Northern Gondwana Phrase Guide, Prover bs & Glossary
| Phrases & Proverbs of the Zharzhanjah | Glossary of Northern Gondwana Terms |
Glossary of Northern Gondwana Terms
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |Aba (or abba). Robe resembling a modern-world "graduation gown," worn primarily by dervishe s.
Agal. Cord or group of cords designed to hold a keffiyeh or headcloth,snugly to the head.
Ajami. Foreigner. Wierdling. Also the name given to certain specialist classes of wizards.
Ajami Fatun . Renegade Pyromancers
Ajami Naal . Wizardly Specialist of the Arts of Enchantment, Illusion, Charm and spells of the Mind (Lesser Naalite magic)- see Ildjik Naal.
Ajami Hkarthe . Geomancer
Ajami Necroz . The Necromantic Wizards of H'kartha h ave become little more than bazaar mages, superceeded by the Qaar Necroz (see below)
Ajami Gedur: . Thaumaturge (Elementalist)
Ajami K'aala. Literally Knower of the Wierdings, a type of desert mage focused on alteration magi c.
Ajami Taor .Generalist Mage see also Ka'al
Ajamikyprojtaor Mage/spies of the Kyprosi
Ajamisheeka Mage/Warriors of the Ishandeshee
Ajamisheera Mage/Spies of the Vashaleyneshee.
Ajael .Outworlder, Demon
Ajael-Ulak-Muhjad . Term usually used for Pelai stormtroopers such as the Atyri. It also can refer to other fanatical or crusader type warrior of outworld origins.
Ajaeloji Qar-Iljik .Iljik Summoners, evil magi of legend.
Akatai . Aquatic Lizardmen
Akataitaiske . The language of the Akatai (Aquatic lizardmen.
Al . The (definite article). As a prefix, it may also mean "the house of" or "the tribe of."
Al-Badia. Unflattering Muerrin term for the zharzhanjah nomads.
al-Ghadzul-Maraqhash. Region of al-Kholith, the Dragon's Jaw
Al-Hadhar.Unflattering Zharxhanjah term for Town- and city-dwellers of Northern Gondwana.
Alim. Learned man, scholar, sage, or wizard.
al-Kholith (al-Jholith, al-Zholith). - "The Anvil" Desert. Barren region of Northern Gondwana.
al-sa'lukkhaji .Vulture demons-Monsters of the Shifting Sands and the Pharaka Wastes
al-sa'lukkhaji djhashim .Vulture-demon Corsairs-See Pelai (Vulture-demon Corsairs)
al--Tretachme. Territory of the Tabrechi
Amir (or emir). Ruler of an Emirate.
Anawahr . City of ancient Upper Gebra-Salamwardu, now in the Utsu Jungle along the Greater Salawardu River below the First Cataract.
Anjar (pl. anajir). Grapple-type anchor.
Ariana Ancient region of Northern Gondwana now the Zholith (Kholith) desert. Dominated once by Lake Ariana which became the Taljiq-Saqqar.
Askar. The armed citizenry of settlements large and small.
Atyri. Once a nation of men, now hideously alterred into gargoylish forms by Illithids. The Hazkhat name for them is Gideth-yan-khei (Demon Warrior) from which the Muerrin word Githyanki is derived.
Atyrkhulak. T he language of the Atyri.
Bagh nakh. Also called tiger's claws, this weapon resembles a set of brass knuckles with spikes.
Bahriyin. Seaman.
Baiza. Silver or electrum coin of the Delta worth 50 c.p.
Balanj. Ship's cabin.
Balakhesh The Knower of Fates, lost god of the ancient Zharzhan
Bananiyah. Sailors.
Bandar. Port (as in Sams Bandar).
Barchan. Crescent-shaped dune, commonly at the desert's edge. The "horns"point away from prevailing winds.
Barijah. Small, 40-foot dhow that commonly serves fishermen, pearlers,merchants, and shore-dwelling pirates.
Bawara. Heavy anchor for sandy or muddy bottoms.
B eam. The width of a ship from gunwale to gunwale.
Birr . A silver or electrum coin of Muerrinstan worth 50 copper pieces.
