Lexicon & Lore

Minor spoilers ahead!

Looking for maps of Nuama? Click here.

Meet the MC’s here!

Terms appear alphabetically and with pronunciation shown where applicable — this is a work in progress because I spend most of my time writing 😉

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Term	Definition
Aesplied (es-play-ed)	A nebula visible from Nuama.
Afir’nak (af-er-nak)	A Mamlakah on the western coastline of Themias, on the outermost curve of the Inner Crescent.
Afrid (af-rid)	The learning chambers near Corestone for Sestras whom are part of the Empress’ family.
Age of Consent	The age at which a Sestra can consent to intimate relations. Generally, this is judged by maturity rather than number of annums. However, if a Sestra wishes to engage in intimate relationships, they must first have the approval of their Mother or one of the local Ensheduana—this is a safeguard that protects everyone, especially the younger women.
Ahurewah (uh-who-rah)	Former Empress. Mother of Thelyrah, Grandmother to Minah, exiled the Fa’loom known as Amaz.
Airtender	One who can communicate with air, moving it into sustained pathways for flight, among other things.
Angsanga Tree/Forest (ang-san-gah)	A very tall type of tree in Nuama that grows on the main continent of Themias and the island of Isïn. Could be compared to a Meranti tree in height, but is much stronger and wider, with many more branches. It’s bark falls off regularly and is used as oil for lubrication, moisturizing, and tending to pinfeathers.
Animalguider	One who can communicate with animals. This is accomplished over many annums of practice. The most accomplished animal-communers can understand an animal’s wishes from hundreds of yards away.
Annum	A measure of time, similar to one year. This is measured by the cycles of the Sister Moons.
Aöfina	An ancient plant that grows only on Ölmez Lushae, also the name of the temple located there.
Asikol	Word referring to the sexual organ of a genderfree person. Generally, it is nestled inside folds and resembles a large clitoris. An asikol swells quite a bit during arousal, and it is possible to “squirt” from it, though it contains no semen. Those who have an asikol do not have yezari (testicles), and so they cannot impregnate a woman.
Avodea	A succulent plant used to make a strong alcohol similar to blanco tequila. Grows mostly on Isle Danuē, though it can be found on the western side of The Inner Crescent, some islands of Kitsua, and Ga’hueal.
Awakener, The/Goddess Nammu (nam-muu)	The Awakener is an ancient, divine figure revered as the creation deity in this world. Women/Sestras are created in Her image. She has been “missing” for over nine thousand annums, though echos of Her are sometimes heard in the firma.
Azurestones	Precious blue gemstones used as adornments.
Bando plant/leaf/root	A plant with pale green leaves with dark green veins. Mostly it grows in Groveholds and jungles, some women propogate them in their dwellings for decoration. It’s roots are used as a tincture for pain.
Belaruhse Crystal (bella-ruse)	A type of crystal which is capable of absorbing memories via blood.
Bia’len	The ship that Minah et all travel on.
Biosilk	A thin, translucent barrier that allows air to pass through while keeping out insects, debris, and inclement weather. Usually used to cover a Skygate or Skypod.
Blackstone	A powerful crystalline temple archive that holds memories of Ihatithre—plays a crucial role in the Rite of Acceptance.
Bloodletting	An event that has happened a few times in Nuama’s past, refers to culling a large portion of the male population when they rebel too much.
Byostea (by-o-stee-ah)	A type of fruit which is deep purple in color, used for dying clothing and also for eating.
Cloudweaver/s	Women and genderfree people who have chosen their main form of barter to be transporting materials and goods around Nuama. Many Cloudweavers begin serious training for this role around thirteen annums, taking solo flights in trade for short distances by the time they’ve reached the age of consent. The best Cloudweavers usually become Airtenders.
Cloudweaver’s Keep	A grouping of massive natural stone towers. Cloudweavers have their headquarters here, though it is much less like a military outpost than we would imagine. It’s more like a small village that happens to be made up of all Cloudweavers and their families. There are gatherings of Cloudweavers here a few times an annum.
Conclave/Closed Conclave	A meeting, generally of Haporai, though sometimes Cloudweavers and/or Ensheduana. Also refers to private meetings in general sense, and used as slang. IE someone might say ‘come have a closed conclave with me’ and they might mean we should have an actual meeting, a gossip session, or share sexual intimacy.
Conuta (con-oo-tah)	A fruit similar to a coconut.
Consort	A Sestra who is being trained by an elderess Ensheduana. The elderess who is training the consort is sometimes called a Guide.
