Academy of Vengorod
A self-governing centre of learning, devoted to the classical arts and originally modelled off the Arkano. It occupies a precarious position in Venyk society, often at odds with the Senechal.
Arkano
An ancient centre of learning within the Oskan Confederacy. Established a tradition of learning that was emulated throughout the ancient world. Often associated with the Order of Magi.
Brakan, Principality of
The largest independent principality remaining on Ilza Kranag. It leads a loose alliance of petty kingdoms and lordships against Venyk-ruled lands of the south.
Bwgals
A reclusive race that has shunned life on the world’s surface. They are feared for their powerful magic.
Cae Valley
The second largest valley in the Ragfeld Mountain range. Wild and lawless. Its largest settlements are Skeinhold and Colfrick.
Congregation of the Faithful
A powerful, religious order based in Vengorod, founded by followers of Lazar. Noted for zeal and violent hostility towards anything deemed heretical.
Ffeniog
A semi-mythical race thought extinct. Called Veela in the Venig language.
Gwennefer, Queen
The last Prenig ruler of Ilza Kraneg. She was deposed by Gwilym Kasparu.
Hafran, Abbey of
Monastic community located within the Duchy of Mendoc. It was once an academy in the Oskan tradition modelled after the Arkano, before it was appropriated and reconsecrated in the Venyk religion by Gwilym Kasparu.
Ilza Kraneg
The island where the story takes place. The southern half is under Venyk rule while the north remains in the hands of indigenous Prenig princes. The name is Venyk for Island of Crannogs, a traditional Prenig fortification.
Kasparu, Gwilym
A Venyk warlord who crossed the sea from the mainland and conquered most of Ilza Kraneg, 80 years before the events in the story. The first Duke of Mendoc.
Lazar
A messianic prophet who founded a monotheistic religion, Lazarism. The religion forged the Venyk tribes and petty chiefdoms into a powerful kingdom. Believed to have been a simple ploughman who communed directly with God, his ministry was directed at the lowest orders of society.
Langorn
The seat of power and largest city in Brakan.
Magi, order of
A legendary association of magicians. Thought to have been wiped out by the Congregation of the Faithful.
Mendoc
A Venyk-ruled duchy and principle political rival of the Brechani. Ruled by the descendants of Gwilym Kasparu.
Oskana
A prawling confederacy of maritime city-states and kingdoms. A centre of trade, learning and culture in times past, its importance has waned through years of sporadic war with Vengorod.
Prenig
Refers to the language and ethnicity of the native people of Ilza Kraneg.
Skein
The thread of all living things. Pagans believe it forms part of the Weave, the fabric of the universe. It can be manipulated by the highest order of Weavers.
Skeinhold
An independent minor lordship in the middle of the Cae Valley. Though self-ruled, its allegiance has typically aligned with Langorn.
Seneschal
The title given to highest-ranking priest of the Congregation of the Faithful. Considered by most to be the power behind the Venyk throne.
Ragfeld Mountains
A mountain range separating Mendoc and Brechani. Controlled by neither realm, it serves as a buffer zone.
Weaver
A professional class of bards, lore keepers and magicians native to Ilza Kraneg.
Vengorod
A large, theocratic kingdom that spans most of the continent and the southern half of Ilza Kraneg. It is also the name of the kingdom’s capital city.
Venyk
Refers to the dominant language and ethnicity of the Kingdom of Vengorod.