WarderDragon's Glossary of Roleplaying Terminology - (A - G)
Abbey: A religious institution, often the living space of a monastic order. Abbeys are often known for their vineyards, which produce fine wines and brews; often the source of income for these monks and allows them to devote much of their time to study and theological pursuits. The most famous abbey in Britannia is Empathy Abbey, which houses the Candle of Love.
Abjurer: A magician specializing in protective enchantments and wards.
Acropolis: A Greek word, literally meaning city on the edge. Acropolises were famous throughout the ancient Mediterannean, usually the site of powerful and imposing temples. The idea was that if you constructed your temples on high ground, you could be closer to your God(s). The most famous examples in ancient history include the Acropolis of Athens (where the Parthenon rested), and the Temple Mount (which rested the Temple of Jerusalem). The most famous example in Ultima Online is Luna, which is based on Greco-Roman themes.
Akalabeth: The name belonging to the Empire that preceded the Kingdom of Britannia and Dawn. While little is actually known about the nation and its people, some have speculated that Akalabeth may have been Late Roman or Early Germanic (Carolingian) in culture, architecture, and worldview. This stems from the development of Britannia out of the earlier Akalabethan state. What is known is that Akalabeth was ruled by a line of hereditary sorcerer-monarchs, which ended with the assassination of King Wolfgang.
Mondain the Sorcerer would have been the second-in-line for the throne, had he not been responsible for the death of his father and the theft of the Sun Gem. As a result, the Empire was divided up between Wolfgangs first son, the Lost Prince, and the Champion of White Light, Lord Cantabrigian British. Akalabeth would collapse almost entirely during the First War of Darkness, but it would eventually recover and be named Britannia in Lord Cantabrigian's honor.
Alchemists: Scholars that focus on mixing various herbs and substances together to produce some desired effect; often in the form of a powerful potion or elixer. A common goal amongst scholarly alchemists is seeking the formula to transmute more common metals (such as Valorite) into Mithril, a substance not seen since the Golden Age.
Ambrosia: An island north east of Dagger Island, far beyond the recorded map. It is said that Ambrosia was struck by a meteorite, leaving the land blackened and lifeless.
Apotheosis: Refers to the exaltation of the subject to divine level; a form of hero worship. An example within Britannia would be the rising Imperial Cult, where the devotees of Virtue have elevated Lord British to a deific status.
Arcanist: A magician that deals in arcane magic. Arcanist is the title given to elven magicians, although Mages and Necromancers can also be considered Arcanists.
Armageddon: A powerful incantation that, when used with the right quantity of blackrock, can produce devastating and widespread effects. The nature of the spell is largely unknown, but it was used to destroy almost all life on Sosaria many centuries ago. Another casting of the spell caused a wrinkle in time, transporting a future Haven to the location of the modern village.
Avalon: Also known as the City of Destiny and the Village of Dreams, Avalon is a northern village built on a peninsula once inhabited by Nordic Amazons. Although Britannia has claimed Avalon as within its mandate, The Kingdom of Dawn has sworn to protect Avalon's independance in the event of a foreign invasion.
Baron/Baroness: The lowest major rank of the landowning nobility within Britannia. Barons and Baronesses are often wealthy landowners, but their holdings are usually small and confined to a sizable estate. Its not uncommon for their to be several barons inhabiting the same city. The land of a baron is called a Barony or Baronship.
Baronet: A baronet (traditional abbreviation Bart, modern abbreviation Bt) or the rare female equivalent, a baronetess (abbreviation Btss), is the holder of a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown known as a baronetcy. The current practice of awarding baronetcies was originally introduced in England and Ireland by James I of England in 1611 in order to raise funds.
Baronetcies have four European equivalents from a ranking perspective: the Italian title of nobility Nobile, the Austrian and South German title of Edler von, extinct old-Polish panek ("lordling") and the Hungarian - (úr - földesúr) baronet is a title of nobility (peerage) known also as the hereditary territorial and manorial feudal lord of "von" ... (Example: Johanus Turcsányi von Turcsány), and Ritter and the Dutch Erfridder, may be held to be similar. There were originally three hereditary knighthoods in Ireland, of which two remain today.