Conven/Conven of Haporai (con-ven of hap-or-i)	Revealed in later chapters.
Conven Notations	Sacred texts that dictate and discuss precepts and laws, usually recorded at gatherings of Ensheduana at one of the Convens.
Corestone	A large communal residence carved from ocean-side cliffs, with many chambers, corridors, and rooms where the Empress and her extended family (except males) live. Technically there are dwelling outside Corestone for male servants and Fa’loom, though in practice, some do stay most nights in Corestone with their Keeper or whomever has retained their services.
Creatress	A term sometimes used in Privöt instead of Goddess Nammu or The Awakener, a regional variation of language rather than belief.
Crystalline Archives	A repository of recorded knowledge and wisdom within Blackstone, Sunstone, Vipera, and other temples across Nuama.
Curcubita (cur-cur-bee-tah)	A vegetable eaten in Nuama, usually spiced or drizzled with oil, eaten raw or cooked. Spiced curcubita is one of Minah’s favorite foods.
Dar’kat Mounts (dar-kat)	A mountain range in the northeast of the continent of Themias, beyond the Kopu Range, known for dangerous winds. No one ever flies near those Mounts.
Dihge Fruit (dih-gay)	A type of fruit that grows in many parts of Nuama, including near Corestone.
Dimonda (Dimo)	Te’ire’s silkenpup who is technically wild, but follows him everywhere.
Duug (nomenclature)/Uksilasha Duugsig (uk-sil-ash-ha doog-sig)	A place where young males, called Nauciti, are trained to become Fa’loom (or servants if they do not pass their Fa’loom training), after reaching the age of consent, they are chosen by Sestras to serve them in the domestic and sensual arts.
Duug Respodesa	The duug where Tuheru trained to become a Fa’loom, also the duug closest to Corestone, only about a 2 minute flight away.
Emberfruit	A type of dark fruit that makes very good jam.
Embercourt/s	Outdoor arenas in every Mamlakah where males of all paths train in strength, speed, and endurance. IE, an outdoor gym of sorts.
Ensheduana (en-she-doo-an-ah)	Priestesses, midwives, teachers. Essentially, any feminine role in Nuama that requires at least some access to the crystalline archives.
Es’ilāha (es-ee-la-ha)	A nebula appearing only in the southern skies.
Evermate	A (often) lifelong bond between two or more individuals, most commonly between women, genderfree, or one of each. While friendships or romantic dynamics may shift over time, Evermates typically remain close throughout their lives. Choosing a male as an Evermate is rare and highly discouraged due to the risks involved, as evidenced by events leading to the most recent Bloodletting. Only Sestras and genderfree may choose an Evermate, and only after reaching the age of consent.
Eivooa	A type of small bushy tree that makes a small pitted purple fruit similar to an olive. They are crushed to make an oil that is good for cooking and eating.
Expanse of the Deep	The northernmost waters, seldom traversed but rich in resources. Flying isn’t possible here due to high winds, and only the bravest ship captains risk these waters.
Fa’loom (fa-loom)	A caste of men trained from birth to serve Sestras in domestic and intimate capacities, including sensual service. They are allowed to keep their varapos (penis).
Featherplay	Sexual intimacy, related sensual acts. Nuamans use this word the way we might say someone is ‘having sex’ whether that’s with fingers, oral sex, or by using their actual sexual organs.
Festival of Soluné	A gathering held whenever a Mamlakah decides to have it, and for whatever reason—may include an artisan or trade market, musicians, dancing, plays, other forms of entertainment, or simply be a gathering with food and drink. Sometimes Fa’loom and servants are invited, often they are not.
Fiera (fi-era)	A substance that only women and genderfree are allowed to consume. Depending on how it is prepared, it can be either hallucinogenic or have effects similar to that of strong wine.
Firesinger	One who can communicate with fire, and bid it to grow hotter, smaller, etc.
Firma	The mysterious and permeable boundary between Nuama and Ihatithre.
Ga’hueal (gah-huel)	A hot, dry island where disobedient and dangerous men are sent. On average, 20-30 males are sent there each annum, so the island is very sparsely populated. Cloudweavers guard the males who reside there.
Gehkan (geh-kan)	A Mamlakah on the northwestern coast of Themias, bordering the Lirien Drifts.
