The Imperial Encyclopedia of Tahor

Prisslyn Arlorak-Trayne
(7th edition, 90 after the Ninth)

Foreword

For the fifty-year anniversary of the IET, my assistants and I have for the first time strayed from the guidelines laid out by the late and honored Zahrys Arlorak. This decision came not easily, but under great pain and distress for all of us. Any experienced reader of my works will know better than to accuse me of not holding my father in the highest of regards; in fact, I myself initially proposed only a light retouching of the 6th edition.
Yet an argument was brought before me too painfully true to be dismissed. The Imperial Encyclopedia has had its catalogue expanded to incorporate volumes on each of the states under the Empire’s rule, an achievement that is the pride of not only my family, but every individual fortunate enough to have contributed to the IE’s success. This success is nowhere more evident than in numbers: 11 million copies sold of the 6th ed. of the IET, surpassing the heretofore bestselling 4th by more than 2 million.
These numbers also tell a different story. Of these 11, 8 million never left the motherland. They were printed, shipped, sold, and read in Grale. We spare no expense to send our linguists, cartographers, and researchers into the jungles and mountains of Tahor, yet the Tahori seem barely aware of our effort—an effort that aims at understanding them and their world, at facilitating a dialogue, an exchange between our people.
And how can we blame them? After all, the reality of the average Tahori is only half-represented in our previous editions, whose primary goal had always been a full picture of the unique, vibrant, mesmerizing country that is the land of the middle. True, we told about the jinoas, the kywees on the Foen, the sunken ruins of the marshlands. But we left out a part of their lives that is nowadays more crucial than ever if one means to get by as a Tahori.
We left out us.
In the 7th edition of the IET, therefore, we will tackle a new challenge: capture life in Tahor as what it is, a melting pot, a togetherness of people that in too many regards remain strangers. The Tahori have been forced by way of the Southron threat to live under our fair, but strict rule, never daring to ask those questions that must bother many of them still: What is Vohl? Why does the fair man’s skin change color under the sun? Who came up with the marvels that propel the fleets of the PiRaCo and let us soar through the skies in our Krissins?
There are too many to thank, so I will let their work speak for them. Of all the people involved, however, one stands out among his peers, a man of inexhaustible studiousness, the same who first came to me arguing for “the full picture”. As I write this, he has already sailed off to Tahor again to tackle a new challenge, a big and, in my mind, potentially foolish one. I fear that few of the people he meets will see his “full picture”, the true gift we are blessed with in him. The gift of showing us that reality is myriadfold, and its exploration a never-ending chase after a star that burns so bright it can blind the best of us.
For that, I thank you, Rannek.

Prof. Prisslyn Arlorak-Trayne

—

ABI a tree indigenous to the northern mountains of the Toho Massif. Produces a sweet, oblong fruit whose flesh sours if not accessed properly.

AJAN the head of government of the “Free” Union of Tahor. Elected for life and revered by his constituents to the point of worship. Resides in the Ajan’s palace in Selem, capitol of the Union. See also Free Union of Tahor.

ALLFATHER see Vohl.

BIRK the standard unit of length in the Empire. Based on surveys measuring the height of the average ten-year-old Gralinn boy on the tenth day after his birthday.

BELT the border between the Tahori Republic and the “Free” Union of Tahor. Fiercely contested by both sides ever since the Truce of 78 ended. See also Second Great War, Truce of the Belt.

BORVIN a brew of dried mushrooms hailing from Tahor. Dubbed so by the first generation of Empire soldiers to be deployed there in light of the natives’ refusal to provide a definitive name, instead calling it “good water”, “hot water”, or simply “the sludge”, depending on the context.

CHURCH OF VOHL the largest denomination in the Known World, whose spiritual home in Grale, Tyn Korhun, lies at the neck of the Althor massif near the Moryan border. Measures close to a billion believers, around three million priests and missionaries, one-hundred bishops, ten archbishops, and is lead by the Humble Servant whose blessed ear hears only the Allfather’s voice. See also Vohl, Humble Servant.

