It is important for those unfamiliar with the Gedrovachi to have a brief description of the unique method with which they spell their names. Gedrovachi custom dictates that names must be written with a vowel (or combination of vowels) omitted. Names are considered extremely important, and only those close to you are permitted to address you by your first name. Instead, the Gedrovachi go by their surnames or, much more rarely, they will adopt a nickname (although this is more common for those Gedrovachi who travel abroad -not wishing to share their first name but also not wanting to confuse strangers).

As such, the true pronunciation of your name would only be known to those who have heard it spoken – hopefully from you. It is considered heinous to write a Gedrovachi name with the missing vowel acknowledged, often avoiding writing the name at all or simply leaving the vowel out. Posthumous works (especially academic or biographical in nature) are given leeway on this topic, as are many legal documents. If the letter is known it will be denoted in brackets after the name in question, some examples being: T’lta [e], D’r [au], ‘lma [A]. If the letter is not known, it is simply left blank, such as R’hahes, with no following vowel(s). Making assumptions about the missing vowel is considered highly disrespectful. When there is doubt, it is safer to leave the vowel out entirely.

Southerners, disliking the method of ‘filling in the blank,’ especially finding it difficult while reading aloud, use an alternative form: Telta, Daur, Alma, or R-hahes if no vowel is known. Li-Elle, which rarely consider or respect Avidician customs, does not conform to any of these writing customs. They will crudely write: Telta, Daur, Alma or fill in the letter with what seems appropriate (see their abhorrent spelling of Rehahes). As this story focuses on the Gedrovachi, we will conform to their naming scheme as a gesture of respect.

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I also want to address a question which was raised to me: why would I begin these texts with R’hahes “Naura ni Bowra” Kiwhetin? It is true that he had passed more than a decade before the central conflict to this study; however, it is important to realize, and what I hope will become evident as you read through these volumes, that the actions of Prince R’hahes are so inherently tied and intricately connected to the War of the Black Princes, that skipping his story would be one of the greatest disservices I could perform. Readers may also recognize, rightly so, that Volume I is of a significantly shorter length than the subsequent two. There is much to be discussed about R’hahes in relation to future events but that will not make this a conclusive piece on his life. No, our focus is on the War of the Black Princes and I will try, although likely in vain, to remain ever vigilant to our purpose.

Of course, history is an intricate web which can be followed in a chain of cause-and-effect ad infinitum. But we must begin somewhere, and the intricate details of R’hahes and his companions appear as the most reasonable start. So, please forgive my indulgence, and I hope you enjoy.