Arkainia (ar-KANE-ee-uh) – A planet in the Optimus solar system, one of many solar systems in the Milky Way galaxy. Arkainia is home to a race of beings called Arkainians. Arkainia is a desert planet with one moon orbiting it, and it revolves around one sun. The average temperature on Arkainia is warmer than Earth, around 100 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate is arid. There is a large, underground lake above which the capital city of Mesta is built. There are three outlying cities of Karkus, Lamkus, and Prokus. The rest of the planet’s surface is barren and rocky and virtually uninhabitable. The barren area is called the Outlands. The planet has an atmosphere and gravitational pull similar to Earth allowing humans to acclimate to living on the planet surface.
Arkainian (ar-KANE-ee-un) – Inhabitants of the planet Arkainia. Male Arkainians are on average around 6 ½ to 7 feet tall. They have a tough dark gray skin, called ubus. They have large antlers, called ehlus, protruding from the sides of their head, and smaller jowl tusks, called imus, protruding from their jaw bones on either side of their mouth. Most males are in the Arkainian military. The rest populate and run the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. Female Arkainians are smaller than males, on average around 5 to 5 ½ feet tall. Their ubus is also dark gray, but their heads are bald with no ehlus or imus. Both males and females have white eyes with a small pinpoint pupil, called a plu, and a purple ring to serve as an iris, called an arn. The small plu allows them to see extremely well in front of them but they have no peripheral vision. Arkainians do not grow any hair on their body. Their ubus is thick and leathery. The thick, dark gray ubus offers protection from the harsh sun and from the blowing sand. Arkainian civilization is matriarchal. Arkainians are the dominant species in the Optimus solar system and one of the protectors of the lesser species across the entire Milky Way galaxy. They have outposts throughout the galaxy, including one on Earth’s moon. The leaders from Arkainia and Earth have signed an agreement for Arkainia to offer protection to Earth in exchange for humans to travel to Arkainia to work various roles, including house keepers and miners.
Arkain stag (ar-KANE) – An ancient, extinct species native to Arkainia. The stags looked like the mythical centaurs with a stag body and humanoid torso and head. They had large ehlus and imus. They were hairless with dark gray ubus. They had the ability to modify their internal functions to mimic any other species whose blood they ingest. These modifications allowed the stag to reproduce with any species. They were hunted to extinction for this ability. There were only male stags.
Arn – The thin ring of purple around the plu (pupil) in Arkainian eyes. It serves a similar function to the iris in human eyes.
Asa (AY-suh) – A female child.
Asus (AY-sus) – A male child.
Bistrak (BEE-strack) – A soup made from rumiak, pomstrag, and ontrin. It is considered a traditional Arkainian dish and is often served for guests or special occasions.
Blum (BLOOM) – Equivalent to a human embryo. The blum is housed inside the female beva for a span of ten moon rotations. The blum is not fully developed when it is ejected. The blum finishes developing in an incubator.
Beva (BEE-vuh) – The pouch on a female Arkainian similar to the gropus on the Arkainian male. The Beva is used to house the growing blum. The beva is held closed by tightly-contracted muscles that are relaxed when a gland between the female’s legs is massaged and relaxed. The blum is removed from the beva after ten moon rotations and transferred to an incubator to continue development.
Bvelda (BEE-vel-duh) – The female reproductive organs, mainly used to refer to the Arkainian equivalent of a vagina.
Blutum (BLU-tum) – Once the blum is separated from the female, it becomes a bluta if it has developed female organs or a blutus of it has developed male organs. The bluta and blutus are collectively called the blutum. The blutum are put inside an incubator and buried in the sand for ten moon rotations. During this time, the blutum develop completely.
Corinth – A planet in an adjacent solar system from Arkainia. The native species on the planet are bug-like creatures called Traxan. They are known pirates and a species Arkainians often police throughout the galaxy. Corinth has declared Arkainia its enemy and will attack any Arkainian ship or person on sight.
Crawn – A scavenger bird that lives in the Outlands. It feeds on the remains of dead animals left by larger animals. Also called carrion birds.
Dasus (DAY-sus) – The modern Arkainian term for one’s father. Also, the name of the ancient figure who, along with his mate, Masa, spawned the Arkainian race. Dasus was an Arkain stag.
Denon (DEE-non) – The unit of currency used in Mesta and the surrounding three cities of Karkus, Lamkus, and Prokus.
Diarok (DYE-uh-rok) – A gem mined from the White Mountain. Diarok come in five colors. The yellow diarok naturally glows and is used in the cities as a light source when placed in a lantern. The yellow diarok is also used to capture the rays of the sun to produce heat that is used to cook food. The green and blue diarok are used for decorative purposes. The purple diarok is used only in the Glypha Citadel. To take one of the purple diarok or to use one outside the Citadel is a crime. The clear diarok is the only substance known to cut limrok and is fashioned into tools for that purpose.
Drast – A planet under Arkainia protection. A small Arkainian outpost was established on the planet’s moon to monitor the activity on the planet surface. The planet houses two rival species, the Warwigs, who resemble biped warthogs, and the Pongst, who are similar to human-sized butterflies. The two species have been at civil war with each other for generations.
Ehlus (AY-lus) – The antler-like feature that all intact Arkainian males have protruding from the sides of their head. The ehlus are thick near the head and branch off, reaching several feet. Males in the military traditionally fuse the ends with goltrite to keep the tips from breaking off. The fused ends remain sharp and are often used as weapons in close combat. When near a fertile female, the ehlus manufacture a pre-hormone that triggers the mimus gland to begin filling with topus in preparation for rutting. In the case of yokus, the ehlus are capped before they grow, emasculating the male.
Fenault (FEN-alt) – One of the two standard meals. Fenault is served in the morning about an hour after rising. It is traditionally a thick, hearty soup, manmi bread, a cooked side vegetable, and a drink of tea.
Frungals (FROON-guls) – A species from the planet Frun. They are well known for their houses that provide sensual pleasure of all kinds for all species. Their planet is a popular vacation spot for other species in the galaxy.
Glypha (GLY-fuh) – The official title of a female Arkainian elected to the Glypha Committee.
Glypha Citadel – The building in the center of Mesta, the capital city. The citadel is where the Glypha live and hold their committee meetings. The only males allowed inside the citadel are the ones the Glypha summon. The building is made from limrok, a white stone mined from quarries outside Lamkus.
