Glossary
Addanis: A former ally of Nerkush in the Great War.
Advanced Mind-Training Center: Located in Tizra. One of many 4th-level schools located around Nerkush for the training of youth in the final stages of their education.
Anindi Passage: One of several hidden gates that lead to Vonervyn, accessed only through the guidance of a gatekeeper who possesses a special invocation that will open it.
Astrogazer: A person who studies stars, planets, moons, and other celestial formations.
Atorma: A supposed state of true bliss that some foreign sages teach. They claim that once it’s reached, one transcends all emotion.
Ayan, Chepa: The leader of the band known as Golden Flight; stam player.
Birmez: An ally of Nerkush formed in the Great War and still currently allied with it.
Brace Estim: a brilliant but eccentric astrogazer, who became the original touch point. He was the first to postulate his multiple-phase program. This theory claims that visitors from other stellar systems have come to Ebben with the distinct purpose of not only saving the planet from destruction but also setting in motion an evolutionary plan whereby selected “touch points” will gradually be transformed into an almost godlike state of being.
Bracken Maetrek: Son of Kreswen and Myrus Maetrek. Born and raised in Tizra, he was a musician and seeker who grew tired of the out-of-date ideas of his parents as well as the leaders of his country. In his quest for truth, he followed the teachings of the edge-poets and became fascinated with the new alternatives being offered to him by a countercultural community located in Accad.
Brazen Eagle: An herb shop, eatery, and beverage bar located in an older district of Accad. Owned by a man called Bryten.
Brek: A drink much like cocoa. Mostly served warm.
Brish Tremiley: An enchanting girl with unusual powers who Bracken meets in Vonervyn, formerly from Toplana.
Bryten: Owner of a quaint eatery and beverage bar known as the Brazen Eagle.
Catine: A student at Tizra’s Advanced Mind-Training Center and a member of Frim Lieter’s astrostudies class. She becomes a “touch point”.
Cele-break: A vacation time.
Chepa Ayan: Founding member and leader of the band Golden Flight; stam player.
Cib Mingus: A miner, engineer, and leader of the sci-tec crew who was the first to discover the mine containing the mind-altering stones named after him.
Cleks: sandal-style hiking shoes.
Com-patch: A communication device worn on the wrist through which people can communicate through voice and text messages.
Comp-games: Games of competition held between students at mind-training centers.
Council: The administrative and law-enforcing branch of the ruling body of Nerkush. Also known as High Council and the Fathers.
Creeds of Adriyen: Oracular messages proclaimed by the sage Adriyen, believed by many to announce a new age of enlightenment sometime in Ebbern’s future.
Crumpts: Small nut-like treats, best when slowly roasted.
Crysar Canyon: A deep gorge located southwest of Demur near Roon’s home.
Cylac rotor: A device invented by Lish’s father that helped increase the productivity of Nerkushian farmers’ harvests.
Dalfang Niekolt: Guardian of the western gate to Vonervyn; a mysterious wizard.
Dec-i-cycle: A period of ten years.
Demur: An idyllic city on the Bay of Accad.
Dimishta, Son of Curaa: A member of the ancient Filanley race who lives in Vonervyn and acts as a guide for Bracken.
Disk People: Name given to a race of aliens that claims to have come from the Trion Star System; also called Trionites.
Ditten: The oldest of Bracken’s two younger brothers.
Duvalla: Roon’s female companion.
Ebbern: An earth-like planet circled by three moons located somewhere in the dimension of Markarovia.
Edge-poets: Minstrels who write and perform songs. Their lyrics often contain messages of protest against the current direction of the culture and politics of Accad. Many of them have been inspired by the ancient edge-poets.
Eier: Driver of Golden Flight’s trans-max.
Elcari Amaura: A former teacher at Bracken’s mind-training center with a prophetic gift.
Eliysim: An ally of Nerkush in the Great War.
Energy egg: A hand-size explosive that can be set to explode in different directions.
Eshtar Cosh: A gatekeeper for an alternate entrance to Vonervyn.
“Evek, Riynek, Scevek”: Special chant used by Dalfang to activate Fenessence powers.
Fathers, The: Elected but narrow-minded rulers of Nerkush who enforce their will through trooper-like law enforcement teams called the Pirax.
Fayliss range: A mountain range located in western Nerkush.
Fear, The: A state of mind that leaves a person in a state of heightened paranoia. Often occurring in individuals who have taken frequent journeys under the influence of the Mingus gem.
Fenessence: A sort of sixth-sense enabling the user to move objects by telekinetic powers, read minds, and perform other supernormal feats.