CURSED taken from the old Tahori, referring to those “cursed” with the powers of the ore, a.k.a. the Gifted. Reflects the natives’ belief that with these powers always comes one’s doom. Conversely, most sages interpret the recent disappearance of Curses from the Tahori population also as a sign of doom. See also Gifted.

CITY WATCH the native police force of a given city. Consists to about 90% of native Tahori, though those Gralinn who do enter tend to rise quickly to its higher ranks. Under the command of the Head of the Watch.

CITY GUARD the body of soldiers tasked with keeping peace in a city, enforcing the mayor’s—or, in prefectural capitals, the prefect’s—rule, and assisting the City Watch. Under the command of the Head of the Guard, although the head of local government can assume control of the Guard himself if need be.

DAEM JIDAEM expression from the old Tahori, roughly meaning “now but not right now”. Used when saying that one has time to do something, and will take that time, as this occurs to him as every worker’s natural right. A common cause for tension under the Old Guard until it was discovered that if you let the Tahori work past the Gralinn schedule, he will get his work done in the evening hours without fail. See also Tahori lag.

EMPIRE see Gralinn Empire.

ENOPHANT an animal closely related to the elephants of Halsim and Spor. Different from its relatives in that its trunk is longer and retractable into a pouch located underneath the enophant’s chin. Known to exceed them in weight and height if grown to its full size, yet all but extinct in the Republic. Coveted by poachers for the birks-long tusks of the adult male.

ELL a unit of length specific to Tahor. Precise measure varies depending on what region you’re in. Can be gauged roughly by the following rule of thumb: ‘3/4 birk < 1 ell < 1 birk.’

ERUE a monkey species exclusive to the jungles of Tahor. Live, hunt, and die in packs, inspiring the saying that “there’s no such thing as a single erue.” Seen as wise in the tellings of Tahori mythology, and indeed, recent studies by Gralinn scholars have unearthed many intricacies of their “culture” including regional dialects, a bafflingly complex social hierarchy, as well as the skill to eat the abi fruit without spoiling it. See also abi.

FARSLIK, ROSTON the most influential of all Gralinn scientists, who in 13 after the Seventh theorized the existence of a “God Element” and was laughed out of academia. Followed up in 22 after the Seventh with the seminal paper “About To Burst: Oryn And Its Transformative Capabilities Past Certain Thresholds”. Spent the following years exploring the manifold uses of this discovery, and single-handedly heralding in the mechanization of the Gralinn economy. Said to have been thanked after the Conquest of Dhas by then-Chancellor Krasskyn for “winning us the war.” Praised by some Brotherhoods of the Church of Vohl to have been the first of the ten apostles foretold in the Vohl Hirklen Dag. See also Oryn, Oryn Matter Transformation Effect.

FARSLIK THRESHOLD a degree of saturation with Oryn that is required to properly process a sediment into Reactive Ore. Used as defining property of all forms of Ore since 47 after the Seventh. Roughly estimated around 37.5614496 %. See also Ore, Oryn, Reactive Ore, Roston Farslik.

FIRST DISCIPLES the authors of the Vohl Hirklen Dag and thus the founders of the Church of Vohl. Their accounts of the Great Ice Flood have survived both time and scrutiny, converting sinful minds still after close to a thousand years since the last Disciples’ death.

FIRST GREAT WAR the initial war for control over the peninsula of Tahor, lasting from 38 to 43 after the Ninth. Began as a territorial dispute between the Gralinn Empire and the Gwai, and ended after the last warlord Kegori Hila was killed. See also Gwai, Second Great War.

FLYNT the currency of Grale. Available only in bills (1f, 2f, 5f, 10f, 20f, 50f, 100f, 500f). Accepted in all banks within the Empire, and the stable ideal other currencies are measured against.

