Glossary

An alphabetical list of terms or words found in or relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary.

Ah
People in the tribe did not have family names and most people were named with only one word. Perhaps it was more convenient for others to memorize. As for the “Ah”, it had an interesting origin, there once was a highly respected ancestor who tended to shout out the word “Ah” before he called someone’s name. This developed into a tradition, passed on through generations, and so people in the tribe today would all call out the word “Ah” before one’s name. Of course, the rule could not be applied to seniors and those who had special positions.

Arrays
Arrays are highest grade spells that contained massive powers that humans cannot harvest. However, utilizing just a small chip off this block could unleash immense power.

Fire Crystal
A Fire Crystal was an extremely valuable stone for people in the tribes. It contained the energy that totem warriors needed, and could help enhance the strength of totem warriors.

Fire Pit
On the mountaintop, there was an empty ground, in the center of which there was a crater. In the center of the crater, there was a flame swaying in the wind. The fire pit was connected with the tribe’s prosperity. Under the flame, there were no combustion-supporting materials. This was an eternal fire in the fire pit. Around the fire pit, there's a circle of man-height thick timber piles. A stone bowl was placed on top of every timber pile. Fresh meat, fruits and bird eggs were piled up in every stone bowl as sacrificial offerings.

Glory Road
There was a path from the mountain foot to the mountaintop, which was almost a straight up path. It was higher than the other places in the surroundings and no one would build a house there. Hunting teams would walk on that path when they took off, as well as when they returned, so they would not interfere the other residents of the tribe. As time went by, the path was given another special meaning. Flaming Horns tribespeople called it the “Glory Road”.

Potlatch
A potlatch was a feast that was considered the winner of a contest between hosts to see who could feed their invited guests the most. As for the definition of “most”; there lay the interesting part. They had to feed the guests until they got so full, that they would wobble over the grass and vomit somewhere. After they threw up all the food in their bellies, guests would return to the feast and continue to eat, until they felt like they could throw up again, at least a few times, only then could the feast be considered as a successful one.

Ritual Dances
The earliest form of humans showing their feelings was through body movements and dancing gestures. Dance and moves were also a certain language of people expressing their passions and desires. Many tribes have their own styles of ritual dances. That is a very important part in each tribe’s ritual. It carries with it the unique decorum of a certain era, and conveys the worship they have towards their tribal ancestors. The ancient dance is not supposed to be delivered or learnt just by any normal person. Ancient traditions must be followed and respected.

Shaman Volumes
Animal skin rolls painted or written by the Shaman. Only a Shaman or a person with Inheritance could read it's contents like a real object or 3D image representation.

Snow Festival
After winter, there would be a Snow Festival and some sacramental activities. The ritual location was at the top of the mountain, near the Shaman’s residence. From residents in the mountain top, to people in mountain foot district; from the strongest warriors, to the infants crying piteously for food; all must go up to the top and attend the ceremony. It was the symbol of a year’s beginning, as well as the most joyful event every year.

Sword Cleansing Ritual
Every leader of a hunting group would take his members to cleanse their weapons. The Sword Cleansing Ritual’s purpose was to remove the blood’s contamination from the sword after a hunting mission, and to take away the ferocious killing spirit which had been brought back from the mountains. By doing so, it could calm down the warriors who were still immersed in the killing and hunting mindset, and ease their minds of the surging killing thoughts. When you say Sword Cleansing, in fact it not only referred to swords but the stone spears, axes, and other hunting tools also needed be washed. Naturally, the first batch of warriors to do the cleansing were the main leader and warriors from the advance party. Then other hunting groups would approach. There was no mark on the weapons anymore, and all the stoneware continued to shine brightly as if they were never brought to a hunting mission.

Totemic Awakening
The most important thing during the Snow Festival, was the annual Totemic Awakening. One would turn into a totemic warrior, if one could awaken his or her totemic power, or else one must wait for another year. Normally, kids over ten years old would be sent up the mountain for pre-selection, before winter’s end. The Shaman would keep those kids with high odds to have their totemic powers awakened, and send the other kids back. such an event required the attendance of all the people in the tribe, no matter where they lived and who they were.

Totem Power
Totem power is a combination of the body and the spirit. Becoming a totem warrior is only the reflection of the body’s part. As for the spirit… Everyone has it within them, but the amount is very little.

Undead
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