The Thousandfold Thought (The Prince of Nothing, Book 3) (78 page)
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Authors: R. Scott Bakker
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The vast majority of the following proper names, then, are simply transliterated from their Sheyic (and in some instances Kûniüric) form. They have been translated only where their Sheyic (or Kûniüric) version does likewise. So, for instance, the Ainoni “Ratharutar,” which has the Sheyic form “Retorum Ratas,” is given as “the Scarlet Spires,” the literal meaning of
ratas
(“red”) and
retorum
(“towers”). The etymological provenance and translated meaning of place names can be found bracketed at the beginning of certain entries.
ratas
(“red”) and
retorum
(“towers”). The etymological provenance and translated meaning of place names can be found bracketed at the beginning of certain entries.
These would be the names as Drusas Achamian knew them.
AAbenjukala
—The classic treatise on benjuka, written anonymously in Near Antiquity. Because of its emphasis on the relation between benjuka and wisdom, many consider it a classic philosophical text as well.
—The classic treatise on benjuka, written anonymously in Near Antiquity. Because of its emphasis on the relation between benjuka and wisdom, many consider it a classic philosophical text as well.
Absolute, the
—Among the Dûnyain, the state of becoming “unconditioned,” a perfect self-moving soul independent of “what comes before.” See
Dûnyain
and
Conditioning, the
.
—Among the Dûnyain, the state of becoming “unconditioned,” a perfect self-moving soul independent of “what comes before.” See
Dûnyain
and
Conditioning, the
.
Abstractions
—An epithet for Gnostic sorceries.
—An epithet for Gnostic sorceries.
Adûnyani
—“Little Dûnyain” (Kûniüric from Ûmeritic
ar’tûnya,
or “little truth”). The name taken by the followers assembled by Kellhus in Atrithau.
—“Little Dûnyain” (Kûniüric from Ûmeritic
ar’tûnya,
or “little truth”). The name taken by the followers assembled by Kellhus in Atrithau.
Aëngelas
(4087-4112)—A Werigdan warrior.
(4087-4112)—A Werigdan warrior.
Aethelarius VI
(4062- )—(Sheyic form of Athullara) The King of Atrithau, last of the line of Morghund.
(4062- )—(Sheyic form of Athullara) The King of Atrithau, last of the line of Morghund.
Agansanor
—A province of south central Ce Tydonn, noted for the martial zeal of its sons.
—A province of south central Ce Tydonn, noted for the martial zeal of its sons.
Age of Bronze
—Another name for Far Antiquity, during which bronze was the dominant technology of Men.
—Another name for Far Antiquity, during which bronze was the dominant technology of Men.
Age of Cenei
—The era of Ceneian dominance of the Three Seas, from the conquest of Nilnamesh in 2478 until the Sack of Cenei in 3351.
—The era of Ceneian dominance of the Three Seas, from the conquest of Nilnamesh in 2478 until the Sack of Cenei in 3351.
Age of Kyraneas
—The era of Kyranean dominance of the northwestern Three Seas.
—The era of Kyranean dominance of the northwestern Three Seas.
Age of Warring Cities
—The era following the dissolution of Kyraneas (
c.
2158) until the rise of Cenei, characterized by perpetual warfare between the cities of the Kyranae Plain.
—The era following the dissolution of Kyraneas (
c.
2158) until the rise of Cenei, characterized by perpetual warfare between the cities of the Kyranae Plain.
Aghurzoi
—“Cut Tongue” (Ihrimsû) The language of the Sranc.
—“Cut Tongue” (Ihrimsû) The language of the Sranc.
Agmundr
—A province of northeastern Galeoth, located beneath the Osthwai Mountains.
—A province of northeastern Galeoth, located beneath the Osthwai Mountains.
Agnotum Market
—The main bazaar of Iothiah, dating back to the days of Cenei.
—The main bazaar of Iothiah, dating back to the days of Cenei.
agoglian bulls
—Ancient Kyranean symbols of virility and fortune. The most famous examples are found in the Hagerna opposite the Vault-of-the-Tusk.
—Ancient Kyranean symbols of virility and fortune. The most famous examples are found in the Hagerna opposite the Vault-of-the-Tusk.
Agongorea
—“Fields of Woe” (Kûniüric) The blasted lands to the west of the River Sursa and north of the Neleost Sea.