Glypha Committee – The group of thirteen Glypha who rule the planet of Arkainia from the capital city of Mesta. Their authority is absolute and all laws they make must be followed under punishment of banishment into the Outlands. Committee elections are for life. To be eligible for the Glypha election, a female Arkainian must have birthed at least one female child.
Glypha Guard – Female Arkainians who have been trained to fight. Most of the current guards were trained by Lokun’s father, Abakk Rosterus. They stand outside the inner citadel rotunda and will defend the Glypha in case of an attack.
Golrok (GOAL-rok) – A metal mined in the tunnels under the White Mountain. Golrok is melted and separated into goltrite and goltrile.
Goltrile (GOAL-trial) – A byproduct of goltrite production. The metal is heavy but strong and is sold to other species for the construction of battleships, transports, and shuttles.
Goltrite (GOAL-trite) – The metal used in Arkainian military uniforms. It is stronger than rock but as light as a feather.
Goyu (GO-you) – A cactus-like plant that grows in the Outlands. It is rare, and its flesh is both filling and provides water that is absorbed readily by the body. Its flesh is bright yellow, gelatinous, and will cause intoxication if consumed in large quantities. Goyu flesh is extremely sweet, highly addictive, and creates hallucinations if consumed too often. Said to be the favorite food of Masa.
Great War – A period of Arkainian history roughly seven hundred years ago where a power shift occurred. It is when females took over as rulers of the race. There was a civil war between the Rukkus Party and the Glypha Party. Members of the Rukkus Party wanted society to remain the same, with both males and females equal and living in families of males and females raising both male and female children. The Glypha Party wanted to separate males and females, with the females in power. The males would raise the male children, and the females would raise the female children. Reproduction was controlled by the females. The war was bloody and over half the Arkainian race was annihilated. The Glypha Party won and took over the capital city, renaming it Mesta. The Rukkus Party was banished into the Outlands and became the original Rukkus.
Greeth – A plant that grows in the Outlands. The leaves of the plant are steeped into a tea that resembles in flavor peppermint tea from Earth.
Gropus (GROW-pus) – The groin pouch on Arkainian males that seals and protects the popus and topopus. The pouch is in the lower abdomen and is held closed by a strong muscle. To open the pouch, a small gland between the legs must be massaged until it relaxes and allows the pouch to open. Most males choose to keep their vulnerable organs tucked inside for protection.
Grou (GRAU) – Metal gloves crafted from goltrite and worn by the Arkainian military. Large claw-like protrusions extended past the tips of the fingers. Grou are the chosen weapon by Arkainian males for hand-to-hand combat.
Gurdk (GUR-dick) – A fruit grown in Prokus. Its skin is bright green with pale pink flesh. The flavor is slightly sweet, similar to an underripe watermelon.
Happus (HAP-pus) – The Arkainian term for the heart. Arkainians have two happus, one on each side of their body, each supplying blood to the particular side. An Arkainian can survive if one of their happus were to stop working.
Hasus (HAY-sus) – Male sibling. If referring to a female sibling, the term is Hasa. Collectively, multiple siblings of both male and female are called hasum.
Imus (EYE-mus) – The tusk-like protrusion from the jawbone of Arkainian males. The imus are an extension of the jawbone and extend out and away from the mouth on either side. They are not usually used as weapons and their purpose is unknown.
Jalic (JAY-lick) – A flower that grows only in the wild. Its natural habitat is in the Outlands at the base of the White Mountain. The petals are diffused for perfume, the leaves are used to die fabric. Steeped in water, the leaves produce a deep purple color. The roots were mixed with various leaves to create ritualistic tea used in ancient times.
Jolong (JOE-long)– A race of being well known for their superior engineering and mechanical abilities. Jolong are the creators and constructors of most modern ships, shuttles, and transports. The Jolong are also the creators of the barrier domes surrounding Mesta and Arkainian outposts throughout the galaxy. They are the main consumer of goltrile. They reside on the planet Jool in the Optimus solar system.
Kalpa (KAL-puh) – A substance formed when the bark of the stoval tree is soaked in water until it falls apart. It releases a noxious smell detectable by Arkainians but undetectable by humans. The substance is used similarly to smelling salts to revive unconscious patients.
Karkus (KAR-kus)– One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Home city of General Lokun Abakkus.
Kreer – The fermented beverage served with penault. It is made from rumiak peels and other secret ingredients. Brewing of kreer is done by very few families who have passed down techniques and recipes over the generations.
Kroot – A bug that lives in the sand on Arkainia. It is particularly invasive and will burrow under the skin of its host causing illness and in most cases death. The only known way to rid the body infected with kroot parasites is to cut them out. Also called sand parasites.
Lamkus (LAM-kus) – One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Outside Lamkus is the stone quarry. The top part of the quarry is where the best sandstone is mined to make Arkainian houses and furniture. Deeper in the quarry is where limrok is mined. It is the only place on Arkainia where limrok is found.
Letaga (la-TAY-guh) – A plant that is grown in Mesta. The root of the plant is steeped into a tea. When the tea is consumed, it stifles the natural scent of the female Arkainian. This has been used since the first Glypha Committee to discourage male Arkainians from forming emotional bonds based on scent. When a female wishes to enter her breeding cycle, the female refrains from drinking the tea to prepare her body for rutting. Few outside of the Glypha Committee know why the tea is consumed. The tea is consumed every passing.
Limrok (LIM-rock) – A hard stone found only on Arkainia and mined from the stone quarry outside Lamkus. It is the second strongest substance on the planet and can only be cut by the clear diarok.
Living Sand – A species residing at the base of the Sacred Mountain. It traps all living beings inside it, similar to quicksand on Earth, and slowly drains the water from the being until it completely dehydrates and dies. A small part of the living sand was released from the mountain and is roaming in the Outlands.
Lokarian (LOW-kar-E-un) – The race that was created by Lokun Abakkus and Star Miller with their child Mira Star Lokuna. A Lokarian is half human and half Arkainian.
Manmi – (MON-me) – Flatbread baked without yeast or sweetener. In the cities, it is made from the flour of ground tmit, a grain grown in Prokus. It is similar to Indian naan bread on Earth, and is used to dip into the thick, hearty soup in place of a spoon. In the Outlands, the Rukkus use ground berries from the nema plant to create the flour for manmi.
