The following can be found as appendices at the end of Watchers of the Evenfall and Betrayal of the Evenfall. This information is meant to be supplementary in nature and is not necessary for the enjoyment of either book but might be helpful. The first guide is a glossary of characters and unusual terms with a pronunciation guide and spoiler-free definition of each in alphabetical order. The second guide provides a brief overview of how the Imperial Calendar is arranged. Finally, the third guide is on the most worshipped pantheon within the Gray Empire with a brief mythological account of how the world came to be that would give the reader a baseline understanding of religion that a typical peasant within the Gray Empire might possess.
Glossary and Pronunciation
Abalia (uh-BALL-ee-uh): An undine.
Alchemy: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It requires a high level of memorization but little magic. It is known for creating potions that cause a variety of potent effects.
Aldric Valmore (ALL-drik VAL-mohr): King of Ethelian, he rules from the capital city of Coruvaine.
Algendis (al-JEN-diss): The name of the world.
Alistair zar Erythis (AL-iss-tur ZAR air-ITH-iss): Youngest son and child of the vampire royal family of Noxphetalis and member of the Evenfall Vigil.
Almar Galesti (AL-mahr guh-LESS-tee): The creator of the Inquisition, first Archmage of the Inquisition, and member of the Seven Companions.
Aloja (uh-LOY-uh): A fae creature known for its regenerative properties and affinity to water.
Alvaria Saccarra (AL-VAR-ee-uh suh-CAR-uh): Archmage of the Inquisition and Grand Inquisitor of the Council of Archmages.
Alza’varathede (AL-zuh VAIR-uh-THEED): A famous dragon.
Amphisbaena (am-fiss-BAY-nuh): A small serpentine creature with an identical head at the end of its tail. They are venomous but generally skittish. They use their four small legs to aid in locomotion as they roll along the ground similar to a wheel.
Anton Veruth (ver-OOTH): A confessor of the Paladin Order of Kalendril and a kresnik.
Antony Larsinius (lar-SIN-ee-us): A mage who tried to become a lich and was master of Kazra Lo Veedra before his death.
Apotheotic Magic: The alleged perfected form of each magical art, or the hypothesized summit of their capabilities.
Arcanathema Prison (ar-can-ATH-em-uh): A penitentiary containing those who used or abused magic to commit crime. The prison is run by the Council of Archmages and directly overseen by a warden.
Arcane Arts: The seven methods used by humans to manipulate magic. These seven arts are Alchemy, Conjuration, Enchantment, Lesser Magic, Sorcery, Thaumaturgy, and Wizardry.
Arcane Cataclysm: An immense release of magic causing unpredictable and dangerous changes in the vicinity. This can occur when a warlock loses control of magic and emotions.
Archmage (ARCH-MAYJ): An individual with high mastery in two of the seven arcane arts and mastery in the others may become an archmage. Once this minimum requirement is met, the candidate must be recommended by a current archmage. The entire Council of Archmages then votes, and the individual becomes an archmage with either a two-thirds positive vote, or a one-half positive vote with the express blessing of the High Archmage.
Arlith Kovak (ARR-lith KOE-vak): Chamberlain of Chateau Zarielle, he is a mage and confidant of Alvaria Saccarra.
Athelea: See The Pantheon.
Aufhocker (OWF-hawk-er): A generally malevolent shapeshifting fae of shadow, known for leaping on the back of its victims.
Aviana za Serus (ah-vee-AH-nuh zuh SAIR-uss): A vampire.
Avrael (AV-ray-el): Archmage of Nullification, he is also the Warden of Arcanathema Prison. He is half dark elf and maintains a neutral affect.
Bertrand Rollodore (ROLL-uh-dohr): Archmage of the Green.
Black Dog: A variety of fae which may be malevolent or benevolent, depending on the specific kind. They generally appear to be black dogs of greater size, intelligence, and power than normal.