Groveholds	Wild-ish forests throughout Nuama. Some are what we’d call jungles, others are more temperate. Located near Mamlakahs, they are lightly maintained and managed so as to continue to provide abundant food and resources. Animals of all sorts can be found in these vast natural spaces. Footpaths through these forests are sparse, as Sestras fly wherever they wish, and males rarely have need to walk between Mamlakahs.
Guide	An elderess Ensheduana who is training a younger Sestra. The younger counterpart is called a Consort.
Hagate (ha-ga-teh)	The northernmost Mamlakah in Nuama, on the eastern side of Themias.
Hailue crystals	A reflective type of crystal often laced through with biolumen.
Ha’luneafe tree	A tree growing mainly around the Talmare Basin. Large roots that help it cling to the sides of the bluff. Most parts of the tree are useful. The leaves are used for seasoning, it’s nuts for eating, and it’s bark for making baskets and other types of vessels.
Haporai (hap-or-i)	A specific role within the Ensheduana. These women have access to restricted archival materials within the temples.
Hearthfire Smoke	Smoke from communal fires, sometimes used for ritual purposes.
Hungalu (hun-ga-loo)	An animal like a gazelle, yet with more fat. Has six legs. Red meat. Consumed in plains areas such as the Lirien Drifts and Forest of Grass, when herds need culled.
Husla	A sweet dish similar to ice cream or honey-flavored Greek yogurt.
Ihatithre (i-hat-it-ear)	A nightmarish realm created by the traitorous male known as Enlieanu.
Iltharin	A fruit and honey concoction eaten as a dessert.
Isahore (is-uh-hor)	Thelyrah’s second-favorite Fa’loom and one of Tuheru’s closest friends at Corestone.
Isïn (iss-in)	An island to the west of the main continent of Themias. The Talmare Basin and other locations of plot importance are located here.
Isle of Sai (isle of sigh)	The island where Te’ire, Sai, and Amaz live in exile, chosen by Sai for it’s untamed, wild beauty.
Jacintha (jas-sin-tha)	A sunset-tinged gemstone.
Keep	Generally, an inner courtyard where supplies are kept in alcoves. Part function, part relaxation space for Fa’loom and servants. Sometimes there is a fountain or benches, some keeps are quite small. Cloudweaver’s Keep — see entry above.
Keeper	A woman who ‘keeps’ a Fa’loom, rather than simply hiring them as needed from the closest duug. She must be willing to take responsibility for him and all his actions, and provide living quarters for him. Many Sestras choose not to undertake ‘keeping’ a Fa’loom, instead borrowing one form the nearest duug for a few nights when the mood strikes.
Kopu Range (co-puu)	A mountain range in Nuama that stretches from the east to west across the northern end of the continent of Themias. A natural barrier between most of the continent and The Wildlands, a barren place where no one ventures. The Dar’kat Mounts are between them and The Wildlands along the eastern edge of Themias.
Kuujia Tree	A tree growing mainly on the wetter isles of Kitsua. It’s bark and leaves are used for baskets, etc. Its flowers and fruit attract primates similar to bonobos.
Lake Tiv’esh (tiv-vesh)	The largest lake on the central continent (Themias), renown for its depth and bioluminescent creatures within.
Larkivite	A violet-speckled gemstone.
Liaspure (lie-as-pure)	A word referring to the vagina or, more specifically, the clitoris. Can also refer to a carved tool used to strengthen the tongue and/or build the stamina of one’s varapos so as to better provide pleasure for a Sestra.
Laiokin (lie-o-kin)	An overcoat or shawl that can be tied at the waist. Mostly used in northern climates.
Leafite (leaf-ite)	Sparkling green gemstone, prized for it’s swirls of shades of green.
Lumen/Biolumen	A mysterious material that Sestras utilize in their Visitations to Ihatithre.
Mamlakah/Minor Mamlakah/Matriarchal Mamlakah (mam-lah-kaa)	The equivalent of a city, town or village. A minor Mamlakah is smaller Mamlakah, though it’s considered rude to point this out. A Matriarchal Mamlakah is one that ‘rules’ over a region, such as Kitsua or Themias. Corestone is the Matriarchal Mamlakah of Themias, and of Nuama as a whole.
Malave (ma-leh-ve)	A highly-scented flower. It’s leaves are used in cooking and are similar in taste to tarragon.
Mineralshaper	Someone is is proficient at the skill-based practice allowing manipulation of stones, gems, crystals, soil, and other types of minerals.
Mujarol (ma-ja-rool)	A type of tree that only grows in Isïn. Very broad trunk, with delicious fruit, and bark that can be used for dying garments.