FOEN a major south-flowing river running through the heartland of Tahor. Used for travel, freight shipping, recreation, and, too often still, waste disposal. Plays a central role in Tahori mythology, often being described as a mother-like figure drawing the many territories of the peninsula closer together.

FOREST DIVA a rare bird coveted for the colorful feathers it puts on during late spring / early sunyear. Has been reduced drastically in number byt poachers. Nowadays seen mainly near the Union border.

FOUR ORDERS the whole of the Empire’s Gifted reserves. Founded by Londyn Sperakyn in 57 after the Seventh and split into four separate bodies:
(1) The most powerful Gifted of all, a select few that can shape the earth or the oceans themselves; employed in battle only as a last measure.
(2) Those able to single-handedly defeat an army of a thousand.
(3) Those with lesser offensive abilities, yet still an edge over the average troop.
(4) Those whose gifts do not put them at a great advantage in combat; mostly tasked with intelligence gathering.
See also Gifted.

FRAG the standard unit of time in the Empire, short for ‘fragment of the day.’ Follows the division of each day into 1000 fragments.

FREE UNION OF TAHOR a supposedly sovereign nation claiming the south of Tahor as its dominion. Ruled by the Ajan, who declared as the Union’s foremost goal the “Liberation” of the north. Defended by the Tahori Liberation Army (TLA), whose northern factions act as terrorist agents within the Republic. Said to conspire with the Kuuth against the Empire. See also Ajan, Tahori Liberation Army, Tahori Republic.

GAMBLING a popular pastime of the Tahori, especially the wagering on animal races. Popular wisdom has it that “there is no species on Grale that hasn’t been finessed into racing its brethren.”

GEKIKO a tribal music indigenous to the costal regions around Iuma. Performed by a group of three to fifty musicians playing umums, horns, various string instruments, cymbals, or by singing. Although repetitive at the first listen and incompatible with any known notation system, studies have found a surprising complexity of pattern permutations happening beneath the deafening intensity of the pieces. Depicted by murals going back at least two hundred years, yet more recently assimilated by the party scene of the Republic’s cities.

GIFTED the Gralinn term for those empowered by the ore, capable of superhuman feats of strength and matter manipulation. Required throughout the Empire to serve their term in one of the Four Orders to fight at the Chancellor’s behest. Revered in Grale, while feared in Tahor. See also Four Orders, Cursed.

GOJA colloquial term referring to northern folk, especially the Gralinn. Seen as an offense under the Old Guard. Nowadays mostly tolerated despite its arguably derogatory meaning, “little tall man”.

GOLGOYA a sweet rice that mushes when cooked. Used mainly mixed with fruit and nuts, and served as a dessert.

GRALE the northernmost country of the continent Rhon, motherland of the Empire, and home of the Allfather and all that is the splendor of His creation. Originator of near all the technological marvels of our time, including human flight, electronics, the radio and the lisk disk, plastics and synthetics, ore-powered engines, as well as a host of weapons of the fiercest accuracy and destruction. See also Gralinn Empire.

GRALINN EMPIRE the One God’s Empire Of Grale, or the Gralinn Empire (GE) for short, comprises all colonies and protectorates ruled by the nation of Grale. Spans the entire northern continent of Rhon as well as Ryslin, Alla, Haphos, the Kolkonin, and Tahor, giving cause to the saying that “the sun may set on the Empire, yet only long enough to realize its mistake”. See also Grale.

GRALINN THREE the economic triumvirate ruling near all markets in the Republic, consisting of the Westgrale Mining Conglomerate, the Pirrhon Rail Company, and Rys Line Shipping. See also Westgrale Mining Conglomerate.

GREAT RAIN a period of heavy to flood-like rainfalls across the whole of Tahor, particularly the lands surrounding the Toho massif. Can last from 50 days to 110 (measured in 73 after the Ninth, the “Unending Year” of the Second Great War).