Blood Wine: A human invention designed for vampire consumption. It uses a few drops of human blood and a gallon of wine to create a drink that provides substantial nutrition for vampires.
Bloodcurse: A spell found in vampires, therianthropes, and other nocturnal monsters which increased aggression and predation against humans. Those afflicted exhibited a loss of conscience, decreased intelligence, increased strength, and feral tendencies.
Bluecap: A generally benevolent fae that usually appears in the form of a flickering blue flame and is known for mining.
Briarsleep: A state of suspended animation used by some fae to regenerate expended magic.
Caeli Relinon (KAY-lee RELL-ih-non): High priestess of Semeleme and also the beloved of the same goddess.
Caleptis: See The Pantheon.
Calixford University (CAL-icks-furd): An institution for higher learning regarding magic. It is one of the chief magic universities on the western coast and is located in Coruvaine. Lysander Relas acts as chancellor.
Calman Zedonia (CAL-men zeh-DON-yuh):A justiciar of the Paladin Order of Kalendril.
Canneva (CAN-eh-vuh): A silky working for King Aldric.
Cassiana Sommura (cass-ee-AH-nuh soe-MOOR-uh): A mage working within Elimerita’s Chosen Conjurers wielding the elemental of water, the undine.
Claire Pernault (per-NALT): One of Hazel’s childhood best friends.
Centaur (SEN-tar): A species of daimon, they appear as a human from the waist up with a horse’s body and four legs. They are known for their strength and speed. Centaurs are also notoriously dangerous when they consume alcohol.
Chaldra (CHAL-druh): The name of a massive tree and the city that surrounds it in the heart of Elliara. The surrounding area is inhabited by fae and elves. It is also the regular meeting place of the Council of Light.
Charlie: The redcap cook who lives in the Calixford University Library and prepares meals for the Watchers of the Evenfall.
Chateau Zarielle (ZAR-ee-EL): The home of the Grand Inquisitor.
Conjuration: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses a variable amount of magic depending on the rapport the conjurer has with the creature being summoned. It is known for controlling monsters, casting spirits from those possessed, and for creating summoning circles.
Corbin Parstasia (CORE-bihn pahr-STAY-shuh): Better known as the Warlord of Sarth, his name is used as a byword for the authoritarian and cruel.
Corrim Kalsidere (CORE-ihm KAL-sih-deer): The Archmage of Crystals, also called the Crystal King.
Coruvaine (cor-uh-VAEN): The capital city of the country of Ethelian. It is the location of the primary garrison of the Watchers of the Evenfall.
Council of Liches: A quasi-mythical organization composed of numerous powerful undead beings.
Cult of Semeleme: A religious group dedicated to the proper treatment of the dead. They perform the majority of funerary rites within any given city. Their priests are also known as Undertakers.
Daimon (DIE-mon): Any of a class of beings with a range of special abilities and ties to nature that are not classed with fae. Nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and minotaurs are examples.
Dark Order: A group of spellcasters known for practicing magic illegally. They orchestrated the destruction of the Light Order and the Gray Order.
Darundar (DAHR-oon-DARH): A gnome.
Diligentia (dill-ih-JEN-see-uh): A collection of confessor paladins
led by a justiciar within the Paladin Order of Kalendril.
Dragon: A giant flying reptilian creature possessed of great intelligence, magic, and strength.
Dranderis (dran-DARE-iss): A powerful lich who attempted to destroy the country of Salverno but was stopped by the Seven Companions.
Draugr (DRAW-gur): A form of undead stronger than a zombie but weaker than a lich. They possess intelligence and a myriad of special abilities unique to each.
Drovir (DROE-veer): A dwarf high master alchemist and dean of the College of Alchemy within Calixford University.
Elchoran: Historical Archmage of Sound who devised a special spell bubble that prevented sound from entering or exiting it.
Elimerita’s Chosen Conjurers: A collection of high master conjurers dedicated to the four primary elementals.
