Encyclopedia of Cerilia

Aaolfer: Rjurik leaders of guild of trade, often derided by jarls or clanleaders in recent times as having forgotten Rjurik ways the Aaolfers were historically notable for involving the entire community in their trading activities, encouraging charitable works and investing their wealth in their community to encourage its growth. With the growing threat of the White Witch and Anuirean-style guilders such as Storm Holtson some Rjurik are suggesting that the jarls and clanleaders should instead help to revive the aaolfer system.
Adriss, Grayconel: Supreme Emperor of Justminia and disciple of Azrai at the battle of Mount Deismaar. He died at the battle through the destruction of the Gods.
Aduria: name of the southern continent on Aebrynis from which humanity is believed to have originated, certainly it was home to the five tribes of Man. A rugged land of jungles to the south and deserts to the north Aduria is home to beast-men and the descendants of the empires which once followed Azrai.
Aebrynis: name for the world in which most Birthright campaigns are set.
Aeric: Anuirean name for Erik.
Aerienis: Greatheart: Sidhe name given to Cald Dasheft, a human boy raised by Eyrmin, prince of Sielwode. He saved the Muirien Grove from awnshegh incursion.
Ajazada: named-ones: minor nobles in the Khinasi states. These families are granted the right to bear a last name and are similar to the upper class of Anuire in many of their ways..
Alenecht: Brecht name for Belinik.
Andu: The precursers to the Anuireans the Andu were a fractious people noted for strong codes of honor and military might. The Andu were forced to flee Aduria by the growing might of Azrai's beast-men but many stayed rather than flee and some survive in one form or another to this day.
Raesene, Andu: Also known as the Black Prince and The Gorgon. He is regarded by most folk as the mightiest being alive after only the new gods, and is seen as the most powerful awnsheghlien. Originally he was the first son of the king of the Andu and a half-brother of Roele and Haelyn. As a bastard son he could not claim the throne under Andu law while his brothers lived and bitter at this perceived injustice he joined the forces of Azrai. He absorbed a great part of the power of the dying god Azrai after the battle of mount Deismaar.
Roele, Andu: First emperor of the empire of Anuire, brother to Haelyn, half brother to the Gorgon. Most Anuirean churches recognize Roele as a saint sitting at his brother's right hand and commanding the hosts of the heavens.
Anduiras: Old god of nobility, war and justice. He was replaced after the battle of Mount Deismaar by Haelyn.
Anuire 1: South-western part of Cerilia. Home of the Anuireans, one of the 5 human tribes on Cerilia. Anuire has perhaps the best weather of all Cerilia, with warmer weather than the northern nations and more rain than the lands of the Khinasi.
Anuire 2: Name of the kingdom, and later empire, founded by Roele after the battle of Mount Deismar. In the Golden Age it had stretched from Anuire into the Brechtür, Khinasi and Rjurik lands. The empire collapsed after the death of Michael Roele, the last descendant of Roele.
Anuireans: Human race which settled in the south-western part of Cerilia after the flight from the shadow. After the battle at Mount Deismaar they founded the Anuirean Empire. The Anuireans are characterized by intelligence and war-craft. Prior to Deismaar the Anuirean people were called the Andu, and formed of a number of sub-tribes.
Apocalypse: A minor awnsheghlien said to have no physical form but rather take the form of a dense cloud, sometimes called 'the breath of Azrai', last seen inRohrmarch.
Auroch: A huge breed of wild cattle famed for its vicious horns and temper.
Avan: Name of the family of rulers of the duchy of Avanil. The rulers of Avanil ruled the duchy since Roele and may use the title of prince because of their family relation with the former emperor of Anuire.
Avan, Kier : (-56 MR/26 MR) Duke of Avanil during the reign of Michael Roele and supporter of the emperor during his war with Arwyn of Boeruine. He died at the battle of Vanilen from his wounds.
Avanalea: Anuirean name for Avani.
Avani: New goddess of the sun and reason and the matron of the Khinasi people. She received her strength from Basaïa.
Awnsheghlien: Awnshegh: Blood of Darkness: Sidhelien, name for the inheritors of Azrai's bloodline that hame mutated after using their powers and transformed in abominations. The most famous of these monsters is The Gorgon but many others terrorize Cerilia.

Ayairda: Vos name for Laerme.
Azrai: Old god of havoc, strife, terror, coldness, hate and fear. This evil god rose to power after winning over the Vos and leading them with the humanoids of Cerilia into the War of the Shadow.