Blackrock: A ebon-hued form of granite, with a slick obsidiant appearance. Blackrock actually posesses latent ethereal power, and can be used as a reagent. The most common (and feared) use for this reagent is the spell Armageddon, an invocation capable of destroying vast swaths of land. Blackrock also seems to absorb any spell cast upon it. With enough blackrock in an area, you could essentially prevent a mage from casting magic (as seen following the destruction of the Blackrock Detector in Moonglow).
Blackrock also posesses numerous side effects for those who are exposed to it. Blackrock infection causes people to slowly loose their mind, becoming rabid and prone to fits of rage. Blackrock can also induce memory loss, and those who are exposed to it for long periods often here strange voices.
Blackrock Infection: A condition brought on by long exposure to, and experimentation with, the Blackrock reagent. Those who experience blackrock infection are said to have darker colored blood, begin loosing their memory, loose their desire for food, and are prone to fits or rage and insanity.
Brigand: A term sometimes associated with player-killers and red groups. A brigand is usually a highwayman or thug who acts outside the authority of the law, and steals the belongings of innocent citizens.
Britannia: The name that belongs to Lord British’s Realm; once known as Akalabeth and the Land of Lost Kings. The original kingdom was located within Felucca, but that dominion was abandoned during the Second War of Darkness. “New Britannia” was constructed upon the world of Trammel, and is currently ruled by the Royal Britannian Council.
Britannian: An inhabitant of the Kingdom of Britannia. Britannian’s are based on various ethnicities and kingdoms of medieval and renaissance Europe; although the Gypsies correspond to the Roma, and Nujel’m may correspond to the people of Arabia and Al’Andalus.
Chaos: The philosophy advocated by Lord Blackthorne. The concept is that humankind is basically good, and that government is an evil oppressor of the people. Chaos is not evil, but instead advocates a limited government and lassiez-faire capitalism. The different degrees of Chaos depend on the philosopher; ranging from absolute anarchy to some form of democratic rule being the ideal state of humankind.
Church: A house of worship and/or prayer for certain religious orders. Churches are synonomous with temples.
Chivalry: The maintenance of a personal code of honor, and devotion to the Light. Chivalry is the religion practiced by the people of Luna, which emphasizes devotion to women, charity to the poor, and honor in every action.
Some have questioned whether the Paladins of Trinsic embraced Chivalry. They have in recent years, but the Paladins of Trinsic are much more like Hospitalliers; Healer-Knights with some latent mystical skills.
Conjurer: A magician specializing in summoning magic.
Constitutional Monarchy: A hereditary kingdom that possesses a constitution, protecting the individual and human rights of its citizenship from encroachment by the monarchy. This form of governance often maintains its own parliament or legislative body that can override the power of the King or Queen, and the monarch is subject to the same laws that guide its people.
Council of Mages: A conclave of wizards and enchanters, originally hailing from Verity Isle. Over time, they came to the conclusion that Lord British was incapable of defeating Minax and freeing the kingdom from the clutches of evil; therefore, they felt that he was unfit to wear the Akalabethan Crown. The perceived abandonment of the Old World only served to fan the flames of uprising. In response, the kingdom violently suppressed the mutiny, but this only managed to increase their supporters both within Moonglow and abroad. They moved their base of operations to Magincia, where they merged with the Magincian Ruling Council.
Count: A count is a nobleman in European countries; his wife is a countess. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The British equivalent is an earl (whose wife is also a "countess", for lack of an Anglo-Saxon term). Alternative names for the "Count" rank in the nobility structure are used in other countries, such as Hakushaku during the Japanese Imperial era.
Daemon: See demon.
Daimyo: Daimyo (大名?) ( daimyō (help·info)) is a generic term referring to the powerful territorial lords in premodern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings. In the term, "dai" （大） literally means "large", and "myō" stands for myōden (名田), meaning private land.[1]
They were the most powerful feudal rulers from the 10th century to the early 19th century in Japan following the Shogun.
From the shugo of the Muromachi period through the Sengoku to the daimyo of the Edo period, the rank had a long and varied history.
The term "daimyo" is also sometimes used to refer to the leading figures of such clans, also called "lord". It was usually, though not exclusively, from these warlords that a shogun arose or a regent was chosen.
Dawn (Nation): The Kingdom of Dawn is a northern nation, surrounding the Ring of Steel (Wrong) Mountains in the Old World. It is fiercely independent, ruled by Grand Duchess Wildstar and the Royal Council (who act as stewards until Prince Riain comes of age). Dawn is known to be an exporter of plant goods, such as poison-resistant flowers and red wax.