Elimia: See The Imperial Calendar.
Ellen Honrick (HON-rik): A mage working for the Evenfall Vigil, she reports directly to Commander Marcus Comrear.
Elliara (EL-ee-AR-uh): The vast forest region bordering the Vernal Sea and the Noxphetalis Mountain Range north of Ethelian. It is a place of great magic and home to many fae and elves.
Elliavenra Sivenna (ell-ee-uh-VEN-ruh sih-VEN-uh): The Archmage of Lights.
Elves: A race subdivided into phylogenetically different subspecies and cultures, they share some core traits which separate them from fae, humans, and daimon. While they possess the pointed ears common to many fae, their culture exists independently of other fae and has little interest in humans. They are related to the fae but their exact relationship is unclear. Wars have been fought between light elves and dark elves for millennia and only came to a tipping point when humans aided light elves and pushed the dark elves further north and into the mountains. Elves are generally known for their capriciousness.
Elves, Dark: Generally feared by humans, they are the darkest in complexion and disposition of all elves. Their magic tends to involve illusion and stealth.
Elves, Light: Since they allied with humans during the War of the Night, they are generally viewed positively, even if their behaviors are poorly understood. Their magic tends to involve healing and light.
Elves, Wood: Humans regard them with healthy suspicion and fear. They maintain forests and the balance between flora and fauna. Their magic tends to involve speaking with beasts and plants.
Enchantment: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses generally large quantities of magic, depending on the enchantment. It is known for imbuing objects and creatures with magic effects which may be beneficial or detrimental.
Ethelian (eh-THEL-ee-uhn): A kingdom on the western coast of the continent, governed from the capital city of Coruvaine by King Aldric Valmore.
Eustace Skilliven: A friendly barkeep and owner of Skilliven Tavern.
Evenfall Vigil: A subset of the Ethelian city guards which handles nocturnal and supernatural threats.
Fae: A class of beings gifted with considerable magic and in possession of rational thought. They are broadly divided into the Seelie Court—for generally benevolent fae—and the Unseelie Court, for malevolent or hostile fae. They generally dislike use of the term “fae” and prefer to be called “sidhe,” “the good neighbors,” or “the fair folk.”
Faelsday: See The Imperial Calendar.
Faerie: A world connected to Algendis that is home to the fae.
Felicia Durhost (DUR-hawst): A mage working within Elimerita’s Chosen Conjurers wielding the elemental of earth, the gnome.
Gabrielle Sesturnia (ses-TUR-nee-uh): Archmage of Time, she is also a volarim.
Garo (GARE-oh): A grim, he works as an ambassador for the Seelie Court and advisor to the Watchers of the Evenfall Vigil.
Garson Varaldan (GAR-son vuh-RAL-dun): Archmage of Dragons. He used to study them and now he resembles them.
Garvey: A bluecap.
Gazrilan (GAZ-rih-lihn): A dragon little known by others. He is considered lazy by some and is given the epithet of “the Indolent,” as a result.
Geas (gesh): A form of contractual magic binding one or more people to a specific course of action to achieve a desired end.
Gharazan’nar’rakesh (gah-rah-ZAHN NAHR ruh-KESH): A famous dragon, known for his cruelty.
Glamour: Magic used primarily by fae to disguise their appearance and influence the attitude humans hold toward them.
Gnome: One of the great prime elemental races representing earth.
Gnostrevaine: See The Pantheon.
Gray Empire: The largest human governing body on the continent. It is a confederacy of countries overseen by the emperor. Each country maintains considerable autonomy but must obey rules, laws, and standards put forth by the empire.
Griffin: A large creature with the head, wings, and forelimbs of an eagle with the hindquarters of a lion.
Grim: Also called “church grim,” they are mostly benevolent fae who guard particular areas or individuals. Garo is an example.
Guard Unyielding: The elite warrior mages whose primary duty is protecting the High Archmage.
