<div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 2em;">Glossary of some useful terms</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br/>===========================================================================<br/></div><br/><div align="center"><strong>There are things I didn't include in here, some plants, herbs, devices, and all the names of Pern characters.<br/><br/>I did this for several reasons...one of which is that there where things that where not directly needed for this game.</strong><br/></div><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">A</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Agenothree:</strong>a common acid-like chemical on Pern. Groundcrews use it during a fall.<br/><strong>Ancients:</strong>a name for the first colonists (settlers) who came to Pern. They had technology that was far superior to what Pern had by the time of the Ninth Pass.<br/><strong>Apprentice:</strong>The lowest level in a Crafthall, basically a trainee.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">B</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Begreened:</strong>a mild Pernese curse<br/><strong>Bahrain:</strong>The smallest of the three ships which brought people to Pern, captained by Jim Tillek.<br/><strong>Belior:</strong>Pern's larger moon.<br/><strong>Benden Wine:</strong>wines from Benden come in the red, white and bubbly (champagne style) varieties.<br/><strong>Between:</strong>an empty space of sensory deprivation where dragons go to get from one place and another.<br/><strong>Birthing-woman:</strong>Pernese equivalent of a Terran midwife, a woman who assists at (human) births.<br/><strong>Blackrock:</strong>coal<br/><strong>Blast the shell and sear the skin:</strong>A Pernese curse<br/><strong>Blood will tell:</strong>Pernese proverb, meaning that ones true nature will always show or prevail eventually.<br/><strong>Bluebush:</strong>a bush; an indigenous Pernese plant.<br/><strong>Bluebush ink:</strong>ink made from the Pernese bluebush. This ink is indelible and used for the S with which shunned people are marked on the forehead.<br/><strong>Boll Blood:</strong>said of someone who has a swarthy complexion. The quote from Dragon's Fire goes: "They get swarthy down there."<br/><strong>Boots</strong>dragonrider boots were often steel-rimmed and high, with cuffs that were turned down over one's calves.<br/><strong>Bubbly (bubbling) wine:</strong>a champagne-style wine.<br/><strong>Buenos Aires:</strong>Another of the three colony ships, captained by Ezra Keroon.<br/><strong>By the Egg:</strong>a Pernese saying/oath<br/><strong>By the egg of Faranth:</strong>a Pernese saying/oath<br/><strong>By the First Egg:</strong>a Pernese oath<br/><strong>By the golden shell of the queen:</strong>a Pernese oath<br/><strong>By the shell of the first Egg:</strong>a Pernese oath<br/><strong>By the Void that spawned us:</strong>a Pernese saying/oath<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">C</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Candles:</strong>a light source that usually has an internal wick rising through the center of a column of solid fuel. Still in existence on Pern during the Second Interval since they are mentioned to be used in Dragon's Fire, as are lanterns. In later Turns candles are no longer mentioned and only glows were used.<br/>On Earth candles were only used for their entertainment and symbolic values but prior to the mid 19th century also as an important lightsource. In those times the candle was made from tallow (a byproduct of beef-fat rendering). In later times the fuel became some form of wax, with paraffin wax being the most common. Candles were also made from gel, soy, beeswax, and vegetable products are also available. Beeswax candles on Pern ar an impossibility as there are no bees on Pern. The colonists did take them but they didn't survive.<br/><strong>Canines:</strong>the expression used by the Pernese for dogs though the word dog is used too (in spit dog).  (See Dog)<br/><strong>Castration:</strong>used on Pern as a punishment for rape. Morinst, a Bitran guard leader stationed at the border with Benden, who committed rape in 257, was convicted and castrated by way of punishment<br/><strong>Cats:</strong>domestic cats were obviously brought by the colonists and used as pets until at least the time of the Second Pass. Though not mentioned as pets in The Dragon Lover's Guide to Pern, there is a picture in that book of the evolution of a Pern feline from the Terran housecat, so Terran housecats must have been brought to Pern by the colonists. That there have been cats on Pern, at least up to the Second Pass, can be proved by a quote from Red Star Rising/Dragonseye: "Especially when she [Luccha, daughter of Lord Chalkin of Bitra Hold] was busy trying to unite the Hold's cats by tying their tails together." It is altogether possible that cats were kept more for their ability to kill vermin (rats, tunnel snakes), than just as (pampered) pets - Pernese didn’t seem to have the resources to waste on pets. It is also possible that the domestic cats disappeared from Pern in later Passes due to a disease (of epidemic proportions?) to which the domestic cat was especially vulnerable. The problem with this RSR reference to cats on Pern lies in Anne McCaffrey's statement that there are no (trained) cats on Pern. To a question that originally concerns forms of entertainment and the possibility of trained animals on Pern Anne answered: "I think singing, dancing are the main entertainments on Pern, plus card games and the usual that follow any human civilization. But as there are no trained bears/cats/dogs, except spit dogs, I think things would be relatively innocent pleasures..." [Interview with Anne McCaffrey by Shirley Hagstrom, 28 April 1993]. One could argue that this quote from the interview only pertains to trained cats and not to domestic cats, but one has to consider that cats (and domestic dogs - except spit dogs - for that matter) appear in none of the other books about Pern. Of course we have to consider that this interview was given before publication of Red Star Rising/Dragonseye (1996) and it is the prerogative of a writer to change his or her views on matters, especially concerning worlds they created themselves.