Dawn (Person): Her Majesty, The Glorious Queen Dawn of Britannia. Dawn is the third reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Britannia, following Lord Cantabrigian the Virtuous and Lord Casca the Tyrant.
Demon: A powerful, infernalistic being native to the abyss. Their origins are largely unknown, but they are almost always evil and seek to subjugate or destroy good.
Devil: Sometimes a fallen ethereal warrior, often in the service of the Enemy.
Diviners: Magincians specializing in the gifts of prophecy and divination. They are not capable of seeing the future, but Diviners can often make predictions using tarot cards and various divination tools. It is said that Mistresses of the Dark Tower often consulted diviners before making major decisions.
Druidism: A form of nature magic, originally developed by the Elves and Meer; but eventually adopted by the people of Yew. Druids follow a philosophy of strict justice.
Duke/Duchess: A powerful landowning noble, often just below the rank of King. Grand Dukes and Duchesses are often of similar status and privilege as a King or Queen, although Duchies are often smaller and less influential than Kingdoms.
Earl: Earl was the Anglo-Saxon form and jarl the Scandinavian form of a title meaning "chieftain" and referring especially to chieftains set to rule a territory in a king's stead. In Scandinavia, it became obsolete in the Middle Ages and was replaced with duke (hertig/hertug); in later medieval Britain, it became the equivalent of the continental count (in England in the earlier period, it was more akin to duke, while in Scotland it assimilated the concept of mormaer).
Elizabethan: A dialect of English, spoken with most frequency during the Elizabethan Era of England. Examples of Elizabethan include using your “thee’s” and “thou arts.” Often, roleplayers use elements of the Elizabethan tongue to add flair to their character; often considered to be an accent belonging to some of the older cities of Sosaria. Elizabethan is by no means required to roleplay. In fact, modern English is considered to be the “Common Tongue” or “Trade Language” of Britannia.
Empire: A large nation, ruled by an Emperor or Empress. Empires are distinct from Kingdoms, in that Empires are always large and possess more than one ethnicity and language group.
Emperor: An emperor (from the Latin "imperator") is a (male) monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress is the female equivalent. As a title, "empress" may indicate the wife of an emperor (empress consort) or a woman who rules in her own right (empress regnant). Emperors and empresses are generally recognized to be above kings and queens in honour and rank.
Emote: An expression of action or emotion, usually contained within asterisks. Examples might include: “*hugs*”, “*laughs*”, “*WildStar thumps Nicholas over the head*.”
Enchanter: A magician that deals primarily in charms, enhancements, and illusions.
Enemy, The: A generic term used to describe the evils of the land. They include Minax, Exodus, the Shadowlords, the Guardian, and so fourth.
Entropic Chant, The: The Entropic Chant is the hymn sung during the Black Mass held annually at the Dark Tower. It is said that Adaeth the Torn travelled from our world to another, and brought back this mystical chant along with the Cult of the Ebon Skull.
Entropy: The concept of absolute, devouring nothingness. Although entropy is often seen as yet another interstellar phenomenon by philosophers of the Lycaeum, Entropy and Oblivion has taken on almost pseudo-religious overtones by adhereants of the Path of Darkness (philosophers and hierophants of the Dark Tower).
Faerunian Polytheism: Save for the Virtues and the Order of Truth, the Ultima Series has largely lacked any notion of religious groups, an afterlife, and so fourth. There are certainly existant themes - a clear connection between the Avatar, the Eight Virtues, and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism - but otherwise, the world is largely absent of this characteristic.
In an attempt to fill in the gaps, players have adopted various systems and philosophies; often different from character to character. Some groups hold the notion of the Light or the High God. Some groups view Lord British as an ascended figure (Apotheosis), and have formed an imperial cult around him. Others have imported various pantheons from Mediterranean and Nordic History, Lord of the Rings, Dragonlance, and the Forgotten Realms (especially the Drow, who worship Lloth). Faerunian Polytheism is a catch-all term for the latter beliefs, under the belief that such deities are cross-overs from Aber-Toril. Any of the above, including Faerunian Polytheism, is completely acceptable within roleplaying circles; although whether or not your particular religion is true should be left rather ambiguous. Although your characters can debate, you shouldn't expect everyone to acknowledge Lloth or Chanteua simply because you've determined that to be your characters object of worship.
Felucca: Also known as “the Old World”, “the Accursed Realm”, and “the Dark Lands.” This was the original world inhabited by the Sosarians, and the original location of the Kingdoms of Akalabeth and Britannia. It began to slowly grow more corrupted by the influence of Minax and the Cult of the Shadowlords, which led Lord British and his court to use an immensely powerful magical spell that made an exact copy of Sosaria upon another world. The Old World, now abandoned by the Royal Court, was given the name “Felucca.” Felucca has become divided amongst various loyalist factions, and independent kingdoms and factions each vying for absolute control over the continent.
Game of Houses: Known also as Daes Daemar in the Old Akalabethan Tounge; the Game of Houses is an artform practiced by the upper crust of society. Its the art of political manipulation, veiled threats, and clever insults that nobles use against one another in daily courtly life. Although it might seem benign to the casual observer, every polite gesture and false curtsey is an attempt to curry favor and establish a pecking order amongst the landowning peerage.
Globe of Sosaria: An interesting house add-on, made available with the Shadow Decorations Pack. The globe is a massive glass orb, the entirety of Sosaria contained within its sights. Some players have gone so far as to suggest that these Globes, within character, actually act as some sort of Palantiri Stone; allowing them to use the mystical energies to spy on various locations from afar.
Greco-Egyptian: The overarching theme of Malas, combining both Greco-Roman and Egyptian themes. Examples include the City of Luna (named for the Greek Goddess of the Moon), the Acropolis-theme of Luna, Horus the Blind Guardian (part of the old paladin starting quest), the Labyrinith, the Minotaur, the Forgotten Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the embalming practices of Umbra.
Greco-Roman: A term referring to anything based-off of, or posessing similarities to, Greco-Roman (or Hellenistic) society, culture, philosophy, architecture, theology, or warfare. In Ultima Online, the most famous examples of Greco-Roman concepts transplanted onto Sosaria is Malas. The City of Luna, named for the Greco-Roman Goddess of the Moon; clearly possesses similarities to Greco-Roman Architecture (an Acropolis with large corinthian pillars). Other examples include the Labyrinith.
Abbey: A religious institution, often the living space of a monastic order. Abbeys are often known for their vineyards, which produce fine wines and brews; often the source of income for these monks and allows them to devote much of their time to study and theological pursuits. The most famous abbey in Britannia is Empathy Abbey, which houses the Candle of Love.
Abjurer: A magician specializing in protective enchantments and wards.
Acropolis: A Greek word, literally meaning city on the edge. Acropolises were famous throughout the ancient Mediterannean, usually the site of powerful and imposing temples. The idea was that if you constructed your temples on high ground, you could be closer to your God(s). The most famous examples in ancient history include the Acropolis of Athens (where the Parthenon rested), and the Temple Mount (which rested the Temple of Jerusalem). The most famous example in Ultima Online is Luna, which is based on Greco-Roman themes.
Akalabeth: The name belonging to the Empire that preceded the Kingdom of Britannia and Dawn. While little is actually known about the nation and its people, some have speculated that Akalabeth may have been Late Roman or Early Germanic (Carolingian) in culture, architecture, and worldview. This stems from the development of Britannia out of the earlier Akalabethan state. What is known is that Akalabeth was ruled by a line of hereditary sorcerer-monarchs, which ended with the assassination of King Wolfgang.
Mondain the Sorcerer would have been the second-in-line for the throne, had he not been responsible for the death of his father and the theft of the Sun Gem. As a result, the Empire was divided up between Wolfgangs first son, the Lost Prince, and the Champion of White Light, Lord Cantabrigian British. Akalabeth would collapse almost entirely during the First War of Darkness, but it would eventually recover and be named Britannia in Lord Cantabrigian's honor.
Alchemists: Scholars that focus on mixing various herbs and substances together to produce some desired effect; often in the form of a powerful potion or elixer. A common goal amongst scholarly alchemists is seeking the formula to transmute more common metals (such as Valorite) into Mithril, a substance not seen since the Golden Age.
Ambrosia: An island north east of Dagger Island, far beyond the recorded map. It is said that Ambrosia was struck by a meteorite, leaving the land blackened and lifeless.