Hazel Enda (HAY-zuhl EHN-duh): Only child of Kyle and Lynn Enda. She died when she fell from a tree. She returned from death and became a member of the Evenfall Vigil.
Hemericanth: See The Pantheon.
Hickory Allkirk (HIK-or-ee AHL-kerk): A mage illegally experimenting in Coruvaine. He brings Hazel back from the dead.
Hippogriff: A large creature with the head, wings, and forelimbs of an eagle with the hindquarters of a horse.
Irid (EER-id): A diminutive daimon closely related to nymphs, known for their speed and proclivity to gossip.
Kazra Lo Veedra (KAZ-ruh loe-VEE-druh): The estate belonging to Antony Larsinius.
Kelsyn (KELL-sin): A human master sorcerer working as secretary to Archmage Lysander Relas at Calixford University.
Kiran (KEER-ihn): Lyvaelan’s deceased teacher and father figure. He was a human mage.
Kistra: See The Pantheon.
Komora: See The Pantheon.
Kresnik (KREZ-nihk): A person who can send out a magical manifestation of their consciousness in the form of an animal that deters and destroys creatures of malicious intent or black magic.
Kyle Enda: A blacksmith by trade. He is the father of Hazel Enda.
Kythis (KI-thiss): The small pink moon orbiting retrograde around the planet. In poetry and colloquially, it is referred to as either the sister or the lover of the larger moon, Progon, and is occasionally regarded as feminine. Children born under the full moon of Kythis are believed to be of cheerful disposition.
Lara (LAH-ruh): A werewolf, previously famous for power fighting. She now works for the Evenfall Vigil.
Lesser Magic: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses generally variable quantities of magic depending on the type of ability being used. It is known for its practical application of the other arcane arts, including pest control, medical potions, healing, and agriculture but eschews complex theories and spells with a narrow range of uses.
Lexia: An irid.
Lich: The most powerful variety of undead, capable of summoning great undead armies and wielding massive amounts of magic with ease.
Living Conduit: A former mage who experimented on himself. He is an inmate of Arcanathema Prison.
Loong (LONG):A close relative of dragons, it has a serpentine body and possesses the ability to fly without wings and can control the weather.
Luthain River (LOO-THANE): A river that passes through Coruvaine.
Lynn Enda: A midwife by trade. She is the mother of Hazel Enda.
Lysander Relas (lih-SAN-dur RELL-us): Archmage of Education and former Archmage of War. He is the chancellor of Calixford University.
Lyvaelan (lih-VAY-luhn): A half dark elf, half warlock young man who lived in Elliara until he joined the Evenfall Vigil.
Mael Stromm (MAY-ELL STROM): The ruler of Salverno and subject of a prophecy.
Mage: A human spellcaster who has attained proficiency in two or more arcane arts.
Magelamp: A magical construct that emits light.
Magomechanics: A field of magical experimentation that combines mundane technological advances with magical advances.
Malvex Sorrelle (MAHL-vex sur-EL): Archmage of Sorcery, and half dark elf. He was the previous Grand Inquisitor before Alvaria Saccarra.
Manticore (MAN-tih-cohr): A large creature similar in shape to a lion but possessing a humanoid face and innumerable venomous quills at the end of its tail.
Marcus Comrear (COM-reer): Human commander of the Evenfall Vigil. He appears gruff to most people.
Marinom (MARE-ih-nom): A weapon that can change shape and is used by spellcasters.
Mark Annokest (ANN-o-kest): A mage working within Elimerita’s Chosen Conjurers wielding the elemental of fire, the salamander.
Melantria: See The Imperial Calendar.
Melantros: See The Pantheon.
Melia (MELL-ee-uh): A daimon and nymph of ash trees similar to a dryad.
Mellius Concornus (MELL-ee-us cun-COR-nuss): A satyr working for the Evenfall Vigil. He possesses the rank of sergeant.