Filanleys: An ancient race that are refugees from their former homeland and now inhabit Vonervyn.
Fire pellet: A deadly projectile that is fired from a fire pellet igniter tube.
Fire pellet igniter tube: A weapon that fires deadly projectiles known as fire pellets. The pellets are placed in the tube and then projected out by the breath of the person using the weapon. It’s often used for its stealth-like characteristics. It’s not loud as other weapons when fired. As the pellet passes through the tube, it is activated and becomes weaponized. It explodes on contact and can kill or badly burn its victim.
Fistra: A large bear-like creature
Fitzebran: An explorer and archeologist who first proposed the theory of Ebbern being inhabited by another race early in the planet’s history. Fitzebran unearthed the ruins of Hidenglex and proposed that there had been another race on Ebbern in the distant past.
Flow register: A device in the drive of a trans-max or trans-rig that controls the flow of energy to the motion unit.
Flux-morph specialist: A transcendent being that uses a matter-shifter to manipulate matter to form various objects. He can also move these objects where he desires. Once he finishes, they always return to their original form. Some of these objects can be of great size.
Forest of Zorek: A deep and mysterious forest near the Sea of Auren north of Accad; home of Dalfang.
Form-links: A two-handled tool used for calibrating the flow register in the drive unit of a trans-max or trans-rig.
Frisq: A six-legged furry animal that lives wild in the desert of Raka.
Gatherings: Also know as Gathering Day. A weekly meeting where Nerkushians who follow the teachings of the Volume gather to discuss its principles and encourage one another.
Giismis: Four-legged blue furred animals. Several are kept in a pen by Brish Tremiley.
Global link: A system of communication using orbiting satellites that links all of Nerkush.
Golden Flight: One of the premier bands that are part of the Community.
Grawman: Gatekeeper at Wiscim’s palace.
Gray Power: A country located on the other side of Ebbern. In the past, their armies have started two major global wars. Many speculated that their leader was a reemergence of the Night Ruler. Those theories were later disproven.
Greatfall: A time of great global economic hardship that occurred when Bracken’s parents were in their early years.
Greenbrook: A small stream that flows from the eastern foothills and then through Tizra and on into the Plains of Umin, eventually ending in the Bay of Accad where it pours into the Sea of Auren.
Grey Winstad: Leader of the band Srinlyder.
Gumtas: Flat reddish round fruit found in the other dimensional world of Vonervyn.
Hall of the Fathers: A large building located in the City of Accad. It is where the leaders of Western Nerkush meet to make laws and rule the land.
Hi-Thought Corp: A group of sci-tec personnel who have become the arbiters of what is accepted as truth by Ebbern’s High Council.
Hidenglex: Ancient ruin uncovered by Fitzebran.
Hiffornak: A transcendent being that inhabits the upper regions of the Mingus realm. He claims to be a representative of Naacan (and is therefore sometimes called the Naacanite), a peaceful and timeless world beyond the reality Bracken has experienced in the nation of Nerkush.
Hololight projectors: Projection devices that create individual holo-images of members of bands and other groups that perform at the Sea Sphere.
Hover-eyes: Remote-controlled spying drones used by the Pirax to monitor those they are investigating.
Hydel Rivinfine: Great-grandson of Bracken Maetrek.
Hyslevix: A low-ranking but powerful minion of the Shadow Czar.
IVEX – HITH – MINAE - TRAE TRAE – VO - REM: An incantation that when performed properly will open the gate of the passage to Vonervyn.
Jippen: The fruit (also jipe) of the jippen trees that grow abundantly in the lower Plains of Umin and Nedi Forest. Bears some of the sweetest fruit on Ebbern.
Jippen tree: A fruit tree that grows in the lower Plains of Umin near the City of Tizra. It’s known for its sweet fruit and ripens during Par-Simtesh (New season).
Kempec: Bracken’s youngest brother.
Klime: Lisha’s closest girl friend.
Knasir Mountains: A high range of mountains in the other dimensional world of Vonervyn and home of the Palace of Wiscim.
Krem: A delightful beverage brewed to induce a slightly intoxicating effect.
Kutim Passage: An entrance to Vonervyn located in Eshtar Cosh’s home in Toplana, a northern city of Nerkush.
Lake Tibtem: A lake near Mt. Shidow known for its clear waters; also known as The Pool of Tibtem.
Ley Os: One of a group of self-appointed and charismatic leaders of the Community. His influence comes from the fact that he is a peddler of the Mingus stones and a promoter of their power to transform the society of Nerkush. He has developed a following within the Community and is a teacher and guide to Bracken, Golden Flight, and others like them.
