The Inheritance Almanac Read online

  Most members of the mysterious race disappeared shortly after the Fall of the Riders and the race slowly faded into legends. The werecats recently resurfaced after nearly a century in hiding to form an alliance with the Varden in the war against the Empire. Though their numbers are few, their prowess in battle and their leader’s ability to command the feral cats of Alagaësia will prove to be crucial in securing the Varden’s position in the war.

  The werecats have mostly chosen to remain neutral throughout Alagaësia’s past conflicts. However, during exceptional times when the werecats have felt wronged or threatened, the race has come together to elect a leader to take them into battle. The leader, known as the king of werecats, is responsible for speaking for his race during the war.

  AT THE SUGGESTION OF HIS SISTER, ANGELA, PAOLINI DERIVED PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF WERECATS FROM THE CARACAL, A SPECIES OF MEDIUM-SIZED CAT NATIVE TO AFRICA AND WESTERN ASIA.

  A small ball of light that is magically conjured. Werelights can be used to light one’s way or be rooted in place to illuminate a specific area.

  SEE WILD MAGIC.

  The term Oromis has used to describe how magic can exist “on its own, independent of any spell.” Such magical phenomena include the Dream Well in Mani’s Caves in the Beor Mountains, the werelights that can be seen in the bogs near Aroughs, and the Floating Crystal of Eoam. (Such wild magic is by its nature unpredictable and dangerous.)

  A Carvahall resident who died while defending his village from the Empire.

  SEE FORSWORN.

  A member of the Bolvek tribe, which allied with the Varden in exchange for a promise of land. During one raid, Yarbog became disgruntled with Roran’s leadership and challenged him to a fight to determine who could best lead the raiding parties. Yarbog was defeated and forced to submit to Roran’s leadership. The incident illustrated the Varden leader Nasuada’s fears that their alliance with the Urgals was beginning to come apart, though Roran’s victory helped to smooth it.

  SEE RORAN AND URGALS.

  An elven rune from the Liduen Kvaedhí, the elf script that indicates devotion to the elven race. Arya had the symbol tattooed on her shoulder. This mystic symbol also adorns the ring Aren, which was given to Brom, and later Eragon, by the elves.

  A small Empire town on the banks of the Ninor River, reportedly filled with enemies of the Empire and their sympathizers. Yazuac was destroyed by Urgal forces presumably acting on Galbatorix’s orders. Eragon passed through this town with Brom, and it was here that he first uttered “Brisingr” and used magic for the first time.

  YAZUAC IS A NEAR ANAGRAM FOR THE YAKUZA, THE JAPANESE MAFIA.

  SEE DRAGON RIDER SWORDS.

  Although little is generally known about individual dragons, there are extant accounts chronicling the exploits of certain dragons and Riders. The following have been mentioned.

  Eridor

  Fundor

  Lenora

  Miremel

  Opheila

  Beroan

  Briam

  Galzra

  Gretiem

  Hírador

  Ingothold

  Jura

  Ohen the Strong

  Roslarb

  Dûrgrimst Az Sweldn rak Anhûin: Nearly destroyed by Galbatorix and the Forsworn, this clan developed a hatred of dragons and Riders. They declared themselves sworn blood enemies of Eragon and Saphira and, in an incident that brought shame on their clan, violated the Law of Hospitality by attempting to kill Eragon, who was guest of a dwarf clanmeet.

  Dûrgrimst Ebardac: The clan devoted to scholarly research.

  Dûrgrimst Fanghur: Clan named after the dragonlike creature that dwells in the Beor Mountains.

  Dûrgrimst Feldûnost: Clan named after the mountain goat indigenous to the Beor Mountains. Although other clans are named after animals native to the Beor Mountains, the Feldûnost is considered so important to dwarven survival in the Beors that this clan is among the most respected.

  Dûrgrimst Gedthrall: A clan of skilled artisans, Gedthrall was entrusted with the monumental task of repairing the shattered Isidar Mithrim.

  Dûrgrimst Ingeitum: Considered one of the most powerful of the clans, in the recent era they have produced two kings, Hrothgar and Orik, who, in series, have ruled for a hundred years.

