Glossary
A definitive window into the Cythian World.
Akiun
Now outlawed, and relegated to the forbidden realm of witchcraft, Akiun was once the most noble of Trefolkian pursuits. Akiun Warriors are skilled fighters, schooled from an early age in the martial arts, the use of weapons, the Trefolkian Way, meditation, and the unique paranormal gifts own to Trefolkians: The Shades, The Circle of Five and The Sai-Change.
Alexileil
Mortal Enemies of the Methtantileil. The Alexileil are a people whose dedication to spiritual pursuits have elevated their vibration to higher planes. Effectively this has made these people translucent. As the Methtantileil are made of mist and shadows, the Alexileil are made of light and echoes.
Angel’s Breath
Hallucinogenic drug made from the bark of the Tiger Wort tree. Also used as a powerful aphrodisiac this powerful drug is as much sought-after as it is illegal.
Antsun’alun
The first word used in the Triple Greeting. By connotation, this word is often used as a the blessing “May your roots grow deep and your branches never stand in shadow”. Literally translated from the Ancient Tongue, it means “Prosper in peace and harmony”.
Ardakon
Fearsome winged creature of ancient times. Now believed to be extinct, these fire-breathing reptiles once roamed the planet in their thousands. But they were not feared. Rather, they were respected as the guardians of wisdom and wealth.
Ashfen Cake
A rare delicacy made from the sweet fruit of the Ashfen Yew. Ashfen Yew only produces fruit once a year, and in limited quantities. In addition, the fruit must be harvested only when one of the moons is full, or it will be bitter and cause stomach ailments.
Ashfen Yew
A tall, thin tree with thorny bark (Similar to rose bushes). its leaves resemble the fronds of a fern bush, and as the moon becomes full, the bark glows silver.
Bailes
Throwing weapon used by Akiun warriors. Slightly longer than the average adult hand, this s-shaped weapon is carried in the small of the back, neatly tucked into the belt of a Kren’an. The curve of the s is elegant – almost wavelike. Bailes are made from mart-metal, the rarest metal on Cythe, and thus never become blunt, or wear down. In fact, their edges are so keen that they will often pass through their target, into the next.
Bannator
Similar in shape to a buffalo, but twice as hairy, these beasts of burden are three times the height of a man. They have two horns that grow from behind their ears, and one that grows from the forehead. These horns converge in front of the nose – the most sensitive part of the Bannator – effectively encasing the snout in a bony cage. This bony cage is used by wild Bannator’s in mating jousts.
Bannator Driver
Term used to alternately describe the leader of a Bannator caravan, and the man sitting astride it.
Battlesuit
Item of clothing worn by Akiun Warriors that covers the body but leaves the arms and legs bare, allowing the warrior to take the Change. The battlesuit provides carrying space for the warrior’s sword and bailes. Made from two layers of thin leather, the comfortable inside is soft and pliable, but the outside is sturdy and tough. The inside and outside textures resemble that of a horse’s saddle. The outside layer of leather often sports metal studs, and is treated with the venom of the giant Whiplash Scorpion. This unique venom is highly toxic in its raw state, but once cured, it affords the leather the integrity of metal, whilst at the same time not compromising its pliability.
Billowpants
Voluminous trousers worn by Trefolkian men and women. The material makes the pants look similar to a skirt that reaches the ankles, but affords the legs maximum movement.
Blocks of Meeting
Rectangles of wood, no higher than an adult’s knee, carved to be a comfortable seat. The height of the block encourages the person sitting upon it to cross their legs on the ground in front of them. One who understands Ancient Trefolkian Feudal history knows to cross the legs in such a way that only the ankles of the feet touch the ground. Effectively, this means the soles of the feet are not in direct contact with the ground, minimizing sudden movements. By adopting this custom, Feudal Templari communicated body language that was non-aggressive, and thus promoted trust between each other.
