The Inheritance Almanac Part 9

A small town in Surda, formerly ruled by Martland Redbeard.

Queen Islanzadi's family hall in Ellesmera. It was here that she put the writing that Eragon shared with the elven nation during the Agaeti Blodhren.

SEE OROMIS AND GLAEDR.

SEE SLAVERY.

Murtagh's friend, servant, and fencing instructor in Uru'baen. Tornac was a skilled swordsman but was slain while fleeing Uru'baen with Murtagh. Murtagh named his horse Tornac in honor of the man who taught him how to fight.

The first mate to Clovis the fisherman.

Author of the eponymous book that lays out the rules for wors.h.i.+pers of the dark forces at the mystical site of Helgrind.

SEE GNAEVALDRSKALD.

A soldier who had once served in Galbatorix's army but, once settled in the village of Daret, was chosen by villagers there to defend their town against Urgals and other potential invaders.

A brutal and unforgiving test of leaders.h.i.+p in which opponents take turns cutting their own forearms, the bloodletting continuing until one relents. By this ancient test, Nasuada was challenged for leaders.h.i.+p by the warlord Fadawar. As drums pounded, each took turns making knife cuts. Fadawar had made eight b.l.o.o.d.y slices, but Nasuada bested him with two cuts in a row. The warlord attempted a ninth cut but was forced to say, "I submit." According to the rules, Nasuada's wounds may not be healed with magic; otherwise her victory is forfeit.

SEE FADAWAR.

A sorceress in Du Vrangr Gata with the Varden. With the death of the Twins, she became leader of that group of spellcasters. She has flirted with Eragon, who seemed amenable to her advances until Saphira intervened and called her a "slattern." She wears a gold bracelet shaped like a serpent, which she calls Lorga, her "familiar and protector." Nasuada doesn't fully trust her, but she does command Trianna to use her magic to produce lace so that the Varden can sell it to fund their war against the Empire-and Trianna fulfills that command. Trianna also helped protect Nasuada from the a.s.sa.s.sin Drail. Later, she used her magic, along with Angela the herbalist's balms, to heal the lashes Roran had received for insubordination, which allowed him to lead a Varden coalition on the city of Feinster.

SEE RORAN.

One of the guards for the dwarf clan chief Undin.

The capital of the dwarf nation and the largest city within the heart of Farthen Dur, the hollowed crater within the Beor Mountains. Crafted from marble many millennia ago, this is one of the wonders of the world-the "citymountain," as Eragon has called it-and big enough to house the entire nation. The city rises a mile high and is built with levels for housing the population. It is accessed via tunnels leading to gigantic wooden gates blocking the city's entrance, and its peak is open to the sky. The capital has been called the City of Eternal Twilight, as the city-mountain receives sunlight for a single hour in summertime. Because of the perpetual shadow, the dwarves have lit the city with a virtually endless supply of flameless lanterns. Tronjheim is not self-sustaining and relies on a trade in food and supplies from nearby dwarf settlements.

The dwarves allowed the Varden to shelter within Farthen Dur, a risky decision and one that threatened the dwarven people when the Empire's Urgal army invaded Farthen Dur. Although many dwarf and Varden soldiers died, they won the battle and the city was spared from destruction. The Varden population has since relocated to Surda, with the dwarves traversing back and forth between Farthen Dur and the Varden's camp.

SEE SURDA AND VOL TURIN.

CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI'S DIAGRAM OF TRONJHEIM.

In addition to a common name, everything (objects, plants, animals, people) has a true name in the ancient language. Knowing another's true name gives one power over that individual or object. Eragon used his knowledge of Sloan's true name to compel him to go to Ellesmera, and Galbatorix used Murtagh's true name to enslave him. Most people do not know their own true name.

SEE ANCIENT LANGUAGE.

Translates as "tempering the fool's wisdom," a level in a Dragon Rider's training.

A powerful healing potion invented by the elf alchemist of the same name. The main ingredient is the glossy black cap of the poisonous Fricai Andlat mushroom (the only palatable part), found within Du Weldenvarden and Farthen Dur. Tunivor's Nectar is used to cure many wounds and ailments and is the only known antidote to the Skilna Bragh, a poison favored by the Empire's a.s.sa.s.sins.

A pair of identical twin magicians who ostensibly served the Varden government but who were secret agents of Galbatorix. They joined Du Vrangr Gata when the nation needed spellcasters, but their manipulative and arrogant nature made them unpopular. However, their command of the ancient language and their ability to fuse their telepathic powers made them deadly spellcasters and a vital a.s.set. It was the Twins who judged Eragon's ability to wield the forces of magic and grudgingly told Ajihad he was "competent in all magic."