Battle of Mount Deismaar: Most famous, and final, battle in the War of the Shadow. On the land bridge and mountain, the armies of the good gods stood against the armies of Azrai, their evil brother. The armies were in balance after the Betrayal of the Sidhelien and the gods themselves took shape and finally destroyed themselves, the mountain, land bridge and many followers. Their closest champions took their heavenly thrones as the new gods and many people were imbued with the bloodlines.
Battle of Vanilen: Battle in the Succession Wars. Here the Avanese troops under the lead of Bran Dulcain defeated the armies of Derwyn Boeruine.
Belinik: New god of terror and strife, he was one of the champions of Azrai during the Shadow War and led the Vos of Cerilia at Mount Deismaar.
Bhar: Coinage from Mairada.
Bierieum: Chamber of Music: Sidhelien, elven equivalent for music in human inns. Only used in harsh weather when it is not possible to sit outdoors.
Biestiel of Sielwode: Elven general who led the troops of the King of Sielwode, Tieslin Krienelsira against prince Eyrmin.
Binman: A bizarre being created by the half-elf sorceress Danita Kusor - now more commonly called the Chimaera. The Chimaera is however more than a mere construct and an awnshegh in its own right.
Black Prince: see Raesene Andu aka the Gorgon.
Bloodline: Indication for persons who are descended from the people at the battle of Mount Deismaar. They have the blood of gods and can have magical powers.
Blooding of the kindred: Goblin coming of age ceremony.
Blood-thirst: Elven blade wielded in the campaigns of Michael Roele by Sylvanna Aurealis. Later the son of Sylvanna, Gannd, wielded it in the campaign of Kier Avan against Derwyn of Boeruine.
The Book of Laws: Haelyn's most holy artifact, the book mysteriously appeared in the first temple dedicated to Haelyn shortly after the battle of Mount Deismaar. The book outlines the core precepts of the faith of Haelyn.
Boeruine: A powerful Anuirean realm on the West Coast noted for ambitious rulers throughout history.
Bowl war: Game for the training of soldiers, introduced by Bran Dulcain during his time as commander of the Avanil troops. Later the game was played at holidays and festivals. (Description of Rules: War, page 217).
Brecht: Race of traders and guilders who inhabit the lands around the great bay. These small and dark-haired people stand a little shorter than Anuireans and tend to be a little stockier. Their culture is woven with their seafaring trading relations with other nations and races, and therefore they accept many races. The sea-trade has shaped the Brecht culture for over a thousand years and the Brechts are completely adapted to sea-travel.
Brechtür: Common name for the lands around the great bay or Krakennauricht.

Caracdir: The most common - or at least well known - Hydrakin. The Caracdir are lizard-like folk who live in the Harrowmarsh.
Cemfrid, Mmaadag : Lichlord of Goughcastle. He was one of the strongest lichlords of the Shadow World as he used the crown of darkness and death-thirst. He was destroyed by Eyrmin of the Sielwode.
Cerilia: Small continent between Aduria, Thaele and Djapar. The continent was once linked to Aduria with a land bridge which was destroyed at the battle of Mount Deismaar. The continent was home to the elves, Dwarves and humanoids, such as goblins and orogs. After the flight from the shadow six human races settled on Cerilia.
Crystal Palace : Palace of the King of the Sielwode in Siellaghriod. This palace is completely structured of glass and takes various colors throughout the day. In the evening the walls can be lit by one single candle.
Claymore : Rjurik sword, especially useful against heavy armor-types.
Crown of Darkness : Artefact which was the crown of Supreme Emperor Grayconel Adrris. This crown absorbs light from the vicinity and fills the wearer with power and evil. The crown was manufactured by Azrai.
Cuiraécen: New god of storms, battle and the son and champion of Haelyn and Nesirie.

Dame Wither: Ancient crone who lives in the woods of the Coulladaraight in Brechtur. Said to act as a seer, midwife and the like to those who pay her proper respect - and coin.
Dantier Island. An island near the Siren's realm, lightly populated its rocky coastline was deemed unnavigable until a few years ago when sailors found a safe passage into its harbor.
Dark Rider: Early name for the Cold Rider, an unidentified being of the Shadow World. Legends see this being as a dark god spawned from Azrai after the battle of Mount Deismaar or possibly as an awnshegh. The being was reported to have watched Michael Roele on one of his crusades through the Shadow World.
Dasheft, Cald: Also known as Aerlinis or Greatheart. Human fighter who was raised in the Sielwode and helped Eyrmin in the defense of the forest. Later he became an adventurer and joined the three halflings of the Sielwode on their journey to the Burrows.
Day of Holy Justice: An annual celebration on the 6th of Pasiphiel in honor of the appearance of the Book of Laws in Diemed.
Day of Peace: A sidhe holiday held during the winter solstice noted for calm reflection on family matters.
Death thirst: Sword which was enchanted by Azrai and was given to Supreme Emperor Grayconel Adriss for the battle of Mount Deismaar. After the battle it disappeared to the shadow world and re-appeared 450 years later in the Sielwode and disappeared again.
Deismaar, Mount : Mountain on the land bridge between Aduria and Cerilia. The mountain was the place of conflict in the War of the Shadow and was finally destroyed by the force of the dying gods.
Deismaar Pantheon Difference: Difference between the Khinasi and Basarji about the pantheon. The Basarji still cling to the pre-Deismaar pantheon made up of the old Gods while the Khinasi accepted the new Gods.
Dhoura: Two-masted coastal merchantman with a raised quarterdeck. Frequently used by the Khinasi.
Djapar: Continent in the east from Cerilia beyond the Sea of Dragons. Original home of the Basarji. Some sea-trade routes exist although the Basarji of Djapar won't trade because of the Deismaar Pantheon Difference between the old gods and the new gods.
Dragons: Cerilian dragons are rare and terrible beings matched in power only by the most powerful of the Awnsheghlien.
Dulcain, Bran: or Bran the Blade. Legendary mercenary living around 0 MR in Anuire. Was member of Michael Roele's army during his latest campaigns. Successfully led the army of Avanil against Derwyn of Boeruine in the Succession Wars. He married Katrina of Boeruine after the battle of Vanilen.
Dusk Man: Deceased awnshegh who ruled southern Halskapa for centuries, the Dusk Man was slain by the Siren who now rules the provinces he dominated.