Blood feud (Kanli). A battle, often long-standing, between two families, clans, or tribes. It typically beg ins when one side kills amember of the other, but feelsjustified in doing so. The other side disagrees and attempts to even the score, launching a cycle of one vengeance killing after another.
Blood Mage (Qaar Kaala) . One of the three mystica l orders of Necromancers (see Ajami Necroz)
Blood price (Diyyah Kaala). If a character is wrongfully or inadvertently slain, the blood price may be paid to his or her family by the killer of the killer's family, as just compensation.
Caftan. Flowing, ankle-length overgarment, often cinched at the waist with a sash.
Caliph. Spiritual leader and temporal ruler. There are no current rulers claiming the title of Caliph
Casbah. Castle or keep.
Chador. The modest dress of married Zharzhanjah women employing a full-body robe with a hood, plus a veil or cloth "mask" that may conceal even the wearer's eyes. Not commonly used by Muerrin or Kiresh women.
Corsair. Seafaring warrior.
Crown of Kolinthe . Artifact of Great Power, once the symbol of the Pharoahs of the Third Empire now thought lost to time.
Crystals of the Koori . Artifacts of Power, also known as the Crystals of Redemption
Culkhay Ancient city of Upper Gebra-Salamwardu, located in the Utsu Jungle near the greater salamwardu River, south of the Second cataract. It lies just north of the Third Cataract.
Daftar. Sailing instructions often used for navigation in place of charts.
Dhaigharu. A Demon Host
Dalasi . Copper coin of old Zharzhanistan worth about 20 modern copper pieces.
Dark Jouwabie . Evil Demon-God of the Howling Jungle. It is said that Dark Jouwabie sits on a magic throne, made of the bones of heroes and feeding off the lifeforces of the unfortunate people of Jakar (see Hjemanu). Dark Jouwabie is supposedly trapped in the city of Jakar (see also Janseef the Acrobat)
Darakhghar. Dust Dwarves.
Darakkhur . Language of Dust Dwarves
Daraq. Small, lightweight shield similar to the buckler, favored by desert riders. Also used for a small poisonous lizard unusually protective of its young
Daqal. Mast.
Dhabb (also dhubb). Large, edible lizard; "fish of the desert."
Dhow. A ship, particularly of Zakharan manufacture.
Didban. The ship's look-out.
Dinars . Silver coin of Muerrinstan wort h 10 copper pieces.
Dirah. The territory of a given desert clan, usually about 200 square miles.
Dirham . Copper coin of the Delta worth 1/10 of a silver piece or 10 brass terces.
Dishdashah. Simple tunic, usually worn by farmers and poor merchants.
Diwan. Court or council of a ruler.
Diyyah Kaala. See blood price.
Dolman. Loose, floor-length robe with sleeves.
Dorn . Mountain Dwarves of Tavreikreig.
Drachma . Gold coin of the Delta (rarely a platinum coin) worth 100 silver pieces.
Dusur. Oakum or cordage for caulking seams in a ship's hull.
Eldarkhis: . Ancient Elvish Script related to Fharul
Etaouri Gebhan Ghazim .Fellowship of the Gebhan Ghazim under the leadership of Ganthanor now part of the Etaouri Feyil Paal Taleyun Dyumbe
Etaouri Paal Taleyun Dyumbe Fellowship of the Demonstone, once dominated by members of the clan the Tabrechi, it was joined by members of the Etaouri Gebhan Ghazim so that it became the Etaouri Feyil Paal Taleyun Dyumbe.
Etaouri Feyil Paal Taleyun Dyumbe United Fellowship of the Demonstone
Fa'qir . Sages and Mystics, typically hermits in Northern Gondwana
Faris (pl. farisan). Holy warriors (Paladins)
Farul. The cursive script in general use throughout Northern Gondwana, it resembles arabic writing.
Fe z. Round felt hat, like a cone with a flat top. A tassel roughly as tall as the hat dangles from the top.
Gassi. Rock path between two sand dunes.
Gen. A small creature from one of the elemental p lanes, which may serve as a sha'ir's familiar. Types include daolani (earth gen), efreetikin (fire gen), maridan (water gen), and djinnling (air gen). Gen are cousin to the the Sandestin
Gebhan Ghazim . Alliance of warriors commonly called Rebe ls of the Delta, led by the mystic Venakro
Ghatazkhe Legendary race of Minotaurs who supposedly lived on H'kartha in ancient days.
