The Thousandfold Thought Part 57

Condic-The language group of ancient pastoralists of the Near Istyuli Plains.

Conditioned, the-A term used to refer to the Dunyain.

Conditioning, the-Specifically, the arduous physical, emotional, and intellectual training undergone by Dunyain monks, though the term has more general and far-reaching connotations as well. The Dunyain believe that everything is conditioned in some way, but they draw a principled distinction between the arbitrary conditioning of the world and the rational conditioning of Men. Conditioning in the light of the Logos, they believe, allows more more such conditioning, which in turn leverages more such conditioning, and so on. This virtuous circle, they believe, finds its apotheosis in the Absolute: the Dunyain believe that, using reason, they can condition themselves to the point of becoming such conditioning, which in turn leverages more such conditioning, and so on. This virtuous circle, they believe, finds its apotheosis in the Absolute: the Dunyain believe that, using reason, they can condition themselves to the point of becoming unconditioned, unconditioned, a perfect, self-moving soul. See a perfect, self-moving soul. See Dunyain Dunyain.

Conphas, Ikurei (4084- )-The nephew of Emperor Ikurei Xerius III and heir apparent to the Imperial Mantle. (4084- )-The nephew of Emperor Ikurei Xerius III and heir apparent to the Imperial Mantle.

Conriya-A pre-eminent Ketyai nation of the eastern Three Seas, located south of Ce Tydonn and north of High Ainon, founded in 3374 (after the collapse of the Eastern Ceneian Empire) around Aoknyssus, the ancient capital of s.h.i.+r. Of the four successor nations to the s.h.i.+radi Empire (Cengemis, Conriya, Ainon, and Sansor), none has worked so hard to reclaim and preserve its ancient traditions. Nowhere are the caste divisions more rigidly observed, and nowhere are the codes governing caste-n.o.ble behaviour more strict. Though many, particularly the Ainoni, scoff at what they consider the affectation of antique ways, there can be little doubt that the resulting social discipline has served the Conriyans well. Since gaining independence, Conriya has successfully weathered innumerable incursions, invasions, blockades, and embargoes, almost all of them due to the machinations of High Ainon.

Conriyan-The language of Conriya, a derivative of Sheyo-Kheremic.

Consult-The cabal of Magi and Generals that survived the death of Mog in 2155 and has laboured ever since to bring about the return of the No-G.o.d.

Coyauri-The famed elite heavy cavalry of the Kianene Padirajah, first organized by Habal ab Sarouk in 3892 as a response to the Nansur Kidruhil. The White Horse on Yellow is their standard.

Csokis-A derelict Inrithi temple complex located in Caraskand.

Cuarweth-A province of interior Ce Tydonn, located to the north of Meigeiri.

Cuaxaji (4069- )-The Sapatishah-Governor of Khemema. (4069- )-The Sapatishah-Governor of Khemema.

Cu'jara Cinmoi (?-?)-The greatest of the Nonman Kings and first great foe of the Inchoroi. See (?-?)-The greatest of the Nonman Kings and first great foe of the Inchoroi. See Cuno-Inchoroi Wars Cuno-Inchoroi Wars.

Cultic Deities-See Hundred G.o.ds. Hundred G.o.ds.

Cultic Priests-Those priests, usually hereditary, devoted to the service and wors.h.i.+p of one of the Hundred G.o.ds.

Cults-The collective name of all the various sects devoted to the individual G.o.ds of the so-called Kiunnat. In the Three Seas, the Cults have been administratively and spiritually subordinate to the Thousand Temples since Triamis I, the first Aspect-Emperor of Cenei, declared Inrithism the official state religion of the Ceneian Empire in 2505.

c.u.mor, Haarnan (4043-4111)-The High Cultist of Gilgaol in the Holy War, claimed by disease at Caraskand. (4043-4111)-The High Cultist of Gilgaol in the Holy War, claimed by disease at Caraskand.

Cuno-Halaroi Wars-The wars between Nonmen and Men following the Breaking of the Gates, of which very few accounts exist. See Breaking of the Gates. Breaking of the Gates.

Cuno-Inchoroi Wars-The protracted series of wars between the Nonmen and the Inchoroi following the ancient arrival of the latter.