Lisha Fleam: Bracken’s girlfriend and resident of Tizra.
Lower Throne Room: One of the many places where the Shadow Czar holds court. Located beneath the surface of Ebbern.
Luciene: An adjunct of Wiscim who interviews potential candidates for future positions in Vonervyn.
Lynrexs: Know as Full-warmth; similar to July–August.
Lyslaink: Flux-morph specialist.
Magni-scope: A bi-focal telescope.
Mantrik: Known as Bleak time; very similar to the months of December through February on Earth.
Matam: A large dark-feathered nocturnal bird.
Matter-shifter: A device used by flux-morph specialists to transform matter into different objects.
Michess: A guardian and watcher is a powerful trans-dimensional being that is also a servant of the Prince of Wonder.
Mind-Training Center: A school for young people ages 14–18.
Mingus dimension: A mysterious and multi-level world that is reached through the use of powerful stones known as the Mingus gems.
Mingus gem: (also Mingus stone, the gem, the stone): A stone that contains mysterious powers that, once swallowed, carries the user into higher dimensions both psychically and sometimes physically. The Mingus stones are found underneath Mt. Shidow. They were originally discovered by Cib Mingus, a scientist, researcher, and miner who led the sci-tec team that discovered the stones. He was the first to understand their mysterious powers.
Mingus mine: Named for Cib Mingus, leader of the sci-tec team that discovered the Mingus stones. Its location near Mt. Shidow and the Pool of Tibtem in southern Nerkush has remained hidden since the sci-tecs, under the direction of the Fathers, sealed the mine. Only a few of the maps to the mine remain, and those are closely guarded. But some have been released and are in the possession of stone peddlers like Ley Os.
Motion cloak: A garment with the power to allow its wearer to navigate rapidly to various places around Ebbern both horizontally and vertically.
Motion Unit: Part of the power-drive system for trans vehicles.
Multiple-phase program: A theory postulated by Brace Estim. It asserts that visitors from other stellar systems have come to Ebben with the distinct purpose of not only saving the planet from destruction but also setting in motion an evolutionary plan whereby selected “touch points” will gradually be transformed into a near godlike state.
Mydethees: A group of philosophers and healers who claim to have developed a therapy for calming nerves. They also claim to have the ability similar to Fenessence that allows them to channel messages from those who have died.
Naavin Shor: Musician; member of Golden Flight.
Nedi Forest: A forest near Tizra where Bracken and Kreswen spend many hours together during Bracken’s childhood.
Nev Broc: Musician; member of Golden Flight.
Night Ruler: A powerful transient being who appeared mysteriously in past ages of Ebbern’s history promising peace and prosperity for the planet. He was later exposed to be a being of incredible deception and evil who sought to enslave all those who opposed him.
Octi-orges: A monstrous creation that is half organic and half mechanical that is created by a flux-specialist to terrorize the inhabitants of Vonervyn.
Ogresen: A group of immigrants from the far western regions of Ebbern who brought their lifestyle and philosophy to Nerkush in past times. Several of the edge-poets were influenced by them.
old chants of the Ogresen
Omni-sensor: An electronic device that can detect the presence of electronic spying devices.
Par-Mantrik: Known as First chill; a time of year resembling Earth’s October.
Par-Simtesh: Known as New season; very similar to our April–May months on Earth.
Pillars of Rimlex: Spire-like rock formations located in the southwestern Plains of Umin.
Pirax: The armored, trooper-like law enforcement arm of the Fathers.
Plains of Umin, The: A farming area in the fertile inland valleys of Western Nerkush.
Pool of Tibtem: A lake near Mt. Shidow that was formed in a volcanic crater.
Prince of Wonder: A transcendent and wise being who manifested himself in the form of a lowly tradesman in Ebbern’s history and taught truth with a power and kindness never before seen on Ebbern. He imbued his followers with power over evil forces through the invoking of his name. But strangely, he himself seemed to be overcome by his enemies and died a tragic and brutal death by agents of the Shadow Czar. But his teachings are still held in honor, and many of the people of the Gathering seek to emulate his life. Some even believe he will appear again to bring a reign of peace to all of Ebbern.
Raka or Valley of Raka: A desolate, desert-like region of Nerkush located in the upper western part of the country. It is dominated by a farm owned by Terresh Shad.
’Rax: Shortened form and common nickname for the Pirax.
Ribbon Crags: Rugged mountains located in a desert region in western Nerkush near where the Destroyer Weapon was tested.
Rollion: A monster of a man who is the Foreman at Terresh Shad’s farm.