Masa (MAY-suh) – The modern Arkainian term for one’s mother. Also, the name of the ancient figure who, along with her mate, Dasus, spawned the Arkainian race. Masa was not native to Arkainia, but her people settled on the planet. She is the last of her species and was revered by the Arkain stags as a goddess. She lived on the very top of the sacred mountain. She walked on two legs and had pale cream-colored skin. She had long purple hair and white eyes.
Mesta (MESS-tuh) – The capital city of the Arkainian civilization. The city is populated and run only by females. No males, except for yokus, are allowed within the city boundaries after dark. All intact males entering the city during the light must be escorted by a female. The city is protected by a barrier dome which allows females to pass freely but for a male to enter the city, a door in the dome must be opened or the barrier will prevent him from entering. At the center of the city is the Glypha Citadel.
Metron (MET-ron) – The main unit of measurement on Arkainia, roughly the length of 12 inches or 1 foot in Earth equivalent.
Mimus (MY-mus) – The gland in Arkainian males that produces topus, the male hormone similar in function to testosterone in humans. When the male scents a fertile female, the ehlus release the hormone that causes the mimus gland to swell as it fills with topus. When full, the gland releases the topus into the bloodstream which triggers the popus to create reproductive seed and the topopus to harden in preparation for rutting.
Moon Rotation – The time it takes for Arkainia’s moon to orbit the planet. Similar to an Earth month but lasting roughly 35 days.
Nema (NEE-muh) – A wild plant that grows in the Outlands. It is a wild relative of the tmit plant grown in Prokus. Similar to the tmit, the berries of the nema plant are harvested, dried, and ground to make flour for manmi bread.
Ontrin (ON-trin) – A vegetable similar to a combination of an onion and garlic. It is an aromatic used to season many Arkainian dishes.
Outlands – The barren parts of Arkainia outside the civilization of the capital city (Mesta) and three surrounding cities (Karkus, Lampus, and Prokus). The Outlands are wild and dangerous. Home to the Rukkus, the Shokus, and a host of dangerous beasts. At the edge of the Outlands is the White Mountain, also known as the Sacred Mountain by the Rukkus.
Passing – The term Arkainians use to designate the span of one whole day. They recognize a day as a sun’s passing through the sky and so break up a day as early passing (morning), mid passing (mid-day), and late passing (evening). To designate yesterday, the say last passing, for days before, they say past passing. To designate tomorrow, they say next passing, for days to come, they say future passing.
Penault (PEN-alt) – One of the two standard meals. Penault is served in the evening about an hour before retiring. It is traditionally a thick, hearty stew, manmi bread, fruit, and kreer, a drink of fermented rumiak peels.
Persive (PER-siv) – A planet in the same solar system as Arkainia. Its atmosphere is gentle with water and vegetation plentiful on the planet. The Persivian people are gentle and soft spoken and a Persivian wind is so gentle it is almost undetectable.
Plu – The small black dot in the center of Arkainian eyes. It is small to both offer the best protection for the eye in the harsh and bright sun and to offer greater vision. The small plu allows Arkainians exceptional vision directly in front of them but they have no peripheral vision.
Plut – A ranged weapon used by Arkainians. It is similar to a blow gun with the projectile being a sharp dart laced with various toxins. The weapon can be used from far away. The dart is pushed through the tube with a powerful puff of air created by a pump and then released with a trigger, similar to a gun.
Pomstrag (POM-strag) – A vegetable that is comparable to cabbage. It is a dull tan color but has crunchy leaves that cook down and add flavor to broth.
Ponmo (PON-moe) – Fruit that grows on the pon tree, native to the Outlands. It is not eaten by most Arkainians because of its sweet flavor but is a favorite among humans. Its texture and flavor are comparable to a pear. The sap from the ponmo tree is collected and processed to make sucrus, the product that the Rukkus use to clean.
Popus (POE-pus) – The male reproductive organ that produces the reproductive seed, similar to a human testicle. Arkainian males have only one, instead of two, as is standard on human males.
Prokus (PRO-kus) – One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Most of the choice produce is grown in Prokus. The soil is better suited for gardening.
Quara (KWAR-uh) – The formal title in ancient times for those blessed by Masa and Dasus. Quara was reserved for the females and Quarus was for the males, plural of both is Quarum. The Coquarum was plural denoting both the males (Coquarus) and females (Coquara) who dedicated their lives to serving the Quara and Quarus.
Quara berries – The berries on the quara plant. The berries are bright yellow in color and very sweet. So named because they are a favorite fruit of Quara Star.
Quara plant – A plant discovered in the oasis near the base of the Sacred Mountain. The leaves of the plant can be boiled in water until they break down. Once the liquid cools, it forms a sticky substance that Star uses as adhesive on her sculptures. The bright yellow berries of the plant are syrupy sweet.
Qwamis (KWA-mus) – A small beetle-like creature that eats the leaves of plants and causes it to become infected with a fungus that kills the plant. The Qwamis beetle is repelled by a mineral in sucrus, the dried sap of the ponmo tree.
Rhibore (RYE-bore) – A large carnivorous beast that lives in the Outlands. Their preferred tactic for hunting is to blend with the sand and surprise its prey. Their favorite prey is svanrt snake and usually wound what they view as less desirable prey, so the blood draws the snakes from under the sand. Also called a sand beast.
Rukkus (RUE-kus) – A group of Arkainians led by Merkorn Konsus who live in the Outlands. They believe and live in the archaic ways of the ancient Arkainians. They live in family units with males and females living together raising both male and female children equally. The Rukkus live in a settlement underground.
Rumiak (RUE-me-ack) – An Arkainian vegetable resembling a potato but tasting earthy like a mushroom. It grows all over the planet and is the base for all Arkainian soups and stews.
Shokus (SHOW-kus) – Arkainians who have been banished from the cities for various reasons, usually as a punishment for committing a crime. They live in unorganized groups and have become like pirates, taking what they want without regard to ownership. They rarely form cohesive groups like the Rukkus. Most Shokus survive less than a year in the Outlands.
