Varati
Terms
A
| B | C | D | F | G
| H | I | J | K
| L | M
N
| P | R | S | T
| U | V | W | Y
| Z
A
Abd:
(ahbt) n. Servant.
Acarya: (ah-KAR-ya) n. mentor,
teacher.
Agni-Haidar: (AG-nee HAY-dar) n.
"Lions of Fire." Also called the 'Black Guard,' they act as protectors and personal
bodyguards to the Varati god-king, Khalid Atar. They are an
elite force among the Varati, and only the most accomplished and enduring fighters
can survive the years of training necessary to produce them. No mere guards are
they, but a renowned force of fearsome warriors. Few live to tell the tale of
outfighting an Agni-Haidar.
Ajawid: (ah-JAH-wid)
n. the few, select non-Varati who have an honored station in Varati society. While
the Atarvani may accept Tawbah from
an outsider and make them Birr, their station in the Varati
society is no higher than the lowest of the vaisya. However,
in rare cases, Khalid Atar may accept the oath of fealty and
the Tawbah from a non-Varati. In these few cases, the outsider becomes Ajawid,
the 'honored chosen,' and is usually placed within the kshatri
or Atarvani castes. Other privileges accompany the Ajawid
and the few Ajawid of Varati history have almost always gone on to be heroes of
legend within the culture, serving the kingdom against all odds.
Akhund:
(AHK-und) n. The third tier of power among the Atarvani. Scholars and soldiers.
akraba:
(AH-kra-bah) n. a term for kin or family. Could also apply to any clansman or
clanswoman, regardless of relation by blood.
Al-jahannam:
(al-JAH-hah-nahm) n. the period spanning between the time Khalid Atar's last Visir during the Reign of Fire was overthrown and the
time the God-King regained his throne. This era numbered one hundred years. Also
known as the Time of Terror, the Age of Darkness, and the Century of Chaos.
Al-rutan:
(al-roo-TAHN) n. the name given for the four centuries in which Khalid Atar and the Varati held dominance over the world.
Some initially believed it was to be the Al-umam and if
not for the greedy and conniving Warlords of the heretic Clans, it might indeed
have become the Age of Glory. Also known as the Reign of Fire.
Al-umam:
(al-oo-MAHM) n. the preordained thousand-year rule of Atar over the world which will climax in his mastery over
all creation and his ascension to the celestial throne. Also known as the Age
of Glory, the Millenium of Peace and the Ten Golden Centuries.
Amir-al:
(AH-meer-ALL) n. a term that means roughly 'king,' 'lord,' or 'commander.' It
is used as a title of respect for the Varati god-king, Khalid Atar.
arbalist: (ARR-bah-list)
n. a military weapon resembling the crossbow, with a steel bow used to throw balls,
stones, or quarrels. Originally developed by the Varati, this weapon has since
been adopted by the Empyreans.
Ashur
Masad: (ASH-ur mah-SAHD) In Varati myth, he is the father of Khalid Atar,
and lord of light and the sun. He is also the judge of the dead, and casts worthy
souls into a better life. Read about Atar for more information.
Atar: (ah-TAR) (Also called Khalid Atar). Immortal
god-king of the Varati, and deity of fire and warfare. See the AetherMUX
Pantheon page's entry about Atar for more
information.
Atarian: (ah-TAR-ee-ehn) n. Follower
of Khalid Atar. One who practices Atarism. See the Atarism page for more information about this religion.
atarvani: (ah-tar-VAHN-ee) n. They are the religious
caste of Varati society. Many are learned in history, politics, and magic as well,
and alongside the warlike kshatri, they provide leadership and guidance for their
race. See the Atarvani page for more information.
Atesh-Gah:
(ah-TESH-gah) n. The embassy of the Varati within Haven. It is located in the
northern end of town and built in the typical architectural style of the Varati:
a plain, undecorated exterior though richly appointed on the inside. Visitors
are rare, and must be invited by the king or members of his court. Illustrations
of its courtyard and inner layouts are
available.
Atman: (AHT-man) n. Lowest ranking member
of the Atarvani. Neonate.
B
Birr:
(bihr) n. those outsiders who have gone through the Tawbah.