According to the Isuphiryas, Isuphiryas, the Incu-Holoinas, the "Ark-of-the-Skies," plunged to earth to the west of the Sea of Neleost in land ruled by Nin'janjin, the Nonman King of Viri. The letter sent by Nin'janjin to Cu'jara-Cinmoi, the King of Siol, is recorded as follows: the Incu-Holoinas, the "Ark-of-the-Skies," plunged to earth to the west of the Sea of Neleost in land ruled by Nin'janjin, the Nonman King of Viri. The letter sent by Nin'janjin to Cu'jara-Cinmoi, the King of Siol, is recorded as follows: The Sky has cracked into potter's shards, Fire sweeps the compa.s.s of Heaven, The beasts flee, their hearts maddened, The trees fall, their backs broken.

Ash has shrouded all sun, choked all seed, The Halaroi howl piteously at the Gates, Dread Famine stalks my Mansion.

Brother Siol, Viri begs your pardon.

Rather than send aid to Nin'janjin, Cu'jara-Cinmoi a.s.sembled an army and invaded the lands of Viri. Nin'janjin and his Ishroi capitulated without battle; Viri became a bloodless tributary of Siol. The western lands of Viri, however, remained shrouded in cloud and ash. Survivors from the region spoke of a fiery vessel streaking across the skies. So Cu'jara-Cinmoi commanded Ingalira, a hero of Siol, to lead an expedition to find this Ark. What happened to Ingalira on this expedition is not recorded, but he returned to Siol some three months later and presented two inhuman captives to Cu'jara-Cinmoi. Ingalira called these captives Inchoroi, Inchoroi, or "People of Emptiness," both because the sounds they made were empty of meaning and because they fell from the emptiness of the sky. He spoke of flattened forests and gouged plains, of mountains thrown into a ring, and of two golden horns rearing from a molten sea, so mighty they brushed the clouds. or "People of Emptiness," both because the sounds they made were empty of meaning and because they fell from the emptiness of the sky. He spoke of flattened forests and gouged plains, of mountains thrown into a ring, and of two golden horns rearing from a molten sea, so mighty they brushed the clouds.

Repelled by the obscene aspect of the Inchoroi, Cu'jara-Cinmoi had them put to death, and set a Watch upon the Incu-Holoinas, the Ark-of-the-Skies. Years pa.s.sed, and the power of Cu'jara-Cinmoi and the High Mansion of Siol waxed. The Mansion of Nihrimsul was subdued, and her King, Sin'niroiha, "First Among Peoples," was forced to wash the sword of Cu'jara-Cinmoi. With the subsequent conquest of Cil-Aujas to the south, Siol and her High King commanded an empire that ranged from the Yimaleti Mountains to the Sea of Meneanor.

During this time, the Watch was kept on the Ark. The land cooled. The skies cleared.

Either because of original inconsistencies or because of subsequent corruptions, extant versions of the Isuphiryas Isuphiryas are unclear as to the subsequent order of events. At some point a secret emba.s.sy of Inchoroi reached Nin'janjin at Viri. Unlike the Inchoroi brought to Cu'jara-Cinmoi by Ingalira, these possessed the ability to speak Ihrimsu. They reminded Nin'janjin of Cu'jara-Cinmoi's treachery in his time of need, and offered an alliance to break the yoke of Siol over Viri. They would undo, the Inchoroi said, the misfortune their coming had wrought upon the Cunuroi of Viri. are unclear as to the subsequent order of events. At some point a secret emba.s.sy of Inchoroi reached Nin'janjin at Viri. Unlike the Inchoroi brought to Cu'jara-Cinmoi by Ingalira, these possessed the ability to speak Ihrimsu. They reminded Nin'janjin of Cu'jara-Cinmoi's treachery in his time of need, and offered an alliance to break the yoke of Siol over Viri. They would undo, the Inchoroi said, the misfortune their coming had wrought upon the Cunuroi of Viri.

Despite the warnings of his Ishroi, Nin'janjin accepted the Inchoroi terms. Viri revolted. The Siolan Ishroi within its halls were slain; the rest were enslaved. At the same time, the Inchoroi swarmed from the Ark, overwhelming the Watch. Only Oirinas and his twin, Oirunas, survived, riding hard to warn Cu'jara-Cinmoi.

Sil, the Inchoroi King, and Nin'janjin a.s.sembled their hosts to meet Cu'jara-Cinmoi on the fields of Pir-Pahal, which Men would call Eleneot in a later age. According to the Isuphiryas, the Nonmen of Viri were dismayed by the sight of their allies, who wore fierce and festering bodies as garments of war. Gin'gurima, the greatest hero among them, pointed to Nin'janjin and declared, "Hate has blinded him." This treason within a treason was repeated by others, until it became a thundering chorus. Nin'janjin fled, seeking protection from Sil. The Inchoroi then turned upon their allies, hoping to destroy the host of Viri before Cu'jara-Cinmoi and the great host of Siol could close with them.