Starstone – A tumbled Arkainian rock. The rock is tumbled using different grades of sand to create a smooth exterior. For the final step, the smooth stones are tumbled with powdered sucrus and nema berries which give the stone the shine that makes them starstones. The stones are names after Star Miller, who is the one who created them.
Stoopus (STEW-pus) – A male who is claimed by an Arkainian female for the purpose of breeding. Arkainian females can have any number of stoopus. The stoopus does not live with the female. The arrangement is made simply for procreation. Once chosen as a stoopus, a male cannot be claimed by another female for the rest of his life. If the resulting child is female, she stays with the mother in Mesta. If the child is male, he is sent to live with and be raised by the father in one of the three cities surrounding the capital city.
Stoval (STOW-val) – A tree that grows in the Outlands. The stalk of the stoval tree is tough. The fibers from the stalk can be braided to form rope or separated to create sewing thread. The leaves are long and can br dried to form material to weave baskets. The bark is soaked in water. When the bark falls apart, it releases a noxious smell. The liquid is called kalpa and is used similarly to smelling salts to revive someone who is unconscious.
Sucrile (SUE-krile) – A byproduct of sucrus processing. The raw sap of the ponmo tree is boiled. The sticky sucrile floats to the top and is removed so the liquid can dry and harden into sucrus. The sucrile prevents the sucrus from foaming. The sucrile is used to make fabric more durable and like leather.
Sucrus (SUE-krus) – A crystal formed from the sap of the ponmo tree. The sap hardens into clumps and is harvested. It is used to cleanse both the body and clothing. It doesn’t dissolve in water but softens and creates suds when rubbed vigorously. The scent is reminiscent of apple blossom.
Sun Rotation – The time it takes for Arkainia to orbit its sun. Similar to an Earth year but lasting roughly 300 days. Arkainians count age based on sun rotations. The average lifespan of an Arkainian female is 150 sun rotations, a male 100 sun rotations.
Svanrt (s-VAN-art)– An underground snake in the Outlands. It has a venomous sac that is used to paralyze its victims. This venom has been utilized by many for its paralytic properties. Also called a sand snake. Its meat is preserved and dried for jerky. Its teeth are one of the few objects that can penetrate rhibore skin.
Tagus (TAY-gus) – A soft spot on a male Arkainian’s cranium between the ehlus. When the tagus is hit with some force, it renders the male unconscious, with similar repercussions of a concussion. The male is rendered unconscious for one to four passings and swelling causes severe head pain for several passings after the male awakes. Knowledge of the tagus is a closely-guarded medical secret known to very few outside the medical profession.
Tmit (TEE-mit) – A plant similar to wheat that grows only in Prokus. The berries of the plant are harvested, dried and ground to make the flour that manmi bread is made from.
Tolus (TOE-lus) – The clothing worn by Arkainian males. It is similar to a loincloth on Earth but longer and wider, ending at the knees and held in place by straps around the legs. The tolus is held up by a belt around the hips.
Topopus (TŌE-poe-pus) – The male reproductive organ, similar to a penis on human males. It is not shaped the same, though. It is more like a solid rod. At ejaculation, the ends open into four petals and a tube lengthens to secrete the lavender-colored reproductive seed. The four petal ends have barbs that embed themselves in the female’s tissues and will not release until the popus is empty.
Topus (TOE-pus) – The fluid in the mimus gland. It consists of the male hormone that triggers the popus to produce reproductive seed and the topopus to harden. The production of this hormone is connected to the production of a pre-hormone produced in the ehlus. If the ehlus are prevented from growing, as in the case of a yokus, the male will not produce the fluid necessary for rutting and reproduction.
Traxan (TRAX-in) – The native species on the planet Corinth. They are bug-like creatures who have sworn themselves to be the enemy of all Arkainians.
Treste (TRES-tay) – A beetle that lives in the sand on Arkainia. The beetle itself is not harmful but if the body gets infected with the larva, the larva will feed on the body tissue of its host until it hatches, causing large amounts of damage when it emerges from the body in its adult state.
Trook – A species from the planet Trook. They specialize in trade. They resemble snails in they have a thick shell protecting their soft bodies. They secrete a mucus to slide on since most metals damage their skin. They are a friendly species, but their appearance is off-putting to many in the galaxy.
Ubus (YOU-bus) – The thick, leathery, dark gray exterior of all Arkainians. It is similar to skin on a human but only has two layers. The ubus is tough and thick to protect Arkainians from the harsh sand and to insulate them from the hot sun.
Underground – A movement started by Merkorn Konsus over fifty sun rotations ago for Arkainian society to return to the archaic ways before the Great War. After Merkorn was banished, Sturm Merkornus continued the movement in secret. The movement strives to educate Arkainian males on what life was like long ago and to prepare the people for a rebellion when a leader is established. The movement also assists human females relocate if they are unhappy with their assignment by the IEA (Interstellar Employment Agency).
Veccus (VEC-cus) – The digestive organ in Arkainians used to break down food into usable energy. In humans, the veccus is similar to the stomach and small intestine combined.
Vomus (VOE-mus) – A gland in the mouth of Arkainians that allow them to discern what an object is by taste. The gland in dormant in modern Arkainians but is awakened by the spices used in the Outlands. The vomus of the Rukkus is active but is dormant in the city dwellers.
Vreega (VREE-ga) – A small beetle that lives in the pits under the toilet. The pit captures the waste and the vreega eat and break down the material.
Vrakus (VRAY-kus) – The digestive organ in Arkainians used for elimination. The food is broken down in the veccus. All water is reabsorbed into the body and the solid waste goes to the vrakus for elimination.
White Mountain – The only mountain on Arkainia. It is rumored that the ancient Arkainians worshipped the mountain as the symbol of the mother (Masa), but the old ways have all but been forgotten by the modern Arkainians, except for the Rukkus, who uphold the archaic ways. Mined in the White Mountain are diarok and golrok. Called the Sacred Mountain by the Rukkus.
Ylama (Yamma) – The robe worn by the Glypha and the Rukkus, The Glypha wear purple ylama, requiring males to cover their form with a ylama while within the Glypha Citadel. The Rukkus wear brown ylama, distinguishing themselves as self-proclaimed equals to the Glypha.