<br/><strong>Change over of wings:</strong>a flight maneuver used during Threadfighting<br/><strong>Citrus fruit:</strong>citrus fruit was obviously brought to Pern by the colonists, since it is originally a Terran fruit. On Terra the name, also written as Citron, is used for a collection of several fruits (orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit). Since it is obvious that in this case a sweet tasting fruit is meant the Pern citrus is probably the same as the Terran orange. On the Northern Continent it is grown in Nerat, which complies with the climate an orange tree needs to bear fruit. It's name is found as citron when Moreta ses it as a helpful preventitive<br/><strong>Clutches:</strong>frequent clutches are a sure sign that there will be a Pass<br/><strong>Cold Season:</strong>also called the Cold. A Pernese name for winter.<br/><strong>Comfrey:</strong>Symphytum officinale. Speeds healing of burns, good with wounds and skin problems. Fresh leaves, dried leaves, stalks, and rhizome can all be used, either as is or in a salve or oil.. Comfrey is a hardy perennial, with ovate-lanceolate leaves, up to 10' long, hairy leaves and stem. Rhizome is black outside, white inside. Blue to yellow flowers. 3-5' tall. Cold-hardy, prefers a neutral to slightly basic soil, dry, full to partial sun. Spreads well.<br/>The comfrey we know is a suspected carcinogen. Its efficacy when taken internally as a medicine is questionable in any case. (It was considered a source of vitamin B 12, but a person would have to eat 4 lbs a day to obtain the RDA.) Externally it is perfectly safe and is very easy to cultivate. In fact almost too easy when planted in a suitable soil, it spreads rapidly and will crowd out other plants. Can be confused with foxglove when not blooming.<br/><strong>Craftmaster:</strong>The highest level in a crafthall, a fully trained craftsman.<br/><strong>Crawler:</strong>a spider-like insect.<br/><strong>Cryo spray:</strong>a (cold) spray that is used as an anesthetic. It was use to deactivate a spiny plant that started shooting its spines.  The word cryo is derived from cryogenics, the branch of physics that deals with very low temperatures.<br/><strong>Cucumber:</strong>a cucumber gel is used to treat burns. The gel from the pulp of the plant can reduce minor swelling (slices over the eyes reduces puffiness) but don't trade in your aloe. Most people think cucumber's best in salads.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">D</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Dances:</strong><br/><br/>* Toss dance: [Mor].<br/>* Two step: there is a slow and a brisk version [RSR/14:343].<br/><strong>Day Sisters:</strong>three 'stars' visible on Pern's horizon at dawn and dusk, which are actually the ships that brought the settlers to Pern.<br/><strong>Dawn Sisters:</strong>another name for the Day Sisters<br/><strong>Deadglow:</strong>an insult. Basically, it means 'fool'.<br/><strong>Dinghy:</strong>a Terran and Pernese name for any type of small rowing boat<br/><strong>Direct flight:</strong>direct flight means a flight without going between.<br/><strong>Diseases:</strong><br/><br/>* Measles: all four children of Lord Chalkin of Bitra had measles in the Winter of 257.<br/>* Mountain fever: a lung infection of which Iantine suffered after fleeing Bitra Hold. It is possible to be a carrier of this disease without being ill, as the woodsman who passed the sickness to Iantine was.<br/>* Winter fever: many people were killed by this fever in an occurrence at the end of the First Interval.<br/><strong>Dogs:</strong>brought to Pern by the colonists but never used as pets. Dogs were used mainly as spit-dogs (walking round in a contraption that makes the spit turn round) and probably as guard dogs. Dogs were later called Canines but in Dragon's Fire, set at the end of the Second Interval, the name dog is still used.<br/><strong>Dragon messenger:</strong>a rider and dragon that performs the service of a messenger or provides transport for a Lord Holder or other person that needs transportation by dragon. This was a privilege granted the (major?) Holds, though during the Intervals Lord Holders usually started regarding it as a right. When a Hold had need of a dragon messenger they flew a red striped banner (also called urgent banner)<br/><strong>Dragonade:</strong>a battle of dragons with thread<br/><strong>Dragon's Tongue:</strong>a herb native to Pern. Called "Pern aloe", dragon's tongue is a succulent with a gelatinous leaf that can be used as a burn reliever. Closest Terran equivalent is obviously Aloe.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">E</span></strong></span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">F</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Fall:</strong>Threadfall. A Fall can be either dead or live. A dead Fall does not bring live thread to Pern's surface, a live one does. If a Fall is dead or live Fall depends on the weather conditions, mainly the ambient temperature and precipitation, at the time of the Fall. A Fall can have different flows and can manifest itself on various places at the same time (e.g.: the second and third Fall of the Second Pass were on the same day but in Fort and High Reaches territories)<br/><strong>Fellis:</strong>a flowering tree native to Pern.<br/><strong>Fellis juice:</strong>made from the fruits of the fellis tree, it is a powerful soporific.<br/><strong>Fire lizard/Dragonette:</strong>A smaller version of the dragon native to Pern.<br/><strong>Firestone:</strong>phosphine-bearing rocks which dragons chew to produce a flame.<br/><strong>First Crossing:</strong>term used for the colonist's journey from Terra to Pern. The Second Crossing being the move from the Southern to the Northern Continent.