Ehrsheghlien: Singular Ehrshegh. Blood of Light in elven, the name given to those scions who embrace the blood of the gods within them and change their form to match it. Far less common than awnsheghlien, known ehrsheghlien include the Fae and the Phoenix.
Elá : Brecht name for Eloéle.
Eloéle: New goddess of stealth and thieves. She is the daughter of Ruornil and Sera.
Elves: or Sidhelien. One of the original races found on Cerilia. These humanoids stand just shorter than humans and are somewhat slimmer. They live in the forests of Cerilia and in harmony with the mebhaighl. They hate the goblins and orogs of Cerilia and some see the humans as an incursion for the land.
El-Arrasi: Ancient Khinasi hero who liberated his people from the Anuirean empire by military skill, cunning, and foresight. His proper name was Rashid douine Arrasi. Brother to Eriat, El-Arrasi turned his brother into a dragon turtle as punishment for his ambitions.
Eldried the Rake: A minor awnsheghlien who lives as a pirate and is said to be based in northern Aduria. Eldried seems to have few cares beyond hedonism and swashbuckling, but occasionally gets involved in the affairs of his family - the noble rulers of House Boeruine. Eldried is a famed swordsman and admired by even his detractors for his naval skill, some nobles along the west coast of Anuire dread the day that the immortal rake decides to settle down - and forge a realm from the ruins of their own houses.
Elyal: Vos name for Eloéle.
Embrace, entering the: Ability practised by some of the Elves in the Sielwode. They are able to enter the trunks of the tree and disappear from passers-by.
Emieline: Famous magical Elven sword which is borne by the king of the Sielwode. The scabbard and the hilt are from magically knotted twigs from Sielwode.
Erik: New god of the forest and the patron of the Rjurik. He was the champion of Reynir at the battle of Mount Deismaar.
Eyrmin: (-600 HC/450 HC) Legendary prince from the Sielwode. He successfully defended the western arm of the Sielwode, but allowed a human, two goblins and three halflings to settle permanently in the forest. The human, Cald Dasheft, and the others successfully helped defending the forest.
Eyrmin's Tower : Watch tower in Reilmirid, Sielwode. The tower was constructed by Elves and halflings to watch a portal to the Shadow World and the borders of the western arm of the Sielwode. It was named after the elven prince Eyrmin and was built in Grove Father.

Fatalists: Group of non-believers. They reject the idea of the new pantheon of Gods.
Faun, the: The Faun is an ehrsheghlien who is said to have once been a druid of Erik. The Faun wanders the Rjurik Highlands but seems to favor the wilds of the Giant Downs and Blood Skull Barony despite the violent nature of the local inhabitants.
Festivals: Across Cerilia the various human and non-human peoples hold festivals to mark sacred events and the passing of time. These are listed in Time, seasons, and holidays.
Five Oaths of Service: See Oaths of Service.
Followers: Typically zero or low level staff that serve a character, their loyalty distinguishes them from simple paid staff - a follower represents someone personally loyal to the character although they will typically need at least minimal fiscal support.
Foster: To foster a child is to take it in and raise as one's own. Fosterage or fostering is the practice of doing so. In order to strengthen ties between families many nobles foster their children to others; amongst peasants fostering tends to be necessary when parents die in some unfortunate event or are otherwise unable to care for their children.