Roon: Naavin’s brother. A wealthy fan of Golden Flight and the owner of an estate in Oak Forest where the band sometimes stays.
Sapreism: A current ally of Nerkush, also was allied with Nerkush during the Great War.
Scis: abbreviated name for sci-tec team.
Sci-wizards: An elite group of sci-tec personnel that developed the World Destroyer Weapon and other weapons of mass destruction.
Sea of Auren: A large ocean on the western shores of Nerkush.
Sea Sphere: Floating dance hall on the Bay of Accad near the City of Demur. A concert center for many bands like Golden Flight, whose music has generated anthems for the Community.
Search-cred: Search warrant.
Semex: Hideous servants of the Shadow Czar. Some of the basest creatures of his forces, which inhabit some of the lowest regions of Shadow Czar’s underworld.
Shadow Czar: An evil trans-dimensional being of great power who ultimately desires to enslave and torture all the inhabitants of Ebbern.
Shadow watcher: A transdimentional being and member of the Shadow Czar’s army of servants. He is assigned to monitor, deceive, torment, and ultimate destroy those he’s targeting.
Shiferen tree: A broad tree with wide strong roots.
Shimmer-gate: An inter-dimensional portal that exists in the atmosphere above Ebbern. Named because of the sheen given off when opened.
Shurar: A great city that existed in Ebbern’s Fourth Age that served as the seat of the First Council.
Silas Yitha: Bracken’s childhood friend, classmate, teammate, resident of Tizra, and fellow seeker. He explores the wonders of the Mingus realm with Bracken.
Simtesh: Known as Warm hope; a season where the cold of winter starts to fade corresponding to the month of March on Earth.
Sky flyers: Fast-moving aerial transportation craft capable of hovering. Used by the Pirax.
Sphere-nexus: One of the commerce portals available through the global link.
Sphere-tracker: An orbiting satellite used by the Pirax for spying.
Srenken: Bracken’s grandfather, who operates a small farm on the outskirts of Tizra.
Stam: A guitar-like instrument with seven strings.
Strata-place: A nexus of several intersecting dimensional corridors.
Strieme: A powerful officer in the Shadow Czar’s army of minions.
Swaim: A forest animal much like a squirrel but slightly larger.
Tar-Lynrexs: Known as Late-warmth, it’s a time when the sea currents begin to cool the air on the coast and valleys; much like our September on Earth.
Tar-Simtesh: Known as Last warmth; the last days before the cold of Bleak time sets in. Similar to our November on Earth.
Terresh Shad: The owner of a vinweok farm in the Valley of Raka.
Theema: A form of mental torture that the Shadow Czar’s forces inflict on those they deceive. These shadow beings experience great pleasure through the torment they dispense on their quarry.
Touch point: A person who has gone through a mind-altering process that allows them to become representatives and oracles for the Disk People.
Trans-max: A large multi-passenger ground transportation vehicle.
Trans-rig: A four-to-six passenger ground transportation vehicle.
Trion Star System: A small but relatively nearby constellation covered by a cosmic cloud that contains about 700 stars; located near the Starry Pitcher.
Tristixsen Pythian: Female oracle who usually is accompanied by her female companions, Simish and Yssmey.
Vault of Records: A bunker where the High Council keeps documents and secrets they want to keep from the general public.
Vid-tel: A popular entertainment device in Nerkush.
Vinweok: A lumbering, fatty beast prized for its delicious meat; raised by farmers like Terresh Shad.
Voitqi: A tasty and intoxicating beverage served by many in Vonervyn.
Volume, The: An ancient book that contains the teachings of the Prince of Wonder and other ancient sages.
Vonervyn: An enchanting world existing in another dimension. It is entered by speaking a special chant at its gates. Vonervyn’s entrances are inter-dimensional portals hidden throughout Nerkush and watched over by guardians like Dalfang.
Welcome leaf: A bracelet-like wristband made of a special leaf found in Vonervyn that is given to new arrivals.
Wiscim: A highly revered and mysterious wise being who lives in a secluded palace high in the mountains of Vonervyn; he is rumored to be of great wisdom and authority.
Wogs: Small reptilian water creatures found in the streams and lakes around Tizra.
World Destroyer Weapon: A weapon of mass destruction originally developed by a Nerkushian scientist but now possessed by several countries on Ebbern.
Yiane: Known as First warmth; It corresponds to our Earth month of June.
Yono: A student in Professor Frim Lieter’s astrostudies class at the Advanced Mind-Training Center.
Ysinta: Bracken’s grandmother; married to Srenken.
Zyphon level: One of the higher regions and a connecting spot between dimensions located in the Mingus realm.
