Series Glossary: Plagueborn • World Soul • Future Series

Acolyte,

one who studies to become a paytor of the Imperial Church. See also: Paytor, Church, Imperial

Acropolis,

a vast Nephilim citadel built atop a flat‑topped mountain overlooking Bashan, seat of the Nephilim king. See also: Nephilim, Gog of Magog

Actaeon Guard,

the Legionary Guard of the imperium, named after Actaeon, a standard‑bearer who died protecting his Imperator centuries earlier. Traditionally greencloaked, with Byrsa’s garrison uniquely wearing blue. See also: Greencloaks, Bluecloaks, Imperium

Adalalcas,

the northern continent ruled by the imperium. See also: Imperium, Borderlands, Ewsannec Tribes

Adalcis,

the great ocean east of Adalalcas. See also: Atlantis, Aidaril Islands

Aidaril Islands,

a cluster of islands in the northern Adalcis Ocean, home to Yalta and the hidden Necropolis. See also: Yalta, Necropolis, Aidari

Aidari,

Living people born with rare spectralic abilities, descended from early students trained on the Aidaril Islands. Once allies of undead mages, they were later persecuted and misrepresented by Imperial history. In the present era, they are viewed as extremists, though their origins are far older and more complex.

Ameliorate,

a mysterious Atlantian invention created by Asher Tone for an unknown purpose. Said to have been built through inspiration rather than understanding; its time and purpose are hinted at by the angel Adal. See also: Atlantian, Angels

Amerae,

the first and oldest order of angels; believed to number only two. See also: Angels, Spectrum of Existence

Angels,

divine spirit guardians of the Spectrum. Legends and the White Daemoni claim they once took flesh and walked among humans as Angelborn. See also: Angelborn, Spectrum of Existence, White Daemoni, Fallen Ones

Angelborn,

angelic spirits reborn as flesh‑and‑blood humans, retaining angelic powers. They remain unaware of their nature until the Awakening. See also: Angels, Awakening, Soul Stone

Atlantian,

people of vanished Atlantis, believed to have scattered across the world after its fall. See also: Atlantis, Astrolabe

Atlantis,

a vanished — or half‑drowned — island to the southeast/east of the imperium, famed for wonders and advanced technologies. Its people were secretive but traded selectively. See also: Atlantian, Astrolabe, Kraken

Astrolabe,

a rare Atlantian navigational device required to locate Atlantis. Said to require magic to operate. See also: Atlantis, Atlantian

Aura Crystal,

a fragment of the Spectrum related to the Shathra Stone. See also: Shathra Stone, Spectrum of Existence

Awakening, Awakened,

the moment an Angelborn becomes aware of their angelic spirit and the two souls become one. See also: Angelborn, Angels

Balax,

a fortress in the Grimstyx where the Fetch resides; claimed by Manic and Mania as once their home. See also: Grimstyx, Revenants

Batav,

a broad river boat used for transporting goods. See also: Malk, Noy

Bent,

a term for magical ability; often used interchangeably with Talent. See also: Talent, Viralic, Spectralic

Black Birth,

the name breathers give to the birth of a viral. See also: Virals, Plagues

Black Palace,

the imperial palace in Icarthya and residence of the Imperial Family. See also: Imperial Quarter, Icarthya

Bluecloaks,

the legionaries of Byrsa, the only Actaeon Guard soldiers permitted to wear blue. Their colour traces back to an ancient civil war between blue and greencloaks. See also: Actaeon Guard, Greencloaks

Blue Palace,

the imperial seat in Byrsa, occupied by a Governor. See also: Byrsa, Governor

Borderlands,

the mountainous western region of the imperium, home to rebellious tribes who maintain their own ancient customs. See also: Ewsannec Tribes, Lame

Breathers,

a term used by virals to refer to the living. See also: Virals, Plagues

Byrsa,

the second‑largest city of the imperium; later ruled by crime lords after the Nephilim invasion. See also: Primes, Bluecloaks, Mammon Quarter

Cerberus,

the fabled guardian of Hell’s Teeth; depicted as a two‑headed gorgon in later texts. See also: Hell’s Teeth, Grim, Gorgons

Chancel,

a section of the zorast temple reserved for the Highests. See also: Zorast, Highest(s)

Chimera,

a low rank of Fallen Ones capable of shapeshifting. See also: Fallen Ones, Harpies