—“Fields of Woe” (Kûniüric) The blasted lands to the west of the River Sursa and north of the Neleost Sea.
Agonic Collar
—A sorcerous artifact of the Ancient North, reputedly crafted by the Mihtrulic Gnostic School. According to Mandate scholars, the purpose of the Agonic Collar was analogous to that of the Uroborian Circle utilized by the Anagogic Schools of the Three Seas, namely, to inflict excruciating pain on the wearer should he attempt to utter any sorcerous incantation.
—A sorcerous artifact of the Ancient North, reputedly crafted by the Mihtrulic Gnostic School. According to Mandate scholars, the purpose of the Agonic Collar was analogous to that of the Uroborian Circle utilized by the Anagogic Schools of the Three Seas, namely, to inflict excruciating pain on the wearer should he attempt to utter any sorcerous incantation.
Agonies
—The name for the Gnostic Cants of Torment, a reputed specialty of the Mangaecca.
—The name for the Gnostic Cants of Torment, a reputed specialty of the Mangaecca.
Ainoni
—The language of High Ainon, derived from Ham-Kheremic.
—The language of High Ainon, derived from Ham-Kheremic.
Ajencis
(
c.
1896-2000)—The father of syllogistic logic and algebra, held by many to be the greatest of all philosophers. Born in the Kyranean capital of Mehtsonc, he is reputed to have never once left his city, even during the horrific plagues of 1991, when his advanced age made his death a near certainty. (According to various sources, Ajencis bathed on a daily basis and refused to drink water drawn from city wells, claiming that these practices, combined with a distaste for drunkenness and a moderate diet, were the keys to his health.) Many commentators, both antique and contemporary, complain that there are as many Ajencises as there are readers of Ajencis. Though this is certainly true of his more speculative works (such as
Theophysics
or
The First Analytic of Men
), his work does possess a discernible and consistent sceptical core, primarily exemplified in
The Third Analytic of Men,
which also happens to be his most cynical work. For Ajencis, Men by and large “make their weaknesses, not reason or the world, the primary measure of what they hold true.” In fact, he observed that most individuals possess no criteria whatsoever for their beliefs. As a so-called critical philosopher, one might have supposed he would eventually share the fate of other critical philosophers, such as Porsa (the famed “Philosopher-Whore” of Trysë) or Kumhurat. Only his reputation and the structure of Kyranean society saved him from the vicissitudes of the mob. As a child, he was allegedly such a prodigy that the High King himself took notice of him, granting him what was called Protection at the unprecedented age of eight. Protection was an ancient and hallowed Kyranean institution; the “Protected” were those who could say anything without fear of reprisal, even to the High King. Ajencis continued speaking until he suffered a stroke and died at the venerable age of 103.
(
c.
1896-2000)—The father of syllogistic logic and algebra, held by many to be the greatest of all philosophers. Born in the Kyranean capital of Mehtsonc, he is reputed to have never once left his city, even during the horrific plagues of 1991, when his advanced age made his death a near certainty. (According to various sources, Ajencis bathed on a daily basis and refused to drink water drawn from city wells, claiming that these practices, combined with a distaste for drunkenness and a moderate diet, were the keys to his health.) Many commentators, both antique and contemporary, complain that there are as many Ajencises as there are readers of Ajencis. Though this is certainly true of his more speculative works (such as
Theophysics
or
The First Analytic of Men
), his work does possess a discernible and consistent sceptical core, primarily exemplified in
The Third Analytic of Men,
which also happens to be his most cynical work. For Ajencis, Men by and large “make their weaknesses, not reason or the world, the primary measure of what they hold true.” In fact, he observed that most individuals possess no criteria whatsoever for their beliefs. As a so-called critical philosopher, one might have supposed he would eventually share the fate of other critical philosophers, such as Porsa (the famed “Philosopher-Whore” of Trysë) or Kumhurat. Only his reputation and the structure of Kyranean society saved him from the vicissitudes of the mob. As a child, he was allegedly such a prodigy that the High King himself took notice of him, granting him what was called Protection at the unprecedented age of eight. Protection was an ancient and hallowed Kyranean institution; the “Protected” were those who could say anything without fear of reprisal, even to the High King. Ajencis continued speaking until he suffered a stroke and died at the venerable age of 103.
