recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Rhagepe

"The women’sir bronze skin was painted with dark red blood. Their wild, dreadlocked hair was tied with the symbols of their position. They had removed their Ancestral Cloaks, the only clothes they ever wore." (Orope, p.1)

### Purpose

To commune with the gods.

**Rhagepe** (ra-GEH-pei) - God-eyed

In every tribe of Gogepe, three women are chosen to represent one of the three goddesses: life, death, and rebirth. Only women who have silver eyes and have received visions from the gods can become Rhagepe. The Rhagepe serve for life, and only when they die is their successor chosen. Sometimes a Rhagepe will dream of their successor before they die, but this is not always found to be the case and not thought of as an accurate method to choose the next Speaker of the Goddesses. When a woman becomes a Rhagepe she refers to the previous Rhagepe as her mother.

## Ceremonies

### The Blood Ceremony

Perhaps the most notorious of Rhagepe ceremonies. This name is the most well known in any land but remains the least well understood. The Rhagepe are intensely guarded about this ceremony because it is believed to have the power to unleash the most horrific curse. The only detail known is that to perform the ceremony, the Rhagepe will sacrifice their own life.

### The Calendar Ceremony

Held on the night of the first new moon after Zera enters Orope. During the Calendar Ceremony every Rhagepe writes down (using a complicated system of symbols representing omens or disasters) visions they have had over the past twelve years (since the last Calendar Ceremony). The visions are carved into camels' bones with amethyst stones by the 'Speaker for Rebirth'. Once the bones are collected into copper pots the Rhagepe enter the ancient ruins of the temple at the base of the Kerlra Hal'Gepe mountains.

### The Cloak Ceremony

Only performed by those who have no heirs or simply no desire to pass on their Ancestral Cloak. The Ancestral Cloak is ground and boiled and used as part of a potion. When the potion is drunk the performer will receive secrets from the gods (like instructions to make a new potion, curse, etc).

## Rhagepe of Note

* Akrape Hal'Whata

* Karesha Hal'Harag

* Rashma Hal'Hotem

* Rekra Hal'Hashap

## In the Novels

### Orope

The novel opens with the Rhagepe performing the Calendar Ceremony at the temple. We see how the three different Rhagepe are responsible for different aspects of the ceremony before they enter the temple and sort through all the visions.

#### Physical Description

The Rhagepe generally have more tattoos than other Gogepe, but otherwise dress the same. "All women with silver eyes, trained since birth to one day become a Rhagepe. There were only three Rhagepe to every tribe, and most women lived their entire lives without ever being chosen to speak for the gods."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Whisperers of the Gods, *The ocean shall rise up and swallow the land*" p.2
Kessara III

"The Queen was delirious with age, always confused and hardly ever strong enough to walk across the floor, let alone rule, but so long as she drew those raspy breaths, she would be the Queen of the Mountain." (Pekari, 3)

### Relatives

Kessara VI, daughterAlassiya, cousin

Hazzesa, cousin

Ashiyashe, cousin

Kessara Damais Tiessar, cousin

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Kessara** (kay-SAH-ra) The disputed Queen of Matawe, and mother of Princess Kessara.

## Life Before the Series

Born in Nesate. Like all descendants of Nesa, she lived in the Moon Temple from ages nine to 13.

With her husband, only managed to have one living heir, Princess Kessara, in 2927.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Mention is made to five queens, or five witches, ruling Matawe. This is a reference to the Five Sisters, but she is not mentioned by name.

### Pekari

Again, Kessara III is referred to by her daughter, who frets over when she will die and what will happen afterwards, but she does not appear.
Religion (Mahat)

There are many gods in Mahat, but only 42 have great temples dedicated to them. This is also the number of districts in Mahat, each district having a different 'head' god, though worship of gods differs greatly between individuals. Of the 42 main gods, there are six gods considered to be the greatest (historically, these were the gods held dearest to the Mountain Mahat).

## Pantheon of Gods

### Afeth

The god of chaos, who fights with Nephus in the battle to maintain Mahat. Is depicted as being a giant snake, or a man with the head of a snake.

### Ameheit

A consort of the god Wesare, eats the hearts of those found unworthy to live in the afterlife. Has the head of a crocodile, the mane and chest of a lion and the hinds of a hippo.

### Anmur

A god of war. Despicted as a man with the head of a leopard.

### Baph

A favourite with merchants, Baph presides over transactions. Depicted with the head of an ibis.

### Inauma/Inaumi

The king of all gods and the head god of Sareeb. Inauma is usually depicted in his male form as a man with a crown of ostrich plumes. In the ancient days of Mahat the female depiction Inaumi was also popular, but faded when Maunet rose in popularity as Inauma's wife.

### Djekuna

The living embodiment of the Hiperu, often depicted as a man with lactating breasts. Because of this hermaphrodite image, Djekuna is often referred to as both a he and a she.

### Ha'alat

A god of war. Depicted as a man with the head of a scorpion.

### Mahat

The representation of divine order. Depicted as a woman wearing a feathered crown. Some consider the fight between Nephus and Afeth to be as like two men fighting over who gets to ravish Mahat, a young woman.

### Maunet

The female equivalent of Inauma, also depicted as his wife. Her eye is an important symbol of protection in Mahat.

