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.