Wild Cards 10 - Double Solitaire

Glossary

 

 

agma — a large, intelligent predatory animal. The challenge to the hunter is that an agma hunts back.

 

Ajayiz — the ruling council of a Takisian House.

 

Ajayiz’et — a member of the ruling council.

 

Amlas — the diplomatic language used only between Houses for negotiations.

 

ankatai’li — shape-changing insect that appears crystalline when at rest.

 

bitshuf’di — a neutered psi lord, male or female.

 

calnite — a bioengineered substance to speed bone reconstruction.

 

cinara wood – a pungent wood whose smell is reminiscent of sandalwood and honey.

 

Fel’k — the larger moon of Takis.

 

Ideal — the quintessential description of the Takisian psyche. It is more than mere physical or mental prowess. It is the perfection with which a Takisian comports himself in all areas of his or her life. Virtu — achieving it, the quest for it — helps to dramatize the Ideal. Success does not necessarily define whether you’ve achieved virtu or the Ideal. A spectacular failure can count more than being merely adequate.

 

ikadah — a warm, sweet drink of Takis. Chocolate is the Earth equivalent.

 

Ilkazal — the public language of House Ilkazam; uses telepathy and the spoken word.

 

Intaye — a lady of the Most Bred.

 

Ishab’kaukab — the living ships of Takis.

 

jebali — a small nocturnal grazing animal.

 

ka’et — a stringed instrument whereby sound is formed by striking the strings with hammers that also carry a tone. The player uses a double keyboard.

 

Kib’r — a relative of past seven degrees.

 

kuket — darling, sweetheart, but it is a diminutive usually applied to children.

 

La’b — a sexual toy.

 

lawmerates — male or female Takisians who have been surgically altered to the opposite sex.

 

Lilistizkar — a visiting day in the women’s quarters.

 

l’lail — a riding animal.

 

merrida — darling, used between lovers.

 

MIS — Mentatic Intelligence Service.

 

pful — Takisian vegetable.

 

Raiyis — the ruler of a Takisian House.

 

Raiyis’tet — the rulership of a House.

 

ral — a milk-producing ruminant. Its coat produces a fine, soft wool suitable for weaving.

 

Rarrana — the women’s quarters, purdah.

 

re’ba’bi — a stringed instrument played with a bow.

 

Sham’al — the common speech of Takis. Sometimes called industry speak.

 

shujukis — a large flying mountain predator that has been trained to carry riders.

 

silamum — a cold effervescent fruit drink.

 

sinau soup — a bean soup with a sharp citrus flavor.

 

sinde — a powerful, shorttempered creature raised for its meat.

 

sithi beans — a highly flavored spice used in desserts.

 

spetza — a sparkling sweet wine.

 

stirpes — a member of the Tarhiji who has been adopted by a psi lord. Degree of relationship is roughly that of a cousin, and they are not permitted to breed with the Zal’hma at’ Irg.

 

Tarhtji — the mind-blind majority population of Takis.

 

Tiana — the smaller moon of Takis.

 

vacu — a foul and rather disgusting creature whose name is used as an epithet.

 

Vayet — the public language of House Vayawand.

 

vindi — cousin. A form of polite address not indicating a literal relationship.

 

wanei — a small house pet.

 

ysan — a hot, bitter beverage.

 

Zal’hma at’ Irg — the psi lords, the Most Bred of Takis.

 

zanjabiil — a badgerlike creature.