Ajokli
—The God of thievery and deception. Though listed among the primary Gods in
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
there is no true Cult of Ajokli, but rather an informal network of devotees scattered across the great cities of the Three Seas. Ajokli is oft mentioned in the secondary scriptures of the different Cults, sometimes as a mischievous companion of the Gods, other times as a cruel or malicious competitor. In the
Mar’eddat,
he is the faithless husband of Gierra.
—The God of thievery and deception. Though listed among the primary Gods in
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
there is no true Cult of Ajokli, but rather an informal network of devotees scattered across the great cities of the Three Seas. Ajokli is oft mentioned in the secondary scriptures of the different Cults, sometimes as a mischievous companion of the Gods, other times as a cruel or malicious competitor. In the
Mar’eddat,
he is the faithless husband of Gierra.
Ajowai
—A mountain fastness in the north Hinayati Mountains that serves as the administrative capital of Girgash.
—A mountain fastness in the north Hinayati Mountains that serves as the administrative capital of Girgash.
akal
—The base monetary unit of Kian.
—The base monetary unit of Kian.
Akkeägni
—The God of disease. Also known as the God of a Thousand Hands. Scholars have oft noted the irony that the Priesthood of Disease provides the primary repository of physicians for the Three Seas. How can one at once worship disease and war against it? According to the scriptures of the Cult, the
Piranavas,
Akkeägni is a so-called Bellicose God, one who favours those who strive against him over sycophants and worshippers.
—The God of disease. Also known as the God of a Thousand Hands. Scholars have oft noted the irony that the Priesthood of Disease provides the primary repository of physicians for the Three Seas. How can one at once worship disease and war against it? According to the scriptures of the Cult, the
Piranavas,
Akkeägni is a so-called Bellicose God, one who favours those who strive against him over sycophants and worshippers.
Akksersia
—A lost nation of the Ancient North. Though the White Norsirai of the north shore of the Cerish Sea lacked any sustained contact with the Nonmen, they gradually became the second great seat of Norsirai civilization. Akksersia was founded in 811 by Salaweärn I, following the dissolution of the Cond Yoke. Though confined to the city of Myclai, her commercial and administrative capital, the nation gradually extended its hegemony, first along the length of the River Tywanrae, then across the plains of Gâl and the entire north shore of the Cerish Sea. By the time of the First Great Sranc War in 1251, it was the largest of the ancient Norsirai nations, incorporating almost all the White Norsirai tribes save those of the Istyuli Plains. It fell to the No-God after three disastrous defeats in 2149. Akksersian colonists on the Cerish Sea’s heavily forested south shore would form the nucleus of what would become the Meörn Empire.
—A lost nation of the Ancient North. Though the White Norsirai of the north shore of the Cerish Sea lacked any sustained contact with the Nonmen, they gradually became the second great seat of Norsirai civilization. Akksersia was founded in 811 by Salaweärn I, following the dissolution of the Cond Yoke. Though confined to the city of Myclai, her commercial and administrative capital, the nation gradually extended its hegemony, first along the length of the River Tywanrae, then across the plains of Gâl and the entire north shore of the Cerish Sea. By the time of the First Great Sranc War in 1251, it was the largest of the ancient Norsirai nations, incorporating almost all the White Norsirai tribes save those of the Istyuli Plains. It fell to the No-God after three disastrous defeats in 2149. Akksersian colonists on the Cerish Sea’s heavily forested south shore would form the nucleus of what would become the Meörn Empire.
Akksersian
—The lost language of ancient Akksersia, and “purest” of the Nirsodic tongues.
—The lost language of ancient Akksersia, and “purest” of the Nirsodic tongues.
Akkunihor
—A Scylvendi tribe of the central Steppe. As the tribe closest to the Imperial frontier, the Akkunihor are the traditional brokers of Three Seas rumour and knowledge among the Scylvendi.
—A Scylvendi tribe of the central Steppe. As the tribe closest to the Imperial frontier, the Akkunihor are the traditional brokers of Three Seas rumour and knowledge among the Scylvendi.
Algari
(4041-4111)—A body-slave to Prince Nersei Proyas.
(4041-4111)—A body-slave to Prince Nersei Proyas.