Yokus (YOE-kus) – A male Arkainian who has been trained since birth to serve the female Arkainians. As a child, his ehlus are capped to prevent them from ever growing. By doing this, the yokus is sterilized since his reproductive capability is linked to a pre-hormone produced in the ehlus. He has been trained to be agreeable and less aggressive than a typical male. A yokus is the only male Arkainian allowed in Mesta after dark. A yokus is owned by a female to perform various tasks, from personal messenger to pleasure servant.
Arkainian (ar-KANE-ee-un) – Inhabitants of the planet Arkainia. Male Arkainians are on average around 6 ½ to 7 feet tall. They have a tough dark gray skin, called ubus. They have large antlers, called ehlus, protruding from the sides of their head, and smaller jowl tusks, called imus, protruding from their jaw bones on either side of their mouth. Most males are in the Arkainian military. The rest populate and run the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. Female Arkainians are smaller than males, on average around 5 to 5 ½ feet tall. Their ubus is also dark gray, but their heads are bald with no ehlus or imus. Both males and females have white eyes with a small pinpoint pupil, called a plu, and a purple ring to serve as an iris, called an arn. The small plu allows them to see extremely well in front of them but they have no peripheral vision. Arkainians do not grow any hair on their body. Their ubus is thick and leathery. The thick, dark gray ubus offers protection from the harsh sun and from the blowing sand. Arkainian civilization is matriarchal. Arkainians are the dominant species in the Optimus solar system and one of the protectors of the lesser species across the entire Milky Way galaxy. They have outposts throughout the galaxy, including one on Earth’s moon. The leaders from Arkainia and Earth have signed an agreement for Arkainia to offer protection to Earth in exchange for humans to travel to Arkainia to work various roles, including house keepers and miners.
Arkain stag (ar-KANE) – An ancient, extinct species native to Arkainia. The stags looked like the mythical centaurs with a stag body and humanoid torso and head. They had large ehlus and imus. They were hairless with dark gray ubus. They had the ability to modify their internal functions to mimic any other species whose blood they ingest. These modifications allowed the stag to reproduce with any species. They were hunted to extinction for this ability. There were only male stags.
Arn – The thin ring of purple around the plu (pupil) in Arkainian eyes. It serves a similar function to the iris in human eyes.
Asa (AY-suh) – A female child.
Asus (AY-sus) – A male child.
Bistrak (BEE-strack) – A soup made from rumiak, pomstrag, and ontrin. It is considered a traditional Arkainian dish and is often served for guests or special occasions.
Blum (BLOOM) – Equivalent to a human embryo. The blum is housed inside the female beva for a span of ten moon rotations. The blum is not fully developed when it is ejected. The blum finishes developing in an incubator.
Beva (BEE-vuh) – The pouch on a female Arkainian similar to the gropus on the Arkainian male. The Beva is used to house the growing blum. The beva is held closed by tightly-contracted muscles that are relaxed when a gland between the female’s legs is massaged and relaxed. The blum is removed from the beva after ten moon rotations and transferred to an incubator to continue development.
Bvelda (BEE-vel-duh) – The female reproductive organs, mainly used to refer to the Arkainian equivalent of a vagina.
Blutum (BLU-tum) – Once the blum is separated from the female, it becomes a bluta if it has developed female organs or a blutus of it has developed male organs. The bluta and blutus are collectively called the blutum. The blutum are put inside an incubator and buried in the sand for ten moon rotations. During this time, the blutum develop completely.
Corinth – A planet in an adjacent solar system from Arkainia. The native species on the planet are bug-like creatures called Traxan. They are known pirates and a species Arkainians often police throughout the galaxy. Corinth has declared Arkainia its enemy and will attack any Arkainian ship or person on sight.
Crawn – A scavenger bird that lives in the Outlands. It feeds on the remains of dead animals left by larger animals. Also called carrion birds.
Dasus (DAY-sus) – The modern Arkainian term for one’s father. Also, the name of the ancient figure who, along with his mate, Masa, spawned the Arkainian race. Dasus was an Arkain stag.
Denon (DEE-non) – The unit of currency used in Mesta and the surrounding three cities of Karkus, Lamkus, and Prokus.
Diarok (DYE-uh-rok) – A gem mined from the White Mountain. Diarok come in five colors. The yellow diarok naturally glows and is used in the cities as a light source when placed in a lantern. The yellow diarok is also used to capture the rays of the sun to produce heat that is used to cook food. The green and blue diarok are used for decorative purposes. The purple diarok is used only in the Glypha Citadel. To take one of the purple diarok or to use one outside the Citadel is a crime. The clear diarok is the only substance known to cut limrok and is fashioned into tools for that purpose.
Drast – A planet under Arkainia protection. A small Arkainian outpost was established on the planet’s moon to monitor the activity on the planet surface. The planet houses two rival species, the Warwigs, who resemble biped warthogs, and the Pongst, who are similar to human-sized butterflies. The two species have been at civil war with each other for generations.
Ehlus (AY-lus) – The antler-like feature that all intact Arkainian males have protruding from the sides of their head. The ehlus are thick near the head and branch off, reaching several feet. Males in the military traditionally fuse the ends with goltrite to keep the tips from breaking off. The fused ends remain sharp and are often used as weapons in close combat. When near a fertile female, the ehlus manufacture a pre-hormone that triggers the mimus gland to begin filling with topus in preparation for rutting. In the case of yokus, the ehlus are capped before they grow, emasculating the male.
Fenault (FEN-alt) – One of the two standard meals. Fenault is served in the morning about an hour after rising. It is traditionally a thick, hearty soup, manmi bread, a cooked side vegetable, and a drink of tea.
Frungals (FROON-guls) – A species from the planet Frun. They are well known for their houses that provide sensual pleasure of all kinds for all species. Their planet is a popular vacation spot for other species in the galaxy.
Glypha (GLY-fuh) – The official title of a female Arkainian elected to the Glypha Committee.
Glypha Citadel – The building in the center of Mesta, the capital city. The citadel is where the Glypha live and hold their committee meetings. The only males allowed inside the citadel are the ones the Glypha summon. The building is made from limrok, a white stone mined from quarries outside Lamkus.
Glypha Committee – The group of thirteen Glypha who rule the planet of Arkainia from the capital city of Mesta. Their authority is absolute and all laws they make must be followed under punishment of banishment into the Outlands. Committee elections are for life. To be eligible for the Glypha election, a female Arkainian must have birthed at least one female child.
