Glossary

An affectionate abbreviation for Empyrean, the sun of the Mythos System. 

A "rite of passage" pilgrimage a Starlyng might take to the Nexus to pose the Ouroboros Husk their one allotted question, which Ouroboros has programmed itself to answer before its consciousness departed. The answer is unable to be heard or known by anyone but the Querent. The closest approximation of Ouroboros's "voice" would be the sound of a black hole.

If a Starlyng asks the question, "What is the secret to the Universe?" then they will be under the same oath as the Firstborns and will never be able to voice it without risking Quietus. 

True and complete death; the energy of the affected being cannot be transferred or recreated and will be utterly destroyed. Quietus is only experienced by those who break the Oath of the Origin. 

A mysterious, watery paint-like element not unlike "aether" that requires a specialized process to extract from the Cosmic Cauldron. It cannot normally be perceived (and thus interacted with) otherwise.  

Once extracted, it becomes Alkahest, which can be refined further into Azoth. 

Dwarves that specialize in Infusion.

Runes are a subtype of Sourcery that the Muspelheim use to communicate with one another and other Sourcery-sensitive species (ex. the Giants and Fey). This ability is innate to all Ember Therion since birth. Runes affect ambient energy to convey the intent of the user; there are no words or actions needed (the latter being for emphasis only). Rune usage can cause the surrounding space to shiver, shimmer, and sparkle.

Following decades of observation, Dwarves learned to "translate" Runes into a physical language (Runic) and that this language can be used to harness a degree of Sourcic energy. From this, they discovered that Runes can be inscribed upon physical matter to imbue it with Sourcery (Infusion), leading to the development of Magitechnology. Dwarves that specialize in Infusion are called Runelords, while those that design and optimize Magitechnology are called Runesmiths.

Dwarves that design and optimize Magitechnology using the Infusions created by Runelords. 

The Dwarven "translation" of Runes into a "physical" language. The written form can be used by anyone, but the "spoken" form requires an innate harmony between the "soul" and the Score of Spacetime. Spoken Runic must be sung; it otherwise has no effect (it likewise has no effect if mimicked by the unattuned). Those that can sing Runic and produce an effect are called Incantors.

Dwarven Runelords and Runesmiths make use of written Runic to Infuse their Magitechnology (Magitech). Dwarven Incantors do the same with spoken Runic by imbuing Magitech with lesser Anima.

The Score of Spacetime works in conjunction with the Cosmic Law and the Cosmic Scales (Space) and describes the largely unheard "sound" of the Omnicosm, in which each universe has its own "music sheet". The Score largely deals in the course of Time, and thus fate itself. Everyone and everything has their own "personal" Score as well. 

Whereas Ouroboros composed the Score of the Omnicosm and does not conduct its work, Firstborns are able to read, and, to varying extents, orchestrate the Score of Universe A+/A-. Further, whereas Ouroboros hears the entire symphony without discernment, Firstborns can hear each individual instrument, and are thus able to better (not but infallibly) predict their tunes.

Some Firstborns, such as the Composer, can even amend spacetime through the Score (all Firstborns possess a level of spatial skills; temporally, it rarely goes beyond awareness/interpretation of the Score), although their Oath prevents them from unfettered interference.

Notably, fate is far from deterministic; it is a sea of possibilities, and no one action leads anyone or anything on any set path. It is truly a power of will, where the consequences of it simply greaten or lessen the probabilites of each outcome. Some things, of course, are also entirely outside anyone's control, but even they are technically the will of happenstance.

A branch base belonging to the Archivists' Association, of which there are many spread across the cosmos.

Scriptoria (also known as Ephemerides) can vary in grandiosity, although most contain at least a space telescope and perusable library. 

The seven (eight) remaining Firstborns who head the Order of the Origin.

Refers to the legal system of the Order enacted through the Courts of Serenity. Also called the Equilibrium. 

The "imaginary" element comprising the Universe, from which all Sourcery draws power and from which Alkahest (and by extension Azoth) is made. Summarily, the Source is the abstract "waters" of the Cosmic Ocean. Shares a name with one of the Sourcestar's many epithets; also called magic (alongside Sourcery).

The transitory stage between an Oort burning out and the formation of a Boötes. Resembles the head of a dandelion flower; hyaline, opalescent, and aglow with latent energy much like a Sourcefeather.

For every universe, 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 is the Sourcecore.

The Sourcecore is where the Ouroboros Husk infinitely consumes its own tail, as well as the "formal" Sourcegate between universes. The Universe where Ouroboros's head is facing it is referred to as the Head Universe, and for the tail side, the Tail Universe. 