Alkussi
—A Scylvendi tribe of the central Steppe.
—A Scylvendi tribe of the central Steppe.
“All heaven cannot shine through a single crack ...”
—The famous line attributed to the poet Protathis suggesting that no man can be trusted with divine revelation.
—The famous line attributed to the poet Protathis suggesting that no man can be trusted with divine revelation.
Allosian Forum
—The great judicial galleries located at the foot of the Andiamine Heights.
—The great judicial galleries located at the foot of the Andiamine Heights.
Am-Amidai
—A large Kianene fortress located in the heart of the Atsushan Highlands, raised in 4054.
—A large Kianene fortress located in the heart of the Atsushan Highlands, raised in 4054.
amicut
—A ration used by Scylvendi warriors on the trail, consisting of wild herbs and berries beaten into dried sections of beef.
—A ration used by Scylvendi warriors on the trail, consisting of wild herbs and berries beaten into dried sections of beef.
Ammegnotis
—A city on the south bank of the River Sempis, raised during the Kyranean New Dynasty.
—A city on the south bank of the River Sempis, raised during the Kyranean New Dynasty.
Amortanea
—The merchant carrack that bore Achamian and Xinemus to Joktha.
—The merchant carrack that bore Achamian and Xinemus to Joktha.
Amoteu
—A governorate of Kian, located on the southern edge of the Meneanor Sea. Like all the nations in the shadow of the Betmulla Mountains, Amoteu, or Holy Amoteu as it is sometimes called, grew in the influential shadow of Old Dynasty Shigek. According to extant inscriptions, the Shigeki referred to both Xerash and Amoteu as Hut-Jartha, the “Land of the Jarti,” or as Huti-Parota, the “Middle-Lands.” The Jarti were the dominant Ketyai tribe of the region, to which the Amoti and several others were tributaries before the Shigeki conquest. But with the extensive cultivation of the Shairizor Plains, and the slow rise of Shimeh and Kyudea along the River Jeshimal, the balance of power slowly shifted. For centuries the Middle-Lands found themselves the battleground between Shigek and her southern competitors, Eumarna across the Betmulla Mountains and ancient or Vapartic Nilnamesh. In 1322, Anzumarapata II, the Nilnameshi King of Invishi, crushed the Shigeki and, in an effort to secure his conquests, transplanted hundreds of thousands of indigent Nilnameshi on the Plains of Heshor, an act that would long outlive his brief empire (the Shigeki reconquered the Middle-Lands in 1349). With the collapse of Shigeki regional dominance in 1591, the Jarti attempted to reassert their ancestral control—with disastrous consequences. The resulting war gave rise to a brief Amoti Empire, which reached the length of the Betmulla to the frontier of the Carathay Desert. All the Middle-Lands would fall under the power of Kyraneas in 1703.
—A governorate of Kian, located on the southern edge of the Meneanor Sea. Like all the nations in the shadow of the Betmulla Mountains, Amoteu, or Holy Amoteu as it is sometimes called, grew in the influential shadow of Old Dynasty Shigek. According to extant inscriptions, the Shigeki referred to both Xerash and Amoteu as Hut-Jartha, the “Land of the Jarti,” or as Huti-Parota, the “Middle-Lands.” The Jarti were the dominant Ketyai tribe of the region, to which the Amoti and several others were tributaries before the Shigeki conquest. But with the extensive cultivation of the Shairizor Plains, and the slow rise of Shimeh and Kyudea along the River Jeshimal, the balance of power slowly shifted. For centuries the Middle-Lands found themselves the battleground between Shigek and her southern competitors, Eumarna across the Betmulla Mountains and ancient or Vapartic Nilnamesh. In 1322, Anzumarapata II, the Nilnameshi King of Invishi, crushed the Shigeki and, in an effort to secure his conquests, transplanted hundreds of thousands of indigent Nilnameshi on the Plains of Heshor, an act that would long outlive his brief empire (the Shigeki reconquered the Middle-Lands in 1349). With the collapse of Shigeki regional dominance in 1591, the Jarti attempted to reassert their ancestral control—with disastrous consequences. The resulting war gave rise to a brief Amoti Empire, which reached the length of the Betmulla to the frontier of the Carathay Desert. All the Middle-Lands would fall under the power of Kyraneas in 1703.