Glypha Guard – Female Arkainians who have been trained to fight. Most of the current guards were trained by Lokun’s father, Abakk Rosterus. They stand outside the inner citadel rotunda and will defend the Glypha in case of an attack.
Golrok (GOAL-rok) – A metal mined in the tunnels under the White Mountain. Golrok is melted and separated into goltrite and goltrile.
Goltrile (GOAL-trial) – A byproduct of goltrite production. The metal is heavy but strong and is sold to other species for the construction of battleships, transports, and shuttles.
Goltrite (GOAL-trite) – The metal used in Arkainian military uniforms. It is stronger than rock but as light as a feather.
Goyu (GO-you) – A cactus-like plant that grows in the Outlands. It is rare, and its flesh is both filling and provides water that is absorbed readily by the body. Its flesh is bright yellow, gelatinous, and will cause intoxication if consumed in large quantities. Goyu flesh is extremely sweet, highly addictive, and creates hallucinations if consumed too often. Said to be the favorite food of Masa.
Great War – A period of Arkainian history roughly seven hundred years ago where a power shift occurred. It is when females took over as rulers of the race. There was a civil war between the Rukkus Party and the Glypha Party. Members of the Rukkus Party wanted society to remain the same, with both males and females equal and living in families of males and females raising both male and female children. The Glypha Party wanted to separate males and females, with the females in power. The males would raise the male children, and the females would raise the female children. Reproduction was controlled by the females. The war was bloody and over half the Arkainian race was annihilated. The Glypha Party won and took over the capital city, renaming it Mesta. The Rukkus Party was banished into the Outlands and became the original Rukkus.
Greeth – A plant that grows in the Outlands. The leaves of the plant are steeped into a tea that resembles in flavor peppermint tea from Earth.
Gropus (GROW-pus) – The groin pouch on Arkainian males that seals and protects the popus and topopus. The pouch is in the lower abdomen and is held closed by a strong muscle. To open the pouch, a small gland between the legs must be massaged until it relaxes and allows the pouch to open. Most males choose to keep their vulnerable organs tucked inside for protection.
Grou (GRAU) – Metal gloves crafted from goltrite and worn by the Arkainian military. Large claw-like protrusions extended past the tips of the fingers. Grou are the chosen weapon by Arkainian males for hand-to-hand combat.
Gurdk (GUR-dick) – A fruit grown in Prokus. Its skin is bright green with pale pink flesh. The flavor is slightly sweet, similar to an underripe watermelon.
Happus (HAP-pus) – The Arkainian term for the heart. Arkainians have two happus, one on each side of their body, each supplying blood to the particular side. An Arkainian can survive if one of their happus were to stop working.
Hasus (HAY-sus) – Male sibling. If referring to a female sibling, the term is Hasa. Collectively, multiple siblings of both male and female are called hasum.
Imus (EYE-mus) – The tusk-like protrusion from the jawbone of Arkainian males. The imus are an extension of the jawbone and extend out and away from the mouth on either side. They are not usually used as weapons and their purpose is unknown.
Jalic (JAY-lick) – A flower that grows only in the wild. Its natural habitat is in the Outlands at the base of the White Mountain. The petals are diffused for perfume, the leaves are used to die fabric. Steeped in water, the leaves produce a deep purple color. The roots were mixed with various leaves to create ritualistic tea used in ancient times.
Jolong (JOE-long)– A race of being well known for their superior engineering and mechanical abilities. Jolong are the creators and constructors of most modern ships, shuttles, and transports. The Jolong are also the creators of the barrier domes surrounding Mesta and Arkainian outposts throughout the galaxy. They are the main consumer of goltrile. They reside on the planet Jool in the Optimus solar system.
Kalpa (KAL-puh) – A substance formed when the bark of the stoval tree is soaked in water until it falls apart. It releases a noxious smell detectable by Arkainians but undetectable by humans. The substance is used similarly to smelling salts to revive unconscious patients.
Karkus (KAR-kus)– One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Home city of General Lokun Abakkus.
Kreer – The fermented beverage served with penault. It is made from rumiak peels and other secret ingredients. Brewing of kreer is done by very few families who have passed down techniques and recipes over the generations.
Kroot – A bug that lives in the sand on Arkainia. It is particularly invasive and will burrow under the skin of its host causing illness and in most cases death. The only known way to rid the body infected with kroot parasites is to cut them out. Also called sand parasites.
Lamkus (LAM-kus) – One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Outside Lamkus is the stone quarry. The top part of the quarry is where the best sandstone is mined to make Arkainian houses and furniture. Deeper in the quarry is where limrok is mined. It is the only place on Arkainia where limrok is found.
Letaga (la-TAY-guh) – A plant that is grown in Mesta. The root of the plant is steeped into a tea. When the tea is consumed, it stifles the natural scent of the female Arkainian. This has been used since the first Glypha Committee to discourage male Arkainians from forming emotional bonds based on scent. When a female wishes to enter her breeding cycle, the female refrains from drinking the tea to prepare her body for rutting. Few outside of the Glypha Committee know why the tea is consumed. The tea is consumed every passing.
Limrok (LIM-rock) – A hard stone found only on Arkainia and mined from the stone quarry outside Lamkus. It is the second strongest substance on the planet and can only be cut by the clear diarok.
Living Sand – A species residing at the base of the Sacred Mountain. It traps all living beings inside it, similar to quicksand on Earth, and slowly drains the water from the being until it completely dehydrates and dies. A small part of the living sand was released from the mountain and is roaming in the Outlands.
Lokarian (LOW-kar-E-un) – The race that was created by Lokun Abakkus and Star Miller with their child Mira Star Lokuna. A Lokarian is half human and half Arkainian.
Manmi – (MON-me) – Flatbread baked without yeast or sweetener. In the cities, it is made from the flour of ground tmit, a grain grown in Prokus. It is similar to Indian naan bread on Earth, and is used to dip into the thick, hearty soup in place of a spoon. In the Outlands, the Rukkus use ground berries from the nema plant to create the flour for manmi.
Masa (MAY-suh) – The modern Arkainian term for one’s mother. Also, the name of the ancient figure who, along with her mate, Dasus, spawned the Arkainian race. Masa was not native to Arkainia, but her people settled on the planet. She is the last of her species and was revered by the Arkain stags as a goddess. She lived on the very top of the sacred mountain. She walked on two legs and had pale cream-colored skin. She had long purple hair and white eyes.