In most cases, they are relegated to the lowest rungs of the vaisya caste.
brigandine:
(BRIG-ahn-deen) n. a coat of mail consisting of thin, joined scales of plate fastened
with leather or cloth to make the coat flexible.
C
candala:
(kahn-DAHL-ah) 1. n. a term for anyone who is non-Varati. Sometimes considered
derogatory. 2. n. an insult to indicate that a Varati man or woman has adopted
'foreign' ways--they act like a "candala" rather than a Varati.
chodana:
(choh-DAH-nah) n. similar to the khabar, it is the code of beliefs that the Atarians are supposed to follow. It contains all the
surahs.
choli: (CHOH-lee)
n. a short-sleeved, tight-fitting top worn by Varati women, usually in conjunction
with a sari or leyang and skirt or underneath dresses or tunics for
additional support.
D
Dai:
(dai) n. The Hands of Atar, a secret society of assassins, spies, and agents for
Khalid Atar.
dharma: (DAR-mah)
n. a term meaning "righteousness" or a "sense of duty."
dinar:
(di-NAR) n. a coin made from copper, worth about the same as a penny.
diksha:
(DIK-shah) n. the ceremony in which the dead are cremated upon a funeral pyre.
diya: (DIH-yah) n. justice. Tied to the principals
of honor, by Varati code, diya must be met for the wrong-doings of an enemy. It
has .come to mean 'blood duel', for this is often the diya between two parties
who feel they have been wronged by the other. The diya is performed under specific
conditions, overseen by a member of the Atarvani. Members of the Agni-Haidar and the Atarvani are rarely allowed
to participate in a diya.
Dulta: (DOOL-tah) n. an
assassin who has fallen from his caste or who is otherwise on the edge of Varati
soceity. Usually Dultas are former members of the kshatri or vaisya castes who have somehow lost their honor in the
eyes of their peers. They are often employed during Clan Jihads or against an enemy who is too strong to defeat
in a diya.
F
falcare:
(fal-KARE) n. a broad-bladed, slightly curved sword.
fatwa:
(FAHT-wa) n. a religious order handed down by high-ranking Atarvani which condemns
a man to death for blasphemy.
firedrake: See
wyvern.
G
ganika:
(GAN-ee-kah) 1. n. a word meaning 'prostitute.' Ganikas are women who have been
disowned by their families or divorced by their husbands, for one reason or another,
and now have little choice but to sell their bodies in order to survive. 2. n.
a Varati insult (i.e. "your mother was a ganika").
H
haik:
(hike) n. a large piece of woolen or cotton cloth worn by the Varati over their
tunics.
houris: (HOOR-ee) n. a woman trained in the
art of seduction, pleasure, discourse, singing, dancing, and so on. Houris are
neither concubines nor ganikas -- they are similar to the Japanese "geishas,"
in that they are instructed to be ideal companions for men. They represent a "refuge"
from the harshness of life; and help a man forget, for a time, his troubles, as
he is rested and refreshed in a delicate and delightful world of pleasure. Often
a member of the Ushasti.
I
Imakhu:
(ih-MAH-koo) n. a Varati term for "teacher", "honor", or "scholar" which denotes
honor and reverence.
Imam: (EE-mahm) n. second only
to the Khaliph in power among the Atarvani. Writers of the law. Imams are often put in
charge of secular duties in mulks to work alongside the Pashas.
imphada: (im-FAH-da) n. a term of respect which
means "lady" or "mistress." The male equivalent is "imphadi."
imphadi:
(im-FAH-dee) n. a term of respect. Loosely translated, it means "honored sir."
The feminine equivalent would be "imphada."
J
jamdani:
(jahm-DAN-ee) n. a type of flowered, muslin fabric or robe favored by Varati women.
janizar: (JAN-ih-zar) n. Janizars are the "foot
soldier" or privates in the Varati guard -- the lowest ranking of the Agni-Haidar.
Jhor: (jor)
n. ritual suicide committed either to atone for one's sins or as an honorable
end to a life of service to Atar.
Jihad: (jih-HAHD) n.
Clan war. Holy war. This term, as many terms in the Varati culture, has a dual
purpose and meaning. When applied within the Varati culture, the Jihad is a sanctioned
war between two Clans who cannot settle their differences in any other way. When
it is applied to an outside group, it is a holy war waged by the Varati against
the kafir.
jubbah: (JOOB-ah)
n. a long outer garment with long sleeves, worn by the Varati.