Addanis: A former ally of Nerkush in the Great War.
Advanced Mind-Training Center: Located in Tizra. One of many 4th-level schools located around Nerkush for the training of youth in the final stages of their education.
Anindi Passage: One of several hidden gates that lead to Vonervyn, accessed only through the guidance of a gatekeeper who possesses a special invocation that will open it.
Astrogazer: A person who studies stars, planets, moons, and other celestial formations.
Atorma: A supposed state of true bliss that some foreign sages teach. They claim that once it’s reached, one transcends all emotion.
Ayan, Chepa: The leader of the band known as Golden Flight; stam player.
Birmez: An ally of Nerkush formed in the Great War and still currently allied with it.
Brace Estim: a brilliant but eccentric astrogazer, who became the original touch point. He was the first to postulate his multiple-phase program. This theory claims that visitors from other stellar systems have come to Ebben with the distinct purpose of not only saving the planet from destruction but also setting in motion an evolutionary plan whereby selected “touch points” will gradually be transformed into an almost godlike state of being.
Bracken Maetrek: Son of Kreswen and Myrus Maetrek. Born and raised in Tizra, he was a musician and seeker who grew tired of the out-of-date ideas of his parents as well as the leaders of his country. In his quest for truth, he followed the teachings of the edge-poets and became fascinated with the new alternatives being offered to him by a countercultural community located in Accad.
Brazen Eagle: An herb shop, eatery, and beverage bar located in an older district of Accad. Owned by a man called Bryten.
Brek: A drink much like cocoa. Mostly served warm.
Brish Tremiley: An enchanting girl with unusual powers who Bracken meets in Vonervyn, formerly from Toplana.
Bryten: Owner of a quaint eatery and beverage bar known as the Brazen Eagle.
Catine: A student at Tizra’s Advanced Mind-Training Center and a member of Frim Lieter’s astrostudies class. She becomes a “touch point”.
Cele-break: A vacation time.
Chepa Ayan: Founding member and leader of the band Golden Flight; stam player.
Cib Mingus: A miner, engineer, and leader of the sci-tec crew who was the first to discover the mine containing the mind-altering stones named after him.
Cleks: sandal-style hiking shoes.
Com-patch: A communication device worn on the wrist through which people can communicate through voice and text messages.
Comp-games: Games of competition held between students at mind-training centers.
Council: The administrative and law-enforcing branch of the ruling body of Nerkush. Also known as High Council and the Fathers.
Creeds of Adriyen: Oracular messages proclaimed by the sage Adriyen, believed by many to announce a new age of enlightenment sometime in Ebbern’s future.
Crumpts: Small nut-like treats, best when slowly roasted.
Crysar Canyon: A deep gorge located southwest of Demur near Roon’s home.
Cylac rotor: A device invented by Lish’s father that helped increase the productivity of Nerkushian farmers’ harvests.
Dalfang Niekolt: Guardian of the western gate to Vonervyn; a mysterious wizard.
Dec-i-cycle: A period of ten years.
Demur: An idyllic city on the Bay of Accad.
Dimishta, Son of Curaa: A member of the ancient Filanley race who lives in Vonervyn and acts as a guide for Bracken.
Disk People: Name given to a race of aliens that claims to have come from the Trion Star System; also called Trionites.
Ditten: The oldest of Bracken’s two younger brothers.
Duvalla: Roon’s female companion.
Ebbern: An earth-like planet circled by three moons located somewhere in the dimension of Markarovia.
Edge-poets: Minstrels who write and perform songs. Their lyrics often contain messages of protest against the current direction of the culture and politics of Accad. Many of them have been inspired by the ancient edge-poets.
Eier: Driver of Golden Flight’s trans-max.
Elcari Amaura: A former teacher at Bracken’s mind-training center with a prophetic gift.
Eliysim: An ally of Nerkush in the Great War.
Energy egg: A hand-size explosive that can be set to explode in different directions.
Eshtar Cosh: A gatekeeper for an alternate entrance to Vonervyn.
“Evek, Riynek, Scevek”: Special chant used by Dalfang to activate Fenessence powers.
Fathers, The: Elected but narrow-minded rulers of Nerkush who enforce their will through trooper-like law enforcement teams called the Pirax.
Fayliss range: A mountain range located in western Nerkush.
Fear, The: A state of mind that leaves a person in a state of heightened paranoia. Often occurring in individuals who have taken frequent journeys under the influence of the Mingus gem.
Fenessence: A sort of sixth-sense enabling the user to move objects by telekinetic powers, read minds, and perform other supernormal feats.