Bluebeetles
Small beetles no larger than the nail of the little finger. These cobalt blue insects feed on the sap of the Drellion Tree. Their metabolic processes are endothermic in nature, effectively cooling the air around their bodies. When placed in proximity of concentrated numbers of these little creatures water is turned to ice. Trefolkians use bluebeetles to preserve food in special cupboards designed for this purpose.
Bullrock
Unit of weight measurement. One bullrock is the equivalent of 500 boughstones, which in turn correspond to 500 kilograms. The Bullrock is so called because it would require a Bannator bull to lift or move it. 2 Bullrocks thus equal one ton.
Change, the
(Ref also Circle of Five). The metamorphosis that the body of an Akiun Warrior undergoes resulting in elongated limbs with dextrous claws; sharpened hearing and eyesight; as well as paranormal reflexes. A side effect of the Change is glowing irises, and this cannot be masked by the Shades. The Change is learned by a warrior only after learning the Shades, which is only learned after mastering the Circle of Five.
Circle of Ceremony
Ancient and greatly revered place of meeting. The Circle of Ceremony is a structure that apparently has no date of construction. Located on the plateau of Seeker’s Mountain it overlooks the Silvermist Waterfall. Four tapers of solid rock begin from the periphery of the Circle, and converge over its centre where they support a giant crystal. Directly beneath this crystal is the Cirillian Flame.
Circle of Five
The five elements of nature are arranged in a cycle (Water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) that symbolizes life, the mysteries of the Universe, and the teachings of ancient mystics. The circle of five is a hallowed symbol amongst Akiun Warriors, and those who revere the ways of Old. The Circle of Five also represents the power of the elements as taught to Akiun Warriors. By harnessing the Circle (Through dedication to training) an Akiun Warrior is able to call on that power. For example, if a warrior were to summon the element of Metal, and channel it into a fist, the fist is imbued with all the qualities and integrity of that element. A metal fist will afford the warrior the ability to punch through wood with no adverse effects to their limb.
Circle-sitting
Loosely translated this term means Society, Guild, or council.
Cirillius
(Trefolkian / Cythian religion) The god of fire, the sun, daylight. Loyal guardian of the children of Gethras, and lover of Cythe, Cirillius swore an oath to Gethras that he would provide shelter for Gethras’ twelve sons and daughters, as well as their nanny, Cythe.
Crystal Marker
Timepiece used in Trefolk. Crystal markers are carved from Moonstone. Moonstone is mined only in the heart of the Kuornedan Mountains. Thousands of years ago, a giant meteorite crashed into the mountains. The force of the explosion combined qualities of the meteorite with qualities of the natural substrata, forming the Moonstone.
Dniban Gown
Flowing garment commonly worn by all Trefolkians. Similar to a kaftan, but much lighter and stronger, the Dniban gown is made from the raw silk of the Dniban Spider.
Dniban Spider
This spider can grow to twice the size of an adult’s hand, but is not aggressive, feeding on insects and small birds that inhabit the branches of the quickoak tree.
Dniban Spinner
See Dniban Spider.
Dominai
Roughly translated into “District” or “Municipality, although a Dominai can often be much larger than these. One Templari is assigned to up to five Dominai.
Dominum
Steward of the Trefolkian Throne, effective Ruler of Trefolk, Lord of all Dominai; and thus lord of all Templari.
Dranaga
The fiery underworld, home of the Demon King Sfarr.
Drellion Sap
A clear liquid, similar in consistency to human blood. Drellion Sap is highly flammable, and produced in great quantities by the Drellioon Tree.
Drellion Tree
Tall Trefolkian Tree that has a reddish bark and orange leaves. Once a year this tree propagates its seeds by allowing the pods to explode.
Five Tribes of Trefolk
All Trefolkians can trace their lineage back to five original tribes. Once peace existed between the tribes, each one adopted a colour to represent the purity of their blood: Black = Oberon;Green = Anacus; Red = Inicus; Yellow = Rosacron; Blue = Thailor (See also Tribal Tell)
Flame of Cirillius
In the middle of the Circle of Ceremony stands an ornate obelisk, atop which burns the magical flame of Cirillius. When the energies of the world are in Balance, the flame burns green, but at present it burns red … and nobody knows why.
