{"id":2405,"date":"2013-03-22T14:59:51","date_gmt":"2013-03-22T19:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/?page_id=2405"},"modified":"2013-03-22T14:59:51","modified_gmt":"2013-03-22T19:59:51","slug":"malmaxa-glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/samples\/malmaxa\/malmaxa-glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"Glossary of Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the Glossary of the first novel in my series, Malmaxa<\/strong><\/em>, and strives to reveal the nature of words and of concepts within my created culture.
\nThough many words are similar to ours, their usage by the Seizen might vary \u2013 in such circumstances an explanation is offered as to the Seizen use.
\nFor those interested in reading the tale itself, fear not – this is not a spoiler.<\/p>\n

Malmaxa<\/strong><\/em> is a complicated culture, with customs entirely different to our own. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I doubt you have ever read anything remotely similar to this tale \u2013 superficially similar, yes but no more than that.\u00a0 The Glossary is written in the tone of the novel and strives to remain in character \u2013 it is intended as an aid to readers of Malmaxa.<\/p>\n

Malmaxa Glossary of Terms<\/h1>\n

Authorization Council<\/h3>\n

A council comprised of Symbologists and Scribes who are responsible for the final authorization of each Seizen\u2019s unique mark.\u00a0 These councils only form within Malmaxa, during the Convocation.<\/h5>\n

beast<\/h3>\n

Any creature not bound to a place of conception.\u00a0 The term is not limited to mammals.<\/h5>\n

bond<\/h3>\n

The unbreakable union formed between a Seizen and a Chukrah.<\/p>\n

bowl<\/h3>\n

A phrase coined by Daniskira, which refers to a segment of the Segattoo.\u00a0 The segments have a large slightly flattened ball shape with six evenly spaced limbs rising from their circumference.\u00a0 Vaguely similar to a pumpkin in appearance, but green and spine covered.<\/h5>\n

cart<\/h3>\n

A wagon drawn by a matched pair of jumenta.\u00a0 These vehicles are used for the transportation of personal effects, supplies, or trade goods.<\/h5>\n

charqui<\/h3>\n

A form of dehydrated meat, which has been preserved with salt and herbs.\u00a0 Venison is the most highly prized for its piquant flavor, though most flesh can be used.<\/h5>\n

Chukrah<\/h3>\n

A metallic appearing object, worn as a pendant suspended around the neck.\u00a0 They are spiritually bound to their bearer and are held to be sacred instruments of the Gods.\u00a0 Chukrah are flat hexagonal shaped discs comprised of six twisting segments meeting in the center.\u00a0 The color of a Chukrah when worn, particularly when activated, determines the class of the wearer.<\/h5>\n

Chukrah debt<\/h3>\n

The after effects of a Chukrah matched Warrior\u2019s battle frenzy.\u00a0 Chukrah debt manifests as a very strong need for food and drink, which must be urgently consumed lest exhaustion ensue.<\/h5>\n
Chukrah debt is unique to the Warrior class.<\/h5>\n

Chukrah hoard<\/h3>\n

1.\u00a0 The cache of Chukrah, which are currently unbound.<\/h5>\n
2.\u00a0 The very center of Malmaxa, also known as the Central Plateau, or the Pinnacle of Malmaxa.\u00a0 All unbound Chukrah are housed within it.<\/h5>\n

Chundrah<\/h3>\n

A heavily runed obelisk, which emanates a pulsating aura.\u00a0 Every Seizen town, from smallest village to largest town, has one.\u00a0 Chundrah are always located in the central fountain, where they rest atop a stone pedestal.<\/h5>\n

cincture<\/h3>\n

A thorough and all-encompassing investigation.\u00a0 Common usage refers to the detailed investigation Herbalists perform on the entrails and organs of beasts, to ensure they are safe for consumption.<\/h5>\n

Circle of the Learned<\/h3>\n

A village or town council composed of learned people, often Elders.\u00a0 Circles have little formal structure, other than a head person.\u00a0 They seldom include Warriors.<\/h5>\n

compositus<\/h3>\n

The term describing the first match of one Seizen to another.<\/h5>\n

Convocation<\/h3>\n

A gathering of all the Seizen, within Malmaxa (the place).\u00a0 This occurs every time the Heavenly Body is overhead.\u00a0 This happens once every six cycles.<\/h5>\n