Apotheosis: Refers to the exaltation of the subject to divine level; a form of hero worship. An example within Britannia would be the rising Imperial Cult, where the devotees of Virtue have elevated Lord British to a deific status.
Arcanist: A magician that deals in arcane magic. Arcanist is the title given to elven magicians, although Mages and Necromancers can also be considered Arcanists.
Armageddon: A powerful incantation that, when used with the right quantity of blackrock, can produce devastating and widespread effects. The nature of the spell is largely unknown, but it was used to destroy almost all life on Sosaria many centuries ago. Another casting of the spell caused a wrinkle in time, transporting a future Haven to the location of the modern village.
Avalon: Also known as the City of Destiny and the Village of Dreams, Avalon is a northern village built on a peninsula once inhabited by Nordic Amazons. Although Britannia has claimed Avalon as within its mandate, The Kingdom of Dawn has sworn to protect Avalon's independance in the event of a foreign invasion.
Baron/Baroness: The lowest major rank of the landowning nobility within Britannia. Barons and Baronesses are often wealthy landowners, but their holdings are usually small and confined to a sizable estate. Its not uncommon for their to be several barons inhabiting the same city. The land of a baron is called a Barony or Baronship.
Baronet: A baronet (traditional abbreviation Bart, modern abbreviation Bt) or the rare female equivalent, a baronetess (abbreviation Btss), is the holder of a hereditary title awarded by the British Crown known as a baronetcy. The current practice of awarding baronetcies was originally introduced in England and Ireland by James I of England in 1611 in order to raise funds.
Baronetcies have four European equivalents from a ranking perspective: the Italian title of nobility Nobile, the Austrian and South German title of Edler von, extinct old-Polish panek ("lordling") and the Hungarian - (úr - földesúr) baronet is a title of nobility (peerage) known also as the hereditary territorial and manorial feudal lord of "von" ... (Example: Johanus Turcsányi von Turcsány), and Ritter and the Dutch Erfridder, may be held to be similar. There were originally three hereditary knighthoods in Ireland, of which two remain today.
Blackrock: A ebon-hued form of granite, with a slick obsidiant appearance. Blackrock actually posesses latent ethereal power, and can be used as a reagent. The most common (and feared) use for this reagent is the spell Armageddon, an invocation capable of destroying vast swaths of land. Blackrock also seems to absorb any spell cast upon it. With enough blackrock in an area, you could essentially prevent a mage from casting magic (as seen following the destruction of the Blackrock Detector in Moonglow).
Blackrock also posesses numerous side effects for those who are exposed to it. Blackrock infection causes people to slowly loose their mind, becoming rabid and prone to fits of rage. Blackrock can also induce memory loss, and those who are exposed to it for long periods often here strange voices.
Blackrock Infection: A condition brought on by long exposure to, and experimentation with, the Blackrock reagent. Those who experience blackrock infection are said to have darker colored blood, begin loosing their memory, loose their desire for food, and are prone to fits or rage and insanity.
Brigand: A term sometimes associated with player-killers and red groups. A brigand is usually a highwayman or thug who acts outside the authority of the law, and steals the belongings of innocent citizens.
Britannia: The name that belongs to Lord British’s Realm; once known as Akalabeth and the Land of Lost Kings. The original kingdom was located within Felucca, but that dominion was abandoned during the Second War of Darkness. “New Britannia” was constructed upon the world of Trammel, and is currently ruled by the Royal Britannian Council.
Britannian: An inhabitant of the Kingdom of Britannia. Britannian’s are based on various ethnicities and kingdoms of medieval and renaissance Europe; although the Gypsies correspond to the Roma, and Nujel’m may correspond to the people of Arabia and Al’Andalus.
Chaos: The philosophy advocated by Lord Blackthorne. The concept is that humankind is basically good, and that government is an evil oppressor of the people. Chaos is not evil, but instead advocates a limited government and lassiez-faire capitalism. The different degrees of Chaos depend on the philosopher; ranging from absolute anarchy to some form of democratic rule being the ideal state of humankind.
Church: A house of worship and/or prayer for certain religious orders. Churches are synonomous with temples.
Chivalry: The maintenance of a personal code of honor, and devotion to the Light. Chivalry is the religion practiced by the people of Luna, which emphasizes devotion to women, charity to the poor, and honor in every action.