### Nephus/Ur

The living embodiment of the sky. The patron god of Nepata. Depicted as a man with the head of an eagle. Fights with Afeth to uphold Mahat.

### Tefen

The sun. Paref Amotefen VI infamously created a religion based solely around the worship of Tefen, the sun.

### Wesare

The god of the underworld. Depicted as a man wrapped as a mummy.
Kessara Perruna

## Kessara

"[Kessara] laughed, the topaz on her forehead glinted, and her pale, delicate hand falling fell onto her stomach, where her baby had begun to grow." (Pekari, p. 5)

### Known as

Sister KessaraMistress of Perruna Hapas

Kessara Perruna

### Relatives

Suppilesa, motherKessara III, cousin

Kessara IV, cousin

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Kessara Perruna** (kay-SAH-ra pear-ROO-na)

One of the Five Sisters.

## Life Before the Series

Kessara's mother, Suppilesa, died during childbirth. As Suppilesa's only child, Kessara became a member of the Five Sisters from birth, though she did not take on her duties until she came of age.

She is referred to as Kessara Perruna to avoid confusion with the dozen of other Kessaras running around Nesate.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Mention is made to five queens, or five witches, ruling Matawe. This is a reference to the Five Sisters, but she is not mentioned by name.

#### Physical Description

She is described as being "in her twenties now, with long black hair that hung with a thick plait over her shoulder. On her forehead, she wore a simple crown with a topaz eagle on it."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). The Princess of the Mountain, Stoke the fire. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 5). Morgan James Fiction.
Pekari (the Azure Fish)

**Perkari - the Azure Fish** is a novel written by Guenevere Lee. The novel chronicles the second year in the Whisperers of the Gods series.

## Plot

*Pekari – The Azure Fish* is the thrilling sequel to *Orope – The White Snake*. *Orope* introduced fantasy seekers to a unique world inspired by Bronze Age history and mythology. *Pekari* takes them further, going to new kingdoms and introducing new characters. The gods are still angry, but the Whisperers of the Gods are closer than ever to saving the world from a terrible flood.

Kareth is still working for the powerful Imotah. Kareth hopes Imotah will help him deliver his message to the ruler of Mahat but everything changes when the sorcerer Dedelion takes an interest in him. After the winter snows have melted, Tersh decides to head into the mountain kingdom of Matawe to reach the city of Nesate. Lost in this strange land, she must rely on the help of Tuthalya, a former soldier who plans to return home and start a family.

Sha’di’s journey seems doomed by the death of their leader, when the hunter Qayset promises to lead them through the jungle. There are sinister things in the jungle though, and their journey is beset by disease and attacks from wild animals. Samaki sails east, a last attempt to make a good trade that will save his livelihood. The Middle Sea has changed since Samaki last sailed it though, and the waters are rife with the ruthless Sea People.

## Characters

The story is told from the perspective of seven characters:

* Kessara
* Tersh Hal'Reekrah
* Kareth Al'Resh
* Sha'di Al'Shadi
* Samaki
* Tenok
* Tuthalya

## Digital Book Launch

Here is the live stream from 7/7/2020, the official release date of Pekari.

## Indiegogo Campaign

To help market the book, funds were raised through Indiegogo. This video includes excerpts from the first chapter of Pekari, as well as a quick summary of Orope.
Constellation Cycle

The constellation cycle is made up of twelve major constellations. These constellations are used by the Gogepe, though not exclusively, to mark time. The star Zera passes through all twelve, staying for approximately one year in each.

## The Twelve Constellations (Years)

* Orope, the White Snake
* Pekari, the Azure Fish
* Inko, the Silver Llama
* Skretch, the Topaz Spider
* Faroosh, the Black Falcon
* Sakabe, the Red Scorpion
* Apeko, the Copper Ram
* Lagoro, the Jade Lizard
* Hoowa, the Amethyst Owl
* Marei, the Golden Camel
* Goren, the Amber Goat

* Rakeesh, the Stone Panther

For the Gogepe, Orope is the most auspicious time to be born in since it comes at the start of the cycle and symbolizes new beginnings and hope.

Different cultures will often substitute for a slightly different animal (e.g. the Stone Mountain Lion/Jaguar/Leopard), but they will usually resemble each other, hinting at a shared history.
Matlali

"Matlali-huitl, Ixk’inmetzuhuitl. He who Mines the Earth, He who Adorns Himself in the Earth’s Tears." (Pekari, p. )

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Black

**Matlali** (mah-TLA-lee)

The father of Maarku and the huitl of Ixk’inmetzuha in the Chakachaw.

## Life Before the Series

Like most huitl, he was born and raise in his home pyramid. He was heir to Ixk’inmetzuha, the Copper Pyramid. When he had healthy children he moved to Chipetzuha.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

His son Maarku travels to Chipetzuha to join him at the same time as Tenok and Sha’di’s arrival. He’s intially uneasy about the idea of his son marrying Huwamanpellpe, but supports the plan in hopes of raising his station.

#### Physical Description.

“He wore no jewels, but his tunic and piercings were all copper or copper-coloured. He seemed to shimmer in the oil light. Unlike his son, Matlali was rather rotund and had a weak face.”

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Chipetzuha, Summon your sons. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. ). Morgan James Fiction.
Orope

**Orope** (oh-ROW-pei) - The White Snake

One of the twelve constellations the Gogepe use to mark time. The star Zera passes through all twelve, staying for approximately one year in each. Orope is the first in the cycle.