Mikhail zar Alacris (uh-LACK-riss): A vampire.
Minotaur (MIN-uh-tar): A monstrous daimon that appears to be a combination of human and bull. They are known for their strength and ferocity.
Naiad (NI-ad): A nymph with the ability to control water. Usually found in areas of fresh water, such as rivers and lakes. They appear as generally beautiful humans with blue skin.
Necromancy: The illegal use of magic to resuscitate, control, or speak with the dead.
Nosferatu (NOS-fehr-AH-too): A particular kind of vampire known for aversion to sunlight, close resemblance to humanity, and social allure. Alistair is an example.
Noxphetalis (NOCKS-feh-TAL-iss): A mountain range known for harboring vampires and Unseelie fae.
Nymph: A particular subspecies of daimon, known for their beauty and generally positive disposition toward humanity. Nymphs are either all female or only the females of species are known.
Oleisia (uh-LEE-see-uh): A naiad who works for the Evenfall Vigil.
Orichalcum (or-ee-KAL-cum): A rare coppery-gold metal derived from ore found in areas of high magic. Its physical properties as a metal are most similar to copper but with a slightly lower melting point. It is valued by spellcasters for its magic conductivity that even exceeds gold.
Orson zar Aeneus (uh-NAY-uss): A vampire.
Palace Valsidan (VAL-SIH-DAN): The headquarters of the Council of Archmages and the home of the High Archmage. It is located in Selevarian.
Paladin Order of Kalendril (cuh-LEHN-dril): A group of warriors possessing magic skill in thaumaturgy dedicated to the mission of their founder, Kalendril, and guided by the triune worship of Veratheragan, Melantros, and Caleptis.
Paxton Averly (PACKS-tun AE-ver-lee): An alchemist living in Coruvaine, he occasionally works as a consultant for the Evenfall Vigil.
Pegasus (plural: pegasi): A winged horse known for its speed.
Peryton (PAIR-ih-ton):A hybrid monster of deer and bird parts with a savage temperament.
Petrim (PEH-trim): A country to the south of Ethelian and bordering Selevarian. It is governed by an aristocracy of knights. The country is known for the chivalry of its ruling class and the high magic that permeates the land.
Pixie: A diminutive fae of the Seelie Court.
Power Fighting: A recreational sport where nonhuman creatures and magically enhanced humans fight one-on-one in a minimally regulated brawl. It is a popular event among gamblers.
Progon (PRO-GON): The large white moon that orbits prograde around the planet. In poetry and colloquially, Progon is referred to as the brother or lover of Kythis, the smaller moon, and is occasionally regarded as masculine. Children born under the full moon of Progon are said to be more serious or ambitious than others.
Ravnulium (rav-NULL-ee-um): A black metal that is noted for its anti-magical properties.
Raynard: A werefox.
Redcap: A generally malevolent fae, it is known for its talonlike claws, short stature, and eponymous red cap. Charlie is an example.
Revenant: A human returned to life through necromancy. The creature shows signs of mental and physical deterioration within a few weeks before dying again.
Riglin Carstaff (RIHG-lihn CAHR-staff): A dwarf living in Coruvaine, he works as the chief foreman of the fourth wall and oversees his bluecap workers.
Ryxiv (RICKS-ihv): The underworld, or an area of the underworld often considered the darkest place filled with torment and fear.
Sakirikas (suh-KEER-uh-kiss): A salamander.
Salamander: One of the great prime elemental races representing fire.
Sapphire Guard: Coruvaine’s city guard that confines and interrogates criminals with magical abilities, consisting of normal humans and spellcasters. They operate from within the palace.
Satyr (SAY-tur): A specific species of daimon known for their halfway appearance between human and goat. They are known for their agility, exuberance, and magic.
Scry Mirror: A device used to communicate over vast distances quickly, but expensive to create and requires magic to operate.