Cronusday<\/h3>\n

The sixth, and last, day of each Sixday.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

cycle<\/h3>\n

A period of twelve lunar cycles, also called \u201cshort cycles\u201d or lunas.\u00a0 A new cycle begins when the Segattoo drops its flowers.<\/h5>\n
Other related measures of time are:-<\/h5>\n
Long cycle (six cycles), the period between Convocations.<\/h5>\n
Short cycle or luna, comprised of six sixdays.<\/h5>\n
Sixday \u2013 a period of six days.<\/h5>\n

dispersal<\/h3>\n

The mechanism by which a Water Monger absorbs energy from someone, or transfers energy from themselves.<\/h5>\n

Document of Lineage<\/h3>\n

A special parchment, usually made of vellum, which contains a Seizen\u2019s lineage, for twelve generations.\u00a0 A Document of Lineage contains both parents\u2019 entire male and female lines, mother and father.<\/h5>\n

Elder<\/h3>\n

A Seizen who has seen six or more Convocations.\u00a0 The honorific, \u201cElder of the Seizen\u201d, is automatically granted to every Seizen on entering Malmaxa for their sixth Convocation.<\/h5>\n

Eternal match<\/h3>\n

The bond formed between a Seizen and their Chukrah when a twelfth-marked child enters the Chukrah hoard.\u00a0 This match is eternal and unbreakable.\u00a0 It is also the final rite of the Rite of Passage.<\/h5>\n

Freyjasday<\/h3>\n

The fifth day in a sixday.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

gambeson<\/h3>\n

A layered garment, commonly of soft cloth layered beneath hardened leather.\u00a0 It is worn beneath a chain mail hauberk to prevent the metal coming into contact with the skin.<\/h5>\n

Gift from the Gods<\/h3>\n

Commonly, the Segattoo plant.<\/h5>\n
Uncommonly, a sixth child of a sixth child.<\/h5>\n

hand<\/h3>\n

A measurement about equal to the length of a man\u2019s outstretched hand.\u00a0 In terms of measurement a hand is approximately half a foot.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

hauberk<\/h3>\n

A chain mail shirt worn by Warriors.\u00a0 They are customarily made of copper.<\/h5>\n

heartbeat<\/h3>\n

Used to measure time of short duration.\u00a0 Roughly equivalent to how long it takes a heart to beat once, in a person at rest.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

Heavenly Body<\/h3>\n

An orbiting body, which appears only once every six cycles.\u00a0 The name of the Heavenly Body is Malmaxa.<\/h5>\n

Herbalist<\/h3>\n

In Seizen speech neither herb, nor Herbalist utilize a silent \u201ch\u201d.<\/h5>\n
A Seizen matched to a Herbalist Chukrah.\u00a0 The Herbalist class specializes in the identification and gathering of herbs, which they utilize in the manufacture of curative and other potions.\u00a0 Herbalists, as the principle caregivers of the Seizen, are commonly called on to perform cinctures.<\/h5>\n
Herbalists are also called Healers.<\/h5>\n

hijath<\/h3>\n

A versatile, loose fitting, scarf like garment made from a single piece of densely woven cloth.\u00a0 Hijath are normally about two feet wide and four to six feet long but vary according to the size of the wearer.\u00a0 The most common use for a hijath is to protect the head, neck, and shoulders from exposure to the elements.\u00a0 They are made from a variety of materials ranging from simple linen to finest silk.\u00a0 Those worn by women are generally more colorful than men\u2019s are.<\/h5>\n

hoard<\/h3>\n

Commonly denotes the Chukrah hoard.<\/h5>\n

honorific<\/h3>\n

The Seizen way of speaking and addressing another in formal terms such as Elder, Warrior, Father.\u00a0 When a word is used in its honorific form, special emphasis is placed upon it.\u00a0 Honorifics are indicated in the text by capitalizing the honorific word.\u00a0 Honorifics often indicate a change in tone from casual to formal.<\/h5>\n
An honorific is also used deferentially to indicate honor, thus the term.<\/h5>\n

hour<\/h3>\n

Time is an imprecise measure.\u00a0 Though there are always twelve hours in the day, and twelve in the night, they are not measured by anything other than experience.\u00a0 During summer, when days are longer, the daylight hours are longer than those of the night.<\/h5>\n