During the first new moon after Zera enters Orope, the Rhagepe perform the Calendar Ceremony to predict the next twelve years.
Tuthalya I

Hatturigus II, son

**Tuthalya** (two-THA-lee-ah)

Son of Hatturigus I. Named Hattute after his father.

## Life Before the Series

Prince Tuthalya is often blamed for the original civil war that tore Matawe in two. After Paref Amotefen's death, Tuthalya took a small army and occupied his abandoned city, naming it Hattute to honour his father.

Unfortunately, his presence in the city exasperated the relationship between Matawe and Mahat. King Hatturigus disowned his older son and named Prince Takalti his heir.

When King Hatturigus died in 2825, both brothers blamed the other and claimed the throne. Eventually, they marched both their armies to Ilhar L'ekas Lulis. Prince Takalti won the day, and Tuthalya was executed.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Tuthalya explains some of the history of the civil war to Tersh.

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Ilhar L'ekas Lulis, Nothing stays sacred forever. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 129 - 133). Morgan James Fiction.
Nifer

"My doorkeeper says [Paref Rama V] died mid-thrust in his youngest wife, Nifer." -Imotah (Orope, p.145)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Nifer** (NEE-fair)

The youngest wife of Paref Rama V. The Paref died while making love to her. After his death, she becomes one of the lesser wives of Paref Rama VI.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Although not seen, Nifer is discussed by Samaki and Imotah.

#### Physical Description

She is described as being the youngest of Paref Rama V's wives.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Palace of the Rising Sun, *No one will believe a liar's warning*" p.145
Huzzesa

Kessara IV, cousin

**Huzzesa** (huh-ZAY-sa)

A former member of the Five Sisters.

## Life Before the Series

She was one year older than Kessara IV, and so the two of them (along with Alassiya and Muwesa) spent their formative years together in the Moon Temple.

She died in 2997 at the ripe age of 71.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Princess Kessara recalls Huzzesa when remembering her childhood in the Moon Temple.
Fanten

"One of the women [was] kneeling behind her to cradle her back, the crown of feathers and wheat was loose around Fanten’s arm." (Pekari, p. 31)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Black

**Fanten** (FAN-ten)

A servant in the home of Imotah.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

During a difficult birth, the midwife Yunet is called to help Fanten. Kareth hears her screams of pain and with Tahye’s held creates a salve to help Fanten with the pain.

#### Physical Description.

She is described as looking exhausted and pale during the birth of her son.

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Nepata, Push. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 31). Morgan James Fiction.
Palace of the Setting Sun

"It was home to the King of the Mountain Mahat, though Samaki had never traded nor met with him." (Orope, p.143)

## History

### Founded By

Paref Rama I

Originally known as the Palace of Tefen (the sun), this is where the Mountain Mahat King lives. The building itself is only around two hundred years old, but its site has hosted dozens of palaces over the years, constantly being redesigned and rebuilt.

After the cursed Paref (Amotefen VI) was deposed by Thess, the new Paref decided to make Sareeb his capitol. When a few years later Thess' son Rama I took the throne it was decided to move the capitol to Nepata and two 'identical' palaces would be built. Since the Mountain Mahat King's palace would be on the west side of the river, it was renamed the Palace of the Setting Sun.

## In the Novels

### Orope

It is seen briefly when the characters reach Nepata to visit the Paref, but not visited.

#### Physical Description

The palace is described as being identical to the Palace of the Rising Sun, "the only difference on the exterior was that their obelisks were red."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Palace of the Rising Sun, *No one will believe a liar's warning*" p.143
Tenok

"Before anyone could speak, [Tenok] rushed forward, a large smile on his bright face. The whites of his teeth seemed to separate the natural bronze of the top of his face from the dark red of the lower half." (Orope, p.84)

### Relatives

Atzayakatl, fatherTanuk, older brother

Koyo, nephew

Younger nephew

Mayek, uncle

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Tenok** (TEH-noh'k) - Swift Son

Younger brother of Tanuk.

## Life Before the Series

Since he had an older brother and two nephews, Tenok had a fairly carefree youth, not having to worry about any responsibilities.

## In the Novels

### Orope

For the first time, Tenok takes himself out of comfort to travel with his brother to the Red Pyramid.

#### Physical Description

Described as being "lithe and [wearing] a tunic the shade of a dark lizard, buckled with a simple leather belt." Like all the Petzuhallpa lords, he has an elongated skull (caused by head-binding in his infancy).

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Chultun, *Your coming must be a sign from the gods*" p.83
Piye

"The stable master was always angry... His anger would burst from him if you were too slow, or too weak to carry something, or looked too sleepy in the morning." (Orope, p.197)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Piye** (PEE-yeh)

Stable master to Imotah. Piye is known by all the servants as a cruel drunk who is quick to anger and to lash out at whoever happens to be nearest.

As stable master he is in charge of the care of Imotah's prized horses:

* Horem, chariot stallion
* Meheb, chariot stalllion
* Tahye, mare

## In the Novels

### Orope

Kareth is put under his charge when he goes to work for Imotah.