With the dissolution of Kyraneas,
c.
2158, Amoteu enjoyed its second—and last—period of independence, though now the Xerashi, the descendants of Anzumarapata’s settlers, had become its primary competitors. This second “golden age” would witness Inri Sejenus, and the slow growth of the faith that would eventually come to dominate the Three Seas. After a brief period of Xerashi occupation, Amoteu would suffer a long succession of foreign overlords, each leaving its own stamp: first the Ceneians, who conquered the Middle-Lands in 2414, then the Nansur in 3574, and finally the Kianene in 3845. Despite the peace and prosperity enjoyed by other conquered provinces, the early years of Ceneian rule would prove particularly bloody for Amoteu. In 2458, while Triamis the Great was still in his infancy, Inrithi fanatics led the province in a vicious rebellion against Cenei. As punishment, Emperor Siaxas II butchered the inhabitants of Kyudea and razed the city to the ground.
c.
2158, Amoteu enjoyed its second—and last—period of independence, though now the Xerashi, the descendants of Anzumarapata’s settlers, had become its primary competitors. This second “golden age” would witness Inri Sejenus, and the slow growth of the faith that would eventually come to dominate the Three Seas. After a brief period of Xerashi occupation, Amoteu would suffer a long succession of foreign overlords, each leaving its own stamp: first the Ceneians, who conquered the Middle-Lands in 2414, then the Nansur in 3574, and finally the Kianene in 3845. Despite the peace and prosperity enjoyed by other conquered provinces, the early years of Ceneian rule would prove particularly bloody for Amoteu. In 2458, while Triamis the Great was still in his infancy, Inrithi fanatics led the province in a vicious rebellion against Cenei. As punishment, Emperor Siaxas II butchered the inhabitants of Kyudea and razed the city to the ground.
Amoti
—The language of Amoteu, a derivative of Mamati.
—The language of Amoteu, a derivative of Mamati.
Anagkë
—The Goddess of fortune. Also known as “the Whore of Fate.” Anagkë is one of the primary “Compensatory Gods,” which is to say, one who rewards devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife. Her Cult is extremely popular in the Three Seas, especially among the higher, political castes.
—The Goddess of fortune. Also known as “the Whore of Fate.” Anagkë is one of the primary “Compensatory Gods,” which is to say, one who rewards devotion in life with paradise in the afterlife. Her Cult is extremely popular in the Three Seas, especially among the higher, political castes.
Anagogis
—A branch of sorcery that turns on the resonance between meanings and concrete things.
—A branch of sorcery that turns on the resonance between meanings and concrete things.
Analogies
—An alternate name for Anagogic sorceries.
—An alternate name for Anagogic sorceries.
Anasûrimbor Dynasty
—The ruling dynasty of Kûniüri from 1408 to 2147. See
Apocalypse
.
—The ruling dynasty of Kûniüri from 1408 to 2147. See
Apocalypse
.
Anaxophus V
(2109-56)—The Kyranean High King who wielded the Heron Spear against the No-God at Mengedda in 2155.
(2109-56)—The Kyranean High King who wielded the Heron Spear against the No-God at Mengedda in 2155.
ancestor scroll
—A scroll kept by most pious Inrithi, bearing the names of all the dead ancestors who might intercede on their behalf. Since the Inrithi believe that honour and glory in life brings power in the afterlife, they are particularly proud of renowned ancestors and ashamed of known sinners.
—A scroll kept by most pious Inrithi, bearing the names of all the dead ancestors who might intercede on their behalf. Since the Inrithi believe that honour and glory in life brings power in the afterlife, they are particularly proud of renowned ancestors and ashamed of known sinners.
Ancient North
—The name given to the Norsirai civilization destroyed in the Apocalypse.
—The name given to the Norsirai civilization destroyed in the Apocalypse.
Ancilline Gate
—One of the so-called Lesser Gates of Momemn, located to the immediate south of the Girgallic Gate.
—One of the so-called Lesser Gates of Momemn, located to the immediate south of the Girgallic Gate.
Andiamine Heights
—The primary residence and principal administrative seat of Nansur Emperors, located on the seaward walls of Momemn.
—The primary residence and principal administrative seat of Nansur Emperors, located on the seaward walls of Momemn.
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