Ghazim Holy warrior or crusader priest but of a less formal nature than a Paladin, a crusader.
Gilish. Ancient city of Upper Gebra-Salamwardu, located in the Utsu Jungle near the Greater Salamwardu River, south of the Second cataract. It lies half-way between the Second and Third Cataracts.
Gogul . Ancient city of Upper Gebra-Salamwardu, located in the Utsu Jungle near the Greater Salamwardu River south of the First Cataract and half -way between the ruins of Anawahr and Tilyit
Gondwanapal. Gondwana Common, Kiresh gondwanapal is a melodious dialect spoken in the Delta and desert. Muerrin is the dialect spoken in Muerristan. Zarzhani is a language closely related to Gondwana pal. Gondwanapal is written using the Farul script.
Greater Salamwardu The Great River of Gondwana, it is the Delta is the Delta of this river. The source of which is the vast Lake Khukos.
Griffinj Griffin rider
Guv the Avenger Avatar of Marduk, he was said to be a companion of Pallas and defender of Flage in times past, his cult has been in abeyance for many years.
Hakima. Wise woman; she has mystical abilities, including the ability to penetrate the veil of magic and perceive the underlying truth. See Haqim.
Halala. Copper coin of Muerristan worth 10 brass tierces.
Hammam. Bathhouse.
Haqim Shaman
Haram. Holy site.
Harim. Women's quarters; female counterpart to selama. Also refers to the women who spend time in those quarters.
Harrat. Field of volcanic debris.
Hassassinj Assassin
Haz . Desert Lizardmen
Hazkhat . Language of the Haz
Henna. An herb that produces an orange-red dye, which is used to beautify fingernails, toenails, and (occasionally) palms, soles of feet, and kyprosi foot hair.
Hjemanu The Dying God of Lost Jakar, city of Marvels. Jakar is located in the Howling Jungle . Hjemenu was supposedly overthrown from his rule over Jakar by Dark Jouwabie and condemned to a state of eternal torment, always dying and never dead.
Hjukkul . Ancient name for Gladiator
Hobu-Gholzur . Hobgoblin
Huzakh-Var. Region of al-Zholith, the Brimstone Hills
Ildjik Naal . Sorcerors involved in Naalite magic and the Dark Summoning Arts of Shadow-Conjuring.
Imam. High Priest.
Ins. Kiresh term of Ishandeshee origin which in Ishandir means an individual of one of the enlightened races of humans, elves,dwarves, and the like. Kiresh use the term to refer to the people of the Delta as opposed to barbarians (see
Nytheins).
Ishandeshee. Sea-elves
Ishandir . the language of the Ishandeshee
Ishtiyam. Ship's pilot or navigator.
Jal'al Kaleskhi .Cavalier, frequent puns with Jalla see below occur from those of the lower classes.
Jalla. Camel dung; useful for fue l and many other purposes.
Jama. Pulley block.
Jambiya. Curved, double-edged dagger commonly employed by desert dwellers.
Jazirat. Island.
Jellaba. Heavy "winter aba," worn over the traditional aba and usually made of wool or felt rather than linen.
Janseef the Acrobat Kyprosi hero of whom many exploits are sung. His most famous exploit is that he stole the jewel of Hathuk, the means by which Dark Jouwabie can leave doomed Jakar.
Jhargh az-Haz . Evil tribes of Haz also known as "black Haz".
Jummah. Ship's hold.
Kaal or Ka'al. Wizard or Mage see also Ajami Taol
Ka'al Shediur . Shadow Mage
K'aax-Kashaz . Haz Desert Ranger
Kahin. Term for Priests particularly those attached to ziggurats.
Kalishari Afreetikahj. Order of Pyromancers, in contrast to Ajami Fatun see above.
Kamal. Simple navigation tool consisting of a card and knotted line.
Kashabat. Wooden scaffold that serves as beacon and watchtower.
Katar. Short, easily-concealed weapon, sometimes called a "punch dagger."
Kavir. Salt/mud flat; a dangerous terrain in which a saltcrust lies directly over a sea of black, slimy mud.