#### Physical Description

He is described as "a lean hard man with leathery skin and a few missing teeth."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Nepata, *Nothing in the future can ever change your past*" p.165
Dedelion

"If Dedelion had actually been willing to teach him some of his magic, Kareth was certain he would be eager to learn, but Dedelion just sneered at his apprentices and treated them just the same as any of his other servants." (Pekari, 137)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Black

**Dedelion** (deh-DEH-lee-on) A sorcerer with some pull in the Paref's court at Nepata.

## Life Before the Series

Dedelion rose to prominence during the reign of Paref Rama V but continued to be popular when Rama VI was crowned in the year of Orope.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Dedelion takes an interest in Kareth after meeting him at a banquet in Imotah's home. Dedelion brings Kareth to his home under the pretense of making him an apprentice, but there is a darker reason behind Dedelion's actions.

#### Physical Description

"His head was completely bald, though he wore a fake beard on his chin. He wore a gown that was so dark it was almost black, and other than a single emerald ring, he wore no jewellery. It was somehow hard to tell if the man was young or old, but his voice was low, like stones dragging against each other, and he looked like he had strong hands."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Nepata, You are nothing without me. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 106). Morgan James Fiction.
Tetchtok

"[Sha'di] realized he would have to learn their language, as he was certain Tetchtok would not want to follow him around and be his interpreter." (Orope, p.56)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Tetchtok** (tetch-tok)

An interpreter for the Whisperers who lives in a small village near Chultunyu.

## In the Novel

### Orope

Leads a recon party to discover who lit the Rhagepe's pyre.

#### Physical Description

Tetchtok is described as being nearly indistinguishable from his travelling companions, Kalotch and Tolek, all of them having "straight long black hair down to their waist. The bottom half of their faces, from the lips to the base of their necks were completely beardless and painted bright red, as were their hands and legs. Their chests were bare, and they wore only red loincloths."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.50
Muwatesa

“Muwatesa, the Mistress of Mittata Hapas, and she wore a crown.” (Pekari, p. 219)

### Relatives

Huzzesa, motherKessara Mittata, daughter

Kessara III, cousinKessara VI, cousin

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Muwatesa** (moo-wah-TEH-sa)

One of the Five Sisters.

## Life Before the Series

Like all descendants of Nesa, she lived in the Moon Temple from ages nine to 13.

She was the first of the Sisters to begin the trend of naming their children Kessara in the hopes of garnering favour with the Queen and Princess.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Mention is made to five queens, or five witches, ruling Matawe. This is a reference to the Five Sisters, but she is not mentioned by name.

### Pekari

Muwatesa is living in Nesate. Of the four Sisters who receive Tersh and listen to her pleas, she is one of them.

#### Physical Description

She is described as wearing a "crown with a bushel of blackberries made from onyx."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Nesate, Have you figured it out yet. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 219). Morgan James Fiction.
Orope (the White Snake)

First Edition, 2018

Megan Whitney and

Guenevere Lee (cover)

**Orope - The White Snake** is a novel written by Guenevere Lee published by Morgan James Publishing in June, 2018. The novel chronicles the first year in the Whisperers of the Gods series.

## Plot Summary

The Whisperers of the Gods have seen the vision - the gods destroying the world in a flood because the people have fallen to corruption. Three are chosen to go out and warn the world: Tersh, Kareth, and Sha'di. The gods must be appeased.

Tersh must leave her children and travel to Matawe, the kingdom in the mountains. She must also watch after Kareth, told since birth that he is destined for greatness. He has been expecting this moment. Certain that he is ready, he quickly discovers that his confidence and curiosity have a tendency to lead him into dangerous situations. Sha'di finds himself travelling alone to find the people of the jungle, the Petzuhallpa. The jungle seems like a paradise, until Sha'di discovers the darker rituals practiced within. And Samaki, a merchant who returns to Mahat to find his home destroyed, his father dead, and no one to buy his expensive cargo. With his first mate Tiyharqu, the merchant struggles to move forward after his entire world is upended.

As the story unfolds, the four travellers intersect and entwine with one another. Guided by visions, the Whisperers must use their wits to survive in these strange new lands that would rather use them as political pawns than listen to their warnings...

## Characters

The story is told from the perspective of five characters:

* Rashma Hal'Hotem
* Tersh Hal'Reekrah
* Kareth Al'Resh
* Sha'di Al'Sha'di
* Samaki
Piya

"The merchant, Piya, was one of Tersh’s favourites. While some others still hadn’t grown accustomed to Tersh, from the very beginning, Piya had been happy to serve her." (Pekari, p. 13)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Piya** (PEE-ya)

A baker and merchant living in Hattute.

## Life Before the Series

Born and raised in Hattute. Now too old to do the baking himself, his daughter and grandchildren do the baking and he sells the bread at the market.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Despite the general unease towards Whisperers of the Gods in Hattute, Piya is happy to trade with Tersh, and wants to help her find a guide to take her through the mountain pass.

#### Physical Description

"He was an old, grizzled man, his hair completely white and his skin like stretched leather. He walked with a hobble."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Hattute, I was raised to hunt, not kill men. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 13). Morgan James Fiction.
Maarku

"Maarku stood up, smiling and waving. “There’s only one sacrifice that would honour an Ellpe, a living god, in this most sacred of all pyramids. The life of the victor.”" (Pekari, p. 338)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Black

**Maarku** (MAAR-koo)

The son of Matlali, huitl of Ixk’inmetzuha in the Chakachaw.

