• ​​​The Dyad

• The Deities

• Gifted Lines

• Key Terms

• Notable Creatures

• Regencies of the Kingdom

• Locations within Leonathis

• Countries in the Expanse

​​

Though many of the names and phrases in this story are rooted in Greco-Roman influence, several have been thoughtfully reshaped to belong wholly to this world.

​

The pronunciations listed reflect how the characters themselves speak, though you’re warmly encouraged to follow your own instincts. Accents and interpretations will, and should, vary.

 

 

​

​

THE DYAD

​

Dyad is the faith followed by the Unblessed They worship two celestial beings in eternal balance: the Sun God and the Moon Goddess. Each embodies distinct but complementary aspects of existence, and together they offer guidance to those who walk without Gifts.

 

• Sun Father – Embodies action, clarity, strength of will, and outward expression.


• Moon Mother – Embodies intuition, patience, emotional depth, and inward reflection.

 

​

 

THE DEITIES

​

The four Deities are equally revered and worshiped by the Gifted. While commonly referred to as Gods, the Deities transcend gender; they are addressed with the pronouns They/Them/Their.

 

Each Deity embodies a divine aspect, guiding the Gift-Blessed.

 

• Deity of Wellness – Presides over life and healing: nurturing vitality and restoring harmony to body, mind, and spirit.

​

• Deity of Death – Presides over death and transition: guiding not only life’s conclusion but all transformations that bridge what was into what will be.

​

• Deity of Motion – Presides over momentum and agility: embodying both physical swiftness, and the flow of inspiration and insight.

​

• Deity of Power – Presides over strength and fortitude: the embodiment of unyielding resilience, both in physical might and unwavering resolve.

 

 

​

THE GIFTED LINES

 

Those Blessed by the Deities are known as the Gifted aka Gift-Blessed. These are their lines.​

​

• Healer (HEE-lehr) – A chosen vessel of the Deity of Wellness, bestowed with the Curative Touch.

• Reaper (REE-pehr) – A fated executioner of the Deity of Death, cursed with the Fatal Embrace to end life.

• Strider (STRY-dehr) – A revered servant of the Deity of Motion, endowed with Enhanced Speed.

• Titan (TY-tahn) – A formidable warrior of the Deity of Power, granted Immense Strength.

 

​

EMBLEMS OF THE GIFTS:

Each Gifted line is represented by a sacred emblem worn with pride and carved into ceremonial relics.​

• Healer’s Heart – Symbolizing restoration and the sacred duty to Heal the afflicted.

• Reaper’s Spade – Representing the severing of mortal ties and transition to the afterlife.

• Strider’s Diamond – Illustrating precision and dazzling swiftness of movement.

• Titan’s Club – Embodying the blunt force and unyielding might of Strength.

 

​

 

​

KEY TERMS

​

ORGANIZATIONS AND PEOPLE:

• The Royal Guardian Order – Valiant, elite soldiers, bound by an unyielding honor code, dedicated to protecting the Kingdom and upholding peace. The order is structured into seven distinct ranks.​

​

• The Command – A group of law enforcers tasked with maintaining order in the smaller settlements. Often feared for their ruthless methods and willingness to use violence.

​

• Gifted – Those Blessed by the Gods, belonging to one of the four divine lines.

​

• Unblessed – Those who have not received divine Blessings.

​

• Apothecarian – In Leonathis, an apothecarian is a person who owns or works at an apothecary. Comparable to an “apothecary” in other worlds. The term is used to distinguish both the profession and the practitioner.

 

 

SOCIAL TITLES AND TERMS:

• Vessarae (veh-SAR-ay) – A formal title used to show respect to an older woman. Typically reserved for those who command authority or dignity within the home or community. Equivalent to madame.

​

• Matrona (mah-TROH-nah) – A term for a mature woman recognized for her experience, leadership, or caregiving role within a household or community. Not a formal title but a mark of earned respect.​​

​

• Eld-Mother – A formal and traditional term used to address the mother of one’s betrothed or spouse. It carries respect and acknowledges the familial bonds created through union of marriage but maintains a level of social distance and propriety. Eld-mother donates duty, not necessarily intimacy.