GUOBORO a volume of poetry estimated to be the oldest surviving literary work of Tahor.  Thematizes local nature, heroic archetypes of responsibility and sacrifice, and the complicated courtship rituals of old. Author unknown.

GWAI an extinct band of Tahori warrior tribes, defeated in the First Great War. Ruled the better part of Tahor for over four centuries prior to the arrival of the Gralinn Empire. Known for their seemingly endless lust for warfare and the repeated subjugation of other tribes, as well as the savagery of their Gifted.

HALRETAN, COLOI a native author of many studies of Tahori culture, including a.o. ‘The Myths & Tales of Tahor’, ‘The Gods & Cursed of Tahor’, and ‘The Rites & Customs of Tahor’. Denounced by the Old Guard, but revered by the New as well as the Tahori for his insightful, albeit sometimes glorifying explanations of the more peculiar aspects of the land of the middle. Lives in Kaam, where he writes and breeds prize-winning racehounds.

HEN LEM SHIPPING CORPORATION the titan of Tahori shipping enterprises and employer of over a million native people. Founded by Oriye Hen and Kibi Lem in 41 after the Ninth. Referred to as the “Masters of the Foen” for their captains’ expertise at steering clear of the many dangers of Tahor’s premier waterway. Said by economists to be the sole force keeping the Gralinn Three from monopolizing the Republic’s freight transportation industry. See also Gralinn Three.

HIGH ROAD the common name for a system of mountain trails and tunnels leading through the Toho massif. Used by the Tahori Liberation Army to smuggle people and weapons from the Union into the Republic. Any information about transports going in or out or locations that could lead to the discovery or arrest of Liberation forces will be rewarded generously by local law enforcement. See also Tahori Liberation Army.

HUMBLE SERVANT a man of sufficient clerical rank chosen by the Allfather in the Ring of Korhun to function as his messenger and leader of the Church. Each Servant has his left ear blessed (i.e. burnt out) so it may only receive the guidance that will lead Grale to salvation, to be passed on to the archbishops, who pass it on to the bishops, a.s.o. See also Church of Vohl, Vohl.

HYDELIA a wild flower domesticated by the Tahori. Grows to an ell’s height with eerie precision, spawning theories about the origin of the unit. Comes in every color but white; “breeding the white hydelia” thus stands for a noble, yet unrealistic and thus doomed endeavor.

IMBIA a city on the western tip of the Republic, famous for its botanic prowess. Bred countless strains that have claimed their place in the Tahori flora, including
– Imbian fern: a hip- to shoulder-high fern recognizable by its thick, turquoise leaves
– Imbian idiot: a carnivorous plant whose lifecycle ends with it devouring itself
– Imbian lily: a cup-like flower whose nectar is commonly used as borvin sweetener

JAEMENI capitol of the Tahori Republic, as well as the prefecture surrounding it. Home to 1.8 million Tahori. Known for its western fountains, its thriving bird population, and the imaginative ways local cooks have conceived to deal with the overabundance of fowl. See also kywee.

JIN a practitioner of the art of jinoa. Caught in a political struggle ever since the end of the Second Great War, as the Empire’s increased prosecution of vandalistic crimes has produced some evidence of allegiance between certain factions of the jin community and terrorist organizations like the TLA.

JINOA a Tahori practice settled between the confines of art and vandalism, jinoa can be found in any city that owns one or more solid walls. Usually involving the use of leaves, fruit, pieces of clay, rubble, and even trash, the jin (i.e. artist/vandal) sticks his materials to the wall with glue to form large colorful images. Jinoas have come under the scrutiny of local law enforcement after a series of terrorist attacks were proven to have been announced beforehand through coded imagery. Still, one can hardly deny the artistry involved in turning trash bags, crushed cans, and chicken bones into a blossoming flower of three birk’s height.