Keffiyeh. Hea dcloth.
Khabb. Gale, typhoon.
Khann. A point in the compass--there are 32 different compass points for navigation.
Khayt. Stitch, as in the stitched hull of a ship.
Khazan Mujhallah. Desert riders, an order of f ierce zharzhanjah cavaliers.
Khuli-Asherath The "Womb of Asherath" Cave complex in a mesa south of Kyroz near the village of Mudkha.
Kiresh . Human nation of the Delta
Kohl. A thick, black powder, which, when moistene d, serves as a heavy eyeliner for men and women.
Khojah-Tretachme . An Oasis belonging to the clan Tabrechi.
Khojath Desert .Rugged montainous desert region boarding Muerrinstan.
Khoori . Scorpion-men of the High Desert
Koumiss. Drink of fermented mare's milk, very potent.
Kreigkhanghar .Great Rift, a Valley passing through the Howling Jungle and the Kingdom of Kreigkhanghar, the trade route to the Far Kingdoms and their prized jungle exotics.
Khakwazuli:. A. A variant of the Qaar Ajaeal known as the Khakwazuli (Spirit Hunters) are tolerated by the noble necromantic orders because of their work hunting down renegade necromancers and Qaar Ajael.
Kyproche . language of the Kyprosi (Kypros).
Kyprosi . Halfling nation of the Delta, gypsy nation of entertainers, diviners, mountebanks and rogues organized into "troupes".
Kyprosia .Kyprosi encampments either permanent or temporary.
Lamellar. Type of scale mail or banded mail made of overlapping metal (or other substance)plates (lamellas),connected by metal links.
Leben. A sour milk; staple of the Zharzhanjan diet.
Leptons. A great electr um coin worth about 1-2 modern gold pieces. Used in the old Empire and in Old Zharzhanistan.
Lokatha . A trickster goddess, for a time evil, now merely playful.
Lower Gebra-Salamwardu Ancient Name for the Delta
Mamluk. A slave warrior of Muerrinstan, raised for battle and for government
Mamlukdji Rawuniq .Slave entertainers who also are trained as bodyguards and sometimes as thieves service.
Markab (pl. marikab). A ship.
Matrud. Desert thieves; ther are outcasts from their tribes.
Mizen. Mizzenmast of a ship.
Mosque. A shrine other than a ziggurat in Muerristan
Motok God of the Were-Rats of Flage, an essence of the Elder Goddess Flage.
Mudabbir al-Markab. Ship's mate.
Muerrin . Moor, Human nation of the Coastal Kingdoms (Muerrinstan)
Muerrinstan .Also known as the Coastal Kingdoms
Naffatu n. Artillerists who man the Ishandeshee-fire throwers.
Naira . Gold coin of Old Zharzhanistan worth 5-7 modern gold pieces.
Najhuda (pl. nawakhid). The ship's owner, but not necessarily the captain.
Nargil. Coconut.
Nippya City of ancient Upper Gebra-Salamwardu, now on the Greater Salamwardu river in the Utsu Jungle just above the second cataract
Nyarlathotep . See Sethu
Nytheins Kiresh term for "barbarian" or person not of the Delta, derived from Ishandir
Nyrridian: Ancient mystical language found now seemingly only in Necromancer tomes.
Oculus. Eye decoration painted on the bow of a ship.
Ophidians . Ser pentine beastmen servants of Lokatha.
Paal taleyun Dyumbe Demonstone
Paisa . Silver piece of Old Zharzhanistan worth about 3 modern electrum pieces.
Papyri of Hushku Famed scrolls conta ining according to legend: the greatest secrets of the world.
Pelai . Offworld Reavers who utlize flying ships and are led by the Illithids
Phaerinz Spoken language of the Illithids
Pharaka Wastes The High Desert. An seemingly endless expanse of desert inhabited by the reptilian Haz and Kobolds, as well as Giant Sandworms, Koori (Scorpion men) and other hazards.
Plateau of Leng Dark and Forbidden region of northwest Gondwana
Qaar Necoz Practioners of the Great Necromantic Sorceries: The magic of Mind, Soul and Life and Dreams. The Qaar Necroz are its practioners. There are three Noble orders of Qaar Necroz:
There are also evil Necromancers known as the Qaar Ajael (Black Necromancers or Defilers. Who feed on the lifeforce of plants and animals to work their magics, leaving wastage in their wake. They com bine Necromancy, Conjuration and Evocation/Invocation. (See Khakwazuli).