<br/><strong>Flamethrower:</strong>an apparatus used by riders of Gold dragons on a low flying level during Threadfall, catching the strands that get through the fighting wings.<br/>Just before the start of the Second Pass Head Engineer Kalvi scheduled every major Hold for three days of training in the maintenance and repair of flame-throwers including a practice session.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">G</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Gather dress:</strong>a Pernese expression that indicates fancy dress.<br/><strong>Glovecap:</strong>probably digitalis spp. A blood-pressure reducer, the crushed leaves make a decoction which eases cardiac contractions. Digitalis is a biennial, it starts as a ring to a low mound of green leaves (up to 10" long) to a tall (4'-8') flowering plant with unmistakable tubular flowers that are purple on the outside and white with crimson spots on the inside. Full to partial shade, temperate climate, prefers acid soil.<br/>The glovecap mentioned is probably foxglove: digitalis purpurea, a member of the snapdragon family and is the source of digitoxin, still one of the most effective heart medications (and almost 1000 times as powerful as the dried leaves.) While foxglove is poisonous, it is not as deadly per milligram as aconite or adonis, especially in its unrefined plant form and as such can be used as long as due care is taken.<br/><strong>Glow:</strong>a chemical light source which can be carried in a specially designed handbasket.<br/><strong>Glowbasket:</strong>a basket that holds glows. It can be carried as well as put in a (wall mounted) fixture. Glowbaskets can always be closed. In the earlier times on Pern candles and lanters were obviously still in use as they are mentioned in Dragon's Fire.<br/><strong>Goal ball:</strong>a Pernese children's game. The object of the game is to throw a ball through a hoop or ring that is attached to the top of a pole; like in Terran korfbal (only known and played in several European countries) or basketball.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">H</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Hand-to-hand combat:</strong>hand-to-hand combat on Pern is an accepted way to deal with arguments, but only when all other negotiation efforts to settle it had failed<br/><strong>Harper:</strong>Harpers are responsible for the education of children in hold, hall and weyr. They are the musicians and entertainers of Pern and may also be called upon to arbitrate disputes.<br/><strong>Hatching:</strong>Dragons in the Weyr will react to the Queens maternal croon (see below) with a deep masculine humming (called "a pre-birth lullaby" by headmaster Clisser). The humming gets louder and louder and a chorus of tones will develop when more and more dragons (their throats swelling) join the queen (at the last stages the dragon's chest and belly also start to vibrate). Some of them get so excited that they start aerial maneuvers, flipping here and there on seemingly unavoidable collision courses. People react to this humming on an emotional level with a mix of primal emotions (for example: pride, joy, hope, fear, yearning, sadness and hunger), ranging from utter happiness to fear and sadness.  Medics are always attending hatchings because of the minor lacerations (major injuries in later centuries) that generally occur.<br/><br/>* Candidates: candidates at hatchings are always white clad. It is imperative that enough, or more accurately: a surplus of, candidates attend a hatching because, if a dragonet will not find a suitable candidate (compatible personality) he will not impress and will subsequently die. At the end of the First Interval the records showed five cases in which this happened.<br/>* Compendium of information: every Weyr had its own compendium of information concerning hatching and Impression related cases (especially pertaining to what to do with certain  psychological reactions and altered  behavior of weyrlings after impression). See also Telgar Weyr, sub Records<br/>* Description of a queen just prior to Hatching: emanating a rumble/sound/maternal croon (more subliminal than real noise), rearing on her hindquarters, spreading her broad wings, eyes glowing brightly green and beginning to whirl with excitement (Meranath, Autumn 257).<br/>* Psychological profiles concerning Hatching: at the end of the First Interval there were still file boxes full of psychological profiles about the effect of hatching on riders, dragons and (new) weyrlings in Fort Hold's storage. Some youngsters had no trouble at all adapting to the intense and intrusive link. Some suffered feelings of inadequacy and doubt.<br/>* Spectators: invited from local holds and crafts.<br/>* Unhatched eggs: cases where eggs did not hatch were fortunately very rare but did occur. In early days, when the technology had still been available, necropsies had been performed to establish the cause. In most of the recorded instances, there had been an obvious yolk problem, or the creature had been malformed and would not have survived hatching. Three times, however, the cause of death could not be established as the fetus had been perfect, with no apparent deficiency or disability. The message was handed down to dispose of such unhatched eggs between immediately: a duty performed on such rare occasions by the Weyrleader and his bronze.<br/><strong>Hatching Ground:</strong>a large cavern where Queens lay their clutches, which has a bed of heated sands, seating for spectators, and (often) ledges for dragons to perch on.<br/><strong>Headwoman:</strong>someone selected by the Weyrwoman to take charge of the domestic duties in a weyr; cleaning, cooking, childcare, etc.<br/><strong>Herbs:</strong>all the medicinal and cooking herbs that were taken as seeds from both Earth and First Centauri by the Pern colonists, thrived well in Pernese soil.<br/><strong>Herb sachets:</strong>it was common practice on Pern to make herb sachets to store with clothes to keep them smelling fresh.