KORHUN DAG a “simplified” version of the Vohl Hirklen Dag, this selection of Vohl’s most poignant wisdoms is sold on nearly every market in the Empire. The adept recognize it by the characteristic light blue color and minute price that is not at all indicative of its true worth. See also Vohl Hirklen Dag.

KRISSIN the premier aircraft used in modern day warfare by the Gralinn Empire. Lifted by two ore-powered turbines mounted on ball joints, the Krissin’s high mileage and speed make it superior to any vehicle built by man, and a scourge even to the Gifted foolish enough to take up arms against the Allfather. See also Second Great War.

KOEIJI a harbor city in the northwest of Tahor. Known as the Third City, due to both its being Tahor’s third-largest city after Jaemeni and Kaam (with just over 640000 citizens) and its history as the third major city to be captured in the First Great War. Receives 18% of the Republic’s imports through its famous port. Capitol of the Koeiji prefecture which extends to the west until the foothills of the Toho Massif.

KUUTH the peoples inhabiting the southern continent Ilya, as well as their language and everything pertaining to their culture.Sworn enemy of the Empire and feared for their tenacity in both war and secrecy. Uniquely bound to the Tahori through the strip of land dubbed the Tongue, where to this day, trade is made between them and the southern Tahori (i.e. the Union). What is known about them is only that they are a hostile, mistrusting folk.

KYWEE a bird at home in the reeds of the Foen that has adapted well to life in the city. Often seen stealing small items, cracking patiti nuts on the pavement, and splashing in whatever pool of water they can find. Official emblem of the capitol Jaemeni.

LUEN, E. B. refers to Ean Balokyle Luen, the author of three Tahori books: “A Study of Plants”, “The Waters of the Foen”, and “Remnants of a World Lost”. Disappeared during an expedition into the ruins at Gwan Ko. Wildly popular among the nation’s intellectuals, Luen’s name has become synonymous with knowing one’s books—“You’ve read Luen, right?”

MARRIAGE a Gralinn custom of uniting a couple in the eyes of the public, government, and the Allfather. Slowly becoming common in the Republic. Attained under the supervision of at least one official of the Church of Vohl. Highly recommended by the Humble Servant. See also Church of Vohl, Vohl.

MERCHANT unlike in most parts of the Empire, Tahori merchants are considered a lower class than even the most menial laborers. This likely results from their role in the subjugation of the Gwai warlords and the Empire’s victory in the First Great War. Excavations have however produced evidence of a deeper cultural disdain for this profession, dated long before the invasion; proof of their authenticity is pending.

MOONYEAR the first half of the year in the Tahori calendar. Instead of adhering to a counting of days like the Gralinn seasons, the moonyear begins at the end of the Great Rain and lasts until the blossoming of the Pagalya. This season sees a milder climate which near the mountains can even lead to snow; yet the Tahori cold cannot be compared to that of Grale winters. Seealso sunyear.

NEW GUARD refers to the successors of the Old Guard, particularly their views on government and diplomacy. Used as a distinction from the oppressive colonial leadership before and during the Second Great War of Tahor and the Allayn Rebellion. See also Old Guard.

OLD GUARD refers to the higher tiers of Gralinn officials and military leaders up until the end of the Second War, most often in a negative context. Popularized by the Tahori press after being first used this way by then-candidate for Chancellor Orother Hesryk. See also New Guard.

OLDWOOD a tree species very attuned to the Gralinn climate. Believed to grow forever if left unharmed. Often harmed in order to get to its remarkably sturdy wood which is highly sought after by the rich of Rhon. The tallest Oldwood in Tahor is located deep inside the Union between the cities of Mar and Yakore and stood 83 birks tall at the time the last measurement was taken before Second Great War.

OMTE see Oryn Matter Transformation Effect.