Church, Imperial, the,

the foundation of the imperial faith, worshipping the divine angels of the Spectrum and opposing the undead. Controlled largely by paladins. See also: Paladins, White Daemoni, Angels

Clot / Clots,

a defensive grouping formed by virals when attacked. See also: Virals, Purges

Cleansing, the,

a prophesied future extermination of all who do not serve the Grim, according to the Book of Chains. See also: Zorast, Book of Chains

Conclave,

the political body of the nine original ruling families; a check on imperial power. See also: Conclavist, Patriarchal, Minorum

Conclavist,

a member of the imperial Conclave. See also: Conclave

Conversion,

a mysterious ritual that enslaves the mind. See also: Thraels, Fallen Ones

Dalba,

a full‑body cloak with gauze veil once worn by the Imperial Family when outside the palace. Once law, later custom; forbidden to non‑imperials. See also: Imperial Family, Icarthya

Darken,

a secretive imperial bodyguard assigned to each member of the Imperial Family; their identity known only to the imperator and the protected. See also: Imperator/imperatrix, Imperial Family

Darklight,

a volcanic glass used with spectralic magic to trap reflections; also used in the creation of the Fetch and possibly to enter the Grimstyx. See also: Spectralic, Grimstyx

Dominions,

a rank of warrior angels dedicated to fighting Tartaros, led by Raziel. See also: Angels, Tartaros

Dralans,

the currency of the imperium, minted in gold, silver, bronze, and copper. See also: Scrips, Imperium

Elysium,

a forgotten world once inhabited by angels who desired physical existence. Many later fell into Darkness, becoming Fallen Ones; the world is now dead. See also: Angels, Fallen Ones, Soul Stone

Eladaldor,

the southern continent, home to the Nephilim. See also: Nephilim, Warg

Endor,

a ruined city within the Grimstyx, once inhabited by kobolds. See also: Grimstyx, Kobolds

Ewsannec Tribes,

mountain tribes of the Borderlands, culturally distinct and often in rebellion. See also: Borderlands, Lame

Exemplar Guardians / Exemplars,

the elite imperial bodyguard, separate from the legions; known for fanaticism. Later disbanded and outlawed. See also: Redcloaks, Imperial Marshal

Fallen Ones,

corrupted angels divided into many Rifts. Their attention toward humans increased after the discovery of the Shathra Stone. See also: Angels, Titans, Harpies, Chimera, Vanth

Forum, the,

a section of the Pantheon where twelve paladins meet to approve or deny petitions requiring finance; effectively a powerful bank. See also: Pantheon, Paladins

Fractured,

souls partially eaten by souleaters; they retain no sense of their former selves and are lethal to ordinary souls. See also: Souleaters, Tharaxis

Ghouls,

a beast‑like form of viral with the ability to pass between the mortal world and the Grimstyx. Relentless hunters; rumoured to exist in several types. See also: Virals, Grimstyx

Gog of Magog,

eldest son of Og of Bashan, heir to the Nephilim throne; Magog is his kingdom. See also: Nephilim

Gorgons,

large, muscular, sabre‑toothed mounts used by harpies. Their origins are unknown; associated with the Grim in legend. Several entered the world after a rift was opened with the Shathra Stone. See also: Harpies, Grim, Shathra Stone

Governor,

ruler of any imperial city except the capital. See also: Byrsa, Icarthya

Greencloaks,

regular legionaries of the Actaeon Guard. See also: Actaeon Guard, Bluecloaks

Grim, the,

a malevolent figure of folklore and the White Daemoni, residing in Hell’s Teeth within the Grimstyx. See also: Grimstyx, Hell’s Teeth, Zorast

Grimstyx,

also called the Styx or Hell; the world of the Grim. See also: Grim, Revenants, Ghouls

Grolg,

a broad‑backed beast related to skunks and cows, used for hauling; also used as a swear word. See also: Skunk

Grond,

a heavy, one‑handed spiked war hammer used by giants. See also: Nephilim

Guck,

a seaweed concoction eaten by virals, named by Threadfin Todder. See also: Virals

Gulac,

a military grouping of one hundred Nephilim warriors. See also: Nephilim

Gulley,

a fortified land bridge joining the northern and southern continents, protected by double walls and forts. See also: Adalalcas, Eladaldor