Mesta (MESS-tuh) – The capital city of the Arkainian civilization. The city is populated and run only by females. No males, except for yokus, are allowed within the city boundaries after dark. All intact males entering the city during the light must be escorted by a female. The city is protected by a barrier dome which allows females to pass freely but for a male to enter the city, a door in the dome must be opened or the barrier will prevent him from entering. At the center of the city is the Glypha Citadel.
Metron (MET-ron) – The main unit of measurement on Arkainia, roughly the length of 12 inches or 1 foot in Earth equivalent.
Mimus (MY-mus) – The gland in Arkainian males that produces topus, the male hormone similar in function to testosterone in humans. When the male scents a fertile female, the ehlus release the hormone that causes the mimus gland to swell as it fills with topus. When full, the gland releases the topus into the bloodstream which triggers the popus to create reproductive seed and the topopus to harden in preparation for rutting.
Moon Rotation – The time it takes for Arkainia’s moon to orbit the planet. Similar to an Earth month but lasting roughly 35 days.
Nema (NEE-muh) – A wild plant that grows in the Outlands. It is a wild relative of the tmit plant grown in Prokus. Similar to the tmit, the berries of the nema plant are harvested, dried, and ground to make flour for manmi bread.
Ontrin (ON-trin) – A vegetable similar to a combination of an onion and garlic. It is an aromatic used to season many Arkainian dishes.
Outlands – The barren parts of Arkainia outside the civilization of the capital city (Mesta) and three surrounding cities (Karkus, Lampus, and Prokus). The Outlands are wild and dangerous. Home to the Rukkus, the Shokus, and a host of dangerous beasts. At the edge of the Outlands is the White Mountain, also known as the Sacred Mountain by the Rukkus.
Passing – The term Arkainians use to designate the span of one whole day. They recognize a day as a sun’s passing through the sky and so break up a day as early passing (morning), mid passing (mid-day), and late passing (evening). To designate yesterday, the say last passing, for days before, they say past passing. To designate tomorrow, they say next passing, for days to come, they say future passing.
Penault (PEN-alt) – One of the two standard meals. Penault is served in the evening about an hour before retiring. It is traditionally a thick, hearty stew, manmi bread, fruit, and kreer, a drink of fermented rumiak peels.
Persive (PER-siv) – A planet in the same solar system as Arkainia. Its atmosphere is gentle with water and vegetation plentiful on the planet. The Persivian people are gentle and soft spoken and a Persivian wind is so gentle it is almost undetectable.
Plu – The small black dot in the center of Arkainian eyes. It is small to both offer the best protection for the eye in the harsh and bright sun and to offer greater vision. The small plu allows Arkainians exceptional vision directly in front of them but they have no peripheral vision.
Plut – A ranged weapon used by Arkainians. It is similar to a blow gun with the projectile being a sharp dart laced with various toxins. The weapon can be used from far away. The dart is pushed through the tube with a powerful puff of air created by a pump and then released with a trigger, similar to a gun.
Pomstrag (POM-strag) – A vegetable that is comparable to cabbage. It is a dull tan color but has crunchy leaves that cook down and add flavor to broth.
Ponmo (PON-moe) – Fruit that grows on the pon tree, native to the Outlands. It is not eaten by most Arkainians because of its sweet flavor but is a favorite among humans. Its texture and flavor are comparable to a pear. The sap from the ponmo tree is collected and processed to make sucrus, the product that the Rukkus use to clean.
Popus (POE-pus) – The male reproductive organ that produces the reproductive seed, similar to a human testicle. Arkainian males have only one, instead of two, as is standard on human males.
Prokus (PRO-kus) – One of the three cities surrounding the capital city of Mesta. The city is populated and run by Arkainian males. Most of the choice produce is grown in Prokus. The soil is better suited for gardening.
Quara (KWAR-uh) – The formal title in ancient times for those blessed by Masa and Dasus. Quara was reserved for the females and Quarus was for the males, plural of both is Quarum. The Coquarum was plural denoting both the males (Coquarus) and females (Coquara) who dedicated their lives to serving the Quara and Quarus.
Quara berries – The berries on the quara plant. The berries are bright yellow in color and very sweet. So named because they are a favorite fruit of Quara Star.
Quara plant – A plant discovered in the oasis near the base of the Sacred Mountain. The leaves of the plant can be boiled in water until they break down. Once the liquid cools, it forms a sticky substance that Star uses as adhesive on her sculptures. The bright yellow berries of the plant are syrupy sweet.
Qwamis (KWA-mus) – A small beetle-like creature that eats the leaves of plants and causes it to become infected with a fungus that kills the plant. The Qwamis beetle is repelled by a mineral in sucrus, the dried sap of the ponmo tree.
Rhibore (RYE-bore) – A large carnivorous beast that lives in the Outlands. Their preferred tactic for hunting is to blend with the sand and surprise its prey. Their favorite prey is svanrt snake and usually wound what they view as less desirable prey, so the blood draws the snakes from under the sand. Also called a sand beast.
Rukkus (RUE-kus) – A group of Arkainians led by Merkorn Konsus who live in the Outlands. They believe and live in the archaic ways of the ancient Arkainians. They live in family units with males and females living together raising both male and female children equally. The Rukkus live in a settlement underground.
Rumiak (RUE-me-ack) – An Arkainian vegetable resembling a potato but tasting earthy like a mushroom. It grows all over the planet and is the base for all Arkainian soups and stews.
Shokus (SHOW-kus) – Arkainians who have been banished from the cities for various reasons, usually as a punishment for committing a crime. They live in unorganized groups and have become like pirates, taking what they want without regard to ownership. They rarely form cohesive groups like the Rukkus. Most Shokus survive less than a year in the Outlands.
Starstone – A tumbled Arkainian rock. The rock is tumbled using different grades of sand to create a smooth exterior. For the final step, the smooth stones are tumbled with powdered sucrus and nema berries which give the stone the shine that makes them starstones. The stones are names after Star Miller, who is the one who created them.