## Life Before the Series

Everything always came easily to Maarku. He’s famous as the most handsome man in the Grey Mist.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Maarku travels to Chipetzuha to join his father Matlali. On the way his path crosses with Sha’di and Tenok in Anteana-nech’o. Tenok and Maarku instantly take a dislike to each other.

In order to avoid being betrothed to Nayla, Tenok devises a plan to get Nayla to fall in love with the pompous huitl. However the plan goes terribly, resulting in the death of Belam and the betrothal of Tenok to Nayla.

#### Physical Description.

“He was shirtless, and bore no colour on his skin, but needed none since his skin was as copper as the amulets, graves, and his skirt sewn with copper squares. He looked like a statue, not just because of the metal about him, but because he looked too perfect to be a real man, with his strong jaw, straight nose, intense stare, and muscular physique.”

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Anteana-nech’o, Men offer themselves to the altar. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 245). Morgan James Fiction.
Muwesa

Zidante, grandson

Kessara III, cousin

Kessara IV, cousin

**Muwesa** (moo-WEH-sa)

A former member of the Five Sisters.

## Life Before the Series

She was four-years older than Kessara IV, and so the two of them (along with Huzzesa and Alassiya) spent their formative years together in the Moon Temple.

She died in 2990, aged 66.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Princess Kessara recalls Muwesa during their childhood together in the Moon Temple, as well as how they "had been pregnant at the same time, and had spent hours days imagining how their daughters would grow together and be like sisters." Muwesa's daughter is Muwatesa. Unfortunately, Kessara's daughter was stillborn.

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). The Princess of the Mountain, Stoke the fire. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 5). Morgan James Fiction.
Qayset

"The red suited her, made her look like she belonged among the men covered in red dye surrounding her." (Orope, p.253)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Dark

**Qayset** (KAY-set)

One of the Ilotz'ai, a mysterious people who live in the jungles of the Grey Mist, but are not one of the Petzuhallpa.

## Life Before the Series

Hunted and lived in Chultun. She had a nomadic lifestyle, and has spent most of her life living on her own.

## In the Novels

### Orope

While out hunting a jaguar, she encounters Sha'di's party heading north to Chipetzuha - with disastrous consequences.

#### Physical Description

"She had no paint on her skin... She wore a simple leather shift around her hips, the rest of her lean body laid bare and gleaming in the rain. Her hair was cropped short, a curved bone of some sort was pierced through the septum of her nose, and around her neck she wore a necklace made of beads and claws. The rest of her body was covered in leather straps, each one holding one or more small pouches. She was young, but her dark narrowed eyes looked far older."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Jungle, *It has only just begun*" p.250
Estan

"His older sister, Estan, was the only woman there. She had taken care of their father since their mother had died. She had two sons who were on the cusp of being men, and they were rambunctiously wrestling with each other throughout most of the evening." (Pekari, p. 61)

### Relatives

Tallis, fatherMother (deceased)

Elder son

Younger son

Tuthalya, brother

Ashur, brother

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Estan** (es-TAN)

Tuthalya's older sister.

## Life Before the Series

Born and raised in Kuwana Tak. She eventually married and had two sons.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

She helps with the preparations for Tuthalya's wedding to Arinna.
Postes

"Postes never lost his smile, it was a permanent fixture on his face, and as fake as the Paref's hair." (Orope, p.34)

### Relatives

Solon, BrotherSon

Daughter

Eudoxia, Sister-in-law

### Affiliation

Merchants of the Sephian IslandsLandowners of Serepty

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Postes** (POS-tease)

A merchant and vineyard owner on Serepty.

## Life Before the Series

Postes was born into wealth and inherited his vineyard from his father. It was his own idea to expand his dealings with merchants, and most of his wealth come from selling his fine wines off-island.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Postes cements his working relationship with Samaki, a merchant originally from the Sea Mahat.

#### Physical Description

Postes is described as "a plump balding man wearing a white toga... covered in gold rings and his brooch was a golden owl with red jewels for eyes."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Sephian Islands, *Their way is blocked by the risen sea*" p.34
Tanuk

"Tanuk nodded his head to accept the sacrifice. He looked bored." (Orope, p.91)

Koyo, son

Youngest son

Mayek, uncle

**Tanuk** (tah-NOOK) - Great Warrior

The son of Atzayakatl and regent of Chultunyu. Older brother of Tenok.

## Life Before the Series

Born and raised in Chultunyu, Tanuk always knew one day he would leave and travel to Chipetzuha, the Red Pyramid.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Decides the time has come for him to join his father.

#### Physical Description

Tanuk is described as being "slightly older than Sha’di... [who] wore a long cloak of jaguar skin, his long braided hair had no trinkets tied at the ends. He wore a large crown of silver and topaz and white feathers. His face and hands were dyed, but the rest of him seemed very plain compared to every other man in the room. Under his cloak, he only wore a simple white tunic, a silver belt buckled at his slim waist. He... star[ed] down at the room with a straight back and severe expression on his face." As well as having "broad shoulders" and looking "rather imposing next to [Tenok]." Like all the Petzuhallpa lords, he has an elongated skull (caused by head-binding in his infancy).