<br/><strong>Hides:</strong>Pernese name for blankets. In addition the name wherhide blanket is found in Dragon's Fire.<br/><strong>Hidebound:</strong>slang for someone who is set in their ways.<br/><strong>High Reaches:</strong>the mountains in the north of the Northern Continent.<br/><strong>Hold:</strong>A dwelling cut out of rock so it is safe from Thread. Where common people live.<br/><strong>Holdless:</strong>people who have no hold for whatever reason, often because of crime.<br/><strong>Hop:</strong>Humulus lupulus. Hop is a central nervous system depressant, a mild anti-inflammatory. The active chemicals are found in the sticky glands in the hairs of the plants. Hops are also well-known as a flavoring used in beer. The vine is reminiscent of a grape, scaled flowers cover the fruit which appear to be sprinkled with a grainy yellow substance, the hairs which contain the active ingredients. It's a perennial and it does not flower until third year. Hardy to -35 Farenheit, prefers mildly acid to neutral soil, deep, well-drained humus, and needs full sun. Grows to 20-25' or more.<br/>While in our world not currently used for the purpose, hops are acknowledged to have medicinal properties. They act as a CNS depressant, including relaxing heart rate, and even have been used like lavender as a pillow stuffing to aid sleep (the odor is considered offensive by some and as such it is not as popular, but it can be effective.)<br/><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">I</span></strong></span><br/><strong>I have been begging the Egg for...:</strong>Pernese saying<br/><strong>Ice cream:</strong>on Pern ice cream considered to be a delicacy, a special and traditional sweet that was especially served on First Day. It comes in various flavors.<br/><strong>Iced cake:</strong>a delicacy, usually served of feastdays.<br/><strong>If you are hungry enough, even tunnel snake tastes good:</strong>Pernese proverb, meaning that under dire circumstances people will do things they normally wouldn't.<br/><strong>Impression:</strong>the joining of minds between a dragon and their rider at Hatching.<br/><strong>Interval:</strong>the time between passes of the Red Star, usually about 200 Turns.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">J</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Jerky:</strong>(jerked beef) Jerky is meat which has been cut into strips with the fat trimmed off, marinated in a spiced, salty or sweet liquid for a desired flavor, then dried with low heat (usually under 160°F or 70°C) or occasionally salted and sun-dried. The result is a salty, stripped, semi-sweet snack which can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration. Jerky is one of humankind's earliest applications of food preservation.<br/>The word "jerky" itself comes from the Terran (Ecuador Quechua term) word Charqui, which means "dried meat". Throughout human history and culture, drying meat has been a common method employed to preserve it. By drying thinly sliced meat in the sun and wind next to a smoky fire, the meat is protected from insects which would lay eggs in the raw meat. These prehistoric methods to preserve meat for storage have been used by the Inca and many other ancient peoples, who prepared jerky from the animals they hunted or husbanded as an essential matter of need.<br/><strong>Journeyman:</strong>The middle level in a crafthall. An apprentice who has reached a certain level of competence and 'journeys' around Pern.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">K</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Keeper of the Records:</strong>By tradition one of the responsibilities of the Weyrwoman of each weyr. Each weyrwoman kept the records of her own weyr.<br/><strong>Kilo:</strong>a measurement of weight, still in use on Pern during the First Interval/Second Pass ("…she sweated kilos off her big frame")<br/><strong>Kilometer:</strong>used (once) as a measure for distance in Dragon's Fire.<br/><strong>Klah:</strong>a stimulating drink made of tree bark.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">L</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Looks to:</strong>is Impressed by.<br/><strong>Long Interval:</strong>an Interval twice the length of a usual one.<br/><strong>Lord Holder:</strong>A man who is in charge of a principal hold. The title is inherited and the Lord is responsible for the running of his hold and the well-being of its people. The holders in return supply the Lord with materials and generally do his bidding.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">M</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Mainland, the</strong>on Pern the Mainland means the Northern Continent.<br/><strong>Mastercraftsman:</strong>The leader of a crafthall. There are many craftmasters, but only one Mastercraftsmen. However, all have the title 'Master'.<br/><strong>Mating flights:</strong>Both gold and green dragons experience a periodic mating urge.<br/><br/>*Of Gold dragons: When a gold comes into estrus,it can/will trigger the other golds estrus if they are too near.  This can become dangerous, because if two golds are too near each other at this time violent fighting can break out between them.<br/>* Of green dragons: at the time of the Second Pass the green dragons were not limited to their own Weyr when they were at the mating stage. If a green rider had a friend or lover from another Weyr she could move her dragon there when she was about to mate. The choice was left to the riders.<br/>As amorous and numerous as greens are, it’s a wonder and a relief that they don’t get into fights like queens can, because green flights must happen almost every day!<br/><strong>Meadowsweet:</strong>Filipendula ulmaria. A painkiller and fever-reducer. The flowers and roots can be used in teas. The decoction is mildly astringent, and may help prevent urinary tract infections. Perennial up to 6' tall, creeping rhizome. Oval, tri-lobed leaves with white hair on the underside. Marshes, wet soil, and moist woodlands, partial shade.