K
kaffe:
(kahf-AY) n. a rich, Varati beverage consisting of a decoction from the crushed
seeds of a two-seeded fruit (i.e. the Aether equivalent of "coffee"). Traditionally
served very strong and with sugar ("Thick as mud, black as night, sweet as love").
Spices or other flavorings may be added in: each Clan has its own special preparation
of the drink. 'Kaf' for short.
Kafir: (kah-FEER) n.
Non-believer, infidel.
Kaimakam: (KIME-ah-kam)
n. Ranking third highest in the Agni-Haidar, this is the equivalent of "lieutenant."
kakini: (kah-KEE-nee) n. a Varati coin equal to about
a 50-cent piece.
kamiz: (kam-EEZ) n. an ankle-length
gown with a square neckline and long, loose sleeves.
keris:
(KARE-iss) n. a ceremonial dagger with a wavy, serpentine blade.
Khabar:
(kah-BAHR) n. the concept of tradition and honor among the Varati. It is also
used as an oath or promise. One's 'khabar' is very valued among the Varati and
they will not give it idly; but once given, it is rare that a Varati will break
their 'khabar'.
Khalid: (kah-LEED) n. 1. a term meaning
"neverending"; it has also come to mean "king" or "lord." 2. The proper term of
respect for the Varati god-king, Atar.
Khaliph (kah-LEEF)
n. the high priest of the Atarvani, answerable only to Khalid Atar himself. This position carries quite a bit
of political clout and is in charge of all religious and secular matters in the
Varati government.
khansamah: (kahn-SAH-mah) n.
a term meaning "steward" or "butler." The khansamah is typically the chief servant
of a household.
khidmah: (KEED-mah) n. a term for
a servant or male attendant.
kshatri: (KSHAY-tree)
n. Comprising the ruling class of Varati society, the kshatri are "warrior-nobles."
At some point in history, their military took control of the kingdom, and ever
since then, the greatest warrior clans have been the leaders of that race. Please
see the Castes document for more information this caste.
L
leyang:
(lay-AHNG) n. a broad, long cloth something like the sari: it is wrapped around
the torso as a sari is but is not large enough to form a skirt. Thus, it is usually
worn over dresses or skirts, providing an extra drape around a woman's top and
a covering for her hair.
M
mahisi:
(mah-HEE-see) n. a term meaning "first among the king's concubines"--this refers
to a man's favored concubine. Oft times -- and especially if the man has no wives
-- his mahisi is also in charge of the day-to-day matters of his household. Capitalized
(i.e., "The Mahisi"), it refers to Khalid's favored concubine.
Masada:
(ma-SAH-dah) n. The capital of the Varati kingdom, and homeland of Khalid Atar.
It is named after the father of Khalid and god of the sun, Ashur Masad. Its exact
location is unknown to the general populace, for it is underground, in a great
vara that is rumored to be "as vast as a horse can run" and "as tall as a tree
can grow." Those who have seen the city describe awe-inspiring architecture, palaces
bedecked with gold and precious gems, and an entire underground forest fashioned
entirely of metal, stone, and jewels.
Mufti: (MOOF-ti)
n. Second-lowest ranking in the Atarvani religious authority.
Preachers.
mulk: (moolk) n. A vara, a group of varas,
or an area controlled by a Pasha.
munafiqun: (moo-NAH-fih-kuhn)
n. a Hypocrite. It is another derogatory term for non-Varati, especially the Empyreans.
muruah: (mu-ROO-ah) n. one's 'manhood' -- it is the
concept of male pride and power. Somewhat similar to the khabar, except that it emphasizes the male ideal of pride
while the khabar focuses on the Varati ideal of honor.
N
nabi:
(NAH-bee) n. The fourth tier of power among the Atarvani. Judges.
Naraki:
(nah-RAH-kee) n. a slave. The naraki do not constitute a caste; they are simply
slaves.
Nayaka: (nie-AH-kah) n. a rank meaning "general."
The 'Nayaka' of the Agni-Haidar would be the captain of the king's guard.
