Player-Made Lexicon

Alchemical Cosmetics: A catch-all term for alchemical products that have no use beyond affecting appearance, safe(ish) to use on humanoids. Scarring Salve (see below) is possibly the most common of these. Others may be skin and hair dyes, temporary or permanent, or transmutative elixirs and salves to produce more exotic effects. Beware of anything with 'gnome' in the name.

Alexandrian Roundleaf: The local name for a commonly-used tea leaf that produces tea with a mild taste. It’s found in the hills to the southwest of the city, where it grows in patches like clover. Alexandrian Roundleaf is ncommonly small for a tea-leaf, and round—the source of its name.

Banesight: A name for paladin-like “detect evil” senses.

Chainbreaker: A sith-makar name for freedom fighters/warriors against slavery, which originated from a legend from a warrior named Koresh. According to legend, Koresh stood along against an onslaught of Charn slavers, and famously “broke their chains” in his last battle (which also led to his death).

Circle (in reference to spells): A term used almost exclusively by wizards, it refers to a spell’s power and complexity, e.g. “A First Circle spell” or “Spell of the First Circle.” There are nine circles into which spells are classed. Each Circle corresponds to the nine levels of spells the D&D 3.5/PFRPG systems have; level 0 spells are refered to as Cantrips in case of arcane spellcasters and Orisons in case of divine.

Corpse-botherers: A name for a necromancer, or raiser of the dead. Often referenced by someone who doesn’t believe in reincarnation, raise dead, or similar effects. This does not mean that these are associated with necromancy: instead, it references and describes the belief of the speaker.

Delver: An honorable title for Explorers in good standing with the Guild.

Deathclaw: The Am’sheran term for a megaraptor (which they view as essentially a bigger swiftclaw).

Desert Wind: A light, frothy Veyshanti alcoholic cocktail drink, traditionally made using dates. A modification of it that uses apples instead exists, sometimes called the "Wind of the Plains" to denote the difference.

Duel, The: A cafe in the Oronti Plaza, named after the statue in the plaza's center. Known for its high-quality cocktails. During warmer days, a handful of outdoor tables are available in addition to the ones indoors.

Egglayer/Eggtender: Care-takers of eggs and small sith-makar children. The second can refer to a male or female, but is generally a position held by a specially ordained “nest guard” or an older female, who goes around the area, turning the eggs in the evenings, and so on. The sith-makar have a high infant mortality rate due to their environment, so this originated as a way to give the caregivers some sort of title/prestige. The originals in draconic are: “vrantvrak daskic” and “vrantvrak aridoege.”

Elfkin: An individual with elven ancestry, such as a half-elf. Many Sildanyari find using this term to describe a full-blooded elf an insult, as it insinuates the individual is not pure-blooded.

Fingerwaggler: A slang term for a spellcaster, especially one wielding arcane magic.

Glowcap: A type of small mushroom found in deep forests. Glowcaps are found most easily at night, because they glow in the absence of light (it’s bioluminescent). Used for the creation of a sweet-smelling, soothing incense when purified and processed. It can also be used raw—the stem’s cut up, the cap crushed into a sticky paste, and both are put on a heat source such as a piece of coal or firewood—but it’s much less potent that way.

Golden Harvest, The: A high-class fine dining restaurant in the Nobles' District of Alexandria, known for its excellent ambient, amazing food, and prices to match. It is notoriously hard to get reservations for. Its namesake is a marble statue of a human woman holding a full, golden cornucopia, positioned in the center of its two-level dining hall.

Green Hornet: A popular drink primarily among mages and artists for its vibrant green hue, a Green Hornet is a generous amount of Vihrea liqueur poured over honey and garnished with candied lemon peel (Myrana Tarris is rumored to be the inventor).

Hair Tonic, Perriman's: Originally invented by a gnome for the purpose of winning elaborate mustache contests, this alchemical tonic has become popular amongst adventurers that are often having their hair blasted off by fireballs. It is guaranteed to grow hair back in a matter of hours. Perriman makes no guarantee that it will grow back the same colour. Buyer beware.

Hornface: The Am’sheran term for a triceratops. Employed as mounts and beasts of burden by some Am’sheran clans.

Hymnweaver: An honorific used by some to denote an individual who can tap into the power of the Eidolon Hymn (or, in game terms, anyone with levels in the Bard class).