​

• Kin-Mother – A deeply personal title reserved for a chosen maternal bond beyond obligation. When used in place of Eld-Mother, it signifies emotional closeness, mutual affection, and voluntary kinship. To call someone Kin-Mother is to claim them as family by heart, not merely by law or tradition. 

​

• Kyrios (KEE-ree-os) – A formal unisex honorific used exclusively for the ruling heads of the four great houses (Duke, Marquis, Earl, Baron). It denotes lawful power and authority serving in place of “His Lordship” or “Her Grace” in Leonathis.

​

• Dominus (DOH-mee-noos) – A formal title used to address a noble-born son. It denotes lineage and social rank, and is reserved for those born into the great Houses.

​

• True Born – A term used to describe an individual born of a recognized and legitimate union, typically signifying legitimacy in both birth and status. Unlike children born out of wedlock, a true born is considered to have full societal recognition, as their birth is acknowledged by both parents and the community.

​

​

GUARDIAN TITLES AND TERMS:

• Guardian of the Crown – A member of the Royal Guardian Order.

​

• Guard-Brother – The customary term Guardians of the Crown use to address one another, signifying their bond of brotherhood and shared duty. 

​

• Vanguard – The fourth rank within the Royal Guardian Order. Vanguards are seasoned Guardians entrusted with strategic operations, and the protection of high-value individuals or regions. The title denotes experience, authority, and tactical skill, falling at the midpoint of the Order’s seven-tiered hierarchy.

​

• Life-Sworn Oath – The most sacred vow a Guardian can bestow, binding his life, loyalty, and protection to another until death. Once sworn, the bond is absolute and unbreakable.

​

• Sworn-Guardian – A Guardian who has pledged his service to a specific individual, vowing to protect them at all costs. This sacred vow binds them in duty and honor until death.

​

• Oath-Keeper – The individual to whom a Guardian has sworn their sacred pledge of protection. As the recipient of this vow, they are entitled to the Guardian’s unwavering loyalty and service until death.

 

​

MYSTICAL CONCEPTS:

• Gifted Tiers – Within each divine lineage, power manifests in three distinct tiers:

​

First Tier/ Primus – The rarest and most powerful, Primus embody the full expression of their Deity’s Gift, commanding abilities unmatched by any other.

​

Second Tier/Deuteros – Individuals who wield considerable abilities, though not as potent as their Primus counterparts. Deuteros are skilled and respected within their Gift, but their powers are more limited.

​

Third Tier/Minoris – The most common tier within the Gifted lineages, Minoris possess the humblest measure of their divine Blessing. Their powers are modest compared to the Primus and Deuteros, yet they still stand above the Unblessed.

​

• Sacred Four – The collective name for the four Gods

​

• Life-essence/Lifebond – The vital essence that flows through every living being, sustaining its existence.

​

• Deity Day – A sacred celebration honoring each of the four Deities. Each Deity is honored on a specific Holy Day, observed once per year in a different season.

​

• Night of Ash – A tragic and pivotal event in the history of the Kingdom, when a faction of Reapers turned their Fatal Embrace against innocent settlements.

​

• Deepsleep – For the Gifted, Deepsleep is a final, desperate response when overwhelmed by injury or illness—a complete shutdown meant to focus all energy on healing.

​

• Book of Being –A sacred record that holds the names of every living soul, believed to be watched over by the Deity of Death, who ensures each life is properly accounted for. When a name is struck from the Book, it is considered removed from existence, with its soul no longer bound to the cycle of life and death.

​

• Waiting Veil/Veil – A serene and neutral space, devoid of suffering, where the soul remains suspended after death, awaiting its eventual departure to the Eternal Everafter.

​

• Eternal Everafter – The final resting place for the soul, where it may experience everlasting peace as well as unity with the Sacred Four and loved ones passed.

​

• Absolute Memory – A rare and awe-inspiring trait found among both the Gifted and the Unblessed. Those with Absolute Memory can recall any experience with precise clarity—whether it be a sound, scent, image, face, or passage of text—as if it were unfolding before them. Unlike ordinary recollection, this ability transcends the natural fading of memory, preserving each moment in crystalline detail regardless of time’s passage.