Starlyngs may make a "rite of passage" pilgrimage (the Quest of the Querent) to the Sourcecore/Sourcegate to pose the Husk their one allotted question, which Ouroboros had "programmed" itself to answer before its consciousness departed. The specific location of where this question is posed is called the Nexus.

Detritus from the decay of the Sourcering; a hyaline and opalescent feather aglow with latent energy. May or may not develop into an Oort. 

Entrances between each universe via weakened points in the Sourcering or, more formally, at the Sourcecore (via the Head or Tail of the Ouroboros Husk).  

The "official" Sourcegate cannot be passed through without specific criteria being met, such as a Firstborn or Reaper (both can pass freely) escort; it naturally rejects foreign entrants, unlike weakened areas in the Sourcering membrane. Sustainers will reinforce problematic Sourcegates using Azoth. 

Starlyngs may make a "rite of passage" pilgrimage (the Quest of the Querent) to the Sourcecore/Sourcegate to pose the Husk their one allotted question, which Ouroboros had "programmed" itself to answer before its consciousness departed. The specific location of where this question is posed is called the Nexus.

The length of Ouroboros's body that forms the perimeter of (and thus the boundary between) every universe. May also be called the Boundary or Edge, among many other names.

Also known as the Universal Magic or just magic, Sourcery (sorcery) is the study of the Universe, Ouroboros, and Omnicosm. Though it shares its definition with Allchemy, Sourcery revolves around what is "nonphysical" or otherwise remote from "reality" (in essence, it's magic; anything involving "unreality" can be called Sourcery), whereas Allchemy does not. The energy all Sourcery is derived from is called the Source, which shares its name with the Sourcestar.

Be it naturally or learned, those that can wield Sourcery are called Sourcerers (name shared with the All is One rank, Citrinitas).

Another (and the most commonly used) name for Ouroboros.

Flocks of Tradeslyngs (be it either many occupying one ship or a close group of multiple ships, with planetside, non-ship Star Markets also possible) practicing their trades/selling goods in one "place" (they can migrate). Larger Star Markets usually have an active Astroport for loading/unloading goods.

Sometimes shortened to Starkets.

Stardust are memories made physical; when a Starlyng dies, their body gradually decomposes into Stardust, scattering the memories they made over their lifetime across space. As Stardust will eventually mix and reform into a new Starlyng (or Oort), newborn Starlyngs may sometimes have memories that are not their own and can mimic the Traits of species they have never seen before. While this process can happen without interference, Reapers can assist in the collection and cosmic recycling of deceased Starlyngs. Can be converted into Tomes.

For the currency, see Stardust (SD).

Population(s) actively engaged in extraplanetary commerce, communications, and/or greater forms of space exploration. Also referred to as Starseers. 

The chosen spacecraft of the Fleet of the First Light, modeled after stereotypical pirate vessels. These ships are typically prefixed with the word "star-" (e.g. "star-sloop," "star-galleon," so on), but collectively and less particularly, they are simply called starships. Like all other spacecrafts, a Pioneer's Permit is required to operate them.

The largest and most legendary of all starships—belonging to the overall leader of the Fleet, Captain Dark Matter—is known as the Event Horizon.

The "common tongue" used by Starlyngs across the Universe. Comprises both written and spoken word, and can be used to enhance their oft-wordless "Telepathese". 

Styx (from the river Styx and the Mavro Nero) and are EUB that resemble luminous aquatic life or "artificial" maritime constructs (ships, anchors, etc.). Read more about them here!

Another name for the Seat of Seven. The Synod is comprised of the seven (eight) remaining Firstborns who head the Order of the Origin.

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 tail is referred to as a Tail Universe (also known as the Negative Universe (ex. A-), the Minus, the "B-Side", the "Tails" Universe, the Inverse or Obverse).

A jargon term for the telepathetic communication used between Starlyngs. 

Telepathese is more akin to silent communication over the innate ability to read minds. It cannot be used to read the minds of any species (thus necessitating Starsong and the learning of other native languages), and amongst Starlyngs, it can only receive what the receipient consents to share; memories and thoughts cannot be accessed willy-nilly. Information between Starlyngs can be transferred over extremely long distances, and is typically transmitted through flashes of imagery and sensation (e.g. smells or sound), rather than words. 

Term used for the tools created by the All is One that members of the Preservation and the Order used to shield against EUB and spacetime anomalies (relating to the idea of spacetime being like a "blanket," i.e. the "fabric of spacetime").