Lore - Common Terms and Definitions

Terms and Definitions

Tallies - A slang term used to describe species that are of the taller persuasion, typically over 5 feet tall as a minimum on average.  This includes Humans, Elves, Orc, Trolls, Ogre, Giants (obviously), Mer-folk, Tiefling, and many, many more.

Shorties - A slang term used to describe species that are of a shorter disposition, typically under 4 feet tall as a maximum.  This includes Goblins, Knolls, Gnomes, Hobbits, and many, many more.  Special accommodations are typically made for Shorties (and are often labeled as such), including special tables at restaurants, stalls in bathrooms, and even sports teams that are separated into Tallie and Shortie Leagues.

Short Stack - A possibly offensive slang term used to describe female Shorties.  Though it can be used between individuals who know each other quite well, it is considered impolite to refer to a stranger as a “Short Stack”.  Some Shorties consider the word as a sign of bodily pride, as more shapely Shorties like to use it to describe themselves.  The movement to reclaim the phrase has been gaining favor in recent years.

Aether - The name given to the natural magical field that surrounds the world since the dawn of existence.  It is an ever-present field that can be felt and somehow utilized by many individuals, with skilled users going on to be labeled as Mages, Sorcerers, Witches, and so on.  Only “Earthen” species, such as Dwarves, are incapable of manifesting Aether in their own natural bodies.

Refractors - An invention of the ever-crafty Gnomes, Refractors are specially manufactured crystals that can absorb the Aether, charging them.  They were used to build simplistic machines after their invention centuries ago, but are now an integral part of the world.  All power, be it vehicles, lights, and even household devices, operate through Refractor power.

Leylines - Hundreds and Billions of naturally occurring pathways that Aether can travel across.  Though it took generations of wizards countless years' worth of hours to eventually map the entire Leyline system, it was considered a massive advancement in magical achievement and led to the development of major technological advances.

Aethernet - A magically driven source of communication and information that spans near infinite fathoms of time and space, using the hundreds of billions of Leylines to carry information at instantaneous speeds.  At first, it was simply used for communication, though the advent of further technological advances has led to it mostly being used for funny pictures and videos.

Slates - The final evolution of the Aethernet technology.  Small, often rectangular devices are now held by nearly the entire population.  With simple interfaces, 4K screens, and reactive touch capability, Slates grants access to the Aethernet from your pocket at all times.  It allows for videos, photos, messages, and calls to be made over the Aethernet instantaneously, as well as the download of many games that prioritize ad revenue over actual engaging gameplay.  But you can turn those off for just $5.99.



 

Coven House - A term used for a specific type of lodging house typically reserved for members of a witch’s coven.  Usually owned and maintained by the Coven Matron or higher ranked member of the coven.  Noted for being rather quaint, older buildings that often smell very strongly of incense.  Leah currently resides in one, despite not being a Witch herself