Glossary

Another name for the Serenity.

EUB, standing for "extrauniversal being," is a generalized term for any entity from beyond the Starlyng Universe. EUBs can range from benign to malignant to anything in between, although the majority of visitors are true neutral, buglike beings affectionately called Bits. The majority of malignant visitors are sealike or maritime construct-esque creatures colloquially known amongst the Order's Upper Choir as Styx (see also: Veil). Regardless of intent, EUB cannot fundamentally exist in the Universe and must be escorted out through their Sourcegate or vanquished (the remains are to then be returned to Ouroboros by a Reaper or likewise escorted out).

Depending on the severity of the broken Law(s), Starlyngs can be affected by Distortion when improperly interacting with a EUB. Rarely, contact with EUB can increase a Starlyng's affinity with other EUB, the sensing and passing through of Sourcegates, and other extradimensional-related phenomena; some Starlyngs may even take on EUB abilities and/or corrupt space around them. Living Starlyngs wishing to rid themselves of Distortion(s) must seek the aid of a Sustainer or, in worse cases, a Firstborn. Deceased Starlyngs that have experienced Distortion are instead purified by Spectra.

Due to their outlander nature, EUBs represent in our Universe in strange and abstract ways. Styx, for example, "swim" through dark matter as if burning or pushing it away (the former leaving visible "scars" despite the work of Sustainers), emit sounds despite the vacuum of space, and phase through most other matter; their "aurae" also give a strong sense of "wrong". 

A term specifically referring to groups of Tradeslyngs (usually making up an Astromarket).

Guilds are intergalactic Factions comprised of likeminded individuals with likeminded goals. Unlike Covenants and Troupes, Guilds are often multiple, smaller collectives that have formed a (looser) alliance throughout the stars.

Although there is usually no "one" leader of any Guild as a whole (the Fleet and Wanderers have leading founders, but there are multiple other leaders that work alongside them; the Fellowship is community-lead and founded), within their own collectives, they generally do have authorities and hierarchies. It is also very common for Guildmembers to fly solo and remain only loosely associated with their Guild.

Guilds are very rarely involved in cosmic happenings (once again excepting the Fleet) and instead specialize in a trade or something like one; by this definition, some aspects of a Covenant (i.e. certain ranks, such as Heralds) may function more akin to Guilds.

For every universe in the Omnicosm, there is an equal and opposite universe to match it. Each pair is woven around by Ouroboros in a lemniscate shape (∞), and the center of this shape where Ouroboros infinitely consumes its own tail is the Sourcecore.

Any universe facing Ouroboros's head is referred to as a Head Universe (A.K.A. Positive Universe (ex. A+), the Plus, the "A-Side", the "Heads" Universe, the Starlyng Universe).

A subset of Liberkin dedicated to chronicling history in some way, be it of an individual or otherwise.

Looks and acts quite a bit like the stereotypical hover beams aliens use to kidnap cows in movies on Tellus. Often used in much the same way by spacecraft and space-based locations (like the Firmament), although more as a means of short transport over spiriting away life forms. Think of hoverways as "space" elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.

"Hoverways" can also apply to auroral, stationary walkways, most notably those used by the Emporium and other sizeable Astromarkets.

Also known as the Echo or Remnant, the Husk is the body of Ouroboros that forms the Sourcering around each universe (see: Omnicosm). The Husk contains the remnant consciousness of Ouroboros before it departed from the Universe and can be communicated with freely from any location by the Firstborns (who call it the Echo) and by those who complete the Quest of the Querent. The Husk steadily decays as the Universe itself ages, creating both Oort and weaknesses in the Sourcering (see: Sourcegate), which are dealt with by the Order of the Origin.

While Ouroboros is technically omnipresent and omniscient, the latter only refers to the Husk and the consciousness it left behind; it is not truly present in the Universe any longer. Likewise, its omniscience cannot account for its absence from the Universe, and thus its knowledge is stagnant. Think of it like this: You know each and every book that might be written, but you can never know which books were actually written nor exactly how they were written because you are not here to see them. Thus, It is completely possible for Querents to receive an a non-answer, a non-prophetic answer, or simply a wrong answer altogether—all of which are considered a high honor to hear.

The Firstborns, on the other hand, are much more accurate oracles, as they are both direct derivatives of Ouroboros (thus sharing in an amount of its powers) and actually present in the Universe. However, the most this does is reduce the number of strings they have to sift through; there is no such thing as a set fate for anything or anyone in the Omnicosm.

Finally, part of a Reaper's job is to escort the newfound knowledge of a deceased Starlyng to the Husk so that it may be transported to and absorbed by Ouroboros's main consciousness.

A series of Omens. 

Select Dwarves that can sing Runic to produce lesser Sourcic effects (with a notable proficiency in Anima). The "souls" of Incantors are more harmonized with the Source of Spacetime than other Dwarves.

The Dwarven process of inscribing Runes onto physical matter to imbue it with Sourcic properties. Masters of Infusion are called Runelords.

A group of Liberkin.

The study of languages across the Universe. While Lynguistics pursues what is typical of regular linguistics, it also works toward the development of universal terms and the "common tongue" used by Starlyngs (which can be used to enhance their oft-wordless "Telepathese"). This "common tongue," which comprises of both spoken and written word, is referred to as Starsong. 

Advanced Dwarven Allchemical technology that's been imbued with Sourcic properties via Infusion. 