Gurd,

a small hut made of dried mud, branches, and twigs over a wooden frame. See also: Muck Quarter

Hallow Quarter,

the district of Byrsa containing churches and the Blue Palace. See also: Byrsa, Blue Palace

Harog,

a dual‑ended spear‑weapon with a weighted or spiked end opposite a blade. See also: Scarap

Harpies,

a winged middle rank of Fallen Ones, known for viciousness and for riding gorgons. See also: Fallen Ones, Gorgons

Hell’s Teeth,

a fabled fortress of the underworld guarded by Cerberus; the abode of the Grim. Also used as a swearword. See also: Grim, Cerberus

High Exemplar,

leader of the Exemplar Guardians and personal bodyguard to the imperator. See also: Exemplar Guardians

Highest(s),

senior priests/priestesses of the zorast faith, believed to have direct access to the Grim’s will. See also: Zorast, Chancel

Icarthian,

the nationality and language of the imperium. See also: Imperium

Icarthya,

capital city of the imperium on the northeastern coast of Adalalcas. See also: Black Palace, Imperial Quarter

Imp,

a misnomer for young Nephilim, coined by an imperial historian. See also: Nephilim

Imperator/imperatrix,

ruler of the imperium. See also: Imperium, Darken

Imperial Marshal,

commander of all imperial legions except the Exemplar Guard. See also: Legions, Exemplar Guardians

Imperial Quarter,

district of Icarthya containing churches, parks, libraries, and the Black Palace. See also: Icarthya, Black Palace

Imperium,

the vast empire encompassing the northern continent of Adalalcas. See also: Adalalcas, Imperator/imperatrix

Kecci,

a small dog‑like creature bred from slinkt and dog; its whine is less dangerous than a slinkt’s. See also: Slinkt

Kobolds,

a race of short, bald, shark‑toothed people who once inhabited the Grimstyx. See also: Grimstyx

Kraken,

a large Atlantian device powered by spectralic magic. See also: Atlantian, Spectralic

Lame,

an imperial city on the edge of the Borderlands. See also: Borderlands

Malk,

a river flowing through Byrsa into the Adalcis Ocean. See also: Byrsa, Adalcis

Mammon Quarter,

the wealthy district of Byrsa containing merchants, churches, and libraries. See also: Byrsa

Marshal,

commander of a single legion. See also: Imperial Marshal

Medicary / Medicus,

places where imperial citizens receive medical care. See also: Imperium

Memorolithics,

the ability of dead souls (especially former mages) to manifest objects in Tharaxis through memory, energy, and visualisation. See also: Tharaxis, Spectral Thaumaturgy Resonance

Minorum,

a plebeian political class with reduced authority in the Conclave. See also: Patriarchal, Conclave

Mongrels,

small, deformed but intelligent beings of mysterious origin, often used as scribes or servants; known for sticky fingers. See also: Muck Quarter

Muck Quarter / Muck,

the poorest district of an imperial city; its inhabitants, Muckers, often embrace the name. See also: Plebeians, Prime

Nalrost, Rasnal,

an ancient human high mage or spectral mage. See also: Spectralic, Talent

Narthex,

the antechamber of a zorast temple. See also: Zorast, Chancel

Natron,

a chemical salt found in the southern arid regions of the imperium, used by the undead to slow bodily decay. See also: Undead, Virals

Necromantic Thaumaturgy,

the study of magical abilities associated with the viral undead. See also: Virals, Viralic, Necropsychology

Necropsychology,

an obscure study of death, focused on why certain souls cannot relinquish their former lives. See also: Souleaters, Fractured, Tharaxis

Necros,

Modern.
Paid enforcers of the zorast priests. They claim descent from the ancient Necros Guardians, but the order has long since decayed into religious muscle and ceremonial armour.
See also: Necros Guardians, Zorast, Purges.

Necros Guardians,

Historical.
Elite living soldiers of the Necropolis, sworn to protect the undead mages who taught there. Their discipline and loyalty made them central to the early magical order on the Aidaril Islands.
See also: Necros, Necropolis, Aidari.

Necropolis,

a hidden fortress‑school on the island of Yalta, dedicated to the magical education of both undead mages and their Aidari. Said to be partly built from the bones of the undead. See also: Aidari, Aidaril Islands, Necros Guardians

Nephilim,

a race of giants from Eladaldor, descended from ancient unions between angels and humans. Their angelic blood is now greatly diluted, and they are divided into several clans ruled by a king. In battle, they often use trained wargs.