Immutable Laws of the Gods<\/h3>\n

The six Laws defined by the Gods and carved into the stone upon the Pinnacle of Malmaxa.<\/h5>\n
The six divine laws are unchangeable, and require absolute obedience.<\/h5>\n
Correctly titled \u201cThe Six Immutable Laws of the Gods.\u201d<\/h5>\n

jumenta<\/h3>\n

Large, longhaired, domesticated beasts suited to drawing wagons or carts.\u00a0 This is their primary purpose.\u00a0 They are invariably in matched breeding pairs.\u00a0 Jumenta hair, once harvested and woven, is extraordinarily strong.<\/h5>\n

knuckle<\/h3>\n

Commonly a measurement, about the length of the second knuckle of a man\u2019s forefinger.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

league<\/h3>\n

The distance a Warrior can march in about an hour.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

long cycle<\/h3>\n

Six cycles.\u00a0 A new long cycle begins at the end of the Convocation.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

loose<\/h3>\n

To release an arrow from a bow, or a projectile from a slingshot.<\/h5>\n

luna<\/h3>\n

The time it takes from full moon to full moon.\u00a0 A luna comprises precisely six sixdays.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

Lunaday<\/h3>\n

The first day in a sixday.\u00a0 The full moon always coincides with this day, thus its name.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

mahahsee<\/h3>\n

A wildly variable alcoholic beverage made from various combinations of herbs, ale, partly fermented grain mash, and aged spirits.\u00a0 Its potency varies from mildly alcoholic to extremely intoxicating.\u00a0 Mahahsee is often served mulled, or heated.<\/h5>\n
The approximate pronunciation is \u201cmah hah see\u201d.<\/h5>\n

Malmaxa<\/h3>\n

Correctly: The true name of the Heavenly Body.<\/h5>\n
Commonly: The place over which the Heavenly Body appears, once every six cycles, within which the Convocation takes place.<\/h5>\n
Alternatively: The name of the world.<\/h5>\n

mark<\/h3>\n

The unique symbol used to identify every Seizen.\u00a0 The word \u201csymbol\u201d is used interchangeably with \u201cmark\u201d.<\/h5>\n
Each Seizen is tattooed down both arms with their marks of ancestry.\u00a0 These are the symbols of their mother\u2019s mothers and their father\u2019s fathers, for twelve generations.\u00a0 Seizen are granted two new marks, one feminine and one masculine, once each cycle until they reach twelve.\u00a0 The number of marks a child bears determines their age.\u00a0 Children are referred to collectively by the number of marks they bear, for example, \u201cthe fifth-marked\u201d refers to any children bearing five marks on each arm.<\/h5>\n

match<\/h3>\n

A term used to describe two distinct and completely unrelated unions.<\/h5>\n
Primarily: The union between a Seizen and a Chukrah.\u00a0 This bond lasts until the Seizen dies, at which time the Chukrah becomes unbound.\u00a0 It is correctly termed a \u201cChukrah match\u201d, though this form is seldom used.<\/h5>\n
Secondarily: The union between a man and a woman.\u00a0 This is correctly termed a \u201cSeizen match\u201d, though the correct term is seldom used.\u00a0 Matches between Seizen are made during the Convocation.<\/h5>\n
Commonly: Any union formed between a man and a woman during the Convocation, regardless of age.<\/h5>\n

matching Convocation<\/h3>\n

A Convocation that occurs during a Seizen\u2019s twelfth, eighteenth, and twenty-fourth cycles.<\/h5>\n
Seizen are eligible to be matched to another Seizen during matching Convocations.<\/h5>\n

