A summary of the terms and concepts that appear in the story. The list will be updated as more information becomes available. Also, already established concepts may be added to as more is known about them.
The material below does not contain information about the plot points of the story, only the concepts that emerge as the story progresses. To get to know these terms naturally, it is better to read the story first and use the glossary only if you have forgotten what a particular term means or are otherwise confused. But so that there are no misunderstandings:
CAUTION! MILD SPOILERS AHEAD! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
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LANGUAGE
Illarit The main language spoken by the characters in the story. Usually translated into English, although it actually sounds different.
Ancient Illarit An older form of illarit, associated with nobility. Usually translated in the text sounding similar to Latin to give readers a sense of the connection like between English and Latin. For example, "Victory over evil" in Latin would be roughly "victoriam malo", so in the ancient Illarit the girl's name with this meaning is "Victomara"
REALMS
In this world, reality is perceived differently, i.e. divided into realms. The realms can be contained within each other, for example, the whole physical world is the Material Realm, within which is the Realm of Man, made up of several human states, or individual realms. A realm is the dominion of a power, which may be a group of people, some kind of force, or a god. Not all realms have clearly defined locations; some may overlap or conflict with themselves and others.
The Material Realm This is basically the entire physical universe. For humans, this usually means a group of Realms that can be reached in the normal way by traveling around.
The Realm of Man Also the Human Realm. In here word ‘man’ means ‘human’. The lands, dominated by the human species, are suitable for their habitation and are under the protection of the Eternal Father. Given to humans in ancient times.
The Spirit Realm Also called The Unseen, or The Unseen Realm. It overlaps with the Material Realm because there are spirits that exist in both Realms at the same time. It is basically understood as the place where all things invisible exist - spirit beings, spirits of the dead before passing on, and other invisible forces, including spirit power.
The Beyond Also the Eternal Realm. Part of The Spirit Realm where the Eternal Father dwells. Does not overlap with the Physical Realm.
The Abyss Part of the Spirit Realm, where evil spirits and damned souls dwell. Partially overlaps with the Material Realm, at least there is a belief that there is a gateway that leads directly to The Abyss.
BEINGS
Animals and plants are somewhat different from those that exist on Earth. For simplicity, those that are similar to those on Earth are referred to in the same way in the story. If an animal or plant is different a lot from the usual and does not correspond to the flora and fauna on Earth, this will be pointed out.
Magical animals Similar to normal animals but with innate magical properties. Some magical animals stand out because of their appearance, while others are not much different from their ordinary brethren.
Those born in the flesh The spirits refer this way to all physical beings who are naturally born in physical form - human beings, other intelligent species, animals, and plants too. Often called also mortals, but not all.
Clothed in flesh All physical beings are so called by the spirits. Unlike those born in the flesh, they also include spirits that have taken physical form.
Deorgs A species of intelligent beings similar to humans, but smaller in size. The tips of the ears are pointed but short. Partly corresponds to dwarves in myths and fairy tales on Earth, though not completely. Humans in this world also tend to refer to short people as dwarves, so deorgs do not like this word when applied to them. In the Human Realm, their presence is normal.
Spirits Invisible beings, possibly created by the gods. Some are intelligent, some are animal-like. The intelligent ones can contact humans and other 'clothed in flesh' beings, but rarely do so, at least with most humans. Spirits are said to be immortal, but if they lose their spirit power, they can 'diminish', that is, lose their ability to think, act and influence the world around them. They can slowly absorb spirit power from their environment if it suits their nature/element. More powerful spirits can contact a mortal directly in their mind, and establish a bond that allows the spirit to absorb the spirit power of the linked person, this bond allows the mortal to use the spirit's abilities. Such a bond, however, affects both minds and can change thinking, so spirits are selective when they do this. Usually, spirits that exist in close contact with the physical world bond themselves to an element or force of nature, allowing them to influence that element. A forest spirit, for example, can make flowers bloom much more quickly.
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Lesser spirits Spirits that are devoid of reason, like animals. Like intelligent spirits, they can also bond with the elements. Intelligent spirits can use them for their own purposes, just as humans use animals. They tend to look for sources of spirit power from which to feed, so they sometimes follow 'clothed in flesh' ones who radiate strong spirit power.