​​

​

FOUNDATIONAL LAWS & DECREES:

• Decree of Reapers – A Royal Decree declaring Reapers forbidden within Leonathis. For the protection of the Kingdom, any Reaper born or discovered is condemned to execution.

​

• The Five Sanctities – A body of sacred, non-negotiable doctrines. They define the moral, political, spiritual, and social backbone of Leonathis. Considered beyond reproach these principles may not be mocked, doubted or publicly challenged without severe consequence.

​

​

SETTLEMENTS:

• Hamlet - The smallest settlement type.

Population: Roughly 200–500 people

Traits: Everyone knows each other; often a cluster of a few extended families, basic institutions, no specialized craftspeople beyond basic needs.

 

• Village - Third largest settlement type.

Population: Roughly 500–2,000 people
Traits: Includes essential trades, a modern central market square, and a few specialized craftspeople. While still close-knit, the population is large enough for anonymity among outsiders.

​

• Town - Second largest settlement type.

Population: Roughly 2,000–6,000 people
Traits: Vital regional hubs. Important local centers, specialized craftspeople, civic buildings, distinct neighborhoods.

 

• Citvas - (SIT-vahs) - A city. The largest settlement type.

Population: 6,000+, potentially tens of thousands depending on location, status, and development.
Traits: Heavily structured and often walled, seats of political power, civic buildings, academies for higher education, complex infrastructures, divided into districts.

​

​

TIME:

• Glassturn – An hour, marked by the turning of a glass timer.

• Sandgrain – One minute, likened to the steady fall of sand within a glass timer.

• Moons – The passing of a month/months, measured by the full cycle of the moon.

• Cycles of the seasons (cycles) – A full turn of the seasons, equivalent to one year.

​

CURRENCY:

• Coinage – A general term for money in the Expanse.

• Korune (koh-ROON) – The official currency used in Leonathis.

 

 

LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR:

• Capitalization of “Hybrid” vs “hybrid” – The term Hybrid is capitalized when referring specifically to Anya, as it denotes her unique identity and singular status within the world. Lowercase hybrid is used for any other creature or animals of mixed nature.

​

• Capitalization of “Mother” and “Father” – These terms are capitalized when used as a title of respect or as a direct form of address (e.g., “Mother always hated the color yellow.”). However, they are lowercase when used with a possessive (e.g., “My mother always hated the color yellow.

​

• Capitalization of titles, places, and divine Gifts – Certain titles, place names, and magical Gifts—such as “Guardian,” “Prince,” “Kingdom,” and “Healer” are capitalized even when not part of a direct name or address. This capitalization reflects the reverence and significance these terms hold within the world of the story.

​

• Capitalization of abilities – When referring to a magical Gift: Healing (also known as Curative Touch or simply Touch), Strength (Immense Strength), Reaping (Fatal Embrace or Embrace), or Speed (Enhanced Speed), the term is capitalized to denote its divine nature. In contrast, lowercase is used when the word refers to an ordinary action or non-magical meaning. (e.g., “She possesses Healing” indicates a divine Gift, while “Her touch was gentle” or “His strength was fading” refer to non-magical use). This distinction helps differentiate between a Blessed power and a natural action or trait.

​

• Capitalization of “Oath” vs. “oath” – Oath is capitalized when referring to the sacred Life-Sworn Oath taken by a Guardian (e.g., “He had given his Oath and would not falter.”). It remains lowercase when used for general promises or vows (e.g., “He swore an oath of secrecy.”). This distinction emphasizes the solemn, binding nature of the Life-Sworn Oath within the story’s world.

​

• Capitalization of “North” vs. “north” – Directional words such as North, South, East, and West are capitalized when referring to specific regions/regencies within the world (e.g., “People in the North tend to enjoy seafood.”). They remain lowercase when used for general directions or descriptions (e.g., “The north winds are harsh this time of day.”)

​

• Capitalization of “Crown” vs. “crown” – Crown is capitalized when referring to the royal institution or authority (e.g., “by the full authority of the Crown”), but remains lowercase when describing physical objects (e.g., “a gold crown”).