Overmatched by the Inchoroi and their weapons of light, the Nonmen of Viri were driven back with horrendous losses. Only Cu'jara-Cinmoi and his Ishroi Chariots saved them from utter destruction. The chroniclers of the Isuphiryas Isuphiryas claim the battle raged through the night and into the following morning. Eventually, all but the most powerful of the Inchoroi were overwhelmed by the valour, sorceries, and numbers of the host of Siol. Cu'jara-Cinmoi himself struck down Sil, and wrested from him his great weapon, Suorgil, "s.h.i.+ning Death," which Men in a latter age would call the Heron Spear. claim the battle raged through the night and into the following morning. Eventually, all but the most powerful of the Inchoroi were overwhelmed by the valour, sorceries, and numbers of the host of Siol. Cu'jara-Cinmoi himself struck down Sil, and wrested from him his great weapon, Suorgil, "s.h.i.+ning Death," which Men in a latter age would call the Heron Spear.

Much reduced, the Inchoroi fled back to their Ark, taking Nin'janjin with them. Cu'jara-Cinmoi hunted them within sight of the Ring Mountains, but was forced to abandon his pursuit when word of further disasters reached him. Emboldened by Siol's distraction, Nihrimsul and Cil-Aujas had revolted.

Weakened by the Battle of Pir-Pahal, Cu'jara-Cinmoi was hard pressed to recover his empire. A Second Watch was put upon the Holoinas, but no attempt was made to breach the gold-grooved faces of the Ark. After years of hard campaigning, Cu'jara-Cinmoi finally brought the Ishroi of Cil-Aujas to heel, but King Sin'niroiha and the Ishroi of Nihrimsul continued to resist him. The Isuphiryas Isuphiryas chronicles dozens of b.l.o.o.d.y yet indecisive confrontations between the two Kings: the Battle of Ciphara, the Battle of Hilcyri, the Siege of Asargoi. Proud beyond reason, Cu'jara-Cinmoi refused to relent, and put to death every emba.s.sy Sin'niroiha sent to him. Only when Sin'niroiha became King of Ishoriol through marriage did the High King of Siol concede. "A King of Three Mansions," he is said to have declared, "may be Brother to a King of Two." chronicles dozens of b.l.o.o.d.y yet indecisive confrontations between the two Kings: the Battle of Ciphara, the Battle of Hilcyri, the Siege of Asargoi. Proud beyond reason, Cu'jara-Cinmoi refused to relent, and put to death every emba.s.sy Sin'niroiha sent to him. Only when Sin'niroiha became King of Ishoriol through marriage did the High King of Siol concede. "A King of Three Mansions," he is said to have declared, "may be Brother to a King of Two."

The Isuphiryas Isuphiryas mentions the Inchoroi only once during this time. Unwilling to a.s.sign desperately needed Ishroi to the Second Watch, Cu'jara-Cinmoi had charged Oirinas and Oirunas, the sole survivors of the First Watch, with recruiting Men for the duty. Among these Halaroi was a "criminal" named Sirwitta. Apparently Sirwitta had seduced the wife of a high-ranking Ishroi and conceived by her a daughter named Cimoira. The Judges of the Ishroi were perplexed: such a thing had never happened before. The truth of Cimoira was suppressed, and despite her mannish blood she was accepted as Cunuroi. Sirwitta himself was banished to the Second Watch. mentions the Inchoroi only once during this time. Unwilling to a.s.sign desperately needed Ishroi to the Second Watch, Cu'jara-Cinmoi had charged Oirinas and Oirunas, the sole survivors of the First Watch, with recruiting Men for the duty. Among these Halaroi was a "criminal" named Sirwitta. Apparently Sirwitta had seduced the wife of a high-ranking Ishroi and conceived by her a daughter named Cimoira. The Judges of the Ishroi were perplexed: such a thing had never happened before. The truth of Cimoira was suppressed, and despite her mannish blood she was accepted as Cunuroi. Sirwitta himself was banished to the Second Watch.