Ithquent Vethlexri: An Am’sherian box fashioned in heavy wood, with the larger ones treated with spells to preserve them from jungle rot. The surface is often scribed, by claw, with symbols of a god, demi-god, or important hero. The box acts as a container for prayer/blessings dedicated to this figure (though prayers to others may be added by guests or extended family, as appropriate). It has a lid and opening to hold offerings--usually things found in the natural world. These are usually placed near the entrance to sith’makar huts to ask for blessing/well-being for its inhabitants.

Kalanakin: Another name for the sith-makar and their related tribes, meaning “children of the dragon.” Name given by some human tribes of Am’shere.

Kir'kagal Bloodworm: Tiny, morbidly bloated blackish-red worms native to some parts of the Outlands, where they are sometimes used as a food item. "Mad Manny", one of the Academy of Sages' cafeteria's more eccentric cooks, insists on providing a bowl of these for every lunch hour despite the fact no sane person could possibly enjoy eating them. Students thus sometimes use them for dares.

Kobold Trotters: (Since: 839) Manufactured near the edge of dwarven mining towns, the Trotters got their name from a dwarf chasing a kobold out of his distillery, and "trotting" was the sound the kobolds made...right before he flung them against the wall.

In a twist of tradition, the Trotters come with a small lizard foot at the bottom. Supposedly this is a "kobold trotter," but actually belongs to a specific type of lizard found near the caves. The Kobold Trotter is an expensive, somewhat rare, ale although knockoffs may be found in shadier locales.

Lionheart Hound: Also known as the Myrrish Shepherd, a breed of large dog originally developed for herding and protecting sheep, but their intelligence, strength and loyalty has made them prevalent in many other fields. The player probably knows them better as the German Shepherd Dog.

McGree’s: A dwarven-run restaurant near the river in Alexandria, known for its ability to transform otherwise healthy riverfish and seafood into greasy, deep-fried chow.

Mulblood: A slang term for an elfkin of visible Mul'niessa heritage. Not necessarily offensive in nature (though often spoken as if it were, as shadow elves are not well-accepted in the world).

Murkacian Snailsquid: A small creature that looks like the offspring of its namesake invertebrates, found in pockets of the Plane of Water. Traditionally consumed raw and swallowed whole. Much-loved by denizens of depths, but most humanoids are not fans due to the method of consumption. "Mad Manny", one of the Academy's more mentally unstable cafeteria cooks, insists they remain on the menu despite their low popularity.

Myr: A slightly perjorative form of “Myrrish” used by Stormgarders (and ornery Korites).

Patience: Another name for Vardama, and refers to Her patient, vigilant, and watchful nature.

Runish Firewine: A type of high-quality red wine only produced in Rune and very, very rarely exported. Recognizable by its vibrant color and rich taste enhanced by a tiny tingle of magic present in the liquid.

Sage Brew: A generic term covering a number of Alchemic potions, most of which are highly illegal. Consumption causes an increase in creativity, problem solving, memory, and general intelligence of the user. However, a similar drop in mental power occurs when the potion wears off. Additional doses not only heighten the effect, but extend the duration. But the following loss is also enhanced, and abuse can bring lasting damage. Sage Brew is often used by ageing Artificers looking to make one last great Masterpiece. Such works often run amuck when the potion wears off and the Artificer can no longer control his creation. Or remember that he made it. Or, in extreme cases, remember why breathing is important.

Scarring Salve: Contrary to how it sounds, the salve does not cause scarring. Rather, it removes any scarring, blemishes or marks from the skin, leaving it baby-fresh. It's a popular base for many brands of alchemical cosmetic, and is often purchased by adventurers to remove unsightly marks such as those earned by being covered in boiling oil then set on fire. Without it, the adventuring world would be a much uglier place.

Sea's Warden: Also "Warden of the Sea". It refers to the Sea of Mana, and indicates an individual who follows Animus' - and more recently, Eluna's - teachings of nurturing and furthering magic. This title is self-given and not formally enforced, making it difficult to tell if someone who's chosen to use it truly harbors such beliefs. Followers of such doctrines look disfavorably on those who take up the title without due dedication.

Salve Mark: In a slave owning culture, such as Charn, slaves are frequently marked with the sign of their owner, what skills they possess, and any important details, such as escape attempts. While many slaves are given tattoos or brands, entertainer slaves, such as dancers, who frequently change owners, are more often marked with a long lasting skin dye. While orginally a mark of ownership, a slave may come to bear his mark with pride. While many ex-slaves choose to hide their marks, or have them removed, others flaunt their past, proud of what they have lived through.

Sunblade: A paladin in the service of Daeus.