Each Clan often has a Nayaka in charge of its own elite guard.
panas:
(pah-NAHS) n. (pl. panas) a coin used by the Varati, made of silver and equivalent
to about 10 dollars.
Pasha: (PAH-shah) n. the equivalent
to a governor in the Varati kingdom. Ranking under the Amir-al, each is given
a mulk to administer. Also a member of the Council of Pashas
which advises and aides Khalid Atar during peacetime.
patchouli:
(pach-OO-lee) n.1. a mint used primarily by the Varati that yields a heavy, dark-brown,
fragrant oil. 2. A perfume made from this oil.
pundit,
pandit: (poon-DEET) n. Scholar, learned one. Female: pundita, pandita (poon-DEE-tah).
R
Rafiq:
(ra-FEEK) n. comrades, battlemates.
raki: (rah-KEE)
n. a spirituous liquor distilled from grain, grapes, plums, etc.
Rakshasa
(rahk-SHAH-sah) n. a Varati shapeshifter; the most common rakshasa animal forms
are bears, cougars, coyotes, eagles, hawks, lynxes, owls, ravens, and wolves.
More unusual are panthers and pumas; these are considered uniquely Varati and
are much sought out by the Atarvani as warrior guards. And some from sea-faring
families have been known to be gifted with the form of an aquatic animal such
as the dolphin, but these type of rakshasa are extremely rare. Female: rakshasi
(rahk-SHAH-see).
razzia: (RAZ-zee-ah) n. a raid,
meaning both raids on rival clans as well as those on outsiders.
Rida:
(REE-dah) n. a scroll offered up as a prayer to the Atarvani. These scrolls contain
the requests of an individual to Atar.
Rimposhe:
(REHM-posh) n. master, renowned learned man, sage.
S
Saah:
(SA'ah) n. the series of rituals and tests conducted upon students desiring to
become full-fledged members of the Atarvani. Once passed,
the student is awared the rank of atman.
Samsara: (sam-SAHR-rah)
n. the concept of being reborn. The cycle of reincarnation in which the soul is
born again into a new body and perhaps a new caste after being judged by Khalid
or Ashur Masad .
sarhang: (SAR-hang) n. A word for
a ship-captain; the commander of a vessel or boat.
sari:
(SAR-ee) n. a garment that consists of yards of lightweight cloth draped so that
one end forms a skirt and the other a head or shoulder covering.
seraglio:
(ser-AH-glee-oh) n. the part of a Varati's household where his wives or concubines
live; a harem.
serai: (seh-RYE) n. an inn or boarding
house. The term was originally Varati, but has since gained more widespread use.
Seraskier: (ser-ASK-ee-er) n. One of the ranks
in a Varati military force, this term is the vague equivalent of "commander" or
"captain." The most noted Seraskiers in Varati society are those who command the
Agni-Haidar; in that body, the rank is the second-highest
just below Nayaka.
Shahid: (shah-HID)
n. a term for a valiant warrior fallen in battle, especially for a great cause.
An honored martyr.
Shakir: (shah-KEER) n. the Shakir
is the seneschal for a Clan. While the Warlord controls the Clan in name and right,
it is the Shakir who often oversees the day-to-day business of the Clan and its
activities. Some Shakir have been known to reach great power and importance due
to their efforts, especially in the absence of a Warlord for the Clan.
shechah:
(SHAY-cha) n. a female shaman or priest. Normally, women are not allowed much
prestige beyond the position of wife, but an ancient and almost-forgotten custom
allows a select few to attain a rank similar to the 'atarvani.' Shechahs are usually
women who show a marked talent in some magical field, such as healing or elemental-magic.
Shravaka: (shrah-VAH-kah) n. student. Pupil.
shudra:
(SHOO-drah) n. a labor caste in the Varati society, the lowest caste; this term
is also used to describe halfbreeds or mongrels or anyone of a mixed or questionable
bloodline, as these people form a large part of the caste. However, some shudra
are purebreed Varati, having been relegated to this caste from higher castes as
punishment or from the naraki caste as reward. Please see the Castes document for more information on this caste.
silwar: (SIL-wahr) n. trousers or pantaloons, often
with loose pleats in the legs, cuffed at the ankles. Worn mostly by men but women
often wear a simpler, more pajama-like version under their skirts or dresses.
