while the lungs fill with liquid from the infection, causing pneumonia-like symptoms. Often, even if the victim recovers from the coughing, they are left brain-damaged.
Starkkapitän
[Starkh-KAHP-ee-tahn]
“High Captain”—the title for the commander of Firenzcian troops.
[Starkh-KAHP-ee-tahn]
“High Captain”—the title for the commander of Firenzcian troops.
Stone
A measure of weight for dry goods. Merchants are required to have a set of weights, certified by the local board. A stone is approximately a pound and a half in our measures.
A measure of weight for dry goods. Merchants are required to have a set of weights, certified by the local board. A stone is approximately a pound and a half in our measures.
Strettosei
[STRETT-oh-see]
The ocean to the west of Nessantico.
[STRETT-oh-see]
The ocean to the west of Nessantico.
T’Sha
[Ti-SHAH]
The ruler of Tennshah.
[Ti-SHAH]
The ruler of Tennshah.
Ta’Mila
[Tah-MEE-ah]
The ruler of Il Trebbio.
[Tah-MEE-ah]
The ruler of Il Trebbio.
Tantzia
“Aunt.”
“Aunt.”
Tashta
[TAWSH-tah]
A robelike garment in fashion in Nessantico.
[TAWSH-tah]
A robelike garment in fashion in Nessantico.
Tecuhtli
[Teh-KOO-uhl-ee]
The title for “Lord” or “War-King” in the Tehuantins’ language.
[Teh-KOO-uhl-ee]
The title for “Lord” or “War-King” in the Tehuantins’ language.
Tehuantin
[Teh-WHO-ahn-teen]
“The People”—the name the Westlanders call themselves.
[Teh-WHO-ahn-teen]
“The People”—the name the Westlanders call themselves.
Téni
[TEHN-ee]
“Priest.” Those of the Concénzia who have been tested for their mastery of the Ilmodo, have taken their vows, and are in the service of the church. The téni priesthood also uses a ranking similar to the Families of Nessantico. In ascending order, the ranks are e’Téni, o’Téni, u’Téni, and a’Téni.
[TEHN-ee]
“Priest.” Those of the Concénzia who have been tested for their mastery of the Ilmodo, have taken their vows, and are in the service of the church. The téni priesthood also uses a ranking similar to the Families of Nessantico. In ascending order, the ranks are e’Téni, o’Téni, u’Téni, and a’Téni.
Téte
[teh-TAY]
“Head”—a title for the leaders of an organization, such as the Guardians of the Faith or the Council of Ca’.
[teh-TAY]
“Head”—a title for the leaders of an organization, such as the Guardians of the Faith or the Council of Ca’.
Tlaxcala
[Tlash-TAH-lah]
the capital city of the Tehuantin nations.
[Tlash-TAH-lah]
the capital city of the Tehuantin nations.
Toustour
[TOOS-toor]
The “All-Tale”—the bible for the Concénzia Faith.
[TOOS-toor]
The “All-Tale”—the bible for the Concénzia Faith.
Turn of the glass
An hour. The glass referred to is an hourglass, the sides of which are typically incised with lines marking the quarter-hours. Thus a “mark of the glass” is roughly fifteen minutes.
An hour. The glass referred to is an hourglass, the sides of which are typically incised with lines marking the quarter-hours. Thus a “mark of the glass” is roughly fifteen minutes.
Utilino
[Oo-teh-LEE-noh]
A combination concierge and watchman who patrols a small area (no more than a block each) of the city. The utilino—who is also a téni of the Concénzia faith—is there to run errands (for a fee) as well as to keep order, and is considered to be part of the Garde Kralji.
[Oo-teh-LEE-noh]
A combination concierge and watchman who patrols a small area (no more than a block each) of the city. The utilino—who is also a téni of the Concénzia faith—is there to run errands (for a fee) as well as to keep order, and is considered to be part of the Garde Kralji.
Vajica
[Vah-JEE-kah]
Title most similar to “Madam,” used in polite address with adults who have no other title, or where the title is unknown. The masculine form is “Vajiki.” The plurals are “Vajicai” and “Vajik.”
[Vah-JEE-kah]
Title most similar to “Madam,” used in polite address with adults who have no other title, or where the title is unknown. The masculine form is “Vajiki.” The plurals are “Vajicai” and “Vajik.”
