Losta: This is the language spoken by all who inhabit the southern peninsula. This includes the Kobalos, who claim that the language was stolen and degraded by mankind. The Kobalos version of Losta contains a lexis almost one third larger than that used by humans, and perhaps gives some credence to their claims. It is certainly a linguistic anomaly that two distinct species should share a common language.

Note: The mage that I killed near Chipenden spoke the language of our own land, rather than Losta. Grimalkin says that the Kobalos mages have great linguistic skill and have made it their business to learn the languages of more distant lands in preparation for invading them.—Tom Ward

Mages: There are many types of human mage; the same is also true of the Kobalos. But for an outsider, they are difficult to describe and categorize. However, the highest rank is nominally that of a high mage. There is also one type, the haizda mage, that does not fit within that hierarchy, for these are outsiders who dwell in their own individual territories far from Valkarky. Their powers are hard to quantify.

Mandrake: Sometimes called mandragora, this is a root that resembles the human form and is sometimes used by a Kobalos mage to give focus to the power that dwells within his mind.

Meljann: The third of three Kobalos high mages who form the triumvirate.

Note: During my visit to Valkarky, I fought and slew Meljann in the plunder room when attempting to regain my property. I do not know who replaced him.—Grimalkin

Northern kingdoms: This is the collective name sometimes given to the small kingdoms, such as Pwodente and Wayaland, which lie south of the Great Fissure. More usually it refers to all the kingdoms north of Shallotte and Serwentia.

Note: I am surprised that Nicholas Browne does not mention Polyznia, the largest and most powerful of those principalities.—Grimalkin

Novitiate: This is the first stage of the learning process undertaken by a haizda mage, which lasts approximately thirty years. The candidate studies under one of the older and most powerful mages. If the novitiate is completed satisfactorily, the mage must then go off alone to study and develop his craft.

Note: I believe that the haizda mage slain near Chipenden by Thomas Ward had only just completed his novitiate, which was fortunate indeed. A haizda such as Slither, the one I encountered in Valkarky, would have proved a much more deadly opponent.—Grimalkin

Oscher: A substance that can be used as emergency food for horses; made from oats, it has special additives that can sustain a beast of burden for the duration of a long journey. Unfortunately, it results in a severe shortening of the animal’s life.

Olkie: This is the god of Kobalos blacksmiths. He has four arms and teeth made of brass. It is believed that he crafted the Kangadon, the magical lance that cannot be deflected from its target.

Oussa: The elite guard that serves and defends the triumvirate; also used to guard parties of slaves taken from Valkarky to the kulads to be bought and sold.