Sunguard: A cleric or priest in the service of Daeus.

Sunset Children: The name some hobgoblins use when referring to themselves. It stems from one of their myths of creation, which cites the gods created them from the last rays of the setting sun, resulting in their distinctive skin hue (orange, which they also consider a mark of the gods to display their strength) and their ability to see in the dark.

Sunset Skies: An Alexandrian alcoholic cocktail. Its name stems from its coloration: a light orange with streaks of yellow, red and purple. A quality version of it is served at The Duel. (See: Duel, The)

Softskin: A sith-makar name for a nonscaled, sentient species. Usually a human, elf, or so on. Its use need not be discriminatory.

Sopor Venenum: A carefully measured mixture of beetleroot, jade seaweed, drakedust, glowcap, and other substances. The concoction is overall a mixture of sleeping charms, muscle relaxants, and alchemy that ensures a deep, dreamless slumber. Invented for use for nighmare suffers, it looks like the very thing it banishes: a nightmare in a bottle, a black viscous liquid. It puts the imbiber in a dreamless sleep that resembles a temporary coma. Dangerous in large quantities, or for extended use. Sopor is nicknamed “Draught of Liquid Death,” because of the coma-like state it induces.

Stations of the Dragon: A ritual path taken before blessing a sith'makar's home. Reference with input and ideas from various folks.

Tallman: A catch-all term for elves, humans, orcs, half-breeds, blooded and everything in between. Used with frequency by a gnome from Clockwork Point, perhaps a common term there.

Terror Lizard: The Am’sheran term for any large, bipedal, carnivorous dinosaur. Most commonly used in reference to a Tyrannosaurus Rex (and technically only correct if used so), but can encompass any other species closely resembling it as well.

Theki: A game invented by goblins that plays similarly to “Battleship.” It comes in 2D and 3D variants, and the “battleships” are replaced with airships. The 3D variant is played with a specialized, mage or artificer-crafted board that sometimes includes pyrotechnics for when an airship is destroyed through the opponent’s guesswork.

Three Things: A children's game of memory and knowledge. Many versions exist, but in basic play, a topic is chosen, as generic or specific as the players care to name. The first player then states three facts about the topic. The next player then states three more facts. Any player who repeats a fact already made, or is caught in making an untrue statement ('caught' being the key word), is dropped from the round. The last player remaining gets a point. Highest points in a time limit, or first to a certain number of points, wins. Regional Champion Mikilos Mithralla has recently regained his title after a five year hiatus in the Lost City of Alexandros.

Vihrea: Made with natural plant sugars and herbs which give it its deep emerald hue, this anise- and juniper-infused liquor is nonetheless very much an aqquired taste. Can also (though less accurately) be used to refer to a Rum made with the same plants, though it is of course more diffused in colour.

Watcher: A cleric or priest of Eluna. It refers to their frequent positions as “watchers” of dangerous and arcane matters.

Whack-a-Mage: A game whereupon two people--preferably a bard and a sorceress--confront a wizard of dubious morals. The bard uses a wand of silence to keep the wizard from being able to utilize his or her spells, while the sorceress blasts the wizard with magic missiles and other painful spells. The object of the game is to watch the wizard run and fail to get away.

Winterwhite: Alcohol made by freeze distillation. In its simplest form, leave a cask of hard cider out in the snow overnight (thus the name “winter white”), then pour out what hasn’t frozen into another container; water freezes out, causing the remaining liquid to be more alcoholic. Hard cider becomes applejack (“jacking” being another term for freeze distillation).

With magic, of course, distillers can make applejack and other liquors at any time of year. Apprentice mages are hired to maintain chill temperatures (combination of Prestidigitation and Ray of Frost cantrips) in insulated rooms, the casks further insulated with straw and wool.

“Witness”: A warcry of Korite warriors, asking that Kor witness a specific deed of high valor on the battlefield. To be used for spectacular endings, not during a charge.

Velvet Gale: A non-alcoholic, refreshing fruit mix cocktail. Served with ice. Usually involves a number of both local and exotic fruits, and the type of fruits may change depending on what is in season. A version of it is available at The Duel. (See: Duel, The)

Younger's Juice: An Alexandrian version of the very potent, and lightly magical, liquor drink consumed by the people in Bruce The Younger's home. Younger brews Alexandrian Roundleaf Tea, see above. He adds 1 part tea, 1 part Vihrea rum, see above, and mixes. He then adds two tablespoons of Sopor Venenum, the powerful sleeping agent. This drink is NOT for the faint of heart.