This is an online glossary of terms for the Sanctum of the Archmage Saga.
Archmage
The Archmage is the title reserved for the greatest wizard on the Eastern Continent.
Codex War
The Codex War was a Carlissan civil war that took place approximately two centuries before the events of Dawn of Chaos. It followed the rediscovery of the ruins of Janthala by the adventurer mage, Aldran Killraven. [Read more about the Codex War on the Kalaran World history timeline.]
Dweomer
Dweomer refers to the pattern of magical energy, or “algorithm,” constituting a spell. Often used colloquially as an informal synonym for “spell,” it also denotes the form in which an enchantment is invested by a craftmage in a magical item. [Read more about Dweomer Technology on the Kalaran World history timeline.]
Eastern Continent
The Eastern Continent is the part of the continent of Kalara lying east of the Calihan River. It is typically considered to include the lands of Elde, Carlissa, and Rayche, the Nurian Mountains, and the Eastern reaches of the Northern Plains.
Grim Times
The Grim Times was a period in the ancient history of Kalara that preceded The Taming. It was marked by constant warfare between Light and Dark, resulting in a descent by both sides into a barbaric dark age. The great knowledge of the Age of Legends was completely lost during this time. [Read more about the Grim Times on the Kalaran World history timeline.]
High City
The High City is the terraced westernmost part of the city of Lannamon. It lies beneath the face of Mount Cascade, between the palace and the crossroads adjacent to the great amphitheater. It is the most exclusive part of the city, and mostly home to the mansions of the greater nobility.
Lower City
The Lower City is the flat and non-terraced part of Lannamon lying around the tip of the Firth of Fajang. It is home to most of the city’s people who lack great wealth or noble rank.
Magus
Magus is the highest designation of accomplishment or “rank” among wizards, save for the singular title held by the Archmage. It denotes a mage of exceptional power and skill.
Scry
Scrying is the use of magic or telepathy to find, sense, or generate images of something distant or hidden, such as with a crystal ball.
Taming
The Taming was a period in the history of Kalara that followed the Grim Times. It refers to the long, slow victory of the Children in the ancient conflict between Light and Dark. Their many separate realms grew in strength during this time, “taming” the wild lands of Kalara around them. They allied at its end for the first time since the Great War to defeat the Dark, driving its remnants into the mountains and wastes to the north and west. [Read more about The Taming on the Kalaran World history timeline.]
Upper City
The Upper City is the terraced northern and southern arms of Lannamon, lying between the Lower City and the bluffs that ring the valley. The more affluent and influential of the capital’s inhabitants live there, including the merchant class and the lesser nobility.