Galleon: One of the largest ships afloat, the Galleon is favored by the Anurieans and Brecht for use as a war-ship, although the Brecht prefer Roundships for trade.
Garak the Glutton: A minor awnshegh said to be eternally hungry and to eat anything from rock to the bodies of his enemies.
Geirhou : band: Khinasi, family clans are composed of bands in the Khinasi lands.
Geizada : elder : Khinasi, leader of a geirhou.
Gheallie Sidhe: Hunt of the elves: Sidhelien, Organized Elven Warriors who try to destroy all humans on Cerilia. They see all human settlement as invasion of Elven lands.
Ghoere: A powerful realm in the heartlands of Anuire formed from the union of the old duchies of Ghieste and Bhaelene. Ghoere is ruled with an iron fist by Gavin Tael.
Ghoigwnnwd: Elven weapon-smith who enchanted the tighmaevril weapons. He was the only person who knew the secret and died/vanished after making about twelve weapons.
Ghost army: Nickname for the army of emperor Michael Roele who travelled great distances in small amounts of time by opening portals to and from the Shadow World.
Gold: A precious metal considered valuable in almost all regions. Gold coins vary in purity from realm to realm. Gold is commonly made into jewelry, used for decoration or in the creation of charms.
Golden Unicorn: One of the few known Ehrshegh, the golden Unicorn was said to have miraculous healing powers and to have fled the constant conflict in Anuire.
Gorgon, The: See Raesene.
Gough Castle: Keep in the Shadow World within 20 miles of the Sielwode portal.
Graf / Grafensteller: King of the Land' :Brecht, Brecht equivalent of the Anuirean count and highest true order of Brecht nobility.
Great Oak Wall : A legendary line of defense along the border of Stjordvik with the Blood Skull Barony and Rjuvik. Bardic tales claim that the wall circles the entire realm and is completely built of oak trees with a watchtower every thousand yards. Rjurik sages usually scoff at this tale, pointing out the vast number of trees that would need to be felled to build and maintain the wall. Instead these sages describe a handful of strategically located towers, with 'the oak wall' referring to the stout shields of the courageous local militia which has never faltered in the face of attack from the Bloodskull Barony or the inhabitants of the Giantdowns.
Green Man: A minor awnshegh who once served Rhuobhe Manslayer and now roams the Aelvinnwode seemingly without purpose.
Grove Father: A massive tree in Sielwode. This towering giant is the centre of the Elven city of Reilmirid and is hundreds of feet tall.

Haelyn: New god of leadership, noble war and justice and patron of the Anuirean. Haelyn was the champion of the old god Anduiras. Haelyn is the brother of the late Roele. Amongst Haelyn's most respected followers are Lawpriest's - priests that are as much judge as councilor to the brethren.
Halaïa: Haelyn: Khinasi name for Haelyn.
Hands of Dragon: Old Anuirean card game played in gaming houses, inns and taverns. (Description of rules: War, page 104).
Hawke's Gambit: Old Anuirean dice game often played in gaming houses and inns. (Description of Rules: War, page 99).
Herrick: (round 0 MR) Renowned human weapon smith living in the Imperial City of Anuire. Skilful master of swords and other weapons and teacher of the most famous weapon-smiths. (Description of weapons and shop: War, page 173).
Hjalsone: Rjuven nation that was conquered by the Anuireans after the battle of Mount Deismaar, becoming the first province of the Anuirean Empire outside Anuire itself. The lands of Hjalsone are now called Dhoesone.
Hjalsone massacre: A defining event in the early days of the Anuirean Empire. A poor governor's heavy handed methods in pacifying the conquered land of Hjalsone led to an escalating series of risings and reprisals which reputedly left almost half the local male population dead. After the massacre Roele was forced to drop plans for spreading the worship of Haelyn to the heathen, accept the Oaken Grove of Erik as the 'state faith of the highlands', accept the role of skalds in spreading word throughout the Highlands without fear of restraint by Imperial Barriers, restrict the rights and powers of Governors and generally rule with a far lighter hand. Despite these restrictions the Empire eventually became far more powerful than it might otherwise have been, as it became more acceptable to the peoples it conquered and so suffered less internal strife permitting its continued expansion.
Holn: Rjurik name for Haelyn.
Hoarfrost: An awnshegh said to inhabit northern Vosgaard. Hoarfrost had powers over ice, froze near anything he touched, and left a trail of icy footprint even in the short Vos summer.
Household: A medieval noble's wealth and power is measured by many things, their household far from least amongst them. Within a noble's household are not merely family members, but servants, friends, those owed and owing favors, and many others.

Ice Fiend: A awnshegh who roams the Rjurik Highlands, the ice Fiend is said to look like a brutish man made entirely of ice. The Ice Fiend is seen only in the colder months and rumored by some to serve the White Witch.
Iraikhan: Vos name for Erik.
Impregnable Heart of Haelyn: A moderately powerful church of Haelyn centered in Roesone, Ilien and Osoerde.

Jarl: Landlord: Rjurik, equivalent of Anuirean count in the Rjurik lands.
Justminia: One of the empires on the continent of Aduria. The government was corrupted by Azrai. The empire was ruled by Supreme Emperor Grayconel Adriss who joined Azrai and died at the battle of Mount Deismaar.

Karesha: Kriesha: Rjurik name for Kriesha.
Khirdai : Cuiraécen: Khinasi name for Cuiraécen.
King: Title used to denote the highest rank of nobility in Karamhul, Sidhe, Goblin and Rjurik realms, the male equivalent of Queen. A king is typically addressed as 'your grace' or even 'your majesty' in more powerful realms. The title was also common amongst the Andu.
Kirche : Cuiraécen: Brecht name for Cuiraécen.
Kirken : Cuiraécen: Rjurik name for Cuiraécen.
Krienesira, Tieslin : former king of the Sielwode and warrior at the battle of Mount Deismaar.
Kriesha: New goddess of ice and winter. She ascended the heavenly throne of Azrai together with Belinik after the battle of Mount Deismaar.
Kriestal: Brecht name for Kriesha.

