Glossary of Terms
An alphabetic reference guide to the characters and creatures of World’s Awakening and Redemption. This is a living document, updated as the tale continues — so check back often as new names, faces, and legends join the journey. (Pronunciations are shown in parentheses.)
Agua (AH-gwan), plural Aguan
A race of small, aquatic folk standing three to four feet tall, with light builds adapted for swimming. Aguans have partial gills that let them remain underwater for long periods, though they cannot breathe water fully. They must live near lakes or rivers, as swimming is vital to their health. Known for their agility and resourcefulness, Aguans are skilled with long knives, spear-guns, and throwing blades, and many can communicate with fish.
Aldryn Quell (ALL-drin KWELL)
A male Huma wizard, sometimes known by the alias Brim. Aldryn is one of the last of his kind, carrying centuries of knowledge and burden. His familiar, a raven named Nevara, is often seen perched nearby, a quiet reminder of his bond with older magics. He joins the company in Book 1.
Boaz (BOH-az)
A young male Huma, the son of a village blacksmith, drawn unexpectedly into the fellowship of warden recruits. He is bonded to his familiar Thorne (THORN), a male dire lynx whose presence sharpens his perception and courage. Boaz bears the spell Vetharion, a difficult gift tied to justice and truth. He is also learning to control spells of flame. He joins the company in Book 1.
Cayden (KAY-den)
A male Huma companion of the fellowship, a brave and steady presence among the recruits. He does not wield magic but earns respect through loyalty, strength, and valor. He joins the company in Book 1.
Fallen
Undead soldiers animated by Vortannis’ magic. They are relentless in battle, driven by the will of their Handlers. They are first seen in Book 1.
Grimboldt (GRIM-boldt)
Towering, decaying, undead hybrids forged from corruption, with moose horns, hooves, leonine heads, and burning blood. Their paralyzing gaze strikes fear into even the bravest defenders. They are first seen in Book 1.
Handlers
Dark sorcerers who command and control squads of the Fallen. Without their guidance, the Fallen descend into feral chaos. They are first seen in Book 1.
Huma (HOO-mah), plural Human
The most widespread of the races, resembling humankind. Huma are adaptable, diverse in culture, and known for both craft and ambition. They are taller than Aguans, often living in villages, cities, and keeps across the realm. Though ordinary by appearance, Huma have given rise to both great heroes and great villains, shaping much of the world’s history.
Jaxson (JAK-sun)
A male Huma known for his boldness, speed, quick reflexes, and impulsive streak. His familiar, Kestel (KESS-tel), a male red-tailed hawk, shares his sharp eyes and restless energy. Jaxson wields the spell Perivigilum, granting him flashes of anticipation in combat. He joins the company in Book 1.
Kiera (key-ER-ah)
A female Huma with a quiet spirit and deep compassion. She is bonded to Eira (EYE-rah), a female great horned owl, whose wisdom reflects her own. Kiera carries the spell Virelya’s Mercy, a healing song that soothes both body and soul. She joins the company in Book 1.
Lyra (LEER-ah)
A female Huma marked by resilience and humor, often quick to adapt in tense situations. Her familiar is Mika (MY-kah), a spotted hyena whose cunning complements Lyra’s own. She wields Whisperveil, a spell of illusion and light-bending. She joins the company in Book 1.
Merran (MEHR-an)
A male Aguan elder of Coralhaven, known for his calm strength and wisdom. Though not a warrior, his words and choices carry the weight of generations. He joins the company in Book 1.
Shaye (SHAY)
A female Aguan warrior whose fierce skill and determination make her a stalwart protector of her people. She is pragmatic in nature and swift in battle. She joins the company in Book 2.
Telen (TEH-len)
A male Aguan warrior, companion to Shaye. He is disciplined and steady, with a fighter’s instincts honed by years of defending his kin. He joins the company in Book 2.
Theo (THEE-oh)
A male Huma recruit with a mind for invention and craft. His familiar, Tink, a female raccoon, reflects his curiosity and cleverness. Theo practices Glyphcraft, carving sigils and constructs that come to life under his hands. He joins the company in Book 1.
Tulog (TOO-log)
A brutal tusked race, large and warlike, known for their strength and ferocity. The size and number of their tusks mark their rank and standing among their kind. They are first seen in Book 1.
Vortannis (vor-TAN-iss)
A male Huma twisted by dark magic and corruption. Vortannis is the shadowed force behind the Fallen and their Handlers, commanding them with ruthless intent. His power and ambition mark him as one of the greatest threats to the free peoples of the realm. He is first seen in Book 1.
Matthew J Gagnon: