N. Jemisin - The Killing Moon

Shunha:One of the two branches of Gujaareen nobility, whose members claim to be descended from liaisons between mortals and Dreaming Moon’s children. Shunha maintain the customs and traditions of the motherland (Kisua).

Sisters of Hananja:An order (independent of the Hetawa) consisting predominantly of women, who serve Hananja by collecting dreamseed in the city.

Skyrer:Nocturnal birds of prey who hunt the Empty Thousand. It is an ill omen to see skyrers by day, or away from the desert outside of the rainy season.

Slave:In Kisua, captive enemies, debtors, the indigent, undesirable foreigners, and criminals sentenced to involuntary servitude for a period of years. Slavery is illegal in Gujaareh.

Sonha:Kisuati nobility, who claim to be descended from liaisons between mortals and Dreaming Moon’s children.

Sonta-i:A Gatherer of Hananja; the indigo nightshade.

Soulname:Names given to Gujaareen children for protection in Ina-Karekh.

Southlands:Collective name for the various tribes beyond the source of the Goddess’ Blood river, many of which are vassal-states of Kisua.

Stone Garden:A meditation-space in the inner Hetawa.

Sunandi Jeh Kalawe:A maiden of the Kisuati sonha, assigned to Gujaareh as Voice of the Protectorate.

Sunset Lineage:The royal family of Gujaareh, said to be descendants of the Sun.

Superior:The administrative head of the Hetawa, whose decisions are made in conjunction with the Council of Paths and the Gatherers.

Taffur:A small canid found in the Blood valley and Empty Thousand, sometimes kept as a pet in Gujaareh and Kisua.

Teachers:Those in one of the four paths to the Service of Hananja, responsible for education and the pursuit of knowledge.

Territories, The:Collective name for the towns and tribes that have pledged allegiance to Gujaareh. Often referred to as simply “Gujaareh.”

Tesa:An oasis in the Empty Thousand, around which a thriving trade-center has developed.

Timbalin:A popular narcotic in Gujaareh. Allows uncontrolled dreaming.

Tithe:A Gujaareen citizen’s due offering to Hananja.

Tithebearer:One designated by the Hetawa to receive Hananja’s blessing, in return for a tithe of dream-humors.

True-seeing:A dream-vision of the future or past.

Umblikeh:The tether that binds soul to flesh and permits travel out of the body into other realms. When severed, death follows instantaneously.

Una-une:A Gatherer of Hananja, recently deceased. Ehiru’s mentor.

Voice of Kisua:An ambassador of Kisua, who speaks for the Protectors. The proper title for a Voice is “Speaker.”

Waking Moon:Younger sister of the Dreaming Moon. Visible only shortly before sunrise.

Water Garden:A meditation-space in the inner Hetawa.

Wind Garden:A meditation-space in the inner Hetawa.

Wood Garden:A meditation-space in the inner Hetawa.

Yanya-iyan:The Prince’s main palace in the capital city, seat of Gujaareh’s government.

Zhinha:One of the two branches of nobility in Gujaareh, whose members claim to be descended from liaisons between mortals and Dreaming Moon’s children. Zhinha believe Gujaareh’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and change.