Dictionary, Dramatis Personae

Dictionar, Dramatis Personae

Cave of Worlds

A system of wormholes and the realms they connect. The realms share a common space-time, but some of them have different laws of physics.

Ylem – A fundamental and primeval energy that fills the Cave of Worlds. Ylem leaks from the wormholes into the Worlds. For the rare adepts who can access it, it’s the source of magic-like powers.

The Wheft – The physical manifestation ylem, including a purple haze and a distinctive scent of sandalwood and myrrh. Not everyone can sense the Wheft.

Praetor of the Cave of Worlds -- Also sometimes known as High Lord or Chair. Chief executive of the Cave of Worlds. The current Praetor names up to ten Legates (viz., Vice Chairs or Rajas) to serve as their successor in the event of the Praetor's death or incapacitation.

The Autarchy -- A group of 144 Candidates (viz., Kōho-sha, Quaestors) to the office of Praetor of the Cave of Worlds. The Autarchy also serves as a coordinating committee for the governance of the Cave of Worlds, and individual candidates can serve is administrative officers.
                                                 
Characters

Sebastian, a database wizard with a company called Perfect Bases. He has OCD, is lonely, rootless, and friendless

Irene, Apache Programmer at Perfect Bases who has shown a special interest in Sebastian

Marcus, Sometime worker at Wheft Enterprises. Current Praetor of the Cave of Worlds

Rufo, assistant to Marcus. Warrior, among numerous other talents.

Lord Ludwig Hesseldorff, Jarl of the Well of Hvergelmir

Prince Aric, the Jarl’s heir and son

Princess Irina, the Jarl’s daughter
                                                 
Locations and Objects

Neflheim – primitive planet orbiting a red dwarf sun

Well of Hvergelmir – Domed habitat in a glacial mountain pass on Neflheim

Astarte – an egg-shaped object that looks like a ceramic American football. For those who know how to use it, it grants power over the Cave of Worlds. It’s older than the Big Bang, and filled with ylem. In some legends, it’s called the Primeval Egg. Marcus claims it's the "super-computer that generates reality," but he may have been speaking metaphorically.

Dome of Moros – where the Astarte is hidden

Khemnu – location of the Dome of Moros

Sarpedon -- planet with two suns and a Sahara-like desert

Ukarpa -- Medusa-like creature on Sarpedon

Finder -- an adept at using the Wheft to find things. Also called an Etsijä

Derzen -- the skill that the Finders possess. Also called the Sight.

Hovestad -- one of the leading planets in the Cave of Worlds. Birth planet of Marcus.