Somehow (the Isuphiryas Isuphiryas does not go into detail) Sirwitta managed to enter the Incu-Holoinas. A month pa.s.sed, and all thought him lost. Then he reappeared, deranged, screeching claims so alarming that Oirinas and Oirunas brought him directly to Cu'jara-Cinmoi. What was said between Sirwitta and the High King of Siol is not recorded. The chroniclers say only that Cu'jara-Cinmoi, after hearing Sirwitta speak, ordered him put to death. A later entry, however, describes Sirwitta as "tongueless and imprisoned." It appears the High King, for some unknown reason, had rescinded his warrant. does not go into detail) Sirwitta managed to enter the Incu-Holoinas. A month pa.s.sed, and all thought him lost. Then he reappeared, deranged, screeching claims so alarming that Oirinas and Oirunas brought him directly to Cu'jara-Cinmoi. What was said between Sirwitta and the High King of Siol is not recorded. The chroniclers say only that Cu'jara-Cinmoi, after hearing Sirwitta speak, ordered him put to death. A later entry, however, describes Sirwitta as "tongueless and imprisoned." It appears the High King, for some unknown reason, had rescinded his warrant.

Many years of peace followed. From their fortresses in the Ring Mountains, the Ishroi of Siol guarded the Ark. Whether the Inchoroi lived still or had perished, no one knew. Cu'jara-Cinmoi grew old, for the Nonmen of those days were still mortal. His eyesight dimmed, and his once-mighty limbs began to fail him. Death whispered to him.

Then Nin'janjin returned. Invoking the ancient codes, he appeared before Cu'jara-Cinmoi begging Mercy and Penance. When the High King of Siol bid Nin'janjin come near so he might see him, he was astonished to discover his old adversary had not aged. Then Nin'janjin revealed his true reason for coming to Siol. The Inchoroi, he said, were too terrified of Cu'jara-Cinmoi's might to leave their Ark, so they dwelt in confinement and misery. They had sent him, he claimed, to sue for peace. They wished to know what tribute might temper the High King's fury.

To which Cu'jara-Cinmoi replied: "I would be young of heart, face, and limb. I would banish Death from the halls of my people."

The Second Watch was disbanded and the Inchoroi moved freely among the Cunuroi of Siol, becoming their physicians. They ministered to all, dispensing the remedies that would at once make the Nonmen immortal and doom them. Soon all the Cunuroi of Earwa, even those who had initially questioned Cu'jara-Cinmoi's wisdom, had succ.u.mbed to the Inchoroi and their nostrums.

According to the Isuphiryas, Isuphiryas, the first victim of the Womb-Plague was Ha.n.a.linqu, Cu'jara-Cinmoi's legendary wife. The chronicler actually praises the diligence and skill of the High King's Inchoroi physicians. But as the Womb-Plague killed more and more Cunuroi women, this praise becomes condemnation. Soon all the women of the Cunuroi, wives and maidens both, were dying. The Inchoroi fled the Mansions, returning to their ruined vessel. the first victim of the Womb-Plague was Ha.n.a.linqu, Cu'jara-Cinmoi's legendary wife. The chronicler actually praises the diligence and skill of the High King's Inchoroi physicians. But as the Womb-Plague killed more and more Cunuroi women, this praise becomes condemnation. Soon all the women of the Cunuroi, wives and maidens both, were dying. The Inchoroi fled the Mansions, returning to their ruined vessel.

Ishroi from across Earwa answered Cu'jara-Cinmoi's call to war, even though many held the High King responsible for the deaths of their beloved. Grieved almost to madness, the High King led them through the Ring Mountains and arrayed them across the Inniur-s.h.i.+gogli, the "Black Furnace Plain." Then he laid Ha.n.a.linqu's corpse before the unholy Ark and demanded the Inchoroi answer his fury.

But the Inchoroi had not been idle over the long years since the Battle of Pir Pahal. They had delved deep into the earth, beneath the Inniur-s.h.i.+gogli and out into the Ring Mountains. Within these galleries they had ma.s.sed hordes of twisted creatures unlike any the Cunuroi had ever seen: Sranc, Bashrags, and mighty Dragons. The Ishroi of the Nine High Mansions of Earwa, who had come to destroy the diminished survivors of Pir Pahal, found themselves beset on all sides.

The Sranc withered before the sinew and sorcery of the Ishroi, but their numbers seemed inexhaustible. The Bashrags and the Dragons exacted a horrifying toll. More terrible still were those few Inchoroi who ventured out into battle, hanging above the tumult, sweeping the earth with their weapons of light, apparently unaffected by the sorceries of the Ishroi. After the disaster of Pir Pahal, the Inchoroi had seduced the pract.i.tioners of the Aporos, who had been forbidden from pursuing their art. Poisoned by knowledge, they devised the first of the Chorae to render their masters immune to Cunuroi magic.