Muwsah (ma-wa-sa)	A fermented honey drink, milder than Fiera, and thus suitable for males. Sometimes laced with mint or other herbs, similar to mead.
Nammu/Goddess Nammu (nam-moo)	A name for The Awakener, mostly used in outlying areas.
Nauciti (naw-saw-tie)	Young males in training to become either Fa’loom or servants.
Neppi (nep-pee)	A Mamlakah on the southern tip of Danuē.
Nithwea Leaf (nith-way)	Nithwea is a bushy type of plant with strongly-flavored leaves that are used to make a hot drink, similar to what we would call tea. The bushes grow wild in most parts of Nuama, the twigs are sometimes used to make baskets.
Nuama (noo-ah-mah)	The world on which this saga takes place.
Nuami	The “people” of Nuama, a person from Nuama. Example — “the Nuami trust The Awakener will someday return.”
Obsidianite	A dark gemstone used for trade.
Occurrence	Generally used to refer to the events that caused a Bloodletting, though sometimes Bloodlettings are called an Occurrence. Context matters here.
Palosona (pall-o-so-nah)	A type of tree whose oil is used for sensual and ceremonial purposes. Generally not used for food preparation.
Pathoa (path-o-ah)	A bushy plant with thick green leaves that are used to make tea, and can also be used as wraps to contain meats and vegetables.
Pathosae (path-o-say)	A secret, hidden valley between the Kopu Range and Dar’kat Mounts where Te’ire spends much of his time.
Plantspeaker	One who can communicate with plants and ask them to grow in particular ways, such as Horahli does in Book Two, to make her dwelling.
Plurolma (plurol-mah)	A sacred, divine realm where souls rest under the protection of The Awakener.
Plumgrass	A type of thick grass similar to pampas grass, but softer. The thick, wavy stalks of the grass are topped with large clusters of tiny flowers that cause the stalks to droop and bend when in bloom. The flowers range in color from pale pink to deep violet.
Pouri (pour-ee)	A mourning term used for a grieving Sestra, meaning ‘Little Sestra in sorrow’.
Precepts/Ethos/Sacred Laws	Fundamental ethos that govern the society of Nuama.
Primary Consort	Usually refers to a companion. Can also mean one’s favored feminine assistant, such as Rasu when she accompanies Nisawe at the duug.
Rite of Acceptance	A sacred ceremony that any Sestra has the right to undergo. However, only those who can endure its trials may accept the Rite to become Empress. In recent times, few beyond the Empress’s own bloodline have chosen to attempt it, as the trials are known to cause profound emotional distress, and because for as long as can be remembered Nuama has been ruled by the Empress’s lineage and no outsider has ever succeeded in passing the trials. The ruling family traces its lineage directly from Esmuthelan, the first Empress of Nuama.
River Neith (neeth)	A river that runs from Lake Tiv’esh to Themias, ending in a very tall waterfall on the western side of Corestone that cascades into the ocean below.
Rho Opuche Nebula (row op-uu-shay)	Nebula Aesplied’s late-night companion echoes the sparkle and form of amorphous, billowing glass.
Sacred Ethos	A sacred text containing wisdom and information about Nuama through the millennia.
Sacred Knowledge	A highly protected level of wisdom, granted to select Sestras called Ensheduana via secret testing methods. The secrecy is in place not to manipulate, but so they are not disappointed or bitter if they don’t pass. If they do, they are given tattoos on their chest and wrists, if not, on their back and ankles. Most who pass the ‘tests’ become Ensheduana, although that’s not a hard and fast rule.
Sacred Oaths	The oaths that all women and genderfree take to protect one another and place one another first and foremost, over any male. When taking the Oaths, every women undergoes a miniature version of the trials of the Rite of Acceptance. Since taking the Oaths happens before the Rite, very few women continue forward with it, as the Oaths themselves are quite intense.
Servant	A male who is deemed unworthy of being a Fa’loom. This can be decided at any age, even after having become a Fa’loom. Servants do not retain their yezari or varapos (testes and penis).
Sete (set)	A writing tool for creating records of any sort, made of organic materials. This refers to both the part that is written upon, and the ‘tool’ that does the writing, which is sometime a fingertip, sometimes something else, such as a carved branch or even a gemstone or crystal.
Sestra	Women and genderfree.
Shaktia (shak-tee-ah)	A silky, oiled wooden tool in the shape of a vaginal canal, used by Fa’loom to practice self-control and endurance with their varapos.
