Vocabulary in Onyx Storm

Magical protective barriers or shields that block entry or attack; in this text, defensive enchantments placed around fortifications or people to keep out enemies or dark forces.

A unique magical ability or power that manifests in a dragon rider, specific to that individual and often tied to their dragon's breed or nature.

Corrupted magic-users who drain power from the earth itself, becoming increasingly inhuman; the primary enemy force threatening the kingdom in this story.

A two-legged winged creature used as a mount by the venin; a lesser, more aggressive cousin to dragons that serves as an enemy's aerial weapon.

A rare, specially forged metal used to make weapons capable of killing venin; ordinary steel cannot harm them, so this material is essential for combat.

A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, battlement, or elevated platform, used here as a vantage point or defensive position.

A channel or pathway through which magical power flows; in this text, a person or object that transmits or amplifies power between a dragon and rider.

A person who channels and uses magic; in this world, riders who can draw on their dragon's power to cast lightning, fire, or other elemental forces.

A slow, dangerous slide toward corruption experienced by a venin or someone drawing too heavily on dark power; the gradual loss of one's humanity to magic.

A tear or breach in the magical boundary separating the living world from a dark or corrupted realm, through which venin or their creatures can pass.

Describing a rider who has no dragon partner; without the bond, a rider cannot access full magical power and is considered incomplete or vulnerable.

To suppress or choke off a flow of power; here used to describe deliberately restricting the magical connection between rider and dragon.

To cause a magical ability or signet power to appear or become active for the first time; the moment a rider's unique power reveals itself.

Using magic to see distant people, places, or events through a reflective surface or spell; a form of magical remote observation or surveillance.

To cancel out or render ineffective another person's magical power; a rare ability that blocks or absorbs the wielding of others nearby.

A raised platform at the front of a hall or chamber where leaders, commanders, or royalty stand to address those below them.

A formal sworn loyalty and allegiance, especially to a ruler or commanding officer; the obligation of obedience that comes with such an oath.

An official investigation or formal inquiry into a death, failure, or breach of duty, conducted by military or institutional authority.

The magical bond or psychic link connecting a dragon and its rider; severing or straining it has serious physical and emotional consequences for both.

Supreme independent authority over a territory or people; used here in political negotiations about which power holds ultimate rule over contested lands.

To forcibly enlist someone into military service against their will; used here when discussing the compulsory drafting of riders or soldiers for war.

A formal discussion or negotiation between opposing sides, typically under a temporary truce; a meeting to talk rather than fight.

To infuse an object or person with magical power or a special quality; to charge something so that it carries an enchantment or property it did not have before.

A person who actively rebels against an established authority or ruling power; here referring to fighters who resist the kingdom's military command from within.

An ancient object of great magical significance, often from a lost civilization; in this text, artifacts whose power is sought by both sides of the war.