But all the heroes of Earwa stood upon the Black Furnace Plain. With his bare hands, Ciogli the Mountain, the strongest of the Ishroi, broke the neck of Wutteat the Black, the Father of Dragons. Oirinas and Oirunas fought side by side, working great carnage among the Sranc and Bashrags. Ingalira, the hero of Siol, strangled Vs.h.i.+kcru, mighty among the Inchoroi, and cast his burning body into the Sranc.

The mighty closed with the mighty, and innumerable battles were fought. But no matter how hard the Inchoroi pressed, the Cunuroi would yield no ground. Their fury was that of those who have lost wives and daughters.

Then Nin'janjin struck down Cu'jara-Cinmoi.

The Copper Tree of Siol fell into pitching ma.s.ses of Sranc, and the Cunuroi were dismayed. Sin'niroiha, the High King of Nihrimsul and Ishoriol, fought his way to Cu'jara-Cinmoi's position, but found only his headless body. Then the hero Gin'gurima fell, gored by a Dragon. And after him Ingalira, who had been the first to lay eyes upon the Inchoroi. Then Oirinas, his body sundered by an Inchoroi spear of light.

Realizing their plight, Sin'niroiha rallied his people and began fighting his way into the Ring Mountains. A greater part of the surviving Cunuroi followed him. Once clear of their foe, the glorious Ishroi of Earwa fled, gripped by a mad fear. Either too weakened or suspecting a trap, the Inchoroi did not pursue.

For five hundred years the Cunuroi and the Inchoroi waged a war of extermination, the Cunoroi to avenge their murdered wives and the eventual death of their race, and the Inchoroi for reasons they alone could fathom. No longer did the Cunuroi speak of the Incu-Holoinas, the Ark-of-the-Skies. Instead they spoke of Min-Uroikas, "the Pit of Obscenities"-what would later be called Golgotterath by Men. For centuries it seemed the abominations had the upper hand, and the poets of the Isuphiryas Isuphiryas record defeat after defeat. But slowly, as the Inchoroi exhausted their fell weapons and relied more and more on their vile slaves, the Cunuroi and their Halaroi servants gained the advantage. Then at long last the surviving Ishroi of Earwa trapped the last of their diminished foe within the Incu-Holoinas. For twenty years they warred through the Ark's labyrinthine halls, finally hunting the last of the Inchoroi into the deep places of the earth. Unable to destroy the vessel, Nil'giccas instructed the remaining Quya to raise a powerful glamour about the hated place. He and the surviving kings of the Nine Mansions forbade their peoples from mentioning the Inchoroi or their nightmarish legacy. The last Cunuroi of Earwa withdrew to their Mansions to await their inevitable doom. record defeat after defeat. But slowly, as the Inchoroi exhausted their fell weapons and relied more and more on their vile slaves, the Cunuroi and their Halaroi servants gained the advantage. Then at long last the surviving Ishroi of Earwa trapped the last of their diminished foe within the Incu-Holoinas. For twenty years they warred through the Ark's labyrinthine halls, finally hunting the last of the Inchoroi into the deep places of the earth. Unable to destroy the vessel, Nil'giccas instructed the remaining Quya to raise a powerful glamour about the hated place. He and the surviving kings of the Nine Mansions forbade their peoples from mentioning the Inchoroi or their nightmarish legacy. The last Cunuroi of Earwa withdrew to their Mansions to await their inevitable doom.

Cunuroi-See Nonmen Nonmen.

"Cut from them their tongues ..."-The famous phrase from The Chronicle of the Tusk The Chronicle of the Tusk condemning sorcery and sorcerers. condemning sorcery and sorcerers.

Cynnea, Braelwan (4059-4111)-The Galeoth Earl of Agmundr, claimed by disease at Caraskand. (4059-4111)-The Galeoth Earl of Agmundr, claimed by disease at Caraskand.

D.

Dagliash-The ancient Aorsic fortress overlooking the River Sursa and the Plains of Agongorea. It changed hands several times in the wars preceding the Apocalypse. See Apocalypse Apocalypse.

Daimos-Also known as noomancy. The sorcery of summoning and enslaving agencies from the Outside. For both political and pragmatic reasons, many Schools forbid its practice. Some esoteric scholars claim that Daimotic sorcerers condemn themselves to eternal torment at the hands of their erstwhile slaves when they die.