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.60
2. ↑ Chapter: "Chultun, *Your coming must be a sign from the gods*" p.83
Takalti I

“King Hatturigus was furious. He disowned Tuthalya and named his second son, Prince Takalti, as his one and only heir.” (Pekari, p.131)

### Family

Father, Hatturigus IBrother, Tuthalya I

Son, Takalti II

## Biographical Information

### Death

2835

**Takalti I** (tah-KAL-tee)

Son of Hatturigus I.

## Life Before the Series

Prince Takalti's rivalry with his older brother Tuthalya is often blamed for the original civil war that tore Matawe in two. After Paref Amotefen's death, Tuthalya took a small army and occupied his abandoned city, naming it Hattute to honour his father.

Unfortunately, his presence in the city exasperated the relationship between Matawe and Mahat. King Hatturigus disowned his older son and named **Prince Takalti** his heir.

When King Hatturigus died in 2825, both brothers blamed the other and claimed the throne. Eventually, they marched both their armies to Ilhar L'ekas Lulis. Prince Takalti won the day, and Tuthalya was executed.

Takalti then marched on Hattute to claim the city in his name, only to find that Tuthalya's son, Hatturigus II, had been spirited away. Because of this supporters of Tuthalya continue to scheme, and King Takalti was assassinated in 2835.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Tuthalya explains some of the history of the civil war to Tersh.

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Ilhar L'ekas Lulis, Nothing stays sacred forever. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 129 - 133). Morgan James Fiction.
Mayek

"[Mayek] walked out briskly, a look of anger in his eyes." (Orope, p.82)

Tenok, nephew

Koyo, great-nephew

**Mayek** (MAY-ek)

Younger brother of Atzayakatl, he was acted as the regent of Chultunyu at various times.

## Life Before the Series

When Atzayakatl felt his sons were healthy and old enough, he left to take his place in Chipetzuha. Mayek became the regent until his nephew, Tanuk, was old enough to claim the regency himself.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Their relationships never having been strong, tensions rise between Mayek and Tanuk as they disagree about Tanuk leaving Chultunyu.

#### Physical Description

When first seen he's described as being "the most ornately dressed man standing in front of a dais... [who] wore a crown of feathers and silver, and held a polished wooden staff tipped with topaz." Like all the Petzuhallpa lords, he has an elongated skull (caused by head-binding in his infancy).

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.59
Tiyharqu

"If there was one thing Samaki knew about Tiyharqu, it was that it was impossible for the woman to stay angry, no matter how justified she was." (Orope, p.231)

### Relatives

FatherMother

Quort, older sister

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Tiyharqu** (TEE'YOU-hark)

Born in Kuroe, Tiyharqu did most of the designs for the Afeth, captained by Samaki. Tiyharqu serves as first mate on the ship. Known to her closest friends as Harqu (hark).

## Life Before the Series

Tiyharqu left her ancestral home when she was still a girl, travelling south to Mahat with her merchant father. Tiyharqu became enamoured with the ships she saw sailing up and down the Hiperu. Still young, she left her father to apprentice under a shipwright who saw potential in her.

While working in Sareeb Tiyharqu met Samaki, a young merchant eager to build his own ship. The two quickly become friends and plan and build the Afeth together. Curious about life on the sea, Tiyharqu decided to stay on as first mate.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Sails with Samaki up the Hiperu to Hattute in Matawe.

#### Physical Description

Described as being "a large woman, her skin dark as charcoal." As well as "bald, broad-shouldered... with skin like a fire knife... [and] a broad smile. She wore a bright red vest and large baggy grey pants. On her chest and hands, she wore many silver and gold amulets."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Sephian Islands, *Their way is blocked by the risen sea*" (p.37)
2. ↑ Chapter: "Sareeb, *You have no control over your pawn. It goes where the sticks tell it*" (p.68)
Alassiya

Hazzesa, cousin

Ashiyashe, cousin

Nesa, cousin

**Alassiya** (ah-LASS-see-ya)

The eldest daughter of Hatturesa and mother of Suppilesa. Alassiya never served as one of the Five Sisters.

## Life Before the Series

She was three-years younger than Kessara IV, and so the two of them (along with Huzzesa and Muwesa) spent their formative years together in the Moon Temple.

She died giving birth to her daughter, Suppilesa, and the age of 22.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

She is mentioned when Kessara IV fondly remembers her childhood.

#### Physical Description

Described as looking similar to Kessara IV's maid, who had "rosy cheeks and [a] tiny red nose... [and]... bright, almond-shaped eyes [that] seemed to beam in the cold."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). The Princess of the Mountain, Stoke the fire. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 1). Morgan James Fiction.
Matawega

"Amotefen was killed by his own cousin, and [Hattute] fell to a prince from the kingdom of Matawe. Since then the people of Matawe had constantly been at war with each other because of that city." (Orope, p.152)

### Leader

King Hatturigus VIKing Laberne III

Queen Kessara III

### General Appearance

Very dark skin, various eye colours with epicanthic folds on their eyelids, black or dark brown hair

### Society

Agricultural

**Matawega** (mah-tah-wei-GAH) - Mountain People

For the last two hundred years the people of Matawe have lived in constant fear of war as the royals have split the kingdom and fight for the pieces.

Matawe has two capitals. Nesate is in the highest valley, and this is where Queen Kessara III and the Five Sisters rule. Hattute is on the eastern border of Matawe, near the Mahat city of Nepata, and is ruled by Hatturigus, the King Under the Mountain.