<br/>The meadowsweet we know is also known as Bridewort or Queen-of-the-meadow, was the first plant from which salicylic acid was isolated. It may be useful in treating UTIs, but as the active ingredient is the same as willow, the two are for the most part interchangeable.<br/><strong>Measures:</strong><br/><br/>* Acre: used in the Charter article on how to claim Charter acreage<br/>* Dragonfoot:<br/>* Dragonlenghth:<br/>* Hand:<br/>* Kilo: a weight measure still in use during the First Interval/Second Pass [RSR/16:376].<br/>* Klick:<br/>* Meter/metre: at the end of the First Interval probably still in use as a measure at Pern.<br/>(Both spelling variations (UK/US) are used in RSR).<br/>* Yard:<br/>Zulaya uses the word yards in the expression "My word, you did do yards today, didn't you?". Does this imply yards were still known during First Interval/Second Pass or is it a slip-up by AM? It could be remaining in use as a measure of cloth (and therefore be in common usage) even though the FSP world should be metric by then.<br/><strong>Medicine:</strong>by the end of the First Interval a lot of medicines, equipment and procedures that the colonists brought with them were no longer available. The last of the carefully hoarded Earth chemicals were depleted. The indigenous pharmacopoeia was proving to be sufficient for most ailments, and even better in some cases.<br/><br/>* Fellis: a sedative in liquid form.<br/>* Frostbite salve:<br/>* Numbweed: on dragons it has its pain-killing effect about three seconds after applying it, at least to the outer side of a wound or injury, taking somewhat longer to numb the deeper tissues. It obviously comes in various sorts of thickness, varying from a thick salve to a pure liquid form, the last of these forms can be applied with a brush (for instance to a dragon's wing).<br/><strong>Message-pennon:</strong>a pennon or flag flown at a Hold by which the presence of a dragonrider was requested (usually for conveyance).<br/><strong>Mid-air rescue:</strong>a rescue maneuver used by dragons and their riders during Threadfall.<br/><strong>Mid-winter holiday</strong>: a Pernese holiday in which festivities took place.<br/><strong>Month:</strong>a period of four sevendays. The Pernese months have no names (as our Terran ones) but are designated by numbers, e.g.first month, second month etc.<br/><strong>More than one way to skin a wherry:</strong>Pernese proverb meaning there are more ways than one to get the result you want.<br/><strong>Music:</strong>at the end of the First Interval there was a new contemporary sort of music in fashion of which some (among them Danja) thought it was just a loud and diatonic musical fad. Opposing this new music there was a line of music that was called "traditional", which not only included what we perceive as classical music but also Terran traditionals and even classic pop songs like "The Long and Winding Road."<br/><strong>Musical instruments:</strong>musical instruments in use at the end of the First Interval were (incomplete list): violin (fiddle), harp (standing and portable), recorder flute, flute, guitar, reed flute (reed whistle), drums. There was still one piano in existence. This instrument was undergoing repairs at the time of the gather at Fort Hold in 257, the main problem being the reproduction of the same sort of felt that had been used in the instrument originally (for the hammers)<br/><br/><br/><strong><span class="bbc_u"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">N</span></span></strong><br/><strong>Nameday:</strong>the Pernese equivalent of the Terran birthday.<br/><strong>Needlethorn:</strong>a herb native to Pern. A succulent perennial which produces needle spines that emit a toxin, killing small animals and insects which it them dissolves and absorbs (a la jack-in-the-pulpits or Venus fly-traps). In its dormant stage, the needles dry out and become hollow, and strong enough to use as disposable hypodermic needles. Grows in the tropical regions usually near ging trees, whose sap can be used to close puncture wounds. Known locations for needlethorn are Ista and Nerat. The skin of the plant has fine hairs that can cause irritation. and /or inflamation of the skin if one comes into contact with it. The spines are poisonous through spring and summer. It seems the flesh is tasty. In Moreta, Dragonlady of Pern, Moreta remarks: "During the spring and summer the bush has an odor to attract snakes and insects. The hollow spines suck essential juices from the creature the plant impales, and also rainwater." It is said to have several cactus-like "stalks" from a single base broadleaf. The Dragonlovers Guide to Pern shows three stalks, three leaves (mistalenly?). The closest Terran equivalent would be a strange combination of a Venus flytrap and a cactus.<br/><strong>Nettleweed:</strong>Urtica dioica (stinging settle). A spring tonic. A perennial, single-stalked, may form clusters. Saw-toothed opposing dark green leaves. Leaves and stem have small stinging hairs. Grows to 5'. Hardy to -35 F. Grows in weedy places, often near water.<br/>Terran nettle is high in Vitamin C, accounting for its use as a tonic. A concoction boiled from the young shoots (which are less prickly than the adult plant) has been used to treat asthma, and was though to have tonic properties on hair as well.<br/><strong>New brooms sweep clean:</strong>old Terran proverb that was also in use on Pern.<br/><strong>Numbweed:</strong>a salve which is used as an anesthetic.<br/><strong>Nutmegoid bark:</strong>both Terran nutmeg and First Centaurian nutmegoid bark were brought to Pern by the colonists. The nutmegoid bark did well in Pernese soil, Terran nutmeg didn't translate well.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">O</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Oldtimer:</strong>one of the riders who Lessa brought forward four hundred Turns.