Horizon of War Series

Not a Chapter

Volume I Glossary

Map for Elven Calendar 4422

This is the map of Promissia Continent.

The Third Human Imperium encompasses a vast region that includes (starting from 9 o’clock) Sarmatia, Centuria, Arminia, Brigandia, Arvena, Rhomeia, Midlandia, and Lowlandia, as well as the territories of Nicopola, Halicia, and Ekionia.

Each Province within the Third Human Imperium is vast, with some, like Midlandia, rivaling half the size of Western Europe. Thus, they don’t have resource or living space issues. The Imperium's governance and structure evoke a Roman Empire that survived into the Medieval Era.

Lords govern the Provinces, acting much like Roman Governors, traditionally commanding at least a legion of six-thousand men. However, in this story's setting, the relative peace that has lasted for 1300 years has reduced these numbers. Right now, even a high-ranking Lord like Earl Maurice of Arvena has only two-thousand men at his disposal.

Nomadic People, Mercantile Kingdom, and Navalnia Empire are human but not part of the Imperium.

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The World, Aqua Terra

The biodiversity of this world varies greatly from that of Earth, making the local flora and fauna rather unique. To avoid confusion, I've largely omitted these details from the narrative, as they don't significantly impact the plot. Moreover, Lansius, our protagonist, is neither a botanist nor an avid animal expert. So, he didn't know the subtle differences.

However, one noticeable difference that he is aware of is the duck and chicken of this world. The birds here are enormous, about half the size of an ostrich. They're dangerous, cruel, and almost demonic in nature. Imagine a wild ostrich, or cassowary.

I can't hyperlink in main page, but look them up :

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2019/4/why-the-cassowary-is-the-worlds-most-dangerous-bird-568931

In story, their eggs are large and rich in nutrients, but their meat is tough and difficult to prepare. These birds are typically slaughtered at a young age and their meat is primarily consumed by nobility.

As for the commoners, they mostly consume lamb or mutton and occasionally goat. Beef is also a staple, albeit less frequent.

Also, the carrots are mostly purple and banana is unappetizing because of the lack of selective breeding.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

https://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/2014/08/07/carrots-changed-color-in-the-sixteenth-century/

Banana pict is from Wiki.

Lastly, despite rumors of fell beasts lurking in the ancient forests of the Promissia Continent, there have been no reports of such creatures wandering the plains or urban areas. Goblins and trolls have been absent for thousands of years because, over the course of 4,000 years, humans have hunted these creatures, pushing them to the far corners of the continent.

Contact with goblins and other fell beasts predominantly occurs on the Old Progentia Continent, which is separated from Promissia by vast oceans.

Regarding Language

In this world, the common tongue was rough-hewn and direct. Words were utilitarian tools, not elegant and well-articulated. Conversation was a matter of conveying necessity, not crafting poetry. The more polite and formal the conversation, the stiffer it became.

Instead of thank you, they used Gratitude.

Instead of sorry, they used I apologize, or Apology.

It's something to emulate crude Latin feeling, mixed with old English. On an interesting note, if the conversation is formal, they usually use stiffer language. If they began to get more comfortable, they'll slip into more normal language.

Regarding Master vs Maester

Both mæster and the more modern master can be traced to the Latin magister – a master or a teacher. This title was bestowed in the Middle Ages upon a person of authority, who had obtained a licence

In story, they are almost interchangeable, with a small caveat. Maester/ Meister is used to address the professional, be it smiths, bakers, artisans, craftsmen, or scribe/ clerk.

Meanwhile, a Master is only used to address a superior.

Regarding Magic

Magic is scarce and highly regulated, meaning only the high nobility employs these powerful individuals. Most commoners don't know about the extent of what Mages can do aside from them being powerful.

What commoners do know is about the Healers Guild existence in big cities. The Guild cloisters gifted individuals they name Saint Candidates. These people can cure injuries and maladies with healing magic. However, the healing process takes a lot of time and effort, so their services (naturally since this is feudal era) are reserved for nobility and patrons of the Guild.

The price for healing is a donation, and it starts at multiple gold coins' worth of donations. So, it's mostly off-limits to commoners.

Also, there are no wizards or witches in their lore. They have different lore with dragons; again, we're looking at Volume II, along with some reveal about the Imperium. So, please be patient.

Regarding Currency

We're using currency that is based on Anglo-Saxon Pound, Shillings, and Pence, which was modeled after Holy Roman Empire who modeled after the Roman's Livre, Solidus, and Denarius.

The rate is 1 gold = 20 silver

1 silver = 12 Copper

1 copper = 12-14 iron (inflation)

Regarding The Great River

The Great River is as large as the English Channel, so no bridge is possible, and everyone must use water transport to cross.

However, unlike the English Channel, the Great River is relatively calm because it's mostly inland. Thus, river boats with simple flat hulls are typically used for trade and transport.

Regarding Squire-ship

A squire-ship is akin to an apprenticeship, serving both educational and occupational roles. Thus, if a squire loses his master, he remains a squire, much like a carpenter would remain a carpenter—or an apprentice carpenter, depending on skill level—even after losing his own master.

Being a squire is a big deal in the medieval world. Many became influential in villages because squires tend to be educated and closer to the nobility than commoners. Over time, they may become landowners and part of the gentry class.

If a squire loses his master, he has the option to pay and apply to serve another master. Alternatively, if he feels he has sufficient education and is not aiming for a career in knighthood—since knighthood is expensive—he can find employment as a squire. People can work in different capacity within a noble Household with a squire "diploma". And it's pretty normal and successful live to retire as a squire.

Regarding Blonde Hair

The majority of the Imperium's populace, including its nobility, predominantly have brown hair. However, this changed centuries ago when the Imperium conquered the northern Kingdom of Brigandia, whose kings and nobles were known for their blond hair.

Following the subjugation, Imperium nobles often married Brigandian aristocrats and brought them back to their own territories. As these unions sometimes resulted in offspring with golden hair, the color began to carry a noble connotation, particularly in other regions of the Imperium.

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