"Tim´s Tirran Terms" by Timothy Pontious

For more notes on the Calendar, People, Places, and related information, please see the world notes! Thanks!

Archivist Brother:
A position of esteem within the church of Narvad. These priests use very little or no magic, but act instead as historians, documenting as much information as they can in their lifetimes. The more difficult the information is to attain the higher their rewards from the church.

Sunwood:
Sunwood is a small trading port on the coast between the Terrim and Eaglebrook.

Taleafa: tah LEAF ah
A powerful and strong beverage, served hot - usually in the mornings. It is made from the leaves and berries of the taleafa bush, which is grown for export purposes in the Spice Barony in the Storm Sea. If you visit Tirra from Earth, you'll find it something like chai tea, with the 'kick' of coffee. It is sometimes remixed with other herbs such as tsinnabar or other herbs or spices. Often consumed with milk or cream added. If you prefer the leaves alone it is a fragrant tea. If you prefer drinking the tea of just the crushed berries it is a powerful jolt, possibly addictive, and is an 'aquired taste'. It is always socially polite to accept a mug of taleafa, whether it is mixed to your taste or not, as it is not cheap to import.

Witch
"Witch" is a label applied to individuals who have an unnerving ability to read and manipulate other people's minds. The Darthdinian church considers them an evil, and is trying to rid Tirra of these witches. The idea is closer to the Bene Gesserit from the Arrakis. Therefore, a 'witch' in Tirra has nothing to do with wicca, paganism, demons, cauldrons, broomsticks, Oz, ruby slippers, or eating children.

Zidibugs:
These are small, nearly invisible pests that are active in damp or humid weather, especially springtime. They leave small red welts that make you itch a lot. This all wouldn't be so bad if they didn't also carry diseases.