Selevara: See The Pantheon.
Selevarian (SEL-uh-VAR-ee-uhn): The city-country of spellcasters. It is ruled by the High Archmage and Council of Archmages. The city is noteworthy for its size, high population, and prevalence of magic.
Selevia Castus (sell-EE-vee-uh CASS-tus): A commander of the Guard Unyielding, she possesses a mechanical eye created by the Archmage of Magomechanics.
Semeleme: See The Pantheon.
Shadarqiir (SHAH-DAHR-KEER): A lithe monster that lurks in the dark and possesses intelligence. He is utterly unique.
Shadow World: A partially formed realm that runs parallel to Algendis, showing reflections of the world in the form of shadows. Some creatures pass through it to travel great distances in a short time.
Shadowseer: An individual who uses the images of the Shadow World to predict the future or interpret the past.
Sidhe (SHEE): See Fae.
Silky: A household fae similar to a brownie but it governs larger estates and wears silk.
Skilliven Tavern: A bar and inn operated and owned by Eustace Skilliven.
Soraya: A squire of the Paladin Order of Kalendril.
Sorcery: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses little magic but requires significant creativity and mental fortitude. It is known for reading the thoughts of others, moving objects without touching them, and creating illusions.
Spellcaster: A human who uses magic.
Spellweaver: One who uses magic to create garments or cloth, which gives the item an innate magic that differs from a normal enchantment. Such artisans are rare and expensive to hire.
Spheres of Elchoran: A spell devised by an archmage to aid with studies. It creates a spherical area of silence. The spellcaster can choose whether it blocks sound from entering, exiting, or both.
Spriggan (SPRIG-in): A fae bodyguard known for possessing incredible strength.
Squareball: An athletic game played by spellcasters. It consists of four teams vying for control over a ball. Each group uses magic to maintain possession over several timed rounds.
Succubus: A generally malevolent spirit who seduces others in the guise of a woman but drains their life force.
Susan Telemica (tel-EM-ik-uh): An alchemist practicing in Coruvaine.
Sylph: One of the great prime elemental races representing air.
Talva (TAL-vuh): A human enchantress and alchemist who pioneered literary cuisine. She runs her own shop called Talva’s Cookbook.
Tavek: See The Pantheon.
Telerius Saccarra (tell-AIR-ee-uss suh-CAHR-uh): Deceased father of Alvaria Saccarra.
Terekmalamae: See The Pantheon.
Thaumaturgy (THAW-mat-erj-ee): One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses little magic but requires a specific spiritual alignment to function properly. It is known for healing and enhancing physical traits.
Therianthrope (THER-ee-an-thrope): A being formerly human but now capable of assuming the appearance or abilities of specific animals at night. A werewolf is an example.
Thomas Eller: Chief Inquisitor of Coruvaine.
Throne of Austerity: A magic seat given to the vampires upon which the lord of Noxphetalis sits.
Tommy Beckinger (BECK-in-jerr): A childhood friend of Hazel Enda.
Thyrsus: A staff topped with a pinecone, used by certain daimon to induce a state of extreme intoxication.
Transcendent Society of the Moth: A group of vampires dedicated to the tenets of their legendary deceased leader, the Moth King.
Treland (TREH-lehnd): A city along the northern border of Ethelian known for its amphitheater and power fighting.
Umbravelle: See The Pantheon.
Undine (UHN-DEEN): One of the great elemental races representing water.
Valravn (VAL-rawn): A raven which becomes imbued with fae magic and the ability to shapeshift after consuming the heart of a human. Additional hearts increase its power.
Vampire: A class of being with nocturnal habits, pained by thaumaturgical healing, and generally human appearance. Camazotz and nosferatu are examples of different species of vampire.
Veiled Chapel: The home of High Priestess Caeli Relinon and the primary place of worship for the Cult of Semeleme.
Veliyana (vell-ee-AW-nuh): A sylph.