Laerme: New goddess of fire, beauty and art. She is the daughter of Erik and Avani.
The Lamia: A Khinasi awnsheghlien and ruler of Besaiam.
Lana: Brecht name for Avani.
Languis the Protector: A legendary scion said to be sustained for centuries by the faith of those he guarded. Languis vanished 40 years ago without a trace and the village he protected was destroyed by raiding gnolls soon after.
Lara: Rjurik name for Laerme.
Lay of Sielwode: Traditional elven song which describes the virtues of the ancient elven forest.
Law: Law holdings are the cornerstone of a regent's ability to control their realm, representing anything from networks of 'willing agents' to formal courts, sheriffs and lawmen. A law holding can also represent the dark side of the law - organized crime, bandits and pirates. In a wider sense law is the term given to the rules of society - whether written or not, whether enforced or not.
Leire: Khinasi name for Laerme.
Lemdair: Stairgate: Sidhelien, gates which give access to Elven cities.
The Leviathan: a legendary awnsheghlien that is said to have been one of the great beasts of Azrai that destroyed the Masetian armada.
Lieutenant: Term commonly applied to the most trusted servants of a regent, a lieutenant is generally someone granted a measure of power over the running of the domain.
Life and Protection of Avanalae: The LPA is a rarity - a powerful temple of Avani that is based outside of the Khinasi lands The LPA is the largest temple in the Anuirean realm of Elinie.
Lirimira: Elven song of strong hearts and good purpose.
The Lioness: Minor ehrsheghlien native to Sendoure in Khinasi. A bard dedicated to Laerme the Lioness is notable for her magical hair that flails at those who attack her like a serpentine limb.
Lirorn: Rjurik name for Ruornil.
Lirovka: Vos name for Ruornil.
Longhouse: Rjurik building common to farms and clanchiefs, typically home to a large number of people and central to the community.
Longhall: Rjurik provincial courts for clan government.
Lorekeeper: Elven rank of adviser of state to princes and kings. They magically describe the history and give advice.

Maalvar the Minotaur: Awnshegh regent of the Maze of the Minotaur in south-eastern Khinasi.
Manor: Most of Cerilia's population is rural, patchworks of villages surrounded by fields worked by locals, with relatively little surplus to be traded. The basic rural unit from an economic perspective is the manor - roughly the land required to support a single knight and half a dozen lesser warriors.
Masetians: The human race which arrived as first at the southeast coast of Cerilia where now the Khinasi live. This old and mysterious race is but extinct, pure Masetians survive only on the island of The Serpent. Most of the race melded together with the Basarji in the modern day Khinasi people.
Massenmarch: A realm in the southwest of the Great Bay ruled by the awnsheghlien known as the Swordhawk.
Meson the Wolfman: A minor awnshegh found in the coulladaraight, most often near Treucht or Rheulgard. Well spoken Meson appears more than the bestial fiend he appears, though the soldiers of Rheulgard have nothing but hatred for the Wolfman due to his ongoing slaughter of their ranks.
Mead: An alcoholic drink made from fermenting honey, mead is an ancient drink (it long pre-dates ale brewing and wine making), the fabled nectar of the gods was a type of mead.
Eriene Mierelen: The half elven Duchess of Brosengae is said to be one of the most beautiful women in all Anuire - if also something of a social butterfly.
Militia: Most villages and towns have at least a small body of folk who can be called upon for military skill when in need, often these folk wear little more than leather armor and wield spears and pitchforks, some are even worthy of a real warrior's respect.
The Militant Order of Cuiraécen: This Anuirean church dedicated to Cuiraécen is centered in Tuornen, Ghoere and Mhoried.
The Mistmoor: The dark, mysterious land of the Mistmoor lies sandwiched between the populous lands of Rovninodensk, Kal Kalathor, Rzhlev and the sidhe land of Tuar Annwn. The Mistmoor is said to be close to the Shadow World for undead and worse are commonly found.
Moeran: Lizards living in the swamps of the Anuirean heartlands. Its meat counts as a delicacy in Elinie and its other surrounding states.
Murien Grove: Great grove in the Sielwode. In this grove was a permanent portal to the Shadow World. A great battle was fought between the elves of the forest and the armies of an unknown awnshegh, the battle was fought over the legendary sword Death-thirst which disappeared after the fight.

Nasri: Khinasi name for Nesirie.
Narikja: Rjurik name for Nesirie.
Neira: Brecht name for Nesirie.
Nesirie: New goddess of the sea and the lady of mourning. She became the new goddess after the destruction of Masela died at the battle of Mount Deismaar. Matron of the near-gone Masetian people.
Northern Imperial Temple: The Northern Imperial Temple fragmented from the Orthodox Imperial Temple over a series of doctrinal disputes centered around the teachings of Fitzalan the Blessed. The NIT is strong in Talinie and Boeruine, but has little influence elsewhere in Anuire.
Northern Imports and Exports: An Anuirean guild found mainly in Dhoesone and Thurazor. The guild's strong goblin ties often cast it in an unsavory light - that the guild fully merits.