When their bloodied robes were found after the Battle of Farthen Dur, the Twins were presumed dead. The Twins' treason was revealed, however, when they reappeared on the side of the Empire during the Battle of the Burning Plains. They were slain on the battlefield by Roran, who caught the traitors from behind, killing each with mighty blows of his hammer.

SEE RORAN.

SEE SOUTHERN ISLES.

Right-hand man to Martland Redbeard.

A dockworker in Narda.

SEE COUNCIL OF ELDERS.

The legendary elf from The Lay of Umhodan.

SEE DRAGON RIDER SWORDS.

Current clan chief of Ragni Hefthyn and son of Derund.

SEE DWARF CLANS IN THE APPENDIX.

The mysterious soldier in Galbatorix's army who left a white rose for Arya during her imprisonment in Gil'ead, the only act of kindness and mercy she received before being rescued by Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh.

Creator G.o.d of the wandering tribes. Also known as the Old One.

The race that calls itself the Urgralgra, the Urgals are considered the continent's most brutal and violent race-and the most hated. Urgals physically resemble gigantic muscular humans, but they bear long, twisted horns and have thick grayish skin and yellow eyes. Adding to their fearsome renown is a smell that other races often find offensive. Urgals usually wear a simple loincloth and are rarely seen without swords, axes, and rough-hewn s.h.i.+elds. The elite of the Urgals are the outsized Kull.

Urgal society is more complex than their violent and brutish appearance and reputation suggest. They are known to engage in shamanistic practices. An elaborate courts.h.i.+p ritual is the creation of a hearth rug, which takes five years to complete; during that time a couple has time to evaluate their compatibility and affection for each other. It is said that Urgal marriages are as caring and loving as any among the other races of Alagaesia.

The Shade Durza used his magic to gain power over the warlike and independent Urgals, forming an Urgal army to fight for Galbatorix. Durza led the Urgal forces to the gates of Farthen Dur, where the Empire sought to strike a decisive blow against the Varden. The Empire's defeat, and Durza's death, freed the Urgals from the Shade's enchantments. The Bolvek tribe of Urgals, whose leader is the Kull Nar Garzhvog, allied themselves with the Varden before the Battle of the Burning Plains.

SEE BATTLE OF THE BURNING PLAINS AND BOLVEK.

URGAL HORNS ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE FELDUNOST, WHICH RESEMBLE THOSE OF BIGHORN SHEEP.

Currently the capital of Galbatorix's Empire. The city has a rich history, beginning as the elven city known as Ilirea, which was destroyed and abandoned during the elves' ancient war against the dragons. The land was later claimed by the first human settlers, who established their own capital there. The city has become a darker place under Galbatorix, who has expanded what is now called the dark citadel. At the heart of the capital is Castle Ilirea, home to a long lineage of rulers and now where Galbatorix rules and holds the last remaining dragon egg.

SEE ILIREA.

A dwarven G.o.d, master of the air and heavens. Urur and his brother, Morgothal, G.o.d of fire, are so devoted to each other that they can't exist independently. According to dwarven myth, these brother G.o.ds joined forces and brought dragons into the world.

The mighty cave bear, one of the five animals unique to the Beor Mountains. Despite their gigantic size, Urzhadn can move with amazing speed. Called Beor in the ancient language.

THE URZHAD IS BASED ON THE EXTINCT GIANT CAVE BEAR. THE MOST SIMILAR CREATURE ALIVE TODAY IS THE KODIAK BEAR OF ALASKA.

SEE GALBATORIX.

A lonely mountain in the Spine at the southern end of Palancar Valley, past Therinsford. After King Palancar was overthrown, the watchtower Edoc'sil ("Unconquerable") was built here by the elves as a strategic point to allow Dragon Riders to keep watch over the humans and their descendants. It was on Utgard Mountain that a wounded Vrael, leader of the last of the Dragon Riders, fled to recover from injuries suffered in battle with Galbatorix and where Galbatorix found and beheaded him. The watchtower remains but is now known as Ristvak'baen ("Place of Sorrow").

A seasoned sailor of Teirm who accompanied the Carvahall villagers on the voyage to Surda. As captain of the pirated Dragon Wing, he escaped Galbatorix's forces by sailing through the maelstrom of the Boar's Eye, earning him renown as one of the greatest mariners of all time.

SEE BOAR'S EYE.

A human philosopher whose vacuum theory was disproved by both King Orrin and Ladin, the elf philosopher.

One of the greatest elf spellweavers.

A young elf of the House of Haldthin who easily defeated Eragon in sparring sessions of swordsmans.h.i.+p during Eragon's training in Ellesmera. Vanir was openly contemptuous of Eragon, often accusing him of being an unfit Rider, but finally gave due respect after Eragon was blessed during the Agaeti Blodhren. Eragon easily defeated Vanir in their last duel, giving the haughty elf a broken arm.

SEE LAY OF UMHODAN, THE.

The Shade conjured by Empire magicians during the Siege of Feinster, and ultimately slain by Arya.

SEE SIEGE OF FEINSTER.

After Galbatorix's declaration of victory in his power struggle with the Dragon Riders, a band of humans, led by the Dragon Rider Brom, formed the resistance movement known as the Varden ("Wanderers" in the ancient language). Its succession of leaders, from Deynon to Ajihad to Nasuada, built the rebel group into a formidable opposition capable of waging war against the Empire. Along the way, the Varden have forged alliances with dwarves, elves, and the human state of Surda. For a long time the Varden took refuge in the dwarves' realm of Farthen Dur. After the Battle of Farthen Dur, and under Nasuada's leaders.h.i.+p, the Varden relocated to Surda. The Varden's recent victories over the Empire have inspired confidence within the remainder of Alagaesia's neutral factions. The elusive race of werecats, as well as a revered clan of Urgal fighters, have since joined in the fight against Galbatorix.

The mother of Himinglada and grandmother of Hvedra.

Unknown place mentioned by the werecat Solemb.u.m when Angela the herbalist read Eragon's fortune. Solemb.u.m's advice: "When all seems lost and your power is insufficient, go to the Rock of Kuthian and speak your name to open the Vault of Souls."

The dwarf chief of the Az Sweldn rak Anhuin clan who was implicated in the attempted a.s.sa.s.sination of Eragon. During the clanmeet that elected Orik the new monarch, Vermund was sentenced to the ultimate dwarven punishment-banishment. In dwarven culture, this means not only physical exile, but treating the offender as if they had never existed.

SEE RIMMAR.

SEE IORMuNGR.

Legendary elf from The Lay of Vestari the Mariner.

Also known as the Endless Staircase, Vol Turin is the spiral staircase in the inner walls of Tronjheim that connects each level of the gigantic pyramidal city. During an emergency, dwarves communicate along the staircase with lanterns. A smooth trough was subsequently built alongside the spiraling staircase to allow one to slide from the top to the bottom in under ten minutes. But visitors beware-the speed trough was built for dwarves and is a very risky ride for those with bigger bodies.

SEE TRONJHEIM.

The war hammer forged by Korgan Longbeard, first king of the dwarves, which has been wielded by dwarf kings and queens.

Leader of the Dragon Riders and the last to fall to Galbatorix's b.l.o.o.d.y purge of the Riders. An ancient Rider, Vrael not only tried to keep the remaining dragons from the clutches of Galbatorix but also came close to ending Galbatorix's mad dreams forever. The two were in battle before the gates of the Dragon Rider's capital city of Doru Araeba when Vrael seemingly defeated Galbatorix and had raised his sword to end it all, but he hesitated-and in that moment's pause, the cause of freedom was undone. Galbatorix took the moment to recover and strike back, wounding Vrael.

Thereafter, Vrael became the hunted. He fled to Utgard Mountain, where Galbatorix found him and ended their fight with a stroke of his sword, beheading the brave Dragon Rider. Next he overthrew Angrenost, the reigning king, and declared himself king of Alagaesia.

SEE DRAGON RIDERS AND UTGARD MOUNTAIN.

An island off Alagaesia's northwestern sh.o.r.e and home to Doru Araeba, capital city of the Dragon Riders. Vroengard is now abandoned, a grim reminder of Galbatorix's defeat of the mighty Dragon Riders.

Elves do not sleep and dream like mortals but instead experience "waking dreams," a trancelike state that produces vivid, hallucinatory visions. After the Ayaeti Blodhren, Eragon, too, rests and restores with waking dreams.

In 7209 AC, only three years after humans were accepted into the pact between dragons and elves, a s.h.i.+p arrived in Alagaesia bearing dark-skinned humans. They are the ancestors of today's nomadic tribes, as well as the artisans who can be found in the cities of Aroughs, Dauth, and Aberon. The latter's skill and renown as craftsmen and jewelers have made them a wealthy people.

The t.i.tle among the tribal peoples given to the one who leads a coalition of at least two tribes.

A Nardan s.h.i.+p.

A Varden warrior who served under Martland Redbeard.

The werecats are an ancient race of which little is known other than that they may have magical powers, live longer than humans, and know more than they tell. They are shapes.h.i.+fters who can take the form of a large cat or a small person. In addition to their innate power to foretell the future, these cunning creatures are proficient combatants, capable of fighting in either cat or humanoid form. Most werecats choose to keep to themselves, living and traveling alone in obscurity, though a few have been known to form companions.h.i.+ps alongside respected members of outside races.