Filanleys: An ancient race that are refugees from their former homeland and now inhabit Vonervyn.
Fire pellet: A deadly projectile that is fired from a fire pellet igniter tube.
Fire pellet igniter tube: A weapon that fires deadly projectiles known as fire pellets. The pellets are placed in the tube and then projected out by the breath of the person using the weapon. It’s often used for its stealth-like characteristics. It’s not loud as other weapons when fired. As the pellet passes through the tube, it is activated and becomes weaponized. It explodes on contact and can kill or badly burn its victim.
Fistra: A large bear-like creature
Fitzebran: An explorer and archeologist who first proposed the theory of Ebbern being inhabited by another race early in the planet’s history. Fitzebran unearthed the ruins of Hidenglex and proposed that there had been another race on Ebbern in the distant past.
Flow register: A device in the drive of a trans-max or trans-rig that controls the flow of energy to the motion unit.
Flux-morph specialist: A transcendent being that uses a matter-shifter to manipulate matter to form various objects. He can also move these objects where he desires. Once he finishes, they always return to their original form. Some of these objects can be of great size.
Forest of Zorek: A deep and mysterious forest near the Sea of Auren north of Accad; home of Dalfang.
Form-links: A two-handled tool used for calibrating the flow register in the drive unit of a trans-max or trans-rig.
Frisq: A six-legged furry animal that lives wild in the desert of Raka.
Gatherings: Also know as Gathering Day. A weekly meeting where Nerkushians who follow the teachings of the Volume gather to discuss its principles and encourage one another.
Giismis: Four-legged blue furred animals. Several are kept in a pen by Brish Tremiley.
Global link: A system of communication using orbiting satellites that links all of Nerkush.
Golden Flight: One of the premier bands that are part of the Community.
Grawman: Gatekeeper at Wiscim’s palace.
Gray Power: A country located on the other side of Ebbern. In the past, their armies have started two major global wars. Many speculated that their leader was a reemergence of the Night Ruler. Those theories were later disproven.
Greatfall: A time of great global economic hardship that occurred when Bracken’s parents were in their early years.
Greenbrook: A small stream that flows from the eastern foothills and then through Tizra and on into the Plains of Umin, eventually ending in the Bay of Accad where it pours into the Sea of Auren.
Grey Winstad: Leader of the band Srinlyder.
Gumtas: Flat reddish round fruit found in the other dimensional world of Vonervyn.
Hall of the Fathers: A large building located in the City of Accad. It is where the leaders of Western Nerkush meet to make laws and rule the land.
Hi-Thought Corp: A group of sci-tec personnel who have become the arbiters of what is accepted as truth by Ebbern’s High Council.
Hidenglex: Ancient ruin uncovered by Fitzebran.
Hiffornak: A transcendent being that inhabits the upper regions of the Mingus realm. He claims to be a representative of Naacan (and is therefore sometimes called the Naacanite), a peaceful and timeless world beyond the reality Bracken has experienced in the nation of Nerkush.
Hololight projectors: Projection devices that create individual holo-images of members of bands and other groups that perform at the Sea Sphere.
Hover-eyes: Remote-controlled spying drones used by the Pirax to monitor those they are investigating.
Hydel Rivinfine: Great-grandson of Bracken Maetrek.
Hyslevix: A low-ranking but powerful minion of the Shadow Czar.
IVEX – HITH – MINAE - TRAE TRAE – VO - REM: An incantation that when performed properly will open the gate of the passage to Vonervyn.
Jippen: The fruit (also jipe) of the jippen trees that grow abundantly in the lower Plains of Umin and Nedi Forest. Bears some of the sweetest fruit on Ebbern.
Jippen tree: A fruit tree that grows in the lower Plains of Umin near the City of Tizra. It’s known for its sweet fruit and ripens during Par-Simtesh (New season).
Kempec: Bracken’s youngest brother.
Klime: Lisha’s closest girl friend.
Knasir Mountains: A high range of mountains in the other dimensional world of Vonervyn and home of the Palace of Wiscim.
Krem: A delightful beverage brewed to induce a slightly intoxicating effect.
Kutim Passage: An entrance to Vonervyn located in Eshtar Cosh’s home in Toplana, a northern city of Nerkush.
Lake Tibtem: A lake near Mt. Shidow known for its clear waters; also known as The Pool of Tibtem.
Ley Os: One of a group of self-appointed and charismatic leaders of the Community. His influence comes from the fact that he is a peddler of the Mingus stones and a promoter of their power to transform the society of Nerkush. He has developed a following within the Community and is a teacher and guide to Bracken, Golden Flight, and others like them.