Some have questioned whether the Paladins of Trinsic embraced Chivalry. They have in recent years, but the Paladins of Trinsic are much more like Hospitalliers; Healer-Knights with some latent mystical skills.
Conjurer: A magician specializing in summoning magic.
Constitutional Monarchy: A hereditary kingdom that possesses a constitution, protecting the individual and human rights of its citizenship from encroachment by the monarchy. This form of governance often maintains its own parliament or legislative body that can override the power of the King or Queen, and the monarch is subject to the same laws that guide its people.
Council of Mages: A conclave of wizards and enchanters, originally hailing from Verity Isle. Over time, they came to the conclusion that Lord British was incapable of defeating Minax and freeing the kingdom from the clutches of evil; therefore, they felt that he was unfit to wear the Akalabethan Crown. The perceived abandonment of the Old World only served to fan the flames of uprising. In response, the kingdom violently suppressed the mutiny, but this only managed to increase their supporters both within Moonglow and abroad. They moved their base of operations to Magincia, where they merged with the Magincian Ruling Council.
Count: A count is a nobleman in European countries; his wife is a countess. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The British equivalent is an earl (whose wife is also a "countess", for lack of an Anglo-Saxon term). Alternative names for the "Count" rank in the nobility structure are used in other countries, such as Hakushaku during the Japanese Imperial era.
Daemon: See demon.
Daimyo: Daimyo (大名?) ( daimyō (help·info)) is a generic term referring to the powerful territorial lords in premodern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings. In the term, "dai" （大） literally means "large", and "myō" stands for myōden (名田), meaning private land.[1]
They were the most powerful feudal rulers from the 10th century to the early 19th century in Japan following the Shogun.
From the shugo of the Muromachi period through the Sengoku to the daimyo of the Edo period, the rank had a long and varied history.
The term "daimyo" is also sometimes used to refer to the leading figures of such clans, also called "lord". It was usually, though not exclusively, from these warlords that a shogun arose or a regent was chosen.
Dawn (Nation): The Kingdom of Dawn is a northern nation, surrounding the Ring of Steel (Wrong) Mountains in the Old World. It is fiercely independent, ruled by Grand Duchess Wildstar and the Royal Council (who act as stewards until Prince Riain comes of age). Dawn is known to be an exporter of plant goods, such as poison-resistant flowers and red wax.
Dawn (Person): Her Majesty, The Glorious Queen Dawn of Britannia. Dawn is the third reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Britannia, following Lord Cantabrigian the Virtuous and Lord Casca the Tyrant.
Demon: A powerful, infernalistic being native to the abyss. Their origins are largely unknown, but they are almost always evil and seek to subjugate or destroy good.
Devil: Sometimes a fallen ethereal warrior, often in the service of the Enemy.
Diviners: Magincians specializing in the gifts of prophecy and divination. They are not capable of seeing the future, but Diviners can often make predictions using tarot cards and various divination tools. It is said that Mistresses of the Dark Tower often consulted diviners before making major decisions.
Druidism: A form of nature magic, originally developed by the Elves and Meer; but eventually adopted by the people of Yew. Druids follow a philosophy of strict justice.
Duke/Duchess: A powerful landowning noble, often just below the rank of King. Grand Dukes and Duchesses are often of similar status and privilege as a King or Queen, although Duchies are often smaller and less influential than Kingdoms.
Earl: Earl was the Anglo-Saxon form and jarl the Scandinavian form of a title meaning "chieftain" and referring especially to chieftains set to rule a territory in a king's stead. In Scandinavia, it became obsolete in the Middle Ages and was replaced with duke (hertig/hertug); in later medieval Britain, it became the equivalent of the continental count (in England in the earlier period, it was more akin to duke, while in Scotland it assimilated the concept of mormaer).
Elizabethan: A dialect of English, spoken with most frequency during the Elizabethan Era of England. Examples of Elizabethan include using your “thee’s” and “thou arts.” Often, roleplayers use elements of the Elizabethan tongue to add flair to their character; often considered to be an accent belonging to some of the older cities of Sosaria. Elizabethan is by no means required to roleplay. In fact, modern English is considered to be the “Common Tongue” or “Trade Language” of Britannia.
Empire: A large nation, ruled by an Emperor or Empress. Empires are distinct from Kingdoms, in that Empires are always large and possess more than one ethnicity and language group.