Venarius zar Erythis (veh-NAR-ee-us ZAR air-ITH-iss): The King of Nosferatu, located in Noxphetalis. He is the father of Alistair.
Veratheragan: See The Pantheon.
Volarim/Volar (voe-LAHR-ihm, VOE-lahr): Humanoids with birdlike wings, they come from the far north.
War of the Night: A conflict between humanity and vampires, therianthropes, and Unseelie fae, spanning several centuries and ended with the removal of a curse from vampires which stripped them of reason and morals.
Warlock: A human who broke the oath of Selevara in order to cast in the manner of the fae. They possess magical prowess far exceeding the majority of humans but limited ability to control it.
Werefox: A therianthrope with the ability to transform into a fox.
Wizardry: One of the seven arcane arts practiced by human spellcasters. It uses generally large quantities of magic and requires significant education and knowledge to function. It is known for altering the physical world in dramatic ways.
Wyvern (WI-vurn): A draconic creature bearing wings and two legs.
Yokai (YO-KI): Strange beings from another continent.
Zelim Thain (ZEL-im THAYN): A mage working within Elimerita’s Chosen Conjurers wielding the elemental of air, the sylph.
Zigglepet (ZIG-uhl-peht): A bluecap working on the fourth wall.
Zylit (ZI-liht): A small portion of a conjuring circle indicating the summoner’s identity.
Zombie: An undead creature possessed of no will of its own except for what its creator desires. It is an animated dead body manipulated by an obedient control spirit.
The Imperial Calendar
The imperial calendar was devised early in the formation of the empire to assist with commerce between nations. Before the unification, each country had widely varying measurements for the year, with a new year starting at different times, weeks of differing lengths, and months devised regardless of season. Scholars collaborated to create a calendar that was reasonable, accurate, and incorporated the cultures of the countries within the empire.
There are twelve months, which are composed of four weeks each. The first day of the year is also the first day of spring on the first of Verathia. Each season lasts for three months. The months in order are: Verathia (vare-ATH-ee-uh), Hemeria (hem-AIR-ee-uh), Rylith (RI-lith), Faerake (FAE-rayk), Kryvsta (KRIV-stuh), Kistria (KISS-tree-uh), Caleptia (cuh-LEPT-ee-uh), Reapwell (REEP-well), Elimia (el-IHM-ee-uh), Melantria (mell-AHN-tree-uh), Athelia (ath-EL-ee-uh), and Venamor (VEN-uh-mohr).
A week has eight days, each named after a different god. The first five days are named after gods of order whose months were renamed (with the exception of Versday which honors Veratheragan and recognizes his primacy among the gods), while the last three days—or “weekend”—are named after the first three Gods of Chaos to unite with the Gods of Order. In order, the days are: Versday, Kalsday, Faelsday, Kaesday, Selsday, Komsday, Talsday, and Semsday.
The Pantheon
While there are regional deities and beings worshipped by those in the countryside, the Gray Empire recognizes twenty-two “true” gods whose existence is known through history and direct revelation.
The general understanding of the first age is that a conflict arose between the gods. Eleven gods held that it was best to create new things (these are now referred to as Gods of Order) and the eleven remaining gods disagreed, claiming that the nothingness of the beginning was beautiful and ought to remain unspoiled (these are now referred to as Gods of Chaos).
The powers on each side were equal until an accord was reached by Veratheragan and Semeleme, who represented the greatest of the gods of order and chaos, respectively. After Semeleme agreed to join with the Gods of Order, Komora abandoned the mission of her fellow Gods of Chaos, as did Skizivik Tal. With three Gods of Chaos adopting their cause, the Gods of Order quickly forced surrender or defeated the remaining deities.
In the ensuing peace, it is believed the gods collaborated on the fundamental structure of the universe, with each God of Order creating the rule and a matching God of Chaos providing a limitation to the rule.