Spirits of light Spirits created for a special purpose, to help people who worship the god of light, the Eternal Father. They can be summoned from their resting place to the Material Realm to temporarily bond with the summoner and give them the power to bless or heal. Have little interest in what happens in the Material Realm, despise the spell magic.
Spirits of darkness Also evil spirits. Spirits who are willing to harm mortals and are in conflict with spirits of light. They have a corrupting nature, but one may try to conceal it.
Spirits of forests Associated with plants, living nature. Able to accelerate plant growth and influence other biological processes, not only in plants but also in humans.
MONSTERS
Monsters are creatures that are descended from a dark, evil force and are a bane to other species. Most monsters are unable to reproduce normally and are magical in some way, although there are exceptions. In the Realm of Man, monsters are usually destroyed whenever possible. Their skins, bones, and other body parts can be used in alchemy and to make useful objects.
Spawns Usually appear in uninhabited places when living beings come into contact with spawn plage. Usually, this plague transforms large, predatory animals, making them even larger, more dangerous, and more aggressive. If enough of this dark power is concentrated, even a relatively small animal can grow enormously and acquire new supernatural abilities. Spawns have no intelligence, their sole purpose is to ravage and destroy, but they are not suicidal and can flee in the face of superior power. While their body parts can sometimes be put to good use, the blood of a spawn is a poison that can spread the plague further and ruin the land, so humans usually try to destroy not only the monster's useless remains but also the blood, even if it means digging up the top layer of the ground where the blood has soaked in.
Undead The living dead. Under the influence of a dark force, the flesh and bones of the dead can begin to move again. They feel no pain and cannot be killed because they are already dead. But they can be destroyed. Undead can appear if the dead have not been properly buried, died in horrible conditions, been cursed, or for some other reason do not find peace after death. Unlike the living, the undead are unable to restore the spirit power that allows them to exist, so they suck it out of their surroundings or attack other living beings. If there is no source of spirit power nearby, the undead can hibernate for a very long time, sustaining themselves with what spirit power they have.
POWERS
Spirit power Also sildura. It is basically a mana, magical energy, but in the context of the story and in the local language, the correct term is spirit power. It is an invisible energy that exists in all living beings and when used, regenerates over time, like physical body strength. Some creatures can use this power instinctively, but most intelligent beings need to concentrate their will and use their mental faculties to influence their spirit power. Generally, spirit power can be used in martial arts, magic, and spirit summoning.
Meridians Channels of spirit power in the body, similar to blood vessels but not really physical, nevertheless a person can feel concentrated spirit power moving through them. The better developed the meridians are, the more and faster it is possible to move the spirit force. Usually, meridians are very difficult to develop and take a long time. Very useful for martial arts.
Aura Radiation of spirit power that naturally flows out of a living physical person. Usually, only spirits can see it and thus recognize those in the flesh with large reserves of spirit power.
The Martial Art Includes not only basic knowledge of combat techniques and weapons but also the use of the spirit power in conjunction with all this. Those who study martial arts also learn how to concentrate the spirit power and use it to temporarily gain greater strength, speed, or other physical advantage.
Asari Roughly translates as martial arts technique/skill. A specific way of concentrating the spirit power into specific muscles to give them greater strength. It can be used for both attack and to move quickly or jump high in the air. Usually used in conjunction with sinsura to reduce the negative effects of concentrated spirit force on living tissue.
Shinsura roughly translates as a spirit force cloak/coat. Used to reduce the negative effects of concentrated spirit power on the body when using combat techniques (asari).
Spells A form of magic in which an artificial spirit is summoned by special hand gestures and words, which interacts with the mind of the summoner and activates the magic. The summoner does not need to know how the magic works, only to allow the artificial spirit to influence their mind and sacrifice some of their spirit power.
Everyday spells Small, simple spells, are usually intended to make everyday life easier, such as lighting a fire and freezing some water. These spells can be learned by most people.
Battle spells More powerful spells, usually very destructive and dangerous. Typically, battle spells can only be learned by specially trained persons.
Blessings and healings Abilities granted by Light Spirits to those who come into contact with them. Healing helps fresh wounds to heal quickly. Blessings, for example, can improve morale, and give peace and joy in the heart. To use these abilities, the invoker must give up some of their spirit power, so the frequency of their use is limited.