## History

As legend goes the Matawega lived on the western slopes of the Matawe until a star fell from the sky. The people followed it into the mountains and discovered the great valleys where they made their home.

The civil war began with a dispute over the city of Hattute and the line of inheritance (circa 2825). As a result there are now two kings and one queen vying for control.

## Hierarchy

Because of the instability cause by the civil war, the hierarchy of the leaders has taken meanings for the east and west kingdom respectively.

### Hattute

In Hattute two kings sit on the throne, King Over the Mountain Laberne III and King Under the Mountain Hatturigus VI. However Laberne is seen as little more than a ward to Hatturigus and holds no power in the kingdom.

### Nesate

There is only one Queen in Nesate, but there are five rulers. The Queen is but one of five women known as the Sisters, though the Queen is their leader. Together the Sisters rule by claiming to have the favour of the Moon God. Those in line to become a Sister are raised in the Moon Temple to retain this holy connection. Their power over the west kingdom comes from the people's belief in this spirituality.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Only the people of Hattute are seen, along with both their kings. They are shown as being fearful of Whisperers, but open to trade with foreign countries.

#### Physical Descriptions

* People of the court: "They were much darker than those from Mahat or the Whisperers, and the men all had long moustached beards and long hair – though no man seemed capable of growing hair on their cheeks. Their eyes were much narrower too, their noses small and their brows less pronounced."
* Guards in Hattute are described as "wearing boiled leather skins and half helms with nose guards... [holding] long spears" and having "wild dark hair coming from beneath their helmets and around their mouths... long moustaches and pointed beards."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Hall of a Thousand Gods, *You damn us all*" p.182
2. ↑ Chapter: "Hattute, *Both kings will see you*" p.168
Middle Sea

"After angering Neiston, the lord of the sea, he cleaved the land in two, filled it with water, and pulled the mountain range down, creating a collection of hundreds of islands, of which." (Orope, p.35)

## History

### Founded By

N/A

**The Middle Sea**

* Also known by the Whisperers as the **Hatmahe** (HAT-ma-hey), or Burial Place. When a Whisperer dies their bones are gathered for Ancestral Cloaks while the rest of their body is preserved in salt and carried to the sea, where it is placed for its final rest.

The Middle Sea links Mahat in the north with the Sephian Islands in the south, as well as Caemaan in the east. There are several crucial trade routes that use the Middle Sea for commerce, including the Jade Road.

## History

Legend says that the northern and southern continents were once connected. The Sephians claim the god Neiston was furious, and in an act of vengeance cut the lands in two. The chasm between the lands then filled with water from the ocean. This legend also coincides with a Gogepe belief that the lands of their ancestors were suddenly flooded and they had to flee north to survive.
Imotah

"Samaki couldn't tell if [Imotah] was lying, or what the man would have to gain from being dishonest. These people bathed in lies." (Orope, p.149)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Imotah** (E-mo-tah)

As the tzati overseeing the affairs of Paref Rama VI's home, the Palace of the Rising Sun, Imotah is one of the most powerful men in Mahat. Imotah is also the great uncle of Rama VI.

## Before the Series

Imotah has enjoyed a long life with nearly unlimited power. Most of his life he was lived in the Mountain Mahat capitol, Nepata. He is unmarried, and whether or not he has children is something often debated by other nobles.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Imotah meets the Whisperers Tersh and Kareth who are travelling with Samaki - an acquaintance of his, since Samaki would often import the Paref Rama V's favourite wine. Intrigued by the Whisperers Imotah agrees to help Kareth gain an audience with his grand-nephew the Paref.

#### Physical Description

Despite his high position, Imotah is subtle in his appearance: "his clothes seemed very simple compared to the women he walked with. He wore beautiful shining white linen, but his silver belt was small and understated. He wore only a few rings. His copper wig didn’t have any gold woven into the strands." He is also described as not being attractive, with a "weak chin and elongated head" and being "tall and chubby... his eyes were too close together and his nose too big. He wore a plain wig, the hair cut to shoulder-length with straight bangs, as was the usual style, and on his chin he wore a braided beard that stuck out like a horn."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Nepata, *The soul wanders*" p.139
2. ↑ Chapter: "The Palace of the Rising Sun, *No one will believe a liar's warning*" p.143
Hamota

"I never win against Hamota." -Samaki (Orope, p.72)

**Hamota** (HA-mo-tah)

A merchant and acquaintance of Samaki and Tiyharqu's who works out of Sareeb in the Sea Mahat.

## Life Before the Series

Hamota had a linear life. His father was a merchant, and from a young age taught his son to one day follow in his footsteps.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Gives advice to Samaki regarding how best to proceed after the flood.

#### Physical Description

Hamota is described as "a bald man with black stubble on his chin." As a merchant, he is fairly well off, but after the flood he is as ragged as every other person in Sareeb.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Sareeb, *You have no control over your pawn. It goes where the sticks tell it*" p.72
Nnenne Hal'Sharag

"Nnenne, who made [Sha'di's] heart tight whenever he saw her. She was to be a Rhagepe one day. Already she had begun to have visions from the gods." (Orope, p.46)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Silver

**Nnenne Hal'Sharag** (n'-NEN-nay hal-sha-RAHG) - Nnenne, daughter of Sharag

A young Gogepe woman from the Gonnamdi tribe. Born with silver eyes and having been receiving visions from a young age, she as always assumed one day she would become a Rhagepe.