Netherworld, the,

a fiery, inhospitable world serving as a back door to the Grimstyx. Used by the Torments to hide after the fall of the Grim. See also: Grimstyx, Torments

Nightmares,

manifestations created by the growing influence of Tartaros. They can take any form, including shapes made from river or sea elements held together by dark viralic magic. Vulnerable to viralic mages. See also: Tartaros, Viralic

Noy,

a broad river flowing northeast to southwest through the imperium. See also: Adalalcas, Byrsa

Oblivion Chains,

rare angelic objects used to bind the soul. See also: Soul Shard, Soul Chains

Pantheon,

a vast Church‑owned building in Icarthya containing the Forum and an underground complex rumoured to house the White Daemoni. See also: Forum, Paladins, White Daemoni

Paladin, Paladins,

powerful financiers and patriarchs of the Church, often former legionary officers. They control immense wealth and influence imperial politics. See also: Forum, Church, Imperial

Paytor,

an educator and clergyman of the Imperial Church. See also: Acolyte, Church, Imperial

Patriarchal,

the political class composed of the nine ruling families. See also: Minorum, Conclave

Patricians,

the elite class of the imperium, including wealthy families and political leaders. See also: Plebeians, Mammon Quarter

Plagues,

devastating outbreaks that have occurred for centuries, always followed by the birth of virals. See also: Virals, Black Birth

Plebeians (Plebs),

anyone not of the elite class; not always Muckers. See also: Patricians, Muck Quarter

Pleth Quarter,

a wealthy district of Icarthya containing merchants, libraries, and part of the city port. See also: Icarthya

Prime, Primes,

crime bosses who rule the underbelly of imperial cities, often at war with one another. See also: Byrsa, Muck Quarter

Prole Quarter,

districts in Byrsa and Icarthya containing factories, artisans, stonemasons, and (in Icarthya) part of the port. See also: Byrsa, Icarthya

Purges,

a historical extermination of virals lasting several years and spanning continents. Little is known about its cause or events. See also: Virals, Clots

Redcloaks,

exemplars who wore red, symbolising the blood of the living. Later disbanded and outlawed. See also: Exemplar Guardians

Red Prince, the,

a mysterious figure prophesied in the Book of Chains, destined to devour both faithful and faithless. See also: Book of Chains, Zorast

Replica,

a magical clone created through a rare and dark form of viralic power. Only one viral is known to have possessed this ability. See also: Necropolis, Viralic

Revenants,

Beings created from kidnapped mortals whose souls have been torn away, leaving them neither living, dead, nor undead. The Grim first fashioned them as eyeless, mindless constructs driven by hunger. Later on, Astra Dar seized these Revenants and reshaped many into far more elaborate bone‑forged amalgamations, while still employing the older type when needed. Both forms exist in the present age.
See also: Grim, Vanth, Grimstyx.

Scarap,

a broad, curved blade with four sharp points, designed for hacking. See also: Harog

Scrips,

a form of money introduced to aid the poor; accepted only by the Church. Later became the main currency among Muckers. See also: Dralans, Church, Imperial

Shathra,

a legendary Nephilim graveyard. See also: Nephilim, Shathra Stone

Shathra Stone,

a powerful stone sphere revered by the Nephilim; said to contain all existence. Its discovery drew the attention of the Fallen Ones. See also: Nephilim, Fallen Ones, Aura Crystal

Shraeds,

dark, winged entities of Tartaros and enemies of existence. See also: Tartaros, Fallen Ones

Skunk,

a slow, foul‑smelling beast used to haul immense loads; backbone of legion supply lines. See also: Grolg

Slinkt,

a sleek, vicious forest predator whose high‑pitched whine can kill small animals and knock out grown men. Crossbred with dogs to create kecci. See also: Kecci

Soul & Fury,

a board game played by patrician elites using a soul board. See also: Soul Board

Soul Board,

the board used to play Soul & Fury. See also: Soul & Fury

Soul Chains,

possibly angelic in origin; used similarly to oblivion chains but these bind souls rather than magic. See also: Oblivion Chains, Soul Shard

Soul Shard,

an angelic weapon forged in the mortal realm, imbued with a portion of an angel’s soul. Empty shards can take souls; giving an entire soul is taboo. See also: Angels, Soul Chains