Most members of the mysterious race disappeared shortly after the Fall of the Riders and the race slowly faded into legends. The werecats recently resurfaced after nearly a century in hiding to form an alliance with the Varden in the war against the Empire. Though their numbers are few, their prowess in battle and their leader's ability to command the feral cats of Alagaesia will prove to be crucial in securing the Varden's position in the war.

The werecats have mostly chosen to remain neutral throughout Alagaesia's past conflicts. However, during exceptional times when the werecats have felt wronged or threatened, the race has come together to elect a leader to take them into battle. The leader, known as the king of werecats, is responsible for speaking for his race during the war.

AT THE SUGGESTION OF HIS SISTER, ANGELA, PAOLINI DERIVED PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF WERECATS FROM THE CARACAL, A SPECIES OF MEDIUM-SIZED CAT NATIVE TO AFRICA AND WESTERN ASIA.

A small ball of light that is magically conjured. Werelights can be used to light one's way or be rooted in place to illuminate a specific area.

SEE WILD MAGIC.

The term Oromis has used to describe how magic can exist "on its own, independent of any spell." Such magical phenomena include the Dream Well in Mani's Caves in the Beor Mountains, the werelights that can be seen in the bogs near Aroughs, and the Floating Crystal of Eoam. (Such wild magic is by its nature unpredictable and dangerous.) A Carvahall resident who died while defending his village from the Empire.

SEE FORSWORN.

A member of the Bolvek tribe, which allied with the Varden in exchange for a promise of land. During one raid, Yarbog became disgruntled with Roran's leaders.h.i.+p and challenged him to a fight to determine who could best lead the raiding parties. Yarbog was defeated and forced to submit to Roran's leaders.h.i.+p. The incident ill.u.s.trated the Varden leader Nasuada's fears that their alliance with the Urgals was beginning to come apart, though Roran's victory helped to smooth it.

SEE RORAN AND URGALS.

An elven rune from the Liduen Kvaedhi, the elf script that indicates devotion to the elven race. Arya had the symbol tattooed on her shoulder. This mystic symbol also adorns the ring Aren, which was given to Brom, and later Eragon, by the elves.

A small Empire town on the banks of the Ninor River, reportedly filled with enemies of the Empire and their sympathizers. Yazuac was destroyed by Urgal forces presumably acting on Galbatorix's orders. Eragon pa.s.sed through this town with Brom, and it was here that he first uttered "Brisingr" and used magic for the first time.

YAZUAC IS A NEAR ANAGRAM FOR THE YAKUZA, THE j.a.pANESE MAFIA.

SEE DRAGON RIDER SWORDS.

Although little is generally known about individual dragons, there are extant accounts chronicling the exploits of certain dragons and Riders. The following have been mentioned.

Eridor Fundor Lenora Miremel Opheila Beroan Briam Galzra Gretiem Hirador Ingothold Jura Ohen the Strong Roslarb Durgrimst Az Sweldn rak Anhuin: Nearly destroyed by Galbatorix and the Forsworn, this clan developed a hatred of dragons and Riders. They declared themselves sworn blood enemies of Eragon and Saphira and, in an incident that brought shame on their clan, violated the Law of Hospitality by attempting to kill Eragon, who was guest of a dwarf clanmeet.

Durgrimst Ebardac: The clan devoted to scholarly research.

Durgrimst Fanghur: Clan named after the dragonlike creature that dwells in the Beor Mountains.

Durgrimst Feldunost: Clan named after the mountain goat indigenous to the Beor Mountains. Although other clans are named after animals native to the Beor Mountains, the Feldunost is considered so important to dwarven survival in the Beors that this clan is among the most respected.

Durgrimst Gedthrall: A clan of skilled artisans, Gedthrall was entrusted with the monumental task of repairing the shattered Isidar Mithrim.

Durgrimst Ingeitum: Considered one of the most powerful of the clans, in the recent era they have produced two kings, Hrothgar and Orik, who, in series, have ruled for a hundred years.

Durgrimst Knurlcarathn: The stoneworkers' clan. Their skills at building and tunneling have no equal in Alagaesia and have made them a vital resource for all the clans.

Durgrimst Ledwonnu: The name translates as "Kilf's necklace."

Durgrimst Nagra: Clan named after the mighty boars of the Beor Mountains, beasts hunted by only the bravest of dwarves and whose prized meat is served at feasts honoring those of great courage.

Durgrimst Quan: The custodians of the dwarves' religion, considered the servants and messengers of the G.o.ds. As such, this clan wields enormous influence among all of the race. The sacred works of the dwarven people are written by the Quan in the secret rune alphabet of the Mahlvikn.

Durgrimst Ragni Hefthyn: This clan, known as the "River Guard," is based in the surface city of Tarnag. Although the Quan clan is also based here, they are small in number, and the Ragni Hefthyn are considered to be in control of Tarnag.