Measurements<\/h3>\n

Measurements are generally imprecise and normally cover distance and time.<\/h5>\n
Measurements of distance (increasing) include: knuckle, hand, foot, pace, and league.<\/h5>\n
Measurements of time (increasing) include: instant, moment, heartbeat, heartbeat counts (e.g. A fifty count), hour, day, sixday, luna, cycle, and long cycle.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cCycle\u201d.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cTime\u201d.<\/h5>\n

meld<\/h3>\n

To join together.<\/h5>\n

nana<\/h3>\n

A term of endearment used for grandmothers.<\/h5>\n

nock<\/h3>\n

To have an arrow seated upon a bowstring, ready to draw.<\/h5>\n

nullipar<\/h3>\n

An unbound female beast, which is not pregnant.\u00a0 Nullipar is generally used to describe a female beast over one cycle in age.<\/h5>\n
See also, yearling.<\/h5>\n

Number of the Gods<\/h3>\n

The number six has special significance to the Seizen.\u00a0 Six is commonly referred to as \u201cThe Number of the Gods\u201d, and is held to be a portend of both good, and ill.<\/h5>\n

once-matched<\/h3>\n

Any person matched at Malmaxa only once.<\/h5>\n
Superseded by twice-matched.<\/h5>\n

parchment<\/h3>\n

The paper like material on which scribes record information.<\/h5>\n

Peak of Malmaxa<\/h3>\n

The midpoint of the time the Heavenly Body is overhead.<\/h5>\n
The time Malmaxa is highest in the night sky.<\/h5>\n
Loosely, the second or middle of the three lunas during which Malmaxa is overhead.<\/h5>\n
Considered the most auspicious time to pick Segattoo blossoms.<\/h5>\n

phalanx<\/h3>\n

Correctly: A military formation wherein Warriors present a shielded structure to the enemy.\u00a0 Phalanxes usually have three rows, of twelve warriors each.\u00a0 Four further warriors act as a roving rear guard.<\/h5>\n
Also: A military unit numbering forty Warriors, based on the number needed to build a single structure.<\/h5>\n

progeny<\/h3>\n

Offspring.\u00a0 Commonly used to describe children, however the term can be applied to any young, of human or beast.<\/h5>\n

\u00a0quill<\/h3>\n

A term for any of the spines of the Segattoo containing colored resin.\u00a0 Quills are the large spines on the bowls of the Segattoo, not the tiny ones on its arms.\u00a0 Spine can be used instead of quill.<\/h5>\n
Less commonly, a writing instrument that uses ink as its medium.\u00a0 These are usually made from the massive hairs of a porcupine.<\/h5>\n

rematching day<\/h3>\n

The first Freyjasday after the Rise of Malmaxa.\u00a0 This is the day on which existing matches are renewed for a further long cycle, or where dematched Seizen make new matches.<\/h5>\n

rictus<\/h3>\n

A wide-open, gaping mouth.<\/h5>\n

Rite of Passage<\/h3>\n

The three steps separating a child from an adult.\u00a0 They occur during the child\u2019s twelfth cycle.<\/h5>\n

Rite of Return<\/h3>\n

The transportation of unbound Chukrah to the hoard, followed by a ritual taking place within Malmaxa, during the Convocation.\u00a0 This Rite is repeated as often as necessary during the Convocation.\u00a0 During the ritual the unbound Chukrah of the deceased are returned to the hoard, and their former bearers are remembered by name and sometimes, by their deeds.<\/h5>\n

second string<\/h3>\n

A crude term used to describe someone who fails to be Seizen matched during the first Freyjasday they can be matched.<\/h5>\n

Segattoo<\/h3>\n

A plant covered in multi-hued, resin-filled spines.\u00a0 Specifically \u201cThe Gift from the Gods\u201d.<\/h5>\n
The Segattoo is fundamental to the culture of the Seizen.\u00a0 Every family has at least one of the plants.<\/h5>\n