Oaths of Service: These oaths must be sworn by all Khinasi true mages at the temple of Rilni at the fingers of Ayan. The mage who avoids or neglects these oaths is considered an outlaw.
Osoerde: A once prosperous realm in southern Anuire. Osoerde is ruled by the Usurper Jaison Raenech who murdered Duke Moergen and now maintains his rule with a fist of iron. William Moergen, son of the former duke is slowly building his forces and many of Osoerde's neighbors fear the potential collapse of the realm almost as much as they fear Raenech's hungry armies. Even so many of these neighbors support Moergen, in the hope that he will at least distract Raenech from thoughts of invasion.

Paragon: A title used to denote that the bearer is a peerless example of something, i.e. the best of the breed.
Prikesk: A page at the battle of Mount Deismaar the black heart of young Prikesk meant he absorbed a strong measure of Azrai's bloodline when the god died. Prikesk became nearly immortal, over the centuries since Deismaar he was rumoured to have aged not at all, his sweet innocent demeanour was belied only by his razor sharp teeth. The Gorgon claimed to have slain Prikesk centuries ago but tales of a un-aging super-humanly strong lad still filter out from Vosgaard from time to time.

Queen: Title used to denote the highest rank of nobility in Dwarven, Elven, Goblin and Rjurik realms, the female equivalent of King. A Queen is typically addressed as 'your grace' or even 'your majesty' in more powerful realms. The title was also common amongst the Andu.

Rabbit:small mammal noted for being fluffy and breeding rapidly. Farmed by Anuireans, Rjurik and Brecht for fur and meat. A colony of rabbits lives in a warren, a pet rabbit is kept in a hutch.
Rage of the Sea: This Anuirean awnshegh appeared recently off the coast of southern Anuire, and seems to be a mixture of woman and shark, few have survived meeting her to spread tales however and some say she is merely the imagining of drunk sailors.
Raven, the: One of the ancient Lost now escaped from the Shadow World and ruler of a realm in Vosgaard. The Raven is a powerful wizard and brutal but exceptionally able ruler. The Raven proclaims himself the 'Son of Azrai', an affectation that disturbs even the other awnsheghlien in its arrogance.
Red Fist clan: A powerful, if primitive, tribe of goblins native to northern Dhoesone. The Red Fist clan shun iron and worship an eerie black idol called the Stone God.
Regog: An elemental monster from the void between the Shadow World and Cerilia.
Righteous Challenge: An ancient Andu right of a warrior to challenge a chieftain who had committed some grievous wrong. Revived by Roele to deal with the Hjalsone massacre, its use is heavily restricted in modern Anuire.
Rilni: Khinasi name for Ruornil.
Rjurik: Human race living in northwest Cerilia, descendants from the Rjuven but renamed themselves Rjurik to honor Erik, the new god of the forests.
Rjuven: Human race which fled the corrupted lands of Aduria and settled on the north-western part of Cerilia. After the battle of mount Deismaar they began worshiping Erik and renamed themselves Rjurik.
Roele: Lineage of emperors of the empire of Anuire. The empire was founded by Roele Andu with the help of his brother Haelyn who became one of the new gods after the battle of Mount Deismaar but continued to speak to his mortal brother in dreams. Most noble families in Anuire (and many beyond) have some trace of the Roele blood in their ancestry although none have manifested the families' true bloodline since Michael Roele died facing the Gorgon in battle.
Roele, Alandalae: (740 HC/784 HC) Emperor of the Empire from 762 HC, when he took The Iron Throne. He was one of the emperors during the height of the empire, during his realm rebellion was rife in the Basarji lands to the east led by the legendary el-Arrasi who eventually killed Alandalae and agreed a peace treaty with the new emperor Caercuillen.
Roele, Caercuillen: (763 HC/817 HC) Emperor of the Empire from 784 when emperor Alandalae, his uncle, died in the Battle of Kings by the hands of el-Arrasi. He made peace with the Basarji, an act seen by many Anuirean nobles as the start of the collapse of the empire.
Roele, Hadrian: Emperor of Anuire and father of Michael Roele, Hadrien's reign ended in chaos as the arch-dukes vied for power and many sought to take the Iron Throne themselves.
Roele, Michael: Last emperor of Anuire. He was slain in battle by The Gorgon, when Michael was trying to save the empire from the Gorgon's terror/ avenge his dead wife (depending on the legend).
Roesone: An Anuirean barony that was established in lands in the east of Diemed after they fell into chaos in the centuries after the death of Michael Roele, and were conquered by the noted mercenary Daen Roesone at the behest of Duke Diem. When the Duke of Diemed refused Daen his rightful payment for pacifying the wild eastern realms Daen claimed the lands as his own and smashed the ducal army sent to stop him forcing Diemed to recognize his rule.
Rohrmarch: Brecht realm with many Khinasi inhabitants forming a blended population of both nations.
Ruornil: New god of magic, mysteries, silver and the moon. He was the champion of Vorynn at Deismaar.
Ruovar the Red Bull: Ruovar was one of Rhuobhe Manslayer's lieutenants who lost his ability to reason as his awnsheghlien transformation advanced, and left the forests to wander Cerilia. Ruovar was last seen in Pipyret (now the Magian's realm) nearly 7 decades ago.
Rzhlev: Brecht realm conquered by the Vos after the collapse of the Brecht League.