Below are listed the Gods of Order followed by the Gods of Chaos. Some believe the order they are traditionally presented in correlates to their order of importance in the pantheon, since Veratheragan and Semeleme appear first on both lists. This is questionable to some scholars since various cultures and texts refer to gods as varying in strength, while others think discussing relative “power” to be a purely human invention and one as inappropriate to the gods as discussing the relative intelligence of stones. While each god is attributed a specific domain of influence, the listed qualities are only those most acknowledged throughout the Gray Empire.
Gods of Order
Veratheragan (VAIR-uh-THAIR-uh-gin): Ruler of the gods, Lord of Peace (but considered a god of war). Usually depicted and referred to as male.
Selevara (SEL-uh-VAHR-uh): Lady of Magic, patron of spellcasters. Usually depicted and referred to as female.
Caleptis (cuhl-EHP-tiss): Lord of Healing, the Lifebringer, usual patron of doctors and thaumaturgists. Usually depicted as male, though some cultures see the deity as female.
Athelea (ATH-uh-LAY-uh): Lady of Earned Knowledge, said to favor those who toil for knowledge, including scientists and students. Usually depicted as female.
Melantros (mel-AN-trose): Lord of Hospitality, said to protect the household and guests. Usually depicted as male.
Faelvirma (FALE-VEER-muh): Goddess of Freedom, it is said the god favors those who are ambitious. Usually depicted as female.
Kalignus (kuhl-IG-nuss): Shepherd of Many Herds, considered the god of animals, specifically those domesticated. Usually depicted as male.
Hemericanth (hem-AIR-ih-canth): Lord of Life, traditionally considered the guardian of plants but also of life itself. Usually depicted as male.
Kistra (KISS-truh): Lord of Stars, considered to be the one who designed constellations and placed the moons into orbit. Generally depicted as male or genderless.
Elimerita (el-ih-MARE-ih-tuh): Lady of Elements, considered to be the creator of weather and the elementals. Usually depicted as female.
Kaerestra (KAY-RESS-truh): Lady of Reality, considered to be the patroness of philosophers and those seeking the truth. Usually depicted as female.
Gods of Chaos
Semeleme (seh-MELL-ehm-ee): Lady of Death, the Veiled Maiden, ruler of the Gods of Chaos. Usually depicted as female.
Terekmalamae (TAIR-ek-MAL-uh-may): Lord of Magic, considered the patron of fae and those who use magic innately. Some attribute Arcane Madness to him. Usually depicted as male.
Mirnak (MEER-nak): God of Destruction and Violence. No cult exists that worships this god officially, though some invoke his name as an extreme malediction. Usually depicted as male.
Gnostrevaine (NOES-treh-VAIN): Lord of Secrets and Forbidden Knowledge. This god favors those who wish to know what should not be known. Usually depicted as male or genderless.
Komora (KOE-MORE-uh): Lady of Lonely Paths, she is the goddess of wanderers, travelers, and those who are metaphorically alone. Usually depicted as female.
Fal Inderva (FAL ihn-DERV-uh): Lord of Fate and Prophecy. Usually depicted as male.
Stezelra (STEZ-EL-ruh): The Wild Lady, she is the goddess of the wilderness and untamable animals and monsters. Usually depicted as female.
Zerkendra (zuhr-KEHN-druh): The Inexorable One, this goddess is considered to cause all physical laws to function without regard for human desires. Usually depicted as female.
Umbravelle (um-bruh-vell): The Dark Lady, she is the goddess of night and all nocturnal creatures. Usually depicted as female.
Tavek (TAH-vihk): Lord of Inevitable Motion, he is thought to power the hands of smiths and craftsmen beyond their control. Usually depicted as male.
Skizivik Tal (SKIZ-ih-vihk TAHL): Lord of Madness and Poetry, he is considered the patron of those obsessed with their work. Often thought to be the most colloquially chaotic of the gods. Usually depicted as male.