Frethenia
Frethenia is the first of only two Trefolkian cities located on the ground. The city was originally located on the island of Centre Bark, but the expanding population, as well as the danger of Oakpines falling from the great tree, prompted the construction of the present city between Seeker’s Mountain and Hailer’s Loft.
Gamblequares
Game of chance using Octagonal shaped dice etched with numbers. In Ancient times these octagonal pieces were called Tirano Stones, and the etchings were religious symbols. The stones were the property of learned Wyrders only, and were used in rituals from Cleansing to Prophecy. It is said that certain combinations of symbols thrown afford the user certain powers.
Gates of Life and Death
Tatoos worn by Akiun Warriors that symbolize their rank, and level of learning. Each symbol corresponds to a symbol on the Circle of Five, and thus to a level of learning in the Akiun Martial system. When a Warrior completes a certain level, they are put through a grueling test. The symbol is awarded at a great banquet after they pass the trials. They pass the trials if they survive, and are viewed by their peers to have passed through a mythical gate that leads to the afterlife, and returned.
Gethras
God of warriors, war, the heavens, and general Good; embodiment of the male principle, and one of three Principal gods who created the world.
Guardian
One who has completed all levels of learning in the Trefolkian Way; and has chosen to become an overseer of the Trefolkian Forest and its inhabitants. Guardians are revered members of society, and are responsible for the education of its masses.
Guardsman
(Loosely translated as “Soldier”). A member of either the Imperial Army; a Trefolkian Council or Truruch Guard.
Gundsenaday
Response to “Antsun’alun”, and the start of the second half of the responsorial Triple-greeting.
Hekhama
Tassled Head covering, similar to those worn in Arabic nations, worn by those in prayer, or in religious devotion.
House of Antiquities
Grand place of learning for all Trefolkians. Here Trefolkians come to learn everything from the alphabet through to engineering.
Incast
One who has transgressed the Law of Secrets, and had their tongue cut out.
Keeper / Keeper Ji’Path / Ji’path
One who is trained to sense the presence of the Jibe, whether it is in use close by, or has been used recently. Such a person is held in high esteem by the Venerables of the Churches, and feared by those who dare to use the Secrets. Their mission is to expose and condemn all such transgressors.
Kenjin Shirt
Item of clothing similar in design to the top section of the ghi used in Japanese martial arts, although the material is lighter and more flexible. The flaps are held in place by a sash about the waist.
Khuma
“Grandmother” / term used to respectfully address an older woman.
Khumo
“Grandfather” / term used to respectfully address an older man.
Kren’an
Item of clothing worn by Akiun Warriors over the battlesuit, or on its own. Because of the heat and humidity in Trefolk, and the pride that Akiun took in the physical body, standard everyday wear for both men and women was a Kren’an. This is a skirt-like garment no longer than knee-height. The belt area is thick and sturdy, allowing for the carrying of weapons in elegantly placed pouches, or loops. It is billowy with a large volume of material, allowing for the garment to drape between and over the legs when the person is seated. Seldom is underwear worn under this.
Man of Ten
The leader of Ten Men (Ten men = “Detachment”)
Methtantileil
Demons of the underworld, but not ethereal. These creatures are far stronger than ordinary mortals, but they can be killed if one knows how.
Midb’th
Roughly taken to mean mid day. When the sun is at its zenith in the day, many Trefolkians retire to enjoy a cool bath, or swim in the river.
Moshna / Mosh’na
Expletive roughly translated as “Shit”.
Offerant
Stone obelisk designed to remind the devoted of the pyramid on which burns the Cirillian Flame; and similar in shape and design. Offerants serve as mini shrines where the devout can place offerings of food, money, or goods. A magical flame burns on an offerant which “consumes” any offering placed on it. The flame on the offerant is enchanted to turn blue as a warning of an approaching Shar’a’data wind.