ORE the most valuable resource known to man as well as the fuel of the modern world. Comes in various geological make-ups, united by the property of an Oryn saturation exceeding the Farslyk Threshold. Found mainly in clusters of deep-rooted veins in mountainous terrain. Identifiable by is smooth glassy surface and deep violet color. Far less volatile than its processed forms, yet still capable of combustion, as proven in the explosion of the mine at base Ruck. See also Westgrale Mining Conglomerate, Oryn, Farslik.

ORYN the God Element,10th in the reformed Farslyk Periodic Spiral, and basis of the Oryn Matter Transformation Effect. Proven by Hilmhen and Sperakyn to also allow for human-controlled transformation, explaining the existence of the Gifted.

ORYN MATTER TRANSFORMATION EFFECT a series of interdependent energy exchanges at the nucleic level. Discovered by Roston Farslik of Grale in 22 after the Seventh. Capable of drawing an abundance of energy from relatively little matter, so long as the Ore is pure enough and the Effect properly induced. Once described by Karrifi Hilmhen as “a complex feedback loop of sorts, only it always gets cut off—and from what we’ve found, oh boy, are we lucky it does.”

PALE the Tahori’s way of describing the skin color of northern folk; like “fair”, or “bright”, only with a less favorable connotation.

PATITI a tree indigenous to the Southern Coasts of Tahor, popular for the bitter nut it produces around the beginning of the Winteryear. Also popular among birds for its architecturally favorable branch structures. See also kywee.

PAGALIA a fleshy, voluminous flower growing at ground level. Changes from violet to red and orange during its blooming, besides emitting a distinct odor that Tahori call the “smell of summer”. Possesses healing properties, especially against abrasions and burns.

PINK a native term for sunburn. Expresses the persistent amusement of most Tahori at the concept of the sun hurting one’s skin, as few of them ever experience it. Used in whatever way seems fit: “Look, he’s got the pink!” – “Look how pink he is!” – “Look, he got pinked!”

REACTIVE ORE all processed forms of ore whose purity enables the inducement of the Oryn Matter Transformation Effect. Won from raw Ore and impossible to synthesize. Includes a.o. Ore dust, gel, water, crystals, and gas. See also Ore, Oryn Matter Transformation Effect.

REPUBLIC see Tahori Republic.

RHON The northern of the two great continents of the Known World. Contains the nations of Grale, Moryn, Dhas, Andis, Spor, Halyuk, Halsim, and New Haphos. Ruled by the Gralinn Empire which itself was founded for the chief purpose of bringing peace and the glories of progress to all of “mother Rhon”.

SAGE a scholar of the Tahori of old and keeper of its oral tradition. Persecuted for decades leading up to the Second Great War, and still under frequent duress by local law enforcement. Seen often on city squares and marketplaces telling of the old gods, the Cursed, and the superstitions of their ancestors.

SARIF traditional Tahori garb worn during the sun year. Consists of two interwoven stripes of thin wool slung around one’s chest and hips. Worn by women of all ages and young boys; hence the colloquialism of “shedding the sarif” upon a boy’s maturing.

SECOND GREAT WAR the war for independence led by the Liberationists against the Empire, lasting from 65 to 78 after the Ninth. Saw the first implementation of both Krissins and the First Order on Tahor, devastating the young Republic. Seen as concluded since the yearlong Truce of the Belt in 78, despite the Ajan repeatedly insisting that it has not ended to this day. See also Belt, First Great War, Four Orders, Krissin, Truce of the Belt.

SHUDDERLEAF a thistle that can be processed into a potent neurotoxin. Found growing at the edges of jungles both in Tahor and Halsim. Also called “Gwai’s darling” for their varied ways of employing it in warfare and intelligence gathering. See also Gwai.

SUNYEAR the second half of the year in the Tahori calendar. The sunyear starts with the blossoming of the pagalia and goes on until the Great Rain ends. It can be argued that it unites two separate seasons, the “dry heat” and the “wet heat”, as they are called in Tahori. See also moonyear.