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">P</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Packfish:</strong>one of the larger fish varieties on Pern [RSR/7:193]. Probably related to packtail much a much larger variety and more suited for sport fishing.<br/><strong>Paints:</strong>oil paints were known, made (using the old Terra methods) and used on Pern (on wood panels as well as on canvas), as were the special paints for doing murals. Making paints was a part of the study of painting so that each painter could take care of manufacturing his own materials.<br/><strong>Pass:</strong>the time when the Red Star is close enough to drop Thread on Pern. Usually about 50 years in length.<br/>*  Preparations for a coming Pass: starting (at least) two years before the start of a Pass. Among them: sowing larger crops, storing harvests, general maintenance on buildings, construction of emergency shelters on the main roads for ground crews, training holders on how to combat Thread burrows.<br/>* Pre-Pass inspections: pre-Pass inspections of all Weyrs were carried out by the Weyrleader of Fort Weyr (the senior Weyrleader). Among the things he checked were the number of riders (to fly Thread) and cadets (to supply the wings with phosphine rock, later called firestone). Discussions of flight tactics and Weyr maintenance were also held.<br/>* Signs of a coming Pass: perturbations preceding a coming Pass that were noticeable on the surface of Pern were extreme weather and the volcanic eruptions. Frequent clutches and overproducing Weyrs  were a sure sign that there would be a Pass. There was no shortage on queen dragons in any Weyr just prior to the start of the Second Pass.<br/><strong>Perfumes:</strong>women on Pern used perfumes, probably only based on natural ingredients. In Red Star Rising Iantine thinks about the "floral fragrance" his lover Debera uses.<br/><strong>Pern:</strong>the third of Rukbat's five planets.<br/>*  Gravity: gravity on Pern is about 90% of what is normal for Earth.<br/>* Oxygen level: the atmosphere on Pern has a slightly above the normal oxygen content.<br/><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">Q</span></strong></span><br/><br/><strong>Queen's Battle:</strong>an accident that took place back in the First Pass when all the dragon were still at Fort Weyr in the early days of draginriding when they didn't know the consequences of keeping queens in heat or hatching near to each other. This event is still remembered near the start of the Third Pass and refered to as "the Queen's Battle."<br/><strong>Queen's wing:</strong>a collection of queen dragons that are involved in fighting Thread, flying at a low level. A queen's wing traditionally stays aloft after Threadfall is over to assist the ground crews. There is evidence that, at least in early times, pregnant female riders rode with the Queen's Wing, since they were not allowed to go between.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">R</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Recycling:</strong>became more and more important after a few centuries had passed after the landing of the colonists. In evidence two quotes from Red Star Rising/Dragonseye: "Cycle, re-cycle. Use, re-use. The concept dominated every aspect of Balan Hold. And they were not 'poor' in material possessions" and "It [the mattress] felt [so hard] like something recycled from the ships of the First Crossing."<br/><strong>Recycling plant:</strong>the Weyrs still had them at the start of the Second Pass.<br/><strong>Red Star:</strong>a planet which has an erratic orbit, passing Pern infrequently and dropping Thread on it.<br/><strong>Redfin:</strong>A (very tasty and sought after) type of Pernese fish.<br/><strong>Rukbat:</strong>a golden G-type star in the Sagittarian sector with five planets.<br/><strong>Runner beast:</strong>an equine adapted to Pernese conditions from fetuses brought frozen by the Settlers.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">S</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Safety-straps:</strong>straps worn by dragons and attached to dragonriders to keep them falling off their dragon while doing difficult maneuvers or fighting thread, also called riding straps and safety bands. At Weyrs regular safety-strap inspections or checks were held.<br/><strong>Second Crossing:</strong>name used for the move from the Southern to the Northern Continent that the colonists had to make after the eruption of the volcanoes.<br/><strong>Settlers:</strong>The original humans who colonized Pern.<br/><strong>Sevenday:</strong>a Pernese week.<br/><strong>Shards:</strong>a Pernese oath meaning 'damn!'.<br/><strong>Shells:</strong>see 'Shards'.<br/><strong>Sexuality:</strong><br/><br/>* Dragonriders: dragonrider sexuality is different from the majority of people on Pern and because of that there was a narrow minded minority that condemned the riders for it. Certain customs and habits did develop in the Weyrs to suit dragon needs, but promiscuity was not encouraged. There was a very strictly observed code of conduct within the Weyrs. There might not be formal union contracts but no rider reneged on his word to a woman, nor failed to make provision for any children of a pairing.  In the earlier Passes, when there still were female riders, some female green riders foresaw problems with their green dragons being flown by blues since this meant they might have to have sex with a gay male who, in his turn, would not be very much interested to have sex with them. Jule, a Weyrbred weyrling from the Telgar "class" of Winter 257 offered this solution: "You make an arrangement with another rider to be on hand when your green gets proddy. Then the blue rider gets his mate, if he's got one, or anyone else who's willing - and you better believe that anyone's willing when dragons are going to participate. So you bed the one you like, and the blue rider his choice, and you ALL enjoy!"<br/><strong>Shards:</strong>a Pernese expletive or swear word.<br/><strong>Shipfish:</strong>Pernese name for dolphins.