Salt: Most commonly thought simply as a spice, salt is in fact mainly used as a preservative for meat, fish and hides. One of the key trading goods throughout Cerilia, salt is vital for the prosperity of any realm. In Cerilia most salt is produced in Khinasi (some of which is exported to Brechtur unless captured by the pirates of Yeninskiy) and in Anuire (some of which is exported to the Rjurik). The strong salty taste of preserved meat in turn led to trade in pepper, one of the few spices strong enough to mask salt's taste.
Sarimie: Anuirean name for Sera
Sarma: Khinasi name for Sera
Sayim 1: face: Khinasi, a loosely defined term in the Khinasi lands which stands for hospitality, honor, wisdom, compassion, grace, and eloquence.
Sayim 2: Sei bhada heji-sayim or "I am without face" :Khinas, public admission of great guilt or shame. The person takes up a voluntarily period of redemption after this confession, ranging from months to years after which their shame is considered expunged - or compounded if their wrong-doing demanded a greater period than they spent away..
Scarlet Baron: Name for the orog lord of the Blood Skull Barony. The current Scarlet Baron is Thrakkazz.
Sera: New goddess of fortune and wealth and matron of the Brecht. She ascended to heaven, having absorbed the power of Brenna.
Shadow World: Parallel world attached to Cerilia by portals. The world was once a place of green meadows and flowers, but became dark and forbidding after the battle of Mount Deismaar. The world was home to the Halflings who fled the world and are still capable of opening portals to and from the world. The portals exist in dark places and barriers between the worlds are thinner in the night. On The Eve of the Dead the barrier is sometimes completely gone. The Shadow World is currently the home of the Cold Rider. The Shadow World variable time principle is a second ability of the world.
Shadow World time principle: Theory of Guran Trenson that the time in the shadow world is another timeline and offers another dimension. The principle was used by Michael Roele who led armies in the Shadow world at one time to travel great parts of Cerilia and to reappear on Cerilia as if a small amount of time had passed. His army earned the name the Ghost army.
Shetel: Coinage from Ariya.
Shoufal: The Sultanate of Shoufal is a city and surrounding lands in Aftane, the Khinasi state bordering (some would say consuming) Ariya. Led by the infamous Red Kings since the band slaughtered the former rulers of the realm, Shoufal is one of the most populous cities in Aftane and a major trading city.
Sidhe: Elf: Sidhelien.
Sidhelien 1: Elves: Sidhelien.
Sidhelien 2: the Language: Sidhelien, the language of the Cerilian elves.
Sielwode 1: Elven land in the eastern part of Anuire. The Elves of the Sielwode live isolated from the rest of Cerilia and a strong Gheallie Sidhe exists. There is no trade between its neighbors and the forest.
Sielwode 2: Great trees which can only be found in the Sielwode. Some trees can grow over hundreds of feet and are called monarchs. Elven cities are built in the tops of these trees.
Sigvar: Old High Druid who helped the Rjurik forces against the elves by helping the Rjuven with magic healing spells from all druids.
Skettik: Seal like animal living in the Miere Rhuann off the coast of Halskapa. The animal is valued for its thick waterproof dull gray fur that colors silver in the summer.
Skonning: Rjurik longboat with a deeper keel for increased stability in rough seas.
Spear carrier: This somewhat dismissive term literally describes the youths whose job it was to carry spare spears for warriors. In a more generic sense it is used for any follower whose role is too aid another in carrying bulky or heavy goods, or act an another unskilled, most likely menial role.
Sons of Hjalsone: Several groups take this name in Stjordvik and Dhoesone. Hjalsone of old was a Rjurik kingdom that was conquered by the Anuireans, the Sons of Hjalsone is a name taken by several groups over the years who wanted to turn back the clock and take up the ancient Rjurik ways such as traveling as nomads and so on.
Sonya's Feast: A grim Vos practice of raiding enemies for food - including cannibalism.
Spiritworld: Now more commonly known as the Shadowworld the spirit world was a realm of dreams made reality where the strong willed could shape the land into a paradise - or nightmare. Other tales refer to it as the home of the fey and a realm of vibrant life, a realm of bleakness (similar if less dangerous and menacing than the current Shadow world), and as the home of the gods and spirits where each ruled a realm within the Spirit world and fashioned it to suit their nature. Some sages even claim that all these worlds still exist, they merely lie further from Cerilia than the foreboding Shadow world. These tales are generally mocked - in the (in)famous words of Duke Aedric Boeruine "some wise men say many foolish things and dream great wonders from old women's gossip!"
Succession Wars: War between various nobles in Anuire about the right to ascend the Iron Throne after the death of Michael Roele. The strongest claimants were Avan and Boeruine.
Suiriene: Island off the east coast of Cerilia. One of the first sites the Basarji settled on their migration from Djapar, the island was conquered by the Anuirean Empire long ago and remained loyal even after el-Arrasi won independence for other realms of the Khinasi.
Sunbow, Njarl: Old High Druid. The successor to Sigvar, but less conservative than his predecessor. He led the druids into battle alongside of the Rjuven in the battles shortly after the War of the Shadow against the Anuireans, and proposed the great treaty between the two sides which led to a peaceful union between the two nations.
The Swordhawk: Awnsheghlien ruler of Massenmarch in Brechtur and one of the few living beings to openly challenge the Gorgon and live.
The Sword Rust Tribes: A powerful Orog realm in icy Vosgaard, the Orogs rule not merely beneath the surface, but above as well, ready access to fields and woods has allowed the Orogs to grow numerous and raids against their neighbors are common.