## Life Before the Series

Nnenne has always had a deep connection to the gods, and trained diligently to learn the ways of the Rhagepe. She fell in love with Sha'di, but always feared getting to close to him, since she always knew one day he would leave her.

## In the Novels

### Orope

Nnenne is only seen through Sha'di's memories. They spend one final night together, within the temple ruins at the foot of the Kerlra Hal'gepe. Sha'di names his falcon after her.

#### Physical Description

Nnenne is described as having "fire red hair and silver eyes... copper skin" and "long dreadlocked red hair going down her... back."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.46
2. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.47
Arma

“When the Paref was away, only King Arma held true power in the Mountain Mahat.” (Pekari, p.348)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

Brown

**Arma** (AR-ma)

King of the Mountain Mahat.

## Life Before the Series

He is a king, but since the Paref also lives in the Mountain Mahat, he is often side-lined.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

He summons Yunet and Kareth to the Palace of the Setting Sun, to hire a midwife for the daughter of General Nebkhe.

#### Physical Description

“Although his wig and long braided beard were jet-black, his face was wrinkled and his eyes slightly watery.” He’s also described as having bony knees.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: “Nepata, I’ve heard your names many times” p. 348
Chultunyu

"The huts were centred around the tall red structure. When they finally emerged from the trees they saw the large round plaza and Sha’di nearly fell backward in shock. The plaza was surrounded not by wooden huts, but ones made out of stone, maybe a hundred of them. In the middle, towering above everything else, was a pyramid, like the pyre he had seen at the desert’s end, only this one was so tall and wide that its top was the same height as the trees. A ramp wound up its square body, and on the flat top was a large house made out of stone. The entire thing was coloured in the same red dye." (Orope, p.58)

### Ruler

AtzayakatlTanuk, regent

Mayek, co-regent

## History

### Founded In

~1000BMU

**Chultunyu** (CHUL-tonn-you) - Jungle's End

The greatest pyramid among the Nuktatl (Old Lords). It is also the most southerly pyramid in the Grey Mist, and therefor has the most contact with the Gogepe.

Its ruler is Atzayakatl, father of Tanuk and Tenok and brother of Mayek. But with Atzayakatl in Chipetzuha, the regency fell to Mayek, and late Tanuk.

The pyramid's colours are red.

## History

Little is known of the history of Chultunyu, but there were most likely several different pyramids over the centuries, so the pyramid standing there now is built on top of several smaller ones.

## In the Novels

### Orope

This is the first pyramid Sha'di reaches on his way to reach the rulers of the Grey Mist.

#### Physical Description

"Most of [Chultunyu] was hidden throughout the jungle. [Sha'di] could walk for an hour in any direction and not find the end. Instead, he would wind through huts, amused by people’s curious glances at him, and children giggling and wanting to touch his red hair. It was obvious to see from the red pyramid at the city’s centre, and the red dye they all wore on their skin, that this was a sacred colour to them."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "Chultunyu, *Your coming must be a sign from the gods*" (p.79)
Ashur

"Ashur had only known the life of a shepherd. He had lost his arm to a mountain lion in his youth, and so the army didn’t conscript him when the time came." (Pekari, p. 62)

### Relatives

Tallis, fatherEstan, sister

Tuthalya, brother

Eldest son

Middle son

Youngest son

Mother (deceased)

Wife (deceased)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Ashur** (ash-URR)

Tuthalya's younger brother.

## Life Before the Series

Born and raised in Kuwana Tak. When he was only a boy, he was attacked by a mountain lion and lost his arm.

As a man, he became a shepherd and married. He had three sons.

## In the Novels

### Pekari

Ashur is present for his older brother's wedding and helps defend the village during the attack. "Even the one-armed Ashur had grabbed an axe for the fight."

## References

1. ↑ Lee, G. (2020). Kuwana Tak, I don't want to leave my fate to the gods. In *Pekari - The Azure Fish* (p. 66). Morgan James Fiction.
Tolek

"The men stood apart from each other... and were so still they did not even show signs of breathing." (Orope, p.50)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

Tolek (TOE-lek)

Lives in a small village near Chultunyu.

## In the Novels

#### Physical Description

Tolek is described as being nearly indistinguishable from his travelling companions, Tetchtok and Kalotch, all of them having "straight long black hair down to their waist. The bottom half of their faces, from the lips to the base of their necks were completely beardless and painted bright red, as were their hands and legs. Their chests were bare, and they wore only red loincloths."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Grey Mist, *The temple burned around her*" p.50
Baketwernal

"She is a hippo that one, loud and violent, but so long as you don't stand between her and the water she's harmless." - Ankhet (Orope, p.238)

## Physical description

### Eye colour

*Unknown*

**Baketwernal** (bah-KET-were-nal)

Mistress of the Paref's kitchens in the Palace of the Rising Sun. Known condescendingly as Baket.

## In the Novels

### Orope

She is in charge of organizing the Paref's coronation feast.

#### Physical Description

"She was a shrill old woman, thin, but with sagging skin that seemed to move independently beneath her shift."

## References

1. ↑ Chapter: "The Palace of the Rising Sun, *I am the speaker of the Goddess of Life*" p.237