Particularly loose and fancy silwar may be worn by women as a regular item of
clothing as well.
Sirdar: (SEER-dar) n. a term of
respect that means roughly "leader," "chief," or "lord." Lower-ranking Varati
will address their superiors this way, such as when speaking to a warlord of a
clan.
surah: (SOO-rah) n. a foundation stone of a
vara. A divine principle of Atarism.
Suttee: (SOO-tee)
n. the tradition in which the widow follows her husband into death by burning
herself on his funeral pyre.
T
Tawbah:
(TAW-bah) n. the act of repenting one's ills. The act of accepting Khalid Atar
as the Lord of Creation, the King of Gods.
U
Umma:
(OO-mah) n. community. Another term for vara.
Ushas:
(OO-shas) An ancient Varati goddess, representing the dawn and peaceful winds.
The mother of Khalid Atar, she also brings peace to troubled souls, and is portrayed
as a goddess of mercy.
Ushasti: (oo-SHAHS-tee) n.
1. a religion honoring Ushas, the mother of Khalid Atar and the goddess of the
dawn. 2. a sect of worshippers among the Varati, primarily made up of women, who
honor Ushas. The worship focuses on healing, midwifery, motherhood, child-rearing,
and other "womanly arts." Yet there is a darker side to it as well, with undertones
of witchcraft, and Ushasti priestesses are treated with wariness and respect.
They have enough clout in Varati society to "disgrace" a man who is cruel to his
wife or children, and it is said they wield the power to destroy a man's health,
potency, good fortune, or strength.
V
vaisya:
(VICE-ya) n. pl. Among the Varati, the vaisyas are the common people. Made up
of merchants, craftsmen, entertainers, metalworkers, agriculturalists, etc., they
comprise the "middle class" of Varati society. Please see the Castes document for more information this caste.
vara:
(VAH-ra) n. The traditional dwelling of the Varati, from which they derive their
name: vara are underground caves and caverns which, according to legend, are carved
and shaped into fantastic subterranean edens.
Varati:
(vah-RAH-tee) n. Dwelling beneath the earth, the Varati are one of the four elemental
races, based on fire. Stalwart and powerful, they are the "master builders" of
Aether, and generated stories on Earth about trolls, dwarves, and demons. In appearance,
they are usually dark of skin and hair, with chiseled features as though carved
from granite or marble.
vidusaka:
(vee-doo-SAH-kah) n. An entertainer or "jester" to the king. The word can also
indicate anyone who acts too ingratiating or fawning; a flatterer.
vina:
(VEE-na) n. a stringed, musical instrument used by the Varati; similar to a lute.
Visir:
(vee-ZEER) n. Minister of State and second-highest ranking member of the government
after Khalid Atar. The Visir also acts as regent of the kingdom
during the Khalid's absence.
vrata: (VRAH-tah) n.
the shroud of white cloth used to wrap the dead before they are cremated in the
ceremony of the dead. It has also come to mean 'unfailing loyalty' due to the
last stand of a set of Agni-Haidar who tied pieces of a vrata tied around
the hilts of their blades as they fought to the death on behalf of the last Visir
to rule during the Reign of Fire.
W
Warlord:
n. this term is used to denote the head of a Clan, whether it be a kshatri, vaisya, or Atarvani Clan.
wyvern:
(WIV-ern) n. A reptilian, "dragon-like" creature long ago tamed by the Varati
and now used as steeds. They are roughly the size of a a horse with tough, scaled
hides ranging from greyish-green to orange-red to a deep black. Most are wingless,
save the queens, but they are so vicious as to make it almost impossible to have
more than one 'queen' in a herd at a given time. Please read the Aether
bestiary for more information.
yataghan:
(YAT-ah-gahn) n. a short saber with a double-curved blade (like a mild 'S' shape),
about two feet long, including a handle with a cross-guard.
Z
zamindar:
(ZAM-in-dar) n. a term for landholder or landowner; landlord. Can also apply to
the host of a household, or to an innkeeper.
zechin:
(ZEK-in) n. a gold coin used primarily by the Varati, but accepted by most merchants
in Haven as well. It is roughly the equivalent of thirty dollars.