Allows for Starlyngs to forage for, patent, and/or peddle their wares (to other Starlyngs, across the Universe to other spacefaring species, or planetside*). Issued by the Fellowship and common to its members; typically paired with the Pioneer's Permit.

Not needed for light (research-based, not affecting a planet or its population(s), etc.) foraging (although it grants the permission), but is needed to sell foraged goods (to a Fellow or otherwise). If a Starlyng wishes to forage lightly, a Pioneer's Permit is sufficient. 

*The Maker's Mark is contingent upon the Pact of Preservation, namely Path regulations involving planetside (or any otherwise occupied body) interaction, such as but not limited to:

Any kind of Liberkin that exhibits Memoria behavior (that is, seeking or requiring an author's manual input).  

A variant of Liberkin that prefers to be penned in by an author over absorbing material from other existing texts. Often kept as diaries, used to journal, etc.

Those who know the "secret of the Universe" are forbidden from voicing it, and breaking the Oath results in Quietus. Breaking the Oath also entails abusing All Things and thus breaking the Cosmic Law. Only Firstborns, enlightened Rubedo, and those who have qualified themselves via the Quest of the Querent are sworn to the Oath.

The Oath also bestows a "prime directive" to Firstborns specifically that directly determines their longevity.

Related to the Death's Knell. 

An impending death/incoming catastrophe sensed by a Reaper. Repetitive occurrences of Omens is called an Illiad. When it is particularly about strings of temporal anomalies involving death and destruction, it is called a Threnody. 

(sing. Omnibus) Compilations of Pages. 

The entirety of Ouroboros; every universe in totality. All the potential that is ever is and will be exists the moment a universe is born (following the rule that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred. Quietus is the lone exception); Ouroboros, on the other hand, contains infinite and inexhaustive potential (see: Cosmic Cauldron).

Diagram base provided by Maheylis

The original assembly of Firstborns that formed after the Overture.

The Orchestra eventually gave way to the establishment of the first Universal Covenants, the Order of the Origin and the Way of the Darkscythe, as well as all other subsequent Factions.

The event during which the majority of primeval Firstborns deliberately broke their Oaths so as to birth the original stars, galaxies, and Starlyngs, thus "kickstarting" the Universe's in-built processes.

The name for the exhaustive list of regulations upheld by the Path of Preservation, and chiefly deals in planetside conduct (some of which can be read in the Maker's Mark description). The Pact is mostly just common sense for the typical Starlyng, and thus rather droll. 

Fragmented memories (from Stardust) specifically selected by Reapers.

Another name for Azoth (in reference to the cure-all). Think of it like calling ibuprofen "Advil".

A variant of Liberkin that takes on the appearance of an unending scroll rather than a book, and often showcases a mixture of typical Liberkin and Memoria behavior. Eerily, Perpetua continue to fill past their supposed deaths, albeit in an undecipherable language, and many authors speak of a nigh-unbreakable "compulsion" to fill them—whether the Perpetua is alive or dead. For this reason, the bulk of Perpetua are sealed in some fashion, and to read them requires vigilant monitoring by another experienced in resistance.

The parchment of Liberkin—particularly that of Perpetua—is heavily researched for its longevity, yet has thus far not been replicated. 

The physical manifestation of a fragment of a Rubedo's soul, the formation of such being a benchmark for becoming a Rubedo. Can look however the creator pleases, but common practice is to shape it, well, like a stone. 

Issued by the ISS. Think of the Pioneer's Permit as an intergalactic passport, and something like a driver's license. Not only does it qualify a Starlyng as a Wanderer, it also allows them to conduct officially (Firmament)-sanctioned research, exploration, and foraging across the stars, operate spacecraft (including starships and vessels like the Rebis, so Fleet and Cauda Pavonis members are indeed all certified), and pass Preservation Points unhindered. Often paired with the Maker's Mark to conduct business.

Involves passing some tests beforehand (such as how to treat planets and their species, how to integrate, etc.), which can be studied for at the Sanctuary, Bastion, and various other institutional locations. Although issued by the ISS, the Pioneer's Permit, much like the Maker's Mark, is ultimately subject to the Preservation and its regulations involving planetside interactions.

Starlyngs don't necessarily need a Pioneer's Permit if they're already sanctioned by another Faction, but they're still good to have, and many Starlyngs start off at the Adventurer's Guild regardless. Further, Starlyngs can still be classed as a Wanderer while prioritizing another Faction (this is true of all Factions, yet is notably common for the Adventurer's Guild). However, if a Starlyng wishes to be a full-time Wanderer, a Pioneer's Permit is required.

That being said, Starlyngs don't need to be licensed at all to do their thing—it just makes things easier.

The Pioneer's Permit is a Bronze Root, designed after the name of the first rank of the Interstellar Wanderers.

Maintained by the Preservation, Preservation Points (or just Points), are checkpoints throughout the Universe with the primary purpose of safeguarding against unprepared visitors, especially in anomalous or dangerous locations. 

That being said, there are plenty of Preservation Points positioned near "safe" areas, as their secondary purpose is to assist in intergalactic navigation. The vast majority of Preservation Points double as "information desks" and can provide Starlyngs with not only directions, but an overview of the (weather, social, or otherwise) climate of nearby planets, etc. Many Preservation Points also share a space with Cosmic Courier postal offices. 

Preservation Points are generally headed by their nearby Wardens and/or their subordinates.