- Qaar Kaala (Blood Mages): They are a combination of Necromancer, Conjurer and Evoker, they use the life force of animal sacrifices and even their own blood to work their magics.
- Qaar Twaro (Green Necromancers or Preservers) They are a blending of Druids, Geomage and Necroma ncer. They use the energies of life and death for the purposes of healing the damaged world of H'kartha.
Qaar Alrun (White Necromancers or Bone Mages. They specialize in Divinatory magic related to the Dead, Abjuration against Undead,Psyc hopomp and Putting undead spirits to rest.Qadi. Judge.
Qal'at. Fortress; a fortified keep, manor, or palace.
Qobolah . Kobold
Qinbar. Coir (coconut fiber) cordage for making ropes.
Qijah . Mythical city of Lost Souls.
Quintar . Gold coin of the Old Empire worth 500 modern gold pieces.
Quizathek Waypoint for the safe anchoring of magical portals. Such waypoints may be linked in a network.
Qutb al-gah. The pole star.
Rahmani. Book of sailing charts.
Ra'is. "Head," a title of respect, often used for those who hold civil posts.
Raqi. Title of honor bestowed upon wiza rds of reputation.
Rawun. Bards of the desert tribes--tale-spinners, lore-keepers, and entertainers.
Rawun Tiafah. (Tribal Loremaster)
Ringgits. Platinum coin of Old Zharzhanistan worth about 100 modern gold pieces.
Ring of Yulith . Ring of Time, artifact of great power, now thought lost to time.
Riyal . Gold coin of the Delta worth 10 silver pieces
Rubban. Captain.
Rubbaniyah. Ship's officers.
Rufiyaa. Gold coin of Muerrinstan worth 100 silver pieces.
Rupees . Gold coin of Muerrinstan worth 10 silver pieces.
Safinah. Ship.
Sahil. Coast.
Saj. Teakwood.
Salt bond. A formal bond o f hospitality between host and guest, which lasts 3 days. During that time the host takes responsibility for the guest'swell-being, and the gues agrees no harm shall come to the host--not by the guest's own hand nor by that of his or her family.
Sa l'uk. Thief. Achaic word for "Vulture" in Gondwanapal
Sa'luk Lithal Thief of Time
Saluqi. Desert greyhound.
Sambuk. The most common boat in Northern Gondwana, aside from the barijah.
Sandestins . Powerful Elemental Spirits related to the Gen.
Seddif-Khazom Region of al-Zholith, the Crimson Mesas
Seif. Also called "sand dune," it is the largest of all dune types. It runs parallel to the desert winds, has a sharp peak, is very rugged, and can extend for hundreds of miles.
Selama (selamlik). Men's quarters; counterpart to harim.
Sene . Copper coin of the Old Empire worth some 10 modern copper coins.
Sethu . Evil Desert Spirit, also called Nyarlathotep. Said to be th harbinger of the Great Old Ones
Shaddiss-Jaskaeli . Shaddow assassins of the Jharghaz-Haz
Sha'ir. A wizard with the power to command genies.
Sha'ir Kol. A wizard with the power to command diabolos.
Shari General term for Wizard or Sorcerer
Shari Famuluz Mage Apprentice
Shari-Wazir-Khokhazume Mountains of the Mystics, a taboo place.
Seddif-Khazoum . The Lands of the Crimson Mesas in the al-Zholith (Kholith) desert.
Shakrakah . The Staff of Portals, artifact thought lost to time.
Sheikh. A leader of a tribe, which may be large or small, and is typically nomadic.
shekel Silver coin of the Delta worth 10 copper pieces
Sherbet. Muerrin sweet fruit drink.
Shira. A ship's sail.
Sinn. Toothed anchor.
Star dune. Twisted mass of sand resembling a starfish.
Suq. Covered marketplace, typically at a city's center.
Suwar. Sailing charts or maps.