Emperor: An emperor (from the Latin "imperator") is a (male) monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress is the female equivalent. As a title, "empress" may indicate the wife of an emperor (empress consort) or a woman who rules in her own right (empress regnant). Emperors and empresses are generally recognized to be above kings and queens in honour and rank.
Emote: An expression of action or emotion, usually contained within asterisks. Examples might include: “*hugs*”, “*laughs*”, “*WildStar thumps Nicholas over the head*.”
Enchanter: A magician that deals primarily in charms, enhancements, and illusions.
Enemy, The: A generic term used to describe the evils of the land. They include Minax, Exodus, the Shadowlords, the Guardian, and so fourth.
Entropic Chant, The: The Entropic Chant is the hymn sung during the Black Mass held annually at the Dark Tower. It is said that Adaeth the Torn travelled from our world to another, and brought back this mystical chant along with the Cult of the Ebon Skull.
Entropy: The concept of absolute, devouring nothingness. Although entropy is often seen as yet another interstellar phenomenon by philosophers of the Lycaeum, Entropy and Oblivion has taken on almost pseudo-religious overtones by adhereants of the Path of Darkness (philosophers and hierophants of the Dark Tower).
Faerunian Polytheism: Save for the Virtues and the Order of Truth, the Ultima Series has largely lacked any notion of religious groups, an afterlife, and so fourth. There are certainly existant themes - a clear connection between the Avatar, the Eight Virtues, and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism - but otherwise, the world is largely absent of this characteristic.
In an attempt to fill in the gaps, players have adopted various systems and philosophies; often different from character to character. Some groups hold the notion of the Light or the High God. Some groups view Lord British as an ascended figure (Apotheosis), and have formed an imperial cult around him. Others have imported various pantheons from Mediterranean and Nordic History, Lord of the Rings, Dragonlance, and the Forgotten Realms (especially the Drow, who worship Lloth). Faerunian Polytheism is a catch-all term for the latter beliefs, under the belief that such deities are cross-overs from Aber-Toril. Any of the above, including Faerunian Polytheism, is completely acceptable within roleplaying circles; although whether or not your particular religion is true should be left rather ambiguous. Although your characters can debate, you shouldn't expect everyone to acknowledge Lloth or Chanteua simply because you've determined that to be your characters object of worship.
Felucca: Also known as “the Old World”, “the Accursed Realm”, and “the Dark Lands.” This was the original world inhabited by the Sosarians, and the original location of the Kingdoms of Akalabeth and Britannia. It began to slowly grow more corrupted by the influence of Minax and the Cult of the Shadowlords, which led Lord British and his court to use an immensely powerful magical spell that made an exact copy of Sosaria upon another world. The Old World, now abandoned by the Royal Court, was given the name “Felucca.” Felucca has become divided amongst various loyalist factions, and independent kingdoms and factions each vying for absolute control over the continent.
Game of Houses: Known also as Daes Daemar in the Old Akalabethan Tounge; the Game of Houses is an artform practiced by the upper crust of society. Its the art of political manipulation, veiled threats, and clever insults that nobles use against one another in daily courtly life. Although it might seem benign to the casual observer, every polite gesture and false curtsey is an attempt to curry favor and establish a pecking order amongst the landowning peerage.
Globe of Sosaria: An interesting house add-on, made available with the Shadow Decorations Pack. The globe is a massive glass orb, the entirety of Sosaria contained within its sights. Some players have gone so far as to suggest that these Globes, within character, actually act as some sort of Palantiri Stone; allowing them to use the mystical energies to spy on various locations from afar.
Greco-Egyptian: The overarching theme of Malas, combining both Greco-Roman and Egyptian themes. Examples include the City of Luna (named for the Greek Goddess of the Moon), the Acropolis-theme of Luna, Horus the Blind Guardian (part of the old paladin starting quest), the Labyrinith, the Minotaur, the Forgotten Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the embalming practices of Umbra.
Greco-Roman: A term referring to anything based-off of, or posessing similarities to, Greco-Roman (or Hellenistic) society, culture, philosophy, architecture, theology, or warfare. In Ultima Online, the most famous examples of Greco-Roman concepts transplanted onto Sosaria is Malas. The City of Luna, named for the Greco-Roman Goddess of the Moon; clearly possesses similarities to Greco-Roman Architecture (an Acropolis with large corinthian pillars). Other examples include the Labyrinith.