Shud’arah (sh-ood-arr-ah)	A mourning ritual performed for those who have passed.
Si’hushu	A highly scented flower whose fragrance is so heady it can make one almost dizzy, but in a fun way.
Skygate	A large, open window through which women fly in and out of their dwellings. Covered with biosilk as needed to keep out insects, debris, or inclement weather.
Skypod	A form of transport for carrying goods or people through the air. Sometimes, this is how males are transported between duugs. Very strong Cloudweavers can carry one lightweight male for short flights, otherwise two Cloudweavers transport them. Skypods have straps of sorts that loop comfortably around the body of a Cloudweaver, with the person they are transporting hanging below. Some skypods are quite large, while others are small enough to be worn closer to the body for longer flights or when carrying lighter loads.
Slahel Vine (slaa-hell)	A plant with stunning flowers, though not incredibly fragrant. Grows throughout most of Nuama in temperate and tropical climates.
Songwriter	A woman who composes music.
Soothsnake	Creature whose venom has medicinal and spiritual uses.
Spollcas	A type of ocean animal that is eaten throughout Nuama. Taste is a cross between scallops and salmon.
Stewarda/ing	A Sestra who stewards a Mamlakah, a cross between a mayor and community planner. These Sestras very often have 2+ Fa’loom to assist with household tasks.
Studyhold	A private room where Sestras conduct household and communal business. IE, an office of sorts.
Sunsprawls	Open-air spaces used for taking off for flight, and also as gathering spaces.
Sunset Hollows	Large stone basins carved into the cliffs of Corestone and other cliffside dwellings, used for private lounging and conversation.
Supplication	Ritualistic event where devotion, pleasure, and reverence for the Empress and The Awakener are demonstrated through sensual acts.
Talmare Basin	A basin on the island of Isïn. The temple inside the basin is called simply ‘the Temple at Talmare’. It is smaller and older than most other temples in Nuama.
Temptress	A woman trained in sensual and sacred arts whose role is to tease and tempt males who wish to become Fa’loom. They ‘work’ at duugs, but do not live in them.
The Awakener/Nammu	The Goddess deity of Nuama. She created Nuama and many other worlds before vanishing the day that Enlieanu created Ihatithre.
The Den	Gathering place inside Corestone.
The Wildlands	A vast, uncharted expanse beyond the Kopu Range and Dar’kat Mounts. It is said that no one has ventured there in millennia, and its true nature remains unknown.
Themias (thee-my-ahs)	The name of the main continent of Nuama.
Unbroken	The meaning of this word is revealed in later chapters.
Unchilded	Not ever having been with child.
Uru (oo-roo)	The term for the sacred place within a Sestra’s body that denotes both the uterus and vaginal canal. It is the vessel of life, where new beings are formed and brought into existence, and is revered as a site of divine power and creation. The Uru is honored in Nuama’s spiritual and societal traditions, with Ensheduana tending to it as part of their sacred duty.
Varapos (var-ah-pos)	Penis.
Vellafruit	A glowing, orb-shaped fruit that grows almost exclusively on the isles of Kitsua.
Velnum bush/plant	A type of bushy plant growing in and around Hagate, the bark of which is reddish pink. It’s fallen branches are ground up and used as a cosmetic to stain the lips and cheeks.
Voebei Tree	A type of tree that grows mainly on Themias. It’s branches are strong and shed regularly, so they are used for furniture. It’s leaves can be used an as antiseptic, and it’s oil has a lovely smell, similar to eucalyptus.
Waterwhisperer	One who can communicate with water, asking it to move in certain ways, etc.
Windblown Range	Small mountain range on the northwestern side of Themias. This is where the semi-active volcano, Mount Nammu, is located.
Writbearer	A Haporai who has charge over a Fa’loom for services such as spying on potential traitors, assistance in the crystalline archives, etc. A position of high responsibility. Very few Fa’loom in Nuama (Demuter among them) are in a trusted enough position to have a Writbearer instead of a Keeper.
Xul’shuda (zul-shoo-dah)	A ceremony where the removal of a young man’s varapos and/or yezari occurs. They are asleep for this and do not remember it.
Yezari (yez-are-ee)	Testicles.
Youngling/Youngling Sestra	A young woman/genderfree, referring to someone between the ages of birth to nineteen annums, though some Sestras use the term more simply, to refer to any Sestra who is younger than they.
Zaht’eve (zat-eve)	A ceremony where women choose their Fa’loom, held several times each annum in each Mamlakah throughout Nuama.

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