Tallamai: Plane of the dead: Sidehelian, this plane is regarded heaven for the elves of Aebrynis. All dead Elves are said to depart for this land of endless woods and ghosts.
Tamounzada: ruling family: Khinasi, social rank in the Khinasi lands. These people share the name with the ruler from the country.
Tarva: A realm of Masetians who forsook worship of Masela for Azrai, they formed a brief empire centered around what is now the Tarvan Wastes but were destroyed before the battle of Mount Deismaar by the Basarji.
Temple of the Blazing Morning: One of the greatest temples of Avani, the temple is the spiritual heart of the Fiery Dawn of Avani in Kozlovnyy.
Terror, The: An awnsheghlien noted for their shadowy form, once a trusted emissary of Elinie now an assassin for hire.
Thaele: Continent to the north of Cerilia which marks the northern pole of Aebrynis. The lands are not settled yet aside from some small Rjurik colonies.
Thrakkazz: Current orog lord of the Blood Skull Barony. Thrakkazz, following tradition, murdered the previous baron and claimed the title Scarlet Baron along with his predecessor's bloodline.
Tighmaevril: Bloodsilver: Sidhelian, rare alloy created by Ghoigwnnwd even before the battle of mount Deismaar. The beauty and sharpness of these weapons are surpassed by its ability to usurp greater parts of the bloodline of the scion killed with the weapon. Only a dozen of these weapons are known to exist and those who desire to commit bloodtheft value them highly, many are believed to be in the hands of the Gorgon who holds at least 4.
Trenson, Guran: Discoverer of the Shadow World time principle and teacher at the college of sorceries in Anuire during the time of Michael Roele.
Tor: door: Brecht, passage between two cliffs or high shorelines such as fjords. This name comes from the Brecht who use these passages as navigable points for sea routes.
Towerships: Great ships used by the Brecht during the War of the Shadow. These ships are bigger in size even than the Anuirean galleons and have a great siege tower in the middle of the ship. The last tower ship was built (and destroyed) during the Brecht league, only Danigau and Müden likely have the knowledge of how to build these wondrous vessels nowadays.
Tsarevic: Tsarevic is a Vos term for a "great chief" or "overchieftain". In all of Vos history, only Basil Zariyatam has been accepted as master of this title.

Unnskrajir: Great serpentine monsters that inhabit the coastal waters and lands of Thaele.
Uxoricore: This rare and deadly mineral can be found in the Vicissitude Mountains in the Vampire's Hold. When brought in contact with liquids such as water or blood, the metal quickly heats up.

Vani: Avani: Rjurik name for Avani.
Verdos: Elven sword of the Elven general Biestiel.
Village council: The generic term used to describe the notable folk of a village. This is rarely a formal body although some villages will be run in such a manner.
Volkir, Klasmonde: Lichlord of Gough Castle. He was the successor of Mmaadag Cemfrid, but could only claim the crown of darkness after its death. Death-thirst was lost and therefore he was not able to claim the title for long.
Vorostokov: This Vos domain was designed for the Ravenloft campaign setting but was reverse engineered into Birthright. An alternate version to the realm is Shadow World Vorostokov

The Water Maiden; A legendary ehrsheghlien of Masela believed to have been killed by the Gorgon long ago.
War of the Shadow, the: War between the followers of the old gods and the followers of the evil god Azrai, ending at the battle of Mount Deismaar.
Warlock, the: One of the Gorgon's sons, the warlock was born before Raesene lost his humanity or realized his immortality. The Warlock fled when his father came to see his offspring as rivals rather than heirs and has hidden since becoming a near god to many orogs from carving them realms beneath the earth with his powerful magic.
White Goblin, the: This awnsheghlien stands as much as nine feet tall, has a hulking build, and has a brutal reputation. Great grandson of the infamous Spider the White Goblin has slain many minor blooded persons with its claws and tusks and grown arrogant in its success.
The Wrath of the King; sidhe holiday commemorating the Horned King, a legendary sidhe warlock who waged war upon the goblins and formed the first Gheallie Sidhe.

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Yngvi, Freila: Queen of Hogunmark, a nation in the Rjurik Highlands.

Zebec: A powerful Khinasi warship similar to the dhoura but often provided with an extra mast to carry more sail.