​

• Capitalization of “Court” vs. “court” – Court is capitalized when referring to the Palace and its governing body (e.g., “She was summoned to Court at first light.”). It remains lowercase when used in other contexts, such as romantic pursuit or general usage (e.g., “He wishes to court her.” or “a court of nobles”).

​

• Capitalization of “Command” vs. “command” – Command is capitalized when referring to the official lawkeeping force of Leonathis (e.g., “The Command arrived before dawn to restore order.”). It remains lowercase when used in a general or informal sense to describe any directive, authority, or unrelated group (e.g., “He gave a sharp command to halt.” or “a mercenary command unit”). This distinction underscores the formality, authority, and institutional presence of the Command within the Kingdom’s hierarchy.

​

• Capitalization of “Expanse” vs. “expanse” – Expanse is capitalized when referring to the name of the world as a whole (e.g., “Trade routes across the Expanse are tightly regulated.”). It remains lowercase when used in its ordinary, descriptive sense (e.g., “an expanse of green fields” or “the expanse of her skin”). This distinction helps separate the proper name of the world from the common noun.

​

• Capitalization of Gorgons – Unlike creatures such as pegasus or unicorn, which are lowercase as general mythical creatures, Gorgons are treated as a distinct and significant race within the Expanse, with their name always capitalized.

​

• Archaic Number Construction – Numbers between 21 and 99 are expressed with the units digit first, followed by “and,” then the tens digit (e.g., “five-and-twenty” for 25, “seven-and-thirty” for 37). This reflects historical English linguistic patterns and is used to evoke a timeless atmosphere for the setting.

​​

​

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

• “As it is spoken”/ “So shall it be” – A Leonathian call-and-response expression used to affirm statements or seal an agreement. One person says “As it is spoken,” prompting the reply “So shall it be.” Used in both casual and formal contexts.

​

• “Gods above” / “By the gods” – A general expression of awe, frustration, or reverence among the Gift-Blessed. Equivalent to “Oh my God” or “Dear God” in modern usage.

​

• “Gods be damned” – An expression often said in exasperation. Equivalent to “God dammit” in modern usage.

​

• “Moon and Sun” / “Moon and Sun above” – Used by followers of the Dyad faith. Equivalent to “Oh my god,” “Heavens help us,” or “God help me.”

 

​

​​

​

NOTABLE CREATURES

​

• Hippogriff – A creature of striking majesty, possessing the upper half of a great eagle, seamlessly joined to the lower half of a powerful horse. With wings spanning twice its length, it soars through the skies with grace and might. Wild and fiercely noble, Hippogriffs are regarded as both wonders of the natural world and enduring symbols of freedom across the Kingdom.

​

• Manticore – A fearsome apex predator native to Erebax Badlands, an island off the southwestern coast of Leonathis. The Manticore bears the muscular body of a lion, immense bat-like wings, and a barbed, needle-tipped scorpion’s tail. A monstrous fusion of strength, speed, and venom, said to leave no prey behind. Its tail delivers a potent venom for which no cure exists; those stung do not survive.

​

• Gorgons – A reclusive race of half-serpent women descended from the legendary Medusa. They dwell in the forgotten and forsaken corners of the Kingdom—ruined cities, deep catacombs, mist-laden swamps, and vast underground cave systems.

​

• Empusa – A malevolent spirit cloaked in otherworldly beauty. The empusa lures victims with song and enchantment, appearing as a woman of irresistible allure. Her true monstrous form paralyzes the unsuspecting, binding them with unseen force before she drains them of their life essence. Though rare, her presence is whispered of in frightened tones, and her name is spoken like a curse.

 

 

​

​

THE FOUR REGENCIES IN THE KINGDOM OF LEONATHIS

 

The kingdom is divided into four distinct provinces, each with its own unique characteristics:

 

• Eastern Regency (Eastlands/East) - Known for artisan craftsmanship, musical heritage, and golden-sand beaches.

• Northern Regency (Northlands/North) - Known for affluence, governance, and education.

• Southern Regency (Southlands/South) - Known for vibrant cuisine, gracious customs, and lively festivals.

• Western Regency (Westlands/West) - Known for agriculture, innovation, and merchant trade.