Progressive Senadai
That Senadai that approves of and advocates slow but progressive evolution of Trefolkian culture. Their primary objective is to “keep with the times or be left behind”. Though valuable, their views are sometimes very liberal and permissive.
Prophecy of the New Queen
The Prophecy.
These are the words of Muriq of the Clama, ancient prophetess and Mart. The first part of the threefold prophecy, taken from the translation of Axftrax before the Writing in the Cave (Age unknown).
When the Great Mother succumbs
To eightfold evil, and the Green Flame
Is rendered red, Balance is lost
Until the wrongs are right again.
The People of the Forest shall heed the call,
And one shall rise from their number
To claim the birthright royal
And shake the people from their slumber.
When the wise man acts without
From the confines of his Tower;
When the song birthright blade
Foretells return of power;
When the Blood Moons come
Heralded is the new Queen’s hour.
No sibling shall she know,
But spurn she will know well;
The daughter of kings shall rise
And thus shall sound the knell
For those who would enslave
Those who would corrupt and kill.
Though they strive to stay the march
Chellath (Champion) shall aide her still.
Reekma Cape
A cape / gown made from copious folds of material. Due to its voluminous nature it renders the body shapeless, and thus is a sign of modesty and piety.
Sai
The act of leaping through the forest canopy whilst under the Change.
Scimitax
The signature weapon of Akiun Adepts. The weapon consists of a short staff, at the end of which is blade shaped like a crescent moon. The blade is used effectively as an axe or scythe, and can be detached from the staff to be used as a throwing weapon similar to bailes. The staff contains a short sword. This weapon is used with lethal effectiveness, but the main blade must be detached from the staff to make carrying the weapon safe during Sai’ing.
Segurai
Nun / priestess (in general, the suffix –ai indicates the feminine gender)
Segurat
Priest / monk / cleric (In general the suffix –at indicates the male gender.
Segurim
Collective word for religious / clerical people (In general, the suffix – im indicates a collective / group term)
Seisha
(Pronounce: Sei ee sha): goddess of warriors, war, all life on Cythe, including Cythe herself, guardian of healing and learning, and general Good; embodiment of the female principle, and one of three Principal gods who created the world.
Senadai
Group of men and women who form the Senadim (Advising council to the Dominum) Each Senadai has 4 leading individuals who oversee their group. Together with the Dominum they are the major decision – makers. Each Senadai is made up of all the Templari’s from all the Dominai.
Sentimet
A game of strategy similar to chess, but played on three tiers.
Sfarr
God of evil warriors, chaos, Dranaga (The underworld), and general evil / mayhem; embodiment of the darkest desires and destruction, and one of three Principal gods who created the world.
Shades, the
The phenomenon that shrouds an Akiun Adept in Bentlight (Also called “Bending the light”.) This ability effectively makes the adept invisible except for those specially trained to discern them (Only Master Level). A side effect of this is a swirl of colour when the warrior dematerializes or materializes. The Shades is an ability learned by a warrior prior to learning the Change, and depends upon the successful mastery of the Circle of Five.
Shar’a’data
The cold killing wind that blows down from the coldest peaks of the Kuornedan Mountains. This wind is lethal to all flesh, and will freeze a man solid in a few seconds.
Shikai
Tufts of hair that begin at the base of the skull and proceed at regular intervals down either side of the spine to the small of the back. Shikai are spaced roughly a finger’s width apart, are no longer than the index finger of the individual, and only slightly thicker than the little finger. Shikai are common to all Trefolkians, but the ability to form them into deadly spines is a talent own only to warriors who have mastered the element of fire. The length of the shikai vary, depending on their positioning. For example, the shikai at the base of the skull and small of the back are far shorter than those in the middle of the back.
Sleet
Currency. Smaller in value than the Tali. 100 Sleet = 1 Tali. Most Trefolkian transactions are conducted in sleet because Tali’s are “Big Money”.