Lisha Fleam: Bracken’s girlfriend and resident of Tizra.
Lower Throne Room: One of the many places where the Shadow Czar holds court. Located beneath the surface of Ebbern.
Luciene: An adjunct of Wiscim who interviews potential candidates for future positions in Vonervyn.
Lynrexs: Know as Full-warmth; similar to July–August.
Lyslaink: Flux-morph specialist.
Magni-scope: A bi-focal telescope.
Mantrik: Known as Bleak time; very similar to the months of December through February on Earth.
Matam: A large dark-feathered nocturnal bird.
Matter-shifter: A device used by flux-morph specialists to transform matter into different objects.
Michess: A guardian and watcher is a powerful trans-dimensional being that is also a servant of the Prince of Wonder.
Mind-Training Center: A school for young people ages 14–18.
Mingus dimension: A mysterious and multi-level world that is reached through the use of powerful stones known as the Mingus gems.
Mingus gem: (also Mingus stone, the gem, the stone): A stone that contains mysterious powers that, once swallowed, carries the user into higher dimensions both psychically and sometimes physically. The Mingus stones are found underneath Mt. Shidow. They were originally discovered by Cib Mingus, a scientist, researcher, and miner who led the sci-tec team that discovered the stones. He was the first to understand their mysterious powers.
Mingus mine: Named for Cib Mingus, leader of the sci-tec team that discovered the Mingus stones. Its location near Mt. Shidow and the Pool of Tibtem in southern Nerkush has remained hidden since the sci-tecs, under the direction of the Fathers, sealed the mine. Only a few of the maps to the mine remain, and those are closely guarded. But some have been released and are in the possession of stone peddlers like Ley Os.
Motion cloak: A garment with the power to allow its wearer to navigate rapidly to various places around Ebbern both horizontally and vertically.
Motion Unit: Part of the power-drive system for trans vehicles.
Multiple-phase program: A theory postulated by Brace Estim. It asserts that visitors from other stellar systems have come to Ebben with the distinct purpose of not only saving the planet from destruction but also setting in motion an evolutionary plan whereby selected “touch points” will gradually be transformed into a near godlike state.
Mydethees: A group of philosophers and healers who claim to have developed a therapy for calming nerves. They also claim to have the ability similar to Fenessence that allows them to channel messages from those who have died.
Naavin Shor: Musician; member of Golden Flight.
Nedi Forest: A forest near Tizra where Bracken and Kreswen spend many hours together during Bracken’s childhood.
Nev Broc: Musician; member of Golden Flight.
Night Ruler: A powerful transient being who appeared mysteriously in past ages of Ebbern’s history promising peace and prosperity for the planet. He was later exposed to be a being of incredible deception and evil who sought to enslave all those who opposed him.
Octi-orges: A monstrous creation that is half organic and half mechanical that is created by a flux-specialist to terrorize the inhabitants of Vonervyn.
Ogresen: A group of immigrants from the far western regions of Ebbern who brought their lifestyle and philosophy to Nerkush in past times. Several of the edge-poets were influenced by them.
old chants of the Ogresen
Omni-sensor: An electronic device that can detect the presence of electronic spying devices.
Par-Mantrik: Known as First chill; a time of year resembling Earth’s October.
Par-Simtesh: Known as New season; very similar to our April–May months on Earth.
Pillars of Rimlex: Spire-like rock formations located in the southwestern Plains of Umin.
Pirax: The armored, trooper-like law enforcement arm of the Fathers.
Plains of Umin, The: A farming area in the fertile inland valleys of Western Nerkush.
Pool of Tibtem: A lake near Mt. Shidow that was formed in a volcanic crater.
Prince of Wonder: A transcendent and wise being who manifested himself in the form of a lowly tradesman in Ebbern’s history and taught truth with a power and kindness never before seen on Ebbern. He imbued his followers with power over evil forces through the invoking of his name. But strangely, he himself seemed to be overcome by his enemies and died a tragic and brutal death by agents of the Shadow Czar. But his teachings are still held in honor, and many of the people of the Gathering seek to emulate his life. Some even believe he will appear again to bring a reign of peace to all of Ebbern.
Raka or Valley of Raka: A desolate, desert-like region of Nerkush located in the upper western part of the country. It is dominated by a farm owned by Terresh Shad.
’Rax: Shortened form and common nickname for the Pirax.
Ribbon Crags: Rugged mountains located in a desert region in western Nerkush near where the Destroyer Weapon was tested.
Rollion: A monster of a man who is the Foreman at Terresh Shad’s farm.