Tahrik min qad. A type of Zharhanjan legend that describes a holy warrior's(faris's) redemption following a downfall. Means "moving through the flame. It's origins are thought to be that of the Pyromancers of Jhoz"
Ta'ax Gharu .Mystical order of desert Hakima There purposes are an enigma but they are known for their good works among the desert tribes.
Ta'ax Kal'el .Fighter monk trained in the wierding way of the Ta'ax Gharu.
Tael . Silver coin of the Old Empire worth about 5 modern silver pieces.
Taliban . A major city in northern Muerristan
Taljiq-Saqqa. Region of al-Zholith, the Shifting Sands
Ta-Mu-Karesh .Ancient hieroglyphic writing system from the Age of Heroes.
Tavreikreig .Mountain Kingdom of the Dorn
Thoth-Atuk . Ancient Zharzhan god of Knowledge and Magic
Tiger's claws. See bagh nakh.
Tilyit.City of ancient Upper Gebra-Salamwardu now located off the Greater Salamwardu River in the Utsu jungle half-way between the first and secon Cataract.
Tijuil Summoners Also called Imagers, they are Dark magi of the Demon Cultists.
Tolar . Gold coin of the Old Empire worth about 50 modern gold pieces.
Tonai Lakes . Lakes in a large isolated basin beyond the Khojath desert
Tsil Ubainnik Ulathi .Means Place of all Places in Eldarrinsheeyan, the tongue of the Eldarrin Sidhe, the ancestors of all modern elvish nations. Its location is a mystery. It is t he nexus of all portals and quizathek on H''kartha and a link to the Nexus of Worlds.
Tufenk. Little more than a long blowpipe, the tufenk is used to project Ishandeshee fire across a short distance.
Tuqil (Sequins). Powerful magical crystals sought avariciously by mages and sages and by treasure hunters eager to satisfy this demand
Tuquil Islands .Beyond the Great Lagoons, these islands are the source of the valued Tuquils
Ulim. Plural of alim.
Upper Gebra-Salamwardu. Ancient region now the Utsu Jungle.
Uruk-khoz. Orcs.
Uruk-hai . Orcs of the citadel of Fel- Gador
Urukhoj . Language of Uruk-khoz (Orcs).
Utsu Jungle Thick tropical forest that hugs the Greater Salamwardu River and lying to the south of the Delta
Vale of Dooms . Route throught Mts. of the Mystics connecting the Great Salt Wastes with the Taljiq-Saqqar. It has Doomgate Pass on the southern end and Jhuzak Pass on the northern end. The Haz trading station called Sshuk'itzzz is located there.
Vashale . The language of Sand-elves
Vashaleyneshee Sand elves
Vizier. High-ranking advisor to a sultan or amir. Muerrin form
Wadi. Seasonal watercourse that floods but once or twice a year, and is otherwise dry and solid.
Wand of Tabor . Ancient artifact of great power, now thought lost to time.
Wazir. See vizier. Kireshian official
Whaleback dune. Dune resembling a colossal beached whale. It runs parallel to prevailing winds.
Xejol Va'al Maelstrom off the Jhoz coast beyond the Gauntlet.
Yildirim Ghazim .Thunderbolt Warriors of the Faith, a group dedicated to fighting the Pelai. They are lead by a Blind Mystic.
Yur-Philoch . Mysterious ancient glyphs of power from before the time of man, the High Arcane.
Yzarn . Demons from Tanar (the Abyss). They look like the creatures from the Alien movies and are sometimes commonly called the Demon-Bugs. They have been known to have been summoned by the Pelai during the reign of Marghash as shock troops.
Zarnath . City of the Ancient Zharzhan now Tel-al-Zarnatha
Zarzhani. Language of the Dervishes.
Zharzhanjah (also Zarzhanjah or Zarzhanzim) Dervishes of the Desert, desert human nomads.
Zaruq. Small ship, slightly larger than a barijah.
Zaohraiate . Throne of the Elder Gods. Artifact of unspeakable power, lost to time.
Zholith . Also Jholith and Kholith. Desert region of northern Gondwana.
Zelyanar .This monastic order is dedicated to the protection of the world of H'kartha. Rivals of the Hakima of the Ta'ax Gharu.
Zur-Illyain-Phaerinz Mystical written language of the Illithids
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