<br/><strong>Shunned, the:</strong>a Pernese minority consisting out of petty and worse criminals and their friends, family and offspring. The actual shunned (outcast) people have an S on their forehead, written with indelible bluebush ink. Shunning people was already an established form of punishment present in the Pern Charter when the colonists first settled on the planet. In Dragon's Fire it is observed that some of the Shunned "were traders went bad."<br/><strong>Skiff:</strong>a Terran and Pernese name for a light rowboat or small, open sailing vessel light enough to be rowed with ease.<br/><strong>Sleeping fur:</strong>a fur that is used as a blanket, to sleep under.<br/><strong>Slide rule:</strong>a device (used before electronic calculators were invented) consisting out of a rigid ruler with a central sliding piece, with both ruler and slide being graduated in a similar logarithmic scale to permit rapid calculations. Re-invented by Jemmy at the end of the First Interval because there were only a few electronic calculators left that were functioning.<br/><strong>SOS:</strong>short for Save Our Souls, which used to be an internationally recognized distress signal on Earth. People started to use it less and less after the decline of morse code when that was no longer needed due to the advances made in various forms of telecommunications at the end of the 20th century. It retained its old value however and was also used on Pern.<br/><strong>Spearleek (whitebulb):</strong>Allium spp. (allium sativum, garlic). Antibiotic, antiparasitic, inhalant or syrup relieves coughs, lowers blood pressure, can prevent stomach cancer. If there's something close to a miracle drug of the herbal world, garlic's probably it. Besides the properties listed above, when used as an antibiotic it's more effective against typhus than penicillin. One disadvantage cooking does seem to reduce its effectiveness. Spearleek is probably another member of the Allium genus, such as leeks or green onions. All contain allacin, the chemical that provides the active properties, but garlic has the highest concentration. (This is also the source of garlic's pungent odor.)<br/><strong>Spit-boy/girl:</strong>a drudge, boy or girl, that was in charge of the spit and the spit-dogs in a kitchen.<br/><strong>Spit-dog:</strong>a dog that walked in some sort of a contraption that made the spit turn round.<br/>[/b]Spousal ring:[/b] Pernese name for a wedding ring. See Wedding band.<br/><strong>Squall:</strong>a sudden, violent storm, often accompanied by (heavy) rain(s). The most fierce examples of these phenomena are also called black squalls (because of the color of the clouds). They can stop almost as abruptly as they begin.<br/><strong>Suicide:</strong>a dragon who looses his rider by either accidental or natural death will suicide (by staying between). Suicide is also practised often by riders who loose their dragon. Female dragonriders (only known during the earlier Passes) were less apt to suicide, they at least had the option of sublimating their loss by having children. During the First Pass some riders who lost their dragons found solace in the companionship of fire-lizards.<br/><strong>Sweatroot:</strong>a herb probably native to pern. A diaphoretic (drug or plant that causes perspiration). Closest Earth Equivalent: This may or may not be a Pernese native. If it is an import and not a native species, it's possible the plant is bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), a plant found in cool, deciduous woods, which is a source of the alkaloid sanguinarine. It can be used in small doses as an expectorant, stimulant, and diaphoretic. While there are no reported fatalities from bloodroot use, it has been known to cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and tunnel vision, and should be used sparingly under medical supervision. Another possible, though less likely, Earth plant is Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), which was used to treat malaria, induce perspiration, and as an antidote to a variety of poisons. Snakeroot, unfortunately, is much more toxic than bloodroot and an incorrect dose causes intense bowel pain, vomiting, dizziness, and death by respiratory paralysis. Modern herbals advise avoiding snakeroot as anything but an ornamental.<br/><strong>Sweep rider:</strong>a dragonrider that does a sweep or sweep ride, an aerial recognizance.<br/><strong>Sweep ride/riding:</strong>even done during Intervals; dragonriders see it as their duty and it serves as a patrol to see if nothing untoward is happening, varying from natural phenomena to criminal activities.<br/><strong>Sweet course:</strong>Pernese name for desert after a meal .<br/>Sweet sand:[/b] Pernese equivalent of soap.<br/>Sweetener:[/b] the Pernese name for sugar.<br/>Sweet roll:[/b] also written as sweetroll. A roll filled with a conserve (jam) or another sweet substance.<br/><br/><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">T</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Taking a short dragon-ride:</strong>a euphemism for the ending of an unwanted pregnancy by going between when you are pregnant. (See also Abortion.)<br/><strong>The lady breaks bread first:</strong>a Pernese custom and saying.<br/><strong>Thread:</strong>a mindless organism dropped from the Red Star which devours all organic material. It can only be killed by starvation, water, extreme cold and fire.<br/><strong>Thread-lost:</strong>a Pernese expression, meaning being out in the open while Thread is falling.<br/><strong>Tillek sweater:</strong>a thick-knit sweater that probably resembles Irish Arran sweaters. Mostly used by sailors and fishermen.<br/><strong>Tillek wine:</strong>a wine that tended to be foxy and harsh.<br/><strong>Timberjack:</strong>Pernese for lumberjack.<br/><strong>Timor:</strong>Pern's smaller moon.<br/><strong>Tithe:</strong>supplies send by the Holds to the Weyr they are bound to. At the end of the First Interval tithings occurred every quarter.