Vambrace
Armor protecting the lower arm.
Armor protecting the lower arm.
Vatarh
[VAH-ter]
“Father.”
[VAH-ter]
“Father.”
Verzehen
[Ver-ZAY-hehn]
Tehuantin term for a telescope.
[Ver-ZAY-hehn]
Tehuantin term for a telescope.
Ville Colhelm
[VEE-ah KOHL-helm]
A town on the border of Nessantico and Firenzcia, at the River Clario.
[VEE-ah KOHL-helm]
A town on the border of Nessantico and Firenzcia, at the River Clario.
War-téni
Téni whose skills in Ilmodo have been honed for warfare.
Téni whose skills in Ilmodo have been honed for warfare.
Zink
A wind instrument similar to a cornet, but curved rather than straight.
A wind instrument similar to a cornet, but curved rather than straight.
HISTORICAL PERSONAGES:
Falwin I
[FAHL-win]
Hïrzg Falwin of Firenzcia led a brief, unsuccessful revolt against Kraljiki Henri VI, which was quickly and brutally put down.
[FAHL-win]
Hïrzg Falwin of Firenzcia led a brief, unsuccessful revolt against Kraljiki Henri VI, which was quickly and brutally put down.
Henri VI
[OHN-ree]
First Kralji of the ca’Ludovici line (413-435), from whom Marguerite I was descended.
[OHN-ree]
First Kralji of the ca’Ludovici line (413-435), from whom Marguerite I was descended.
Kalima III
[Kah-LEE-mah]
Archigos from 215-243.
[Kah-LEE-mah]
Archigos from 215-243.
Kelwin
[KEHL-win]
First Hïrzg of Firenzcia.
[KEHL-win]
First Hïrzg of Firenzcia.
Levo ca’Niomi
[LEHV-oh Kah-nee-OH-mee]
Led a coup in 383 and was Kraljiki for three days. Forcibly removed, he would be imprisoned for almost two decades in the Bastida, and there would write poetry that would long survive his death.
[LEHV-oh Kah-nee-OH-mee]
Led a coup in 383 and was Kraljiki for three days. Forcibly removed, he would be imprisoned for almost two decades in the Bastida, and there would write poetry that would long survive his death.
Maria III
Kraljica of Nessantico from 219-237.
Kraljica of Nessantico from 219-237.
Misco
[MEEZ-koh]
The legendary “founder of Brezno.”
[MEEZ-koh]
The legendary “founder of Brezno.”
Pellin I
[PEH-Lihn]
Archigos of the Faith from 114-122.
[PEH-Lihn]
Archigos of the Faith from 114-122.
Selida II
[Seh-LEE-dah]
Kraljiki of Nessantico. Finished building the city walls and the Bastida d’Drago.
[Seh-LEE-dah]
Kraljiki of Nessantico. Finished building the city walls and the Bastida d’Drago.
Sveria I
[seh-VERH-ee-ah]
Kraljiki of Nessantico 179-211. The Secession War occupied nearly all his reign. He finally brought Firenzcia fully into the Holdings.
[seh-VERH-ee-ah]
Kraljiki of Nessantico 179-211. The Secession War occupied nearly all his reign. He finally brought Firenzcia fully into the Holdings.
SNIPPETS FROM THE “NESSANTICO CONCORDIA”
(4th Edition, Year 642)
(4th Edition, Year 642)
Family Names in the Holdings:
Within Nessantico, lineage follows the matrilineal line. A husband might, in rare cases, retain his own family name (especially if it were considered higher in status than his wife’s), but the wife can never take his name. In the vast majority of cases, however, the husband will legally take on his wife’s family name, thus becoming a member of that family in the eyes of Nessantico law—the husband will continue to bear that name and be considered to be part of that family even upon the death of his spouse, unless and until he remarries and thus acquires his new wife’s name. (Divorces and annulments are rare in Nessantico, requiring the signature of the Archigos, and each divorce is a special situation where the rules are sometimes fluid.) Children are, without exception, given the mother’s family name: “One always is certain of the mother,” as the saying goes in Nessantico.
The prefix to a family name can change, depending on the relative status of the immediate family within Nessantico society. The prefixes, in order of rising status, are:
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