Stoopus (STEW-pus) – A male who is claimed by an Arkainian female for the purpose of breeding. Arkainian females can have any number of stoopus. The stoopus does not live with the female. The arrangement is made simply for procreation. Once chosen as a stoopus, a male cannot be claimed by another female for the rest of his life. If the resulting child is female, she stays with the mother in Mesta. If the child is male, he is sent to live with and be raised by the father in one of the three cities surrounding the capital city.
Stoval (STOW-val) – A tree that grows in the Outlands. The stalk of the stoval tree is tough. The fibers from the stalk can be braided to form rope or separated to create sewing thread. The leaves are long and can br dried to form material to weave baskets. The bark is soaked in water. When the bark falls apart, it releases a noxious smell. The liquid is called kalpa and is used similarly to smelling salts to revive someone who is unconscious.
Sucrile (SUE-krile) – A byproduct of sucrus processing. The raw sap of the ponmo tree is boiled. The sticky sucrile floats to the top and is removed so the liquid can dry and harden into sucrus. The sucrile prevents the sucrus from foaming. The sucrile is used to make fabric more durable and like leather.
Sucrus (SUE-krus) – A crystal formed from the sap of the ponmo tree. The sap hardens into clumps and is harvested. It is used to cleanse both the body and clothing. It doesn’t dissolve in water but softens and creates suds when rubbed vigorously. The scent is reminiscent of apple blossom.
Sun Rotation – The time it takes for Arkainia to orbit its sun. Similar to an Earth year but lasting roughly 300 days. Arkainians count age based on sun rotations. The average lifespan of an Arkainian female is 150 sun rotations, a male 100 sun rotations.
Svanrt (s-VAN-art)– An underground snake in the Outlands. It has a venomous sac that is used to paralyze its victims. This venom has been utilized by many for its paralytic properties. Also called a sand snake. Its meat is preserved and dried for jerky. Its teeth are one of the few objects that can penetrate rhibore skin.
Tagus (TAY-gus) – A soft spot on a male Arkainian’s cranium between the ehlus. When the tagus is hit with some force, it renders the male unconscious, with similar repercussions of a concussion. The male is rendered unconscious for one to four passings and swelling causes severe head pain for several passings after the male awakes. Knowledge of the tagus is a closely-guarded medical secret known to very few outside the medical profession.
Tmit (TEE-mit) – A plant similar to wheat that grows only in Prokus. The berries of the plant are harvested, dried and ground to make the flour that manmi bread is made from.
Tolus (TOE-lus) – The clothing worn by Arkainian males. It is similar to a loincloth on Earth but longer and wider, ending at the knees and held in place by straps around the legs. The tolus is held up by a belt around the hips.
Topopus (TŌE-poe-pus) – The male reproductive organ, similar to a penis on human males. It is not shaped the same, though. It is more like a solid rod. At ejaculation, the ends open into four petals and a tube lengthens to secrete the lavender-colored reproductive seed. The four petal ends have barbs that embed themselves in the female’s tissues and will not release until the popus is empty.
Topus (TOE-pus) – The fluid in the mimus gland. It consists of the male hormone that triggers the popus to produce reproductive seed and the topopus to harden. The production of this hormone is connected to the production of a pre-hormone produced in the ehlus. If the ehlus are prevented from growing, as in the case of a yokus, the male will not produce the fluid necessary for rutting and reproduction.
Traxan (TRAX-in) – The native species on the planet Corinth. They are bug-like creatures who have sworn themselves to be the enemy of all Arkainians.
Treste (TRES-tay) – A beetle that lives in the sand on Arkainia. The beetle itself is not harmful but if the body gets infected with the larva, the larva will feed on the body tissue of its host until it hatches, causing large amounts of damage when it emerges from the body in its adult state.
Trook – A species from the planet Trook. They specialize in trade. They resemble snails in they have a thick shell protecting their soft bodies. They secrete a mucus to slide on since most metals damage their skin. They are a friendly species, but their appearance is off-putting to many in the galaxy.
Ubus (YOU-bus) – The thick, leathery, dark gray exterior of all Arkainians. It is similar to skin on a human but only has two layers. The ubus is tough and thick to protect Arkainians from the harsh sand and to insulate them from the hot sun.
Underground – A movement started by Merkorn Konsus over fifty sun rotations ago for Arkainian society to return to the archaic ways before the Great War. After Merkorn was banished, Sturm Merkornus continued the movement in secret. The movement strives to educate Arkainian males on what life was like long ago and to prepare the people for a rebellion when a leader is established. The movement also assists human females relocate if they are unhappy with their assignment by the IEA (Interstellar Employment Agency).
Veccus (VEC-cus) – The digestive organ in Arkainians used to break down food into usable energy. In humans, the veccus is similar to the stomach and small intestine combined.
Vomus (VOE-mus) – A gland in the mouth of Arkainians that allow them to discern what an object is by taste. The gland in dormant in modern Arkainians but is awakened by the spices used in the Outlands. The vomus of the Rukkus is active but is dormant in the city dwellers.
Vreega (VREE-ga) – A small beetle that lives in the pits under the toilet. The pit captures the waste and the vreega eat and break down the material.
Vrakus (VRAY-kus) – The digestive organ in Arkainians used for elimination. The food is broken down in the veccus. All water is reabsorbed into the body and the solid waste goes to the vrakus for elimination.
White Mountain – The only mountain on Arkainia. It is rumored that the ancient Arkainians worshipped the mountain as the symbol of the mother (Masa), but the old ways have all but been forgotten by the modern Arkainians, except for the Rukkus, who uphold the archaic ways. Mined in the White Mountain are diarok and golrok. Called the Sacred Mountain by the Rukkus.
Ylama (Yamma) – The robe worn by the Glypha and the Rukkus, The Glypha wear purple ylama, requiring males to cover their form with a ylama while within the Glypha Citadel. The Rukkus wear brown ylama, distinguishing themselves as self-proclaimed equals to the Glypha.
Yokus (YOE-kus) – A male Arkainian who has been trained since birth to serve the female Arkainians. As a child, his ehlus are capped to prevent them from ever growing. By doing this, the yokus is sterilized since his reproductive capability is linked to a pre-hormone produced in the ehlus. He has been trained to be agreeable and less aggressive than a typical male. A yokus is the only male Arkainian allowed in Mesta after dark. A yokus is owned by a female to perform various tasks, from personal messenger to pleasure servant.
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