Seizen<\/h3>\n

The collective name of the people.<\/h5>\n

short cycle<\/h3>\n

A lunar cycle, or luna, or six sixdays.\u00a0 The time it takes from full moon to full moon.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n

six<\/h3>\n

A mystical number of special significance to the Seizen.\u00a0 It is a strong portend of both good, and ill.\u00a0 The determination of which, is unclear and is determined by the circumstances.<\/h5>\n

sixday<\/h3>\n

A period of six days.\u00a0 The days of a sixday are named respectively, Lunaday, Ziosday, Wodansday, Thorsday, Freyjasday, and Cronusday.<\/h5>\n

sixth child<\/h3>\n

The sixth child of any Seizen.\u00a0 Since twins are exceedingly uncommon, having three sets of twins is extremely rare.\u00a0 Partly for this reason, and partly since the number six has special significance to the Seizen, a sixth child is considered favored by the Gods.<\/h5>\n

symbol<\/h3>\n

See \u201cMark\u201d.<\/h5>\n

Symbologist<\/h3>\n

Someone matched to a Symbologist Chukrah.\u00a0 A Symbologist\u2019s primary role is in tattooing the symbols of family with which all Seizen adorn their arms.<\/h5>\n

Thorsday<\/h3>\n

The fourth day in a sixday.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

time<\/h3>\n

There are no precise measures of time, only general approximations.\u00a0 Counts of heartbeats are often used for periods of less than a quarter hour.\u00a0 General descriptions such as sunrise, sunset, noon, mid-morning or afternoon, evening, and night serve well enough.<\/h5>\n
See \u201cMeasurements\u201d.<\/h5>\n
See also \u201chour\u201d.<\/h5>\n

toppie<\/h3>\n

The term of endearment Jalgar\u2019s grandchildren use for him.<\/h5>\n
Toppie is not a formal word, though it can be used in the honorific form.<\/h5>\n

twelfth-marked<\/h3>\n

A special term used to describe a Seizen who bears twelve feminine and twelve masculine marks of ancestry.\u00a0 The term is only applied to Seizen who are yet to be matched to a Chukrah.<\/h5>\n

twice-matched<\/h3>\n

Any person who has been matched two times.\u00a0 This term is superseded by thrice-matched.<\/h5>\n

twins<\/h3>\n

Amongst the Seizen, twins are uncommon.<\/h5>\n

unbound<\/h3>\n

A collective term meaning any living creature not explicitly bound to a Chukrah.<\/h5>\n
A Chukrah which is not bound to a person \u2013 invariably from a deceased Seizen.\u00a0 All such Chukrah must be returned to the hoard, by Divine Law.<\/h5>\n

un-matched<\/h3>\n

A Seizen who is yet to be matched to another Seizen.<\/h5>\n
Politely: A Seizen who is eligible to be matched to another Seizen, but is not.\u00a0 Such Seizen often wear a colored necklace to indicate their status.\u00a0 Generally, the less polite term \u201cdematched\u201d is used for this circumstance.<\/h5>\n

vellum<\/h3>\n

A thin, remarkably durable form of parchment made from a cured hide, usually lambskin.<\/h5>\n
Due to its rarity Vellum is reserved almost exclusively for Documents of Lineage.<\/h5>\n

vhial<\/h3>\n

A thorny spine taken from the bottom bowl of the Segattoo.\u00a0 Vhials are filled with a clear resin that acts as a potent painkiller when injected.\u00a0 Only the quills from the bottommost bowl of the Segattoo are called vhials.<\/h5>\n

Vision Quest<\/h3>\n

The first Rite of Passage to adulthood.\u00a0 Undertaken by every Seizen during their twelfth cycle, and before they enter their second Convocation.<\/h5>\n

Wodansday<\/h3>\n

The third day in a sixday.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

yearling<\/h3>\n

A beast not yet past one cycle in age.<\/h5>\n
Though the term is not gender specific, it is commonly used to describe a young female beast that has not yet entered oestrus for the first time.<\/h5>\n
The origin of the term is unknown.<\/h5>\n

Ziosday<\/h3>\n

The second day in a sixday.<\/h5>\n
See \u201csixday\u201d.<\/h5>\n

<<<-0->>><\/p>\n

You may read the sample of Malmaxa I \u2013 Beltamar\u2019s War<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is the Glossary of the first novel in my series, Malmaxa, and strives to reveal the nature of words and of concepts within my created culture. Though many words are similar to ours, their usage by the Seizen might vary \u2013 in such circumstances an explanation is offered as to the Seizen use. For […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":2542,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2405","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2405","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2405"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2405\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2542"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cgayling.com\/malmaxa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}