  Dûrgrimst Knurlcarathn: The stoneworkers’ clan. Their skills at building and tunneling have no equal in Alagaësia and have made them a vital resource for all the clans.

  Dûrgrimst Ledwonnû: The name translates as “Kílf’s necklace.”

  Dûrgrimst Nagra: Clan named after the mighty boars of the Beor Mountains, beasts hunted by only the bravest of dwarves and whose prized meat is served at feasts honoring those of great courage.

  Dûrgrimst Quan: The custodians of the dwarves’ religion, considered the servants and messengers of the gods. As such, this clan wields enormous influence among all of the race. The sacred works of the dwarven people are written by the Quan in the secret rune alphabet of the Mahlvikn.

  Dûrgrimst Ragni Hefthyn: This clan, known as the “River Guard,” is based in the surface city of Tarnag. Although the Quan clan is also based here, they are small in number, and the Ragni Hefthyn are considered to be in control of Tarnag.

  Dûrgrimst Urzhadn: The cave bear clan.

  Dûrgrimst Vrenshrrgn: A powerful, warlike clan. Also known as “War Wolves.”

  House of Dröttning

  House of Haldthin

  House of Miolandra

  House of Orthindr

  House of Rílvenar

  House of Thrándurin (the extinct house of the Dragon Rider Oromis)

  House of Valtharos

  Beor Mountains: The mighty range in the southern half of the continent.

  Edur Carthungavë: Considered the “tailbone” of the Spine; also called Rathbur’s Spur.

  Ethrundr: South of Ellesméra.

  Fionula: South of Ellesméra.

  Griminsmal: South of Ellesméra.

  Helgrind: Three peaks—Fell Angvara, Gorm, and Ilda.

  Iron Cliffs: The rise before the southernmost tip of the Spine.

  Merogoven: South of Ellesméra.

  Narnmor Mountain: Near Igualda Falls in the Spine.

  The following residents of Carvahall are mentioned briefly or in passing:

  Albem

  Bardrick

  Bartram

  Brenna

  Calitha

  Darmmen

  Ethlbert

  Farold

  Garner

  Ged

  Hale

  Hida

  Ivor

  Kelby

  Kiselt

  Knute

  Melkolf

  Nesbit

  Nolla

  Orval

  Parr

  Ridley

  Sardson

  Southwell

  Svart

  Tara

  Thane

  Wayland

  Anora River: Runs along the northern reaches of the Spine, near the villages of Carvahall and Therinsford.

  Ardwen: A lake in the great forest of Du Weldenvarden.

  Az Ragni: Runs from the lake near Tarnag in the Beor Mountains to the dwarven outpost of Hedarth.

  Beartooth River: Flows out of a valley in the Beor Mountains.

  Edda River: Flows from Eldor Lake.

  Eldor: A lake on the eastern edge of Du Weldenvarden.

  Fernoth-mérna: A lake in the Odred Valley whose northern end reaches the Ragni Darmn river, which flows through the valley until it meets up with the Az Ragni.

  Fläm: A lake at the central-eastern edge of the Spine.

  Gaena River: Meanders from Lake Ardwen in an easterly path out of the great forest to Eldor Lake.

  Isenstar: A lake on the westerly tip of Du Weldenvarden.

  Jiet River: Travels from Leona Lake south to where the land meets the sea.

  Kóstha-mérna: A lake just outside Farthen Dûr.

  Leona: A lake near Dras-Leona.


  Nalsvrid-mérna: A lake in the Beor Mountains.

  Ninor River: Runs near the Spine and the city of Daret and meets Lake Isenstar.

  Nost Creek: Lies within Palancar Valley.

  Ragni Darmn: Flows north from Fernoth-mérna until it joins the Az Ragni near the foothills of Moldûn the Proud.

  Ramr River: Runs south from Isenstar Lake and past Galbatorix’s stronghold of Urû’baen.

  Röna: A lake in the depths of Du Weldenvarden, with Nädindel the nearest city.

  Toark River: Runs from the western sea and travels through the Spine to Leona Lake.

  Tüdosten: A lake near Silverwood Forest.

  Woardark Lake: A tiny body of water in the Spine intersected by the Toark River.