Soul Splice,

a rare form of soul‑shard designed to separate soul from flesh, used against Fallen Ones in human form. See also: Soul Shard, Fallen Ones

Soul Stone,

an angelic portal accessible only to those with angelic souls; grants entry to Elysium and requires angelic blood as payment. See also: Elysium, Angels

Souleaters,

mysterious winged creatures with multiple mouths that feed on souls. See also: Fractured, Tharaxis

Spectral, Spectralic,

a form of magic linked to the Spectrum and accessible to the living; considered the opposite of viralic magic. See also: Spectrum of Existence, Viralic, Talent

Spectral Thaumaturgy Resonance,

the advanced memorolithic abilities of Aiyana Todralan in Tharaxis, far surpassing any other soul. See also: Memorolithics, Tharaxis

Spectrum of Existence,

all of existence, seen and unseen — flesh, spirit, and countless other realities. See also: Angels, Tartaros

Standard Bearer,

a prestigious position close to the Imperator; traditionally never leaves their master’s side. See also: Actaeon Guard

Sydarag,

a two‑legged lizard‑like mount used by imperial legions for endurance. See also: Warghound

Talent,

a term for magical ability. Threadfin believed only virals possessed it, though evidence suggests the living once did — and may again. See also: Bent, Viralic, Spectralic

Tarl,

a vast forest covering much of northern Adalalcas. See also: Adalalcas

Tartaros,

the Darkness devouring the Spectrum; possibly the White Daemoni’s version of Hell. See also: Shraeds, Fallen Ones

Temporal Disjunction,

the study of time and its effects on both living and dead, including convergences and wider implications. See also: Tharaxis

Tharaxis,

a realm of the dead where souls, fractured beings, and souleaters exist; governed by unique magical laws. See also: Souleaters, Fractured, Memorolithics

Tharoni / Tharonis,

people of the city of Tharonis, known for a long tradition of slavery and a reputation for toughness and ruthlessness. See also: Imperium

Tharons,

ancient rulers of northern Adalalcas, long before the imperium. See also: Adalalcas

Thraels,

humans enslaved by Fallen Ones. See also: Fallen Ones, Conversion

Titans,

the highest Rift of Fallen Ones, with little of their angelic selves remaining. See also: Fallen Ones

Torments,

servants of the Grim, believed by most to be myth; said to number only ten. See also: Grim, Netherworld

Tystria,

the third‑largest city of the imperium. See also: Imperium

Vanth,

a Rift of Fallen Ones, once angels; used to lead revenants and later the forces of Astra Dar. See also: Fallen Ones, Revenants

Vasara,

a fishing village on the island of Yalta. See also: Yalta, Aidaril Islands

Vegoia,

an empire occupying the northern part of a distant eastern continent. See also: Imperium

Vampires,

an ancient type of viral believed imprisoned beneath the southern sands. See also: Virals

Viralic,

the magical power used by virals. See also: Talent, Spectralic

Virals,

the Plagueborn — born dead after plague outbreaks. Their bodies decay as they age; legends suggest multiple types once existed. See also: Plagues, Black Birth, Viralic

Volg,

a ruined fortress in the Grimstyx, claimed by Manic and Mania as their home. See also: Grimstyx

Warg,

a powerful wolf‑like predator from Eladaldor, often accompanying Nephilim. See also: Nephilim

Warghound,

a large creature distantly related to the sydarag, though lacking lizard‑like features; loyal and fierce. See also: Sydarag

Watcher,

a powerful entity encountered by Threadfin Todder between worlds; later revealed to be a dragon representing his magical power. See also: Talent, Spectrum of Existence

White Daemoni,

the ancient holy text of the Imperial Church, said to be written by an angel who wore flesh. Only one copy exists, hidden by the Church. See also: Angels, Church, Imperial

Wights,

the angel dead — fallen in battle against Tartaros. Some willingly gave themselves to soul shards; others were taken by Darkness and twisted. See also: Soul Shard, Angels

Yalta,

the largest of the Aidaril Islands and home to the Necropolis. See also: Aidaril Islands, Necropolis

Yellow Bliss,

a poison extracted from the Yellow Spot plant. See also: Poisons

Zorast,

a widespread religious cult devoted to the Grim, known for ritual sacrifice and fanaticism. See also: Book of Chains, Highest(s)

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