TAHOR a peninsula of the southern continent of Ilya. Remains the sole landmass directly connected to the lands of the Kuuth that is not under their control. Entered into the Empire’s protection after the First Great War of Tahor and was split as a result of the Second Great War, resulting in the formation of the Tahori Republic in the north and the—supposedly—“Free Union of Tahor” in the south.

TAHORI the people of Tahor, yet also their language, and should one encounter a jinoa (see above) one would recognize its craft as Tahori, too. It can be inferred that whatever in a given context bears a relation to the nation, culture, or ethnicity of Tahor qualifies as Tahori. Similar to “Gralinn” in that way.

TAHORI CICADA a relentless relative of the Rhoninn cicada. Bigger, louder, and known for adhering to a harrowing 700-frag work (i.e. chirp) schedule.

TAHORI LAG a persistent term left over from the confusing mess that were the early years of Gralinn-run agriculture on Tahor. Refers to the frequent delay of tasks given to Tahori workers, then seen as a form of inherent laziness in their people. Later identified as a product of a difference in customs. See also daem jidaem.

TAHORI LIBERATION ARMY the armed rebel forces of the Union. Structured in eleven tiers with corresponding ranks according to the current Ajan’s manifesto, who solely inhibits the top tier. Manages to hold the Belt going on two decades due to their knowledge of its deep jungles. See also Ajan, Free Union of Tahor.

TAHORI REPUBLIC the colonized north of Tahor, ruled by the Gralinn Empire until such time as it will ascend to the status of a protectorate. Initially founded to encompass all of Tahor but robbed of its southern prefectures during the Second Great War. Divided into 11 prefectures and headed by the President of Tahor, who simultaneously acts as prefect of Jaemeni. 

TOREK the currency of Tahor, available in coins (1t, 5t, 10t, 20t) and bills (20t, 50t, 100t, 300t, 500t, 1000t). The torek’s value has for decades been the victim of wild fluctuations usually contained between a tenth and a fifth of the Gralinn flynt; yet brokers’ wisdom has it that “there is no feat the torek cannot accomplish as long as there’s a man betting against it.” See also flynt.

TRUCE OF THE BELT the truce that ended the Second Great War. Lasted from the beginning of sunyear to the end of winter year in 78/79 after the Ninth. Agreed upon as a result of the burning of the northern marshlands and the subsequent explosion of the mine at Base Ruck. See also Belt, Second Great War.

UENERI a town north across the Foen from Base Alahan. Primary location of hostage exchanges between the Republic and the Union, particularly “Ueneri Bridge”, a wooden bridge leading across a small branch of the Foen called Ieli. Population has been drastically reduced due to war and the constant tension in the area, prompting some to refer to it as a ghost town.

UNION see Free Union of Tahor.

VOHL the benevolent Allfather, the shaper of the Known World, the beginning and ending of all that was, is, and will be. It was He who charged the Gralinn with the task that bore the Empire, and all glory of its conquest shall lay at His feet. It is He who speaks to the Humble Servant. It will be He who one day will claim all land under the sun, and it will be Then that his enlightened followers will take up more exalted tasks than revising the work of lowly writers. See also Church of Vohl, Humble Servant, First Disciples.

VOHL HIRKLEN DAG the collection of all psalms, parables, and occasional digressions put to stone by the First Disciples that lies at the heart of any true believer in the One God Vohl. See also Vohl, Church of Vohl, First Disciples.

WESTGRALE MINING CONGLOMERATE the Known World’s foremost mining company, who obtains on average 73 % of the contracts given out by the Empire and runs the majority of mines in the Republic. Also holds many subsidiaries and patents extending far past the purview of mining, including a.o. plastics, toy manufacturing, and prison management.

WMC see Westgrale Mining Conglomerate.

YUT, INAKO the president of Tahor since his election in 88 after the Ninth, as well as prefect of Jaemeni. Self-proclaimed advocate for the New Guard of Gralinn leadership.