Song of Elaria
The mystical sword belonging originally to the Trefolkian Emperor Sharsaddox (See Trefolk through the Ages), and the scepter of the rightful heir to the throne of Trefolk.
Springroot
Saprophytic jungle plant that curls into a tight coil. Highly flexible and elasticized this plant is used in various applications from lowering people to the ground (Similar to bungi cord) to strengthening ropes.
Sungreeting
Ritual performed on a daily basis by Trefolkian Sergurim. The sungreeting pays homage to Cirillius and calls the town to greeting.
Symbol of Trefolk (Known as The Trecordant)
(Ref icon on the cover of “The Cirillian Flame” and depicted on this home page). In their wisdom, the master Guardians conceived this symbol to represent a tree with its root curled around the circle of eternity, the Circle of Five; and at the same time it is the image of an Ardakon in fllight, wings outstretched.
Talis
Legal Tender on Cythe, used by all provinces of the Cythian Empire.
Teegra
Solitary jungle predator similar to a tiger, but with dangerous horns.
Templari
Chief Elder or Guardian of a City, and one or more Dominai.
Traditionalist Senadai
That Senadai that approves of and advocates adherence to established and time-tested traditions, practices and beliefs. Their primary objective is to “ensure survival through proven experience”. Though valuable, their views are sometimes very conservative and restrictive.
Treboryean
Heaven / the home of the Ancestors, place of the Afterlife, and reward for the righteous followers of Gethras.
Trefolk
Trefolk through the ages - a brief History.
Taken from a Letter by Nanak Sil Vanur to the Summit Ambassador (47th Day of the Trefolkian
Month of Theth / Cythian month of Remembrance)
Click here to download "Trefolk.pdf".
Tribal Tell
Coloured tassles worn about the waist. Each Trefolkian family has their own Tribal Tartan made up of a weaving of the different coloured strands – one strand for every individual who has married into the clan. Eg: A man from Oberon takes a wife from Anacus. A green strand is added to his tartan, and a black one to the one held by her family. The oldest member of the family maintains the family history and the Tartan. Nowadays, however, only the last three strands are remembered in coloured tassles worn around the waist. Called “The Tribal Tell / Line”. In modern Trefolk, the more coloured the tassles, the more acceptable the individual
Tribes of Trefolk
– See Five Tribes of Trefolk
Triple Greeting
Respectful and formal form of greeting. The individual who initiates the greeting touches the right temple, then the lips, then cups a hand under left breast , and says “Antsun’alun, ... (Title, Name). With thought and word and action. I greet you with respect.” The second person repeats the gesture and says “Gundsenaday, (Title, Name). May your roots grow deep and your branches never stand in shadow.”
Truruch
Trefolkian word meaning Church, Temple or Sanctuary.
Vishuk
Insult of the most abrasive and highest order. Extremely crass, but descriptive.
Weavers and Wyrders
Wyrders are those who pursue the easy path of harnessing the Jibe. Utilising mixed Kindling (Spell ingredients that provide the essential energy for a spell), the wyrder carves a rune in the air and intones a spell in the Ancient Tongue. The spell is activated through use of one of the Words of Power, and so the desired effect is achieved.
To become a Wyrder, one must study the Ancient Tongue, become proficient in the art of Rune Carving, and master the properties of Kindling, its uses and properties.
Weavers are those, who through their training, refine their attunement with their Life Seed. The Life Seed is the organic couple to the Jibe. By purifying this attunement, the Weaver is able to access and control the Jibe. The purer the attunement, the greater the power. But this requires dedicated training and discipline.
Weaving
Ref: Trefolk through the ages.
Words of Power
Ref Trefolk through the ages. According to legend, the words of power were the first four words spoken by the gods in creating the world.
Wyrding
Ref: Trefolk through the ages.
In this heat I slave – the only escape is death or murder and neither shall cool me.