 

​

​

 

LOCATIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF LEONATHIS

 

• Aurion (au-RYE-on) – A citvas in the Westland

• Blushwood Grove (BLUSH-wood GROVE) – A serene woodland in the North

• Branchborn (BRANCH-born) – A hamlet in the Western Regency

• Calydon (KAH-lee-dohn) – A vibrant town in the Northern Regency

• Drion (DREE-on) – A quiet Southern village

• Elysan Fields (eh-LEE-sahn fields) – A meadow near the Southern-Eastern border

• Erebax Badlands (EH-reh-bahks BAD-landz) – A dangerous island in the South

• Flora Forest (FLOR-uh FOR-ist) – A northern forest of giant flower trees.

• Galessian (GAH-lehss-ee-ahn) – A bustling town in the Northern Regency

• Hecyne (HEH-kee-nay) – A quaint Western village

• Iaso (EE-ah-soh) – A Southlands citvas

• Ivore (ee-VOR) – A thriving Northern citvas

• Jorve Mountains (JOHRV MOUN-tins) – Towering peaks in the Westlands

• Kallone (kah-LOH-neh) – A charming town in the West

• Khess (KH-ess) – A cozy hamlet in the Southern Regency

• Kryptia (KRIP-tee-uh) – An island housing a maximum-security fortress

• Makhai (MAH-kahi) – A military town in the Eastlands

• Medusan Ocean (meh-DOO-sahn OH-shun) – An expanse of water spanning West and South

• Melari (MEH-lah-ree) – A hamlet in the South

• Naiad Falls (nah-ee-AHD falls) – A cascading waterfall in the Westlands

• Nesoi (NEH-soi) – A legendary Eastlands island

• Niobe (NEE-oh-beh) – A popular town in the Southlands

• Noble Islands (NOH-bell EYE-landz) – Prosperous northern isles

• Polis Ruins (POH-lis roo-ins) – Ancient citvas ruins in the West

• Solaria (soh-LAH-ree-ah) – An idyllic village in the Eastern Regency

• Swordskeep (SWORDS-keep) – A military town in the West

• Syren Sea (SY-ren SEE) – A vast watermass stretching across the North and East

• Terra Gaia (TEH-rah GAH-yah) – A farming town in the Westlands

• Troje (THROH-ya) – A citvas in the East

• Vale of Cyrene (vale of see-REEN) – A picturesque valley in the Eastlands

• Varrise (vah-REES) – The regal capital

 

 

 

COUNTRIES IN THE EXPANSE

 

The Expanse refers to the vast world. It is made up of five independent countries, collectively known as the Great Lands.

 

Much like how Australia is both a country and a continent in our world, each Great Land functions as both an independent nation and a continental landmass.

 

Though they share the same expansive world, the Great Lands remain distinct in both culture and governance. For trade and diplomacy, they communicate using a unifying language known as the Shared Tongue.

 

The four countries listed below are mentioned in Healer’s Touch, while the fifth, though important to the broader world, remains outside the scope of this particular story.

 

• Leonathis (LAY-oh-NAH-thees) – The Royal Kingdom of Leonathis, also known as, The Kingdom. Celebrated for its timeless grandeur, refined elegance, and vibrant centers of philosophy and artistry. [Citizens: Leonathian] [Language spoken: the Royal Tongue aka Leonathi]

​

• Nahundria (nah-HOON-dree-uh) – The Imperial Empire of Nahundria, also known as, The Empire. Famed for its breathtaking architecture, ancient wonders, and groundbreaking advancements in astronomy. [Citizens: Nahundrian] [Language spoken: the Imperial Tongue aka Nahundrian]

​

• Ryuken (RY-ooh-ken) – The Sovereign Nation of Ryuken, also known as, The Nation. Revered for its technological innovations, advanced paper crafting, and the mastery of elegant combat disciplines. [Citizens: Ryukeni] [Language spoken: the Sovereign Tongue aka Ryukengo]

​

• Bhadur (BAH-door) – The Exalted Realm of Bhadur, also known as, The Realm. Celebrated for its exquisite steelwork, stunning silks, and hospitality. [Citizens: Bahdurisheen] [Language spoken: the Exalted Tongue aka Bahaduri]