Roon: Naavin’s brother. A wealthy fan of Golden Flight and the owner of an estate in Oak Forest where the band sometimes stays.
Sapreism: A current ally of Nerkush, also was allied with Nerkush during the Great War.
Scis: abbreviated name for sci-tec team.
Sci-wizards: An elite group of sci-tec personnel that developed the World Destroyer Weapon and other weapons of mass destruction.
Sea of Auren: A large ocean on the western shores of Nerkush.
Sea Sphere: Floating dance hall on the Bay of Accad near the City of Demur. A concert center for many bands like Golden Flight, whose music has generated anthems for the Community.
Search-cred: Search warrant.
Semex: Hideous servants of the Shadow Czar. Some of the basest creatures of his forces, which inhabit some of the lowest regions of Shadow Czar’s underworld.
Shadow Czar: An evil trans-dimensional being of great power who ultimately desires to enslave and torture all the inhabitants of Ebbern.
Shadow watcher: A transdimentional being and member of the Shadow Czar’s army of servants. He is assigned to monitor, deceive, torment, and ultimate destroy those he’s targeting.
Shiferen tree: A broad tree with wide strong roots.
Shimmer-gate: An inter-dimensional portal that exists in the atmosphere above Ebbern. Named because of the sheen given off when opened.
Shurar: A great city that existed in Ebbern’s Fourth Age that served as the seat of the First Council.
Silas Yitha: Bracken’s childhood friend, classmate, teammate, resident of Tizra, and fellow seeker. He explores the wonders of the Mingus realm with Bracken.
Simtesh: Known as Warm hope; a season where the cold of winter starts to fade corresponding to the month of March on Earth.
Sky flyers: Fast-moving aerial transportation craft capable of hovering. Used by the Pirax.
Sphere-nexus: One of the commerce portals available through the global link.
Sphere-tracker: An orbiting satellite used by the Pirax for spying.
Srenken: Bracken’s grandfather, who operates a small farm on the outskirts of Tizra.
Stam: A guitar-like instrument with seven strings.
Strata-place: A nexus of several intersecting dimensional corridors.
Strieme: A powerful officer in the Shadow Czar’s army of minions.
Swaim: A forest animal much like a squirrel but slightly larger.
Tar-Lynrexs: Known as Late-warmth, it’s a time when the sea currents begin to cool the air on the coast and valleys; much like our September on Earth.
Tar-Simtesh: Known as Last warmth; the last days before the cold of Bleak time sets in. Similar to our November on Earth.
Terresh Shad: The owner of a vinweok farm in the Valley of Raka.
Theema: A form of mental torture that the Shadow Czar’s forces inflict on those they deceive. These shadow beings experience great pleasure through the torment they dispense on their quarry.
Touch point: A person who has gone through a mind-altering process that allows them to become representatives and oracles for the Disk People.
Trans-max: A large multi-passenger ground transportation vehicle.
Trans-rig: A four-to-six passenger ground transportation vehicle.
Trion Star System: A small but relatively nearby constellation covered by a cosmic cloud that contains about 700 stars; located near the Starry Pitcher.
Tristixsen Pythian: Female oracle who usually is accompanied by her female companions, Simish and Yssmey.
Vault of Records: A bunker where the High Council keeps documents and secrets they want to keep from the general public.
Vid-tel: A popular entertainment device in Nerkush.
Vinweok: A lumbering, fatty beast prized for its delicious meat; raised by farmers like Terresh Shad.
Voitqi: A tasty and intoxicating beverage served by many in Vonervyn.
Volume, The: An ancient book that contains the teachings of the Prince of Wonder and other ancient sages.
Vonervyn: An enchanting world existing in another dimension. It is entered by speaking a special chant at its gates. Vonervyn’s entrances are inter-dimensional portals hidden throughout Nerkush and watched over by guardians like Dalfang.
Welcome leaf: A bracelet-like wristband made of a special leaf found in Vonervyn that is given to new arrivals.
Wiscim: A highly revered and mysterious wise being who lives in a secluded palace high in the mountains of Vonervyn; he is rumored to be of great wisdom and authority.
Wogs: Small reptilian water creatures found in the streams and lakes around Tizra.
World Destroyer Weapon: A weapon of mass destruction originally developed by a Nerkushian scientist but now possessed by several countries on Ebbern.
Yiane: Known as First warmth; It corresponds to our Earth month of June.
Yono: A student in Professor Frim Lieter’s astrostudies class at the Advanced Mind-Training Center.
Ysinta: Bracken’s grandmother; married to Srenken.
Zyphon level: One of the higher regions and a connecting spot between dimensions located in the Mingus realm.