<br/><strong>Tithe train:</strong>group of carts (tithe wagons) and people that bring the tithe from a Hold to the Weyr they are bound to.<br/><strong>Tithing:</strong>see Tithe.<br/><strong>Tubberman grubs, the:</strong>a genetically engineered kind of grub that served as a protection against Thread after it had burrowed and with which the Southern Continent was seeded. The story and importance of this project was obviously still known to (at least the important) people of Pern at the end of the First Interval and the start of the Second Pass, during which time regular checks on the expansion of the grubs over the Southern Continent were performed . The progress of the migration of the grubs was charted (Weyrleaders had this information showing on their charts) . The grubs were just an extra precaution though and certainly not seen as the total answer. It was established by Telgar Weyrleader K'vin that a diligent survey of the grub penetration would take three days, which was performed during an outing to the Southern Continent during First-month of Turn 258. During this outing it was established that the grubs had infested yet a few more kilometers westward and southward, towards the Great barrier Range, in an uneven wave of expansion. Their progress into the sandy scrublands east of Landing had slowed to a few meters. The agricultural experts were not worried by this last data, they were more eager for the rich grass and forest lands to be protected by the grubs.<br/><strong>Turn:</strong>a Pernese year.<br/><strong>Turn's end:</strong>last day of a turn, like earth's new years eve.<br/><strong>Turn's End celebration:</strong>still called Year's End celebration at the end of the First Interval though the term Turn for year was coming into use. It appears that it was a custom on Pern to give each other presents at Turn's End (probably a remnant of Terran Christmas traditions). Took place at Winter Solstice.<br/><strong>Tussilago:</strong>Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot). The dried roots and leaves are used in cough remedies like decoctions or smoked.. Tussilago is a creeping perennial, grows from a root network. Produces a wooly single shoot, which produces a single yellow dandelion-like flower, which only opens in sunlight. It has leaves with distinct coltsfoot shape open after the flower dies. Grows to 6", hardy in temperate zones, prefers moist soil.<br/>Smoking the leaves or inhaling steamed vapors is ineffective as the process destroys the mucilage which provides cough relief. In laboratory tests, the plant has proven carcinogenic and is considered unsafe for internal use.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">U</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Urgent banner:</strong>a red striped banner flown at a Hold to indicate an urgent need of a dragonrider RSR]. See also Dragon messengers and Message pennon.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">V</span></strong></span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">W</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Walglow:</strong>a glowbasker or glowholder mounted on a wall.<br/><strong>Watchdragon:</strong>The dragon and rider who have pulled watch duty on the Weyr roster. A 'watch' is four hours long.<br/><strong>Watchwher:</strong>A nocturnal reptile distantly related to dragonkind. Mutant, blunt-winged, photo-sensitive beasts.<br/>At the end of the First Interval they refused to go do further subterranean explorations into the Fort Hold cave system, which, besides undermining the whole cliff-side, was one of the reasons it was pronounced unsafe while further interior expansion was banned. Watchwher eggs hatch four sevendays after laying.<br/><strong>Wedding band:</strong>Pernese word for wedding ring, also called Spousal ring. It seems indicated that wedding bands on Pern were of the old Terran "European type": rings made of a band of plain gold with no stone, although there might have been exceptions. The use of wedding rings doesn’t seem to last. In the sixth Pass, Nerilka and Alessan's wedding vows are symbolized by two gold coins, inscribed with the date, though this doesn't explicitly mean they didn't also exchange wedding bands (they are just not mentioned).<br/><strong>Weyr:</strong>A home of dragons and riders, usually an extinct volcanoe.<br/><strong>weyr:</strong>(note the small 'w') a dragon's den.<br/><strong>Weyrfolk:</strong>all people that live in a Weyr, riders as well as others.<br/><strong>Weyrleader:</strong>Usually the rider whose bronze has flown the senior queen in a Weyr. He is in charge of the fighting wings of dragons and responsible for the training and discipline of dragonriders in his Weyr, and with the Weyrwoman the general running of the Weyr.<br/><strong>Weyrling:</strong>term used for a young rider or his/her dragon, before the dragon is capable of flight. Among the tasks of a weyrling are: feeding, bathing and oiling their dragonets and carving meat for them each morning until the dragonet can feed on its own, which state is usually reached almost a Turn after Hatching. A weyrling had to learn how to sew and make a dragon harness. How to learn making riding jackets and boots was optional.<br/><strong>Weyrling barracks:</strong>barracks in which Weyrlings and their dragonets were housed.<br/><strong>Weyrling practice:</strong>one of the lessons consisted out of the throwing and catching firestone sacks.<br/><strong>Weyrlingmaster:</strong>An ageing rider with good skills who is responsible for the training and discipline of weyrlings.<br/><strong>Weyrsinger:</strong>the harper for the Weyr, usually a dragonrider with harper training.<br/><strong>Weyrwoman:</strong>Usually the rider of the senior queen in the Weyr. She is in charge of the queen's wing during a Fall and the care of dragons and riders. She ensures tithes are satisfactory, appoints subordinates and with the Weyrleader is responsible for the general running and peace of the Weyr.<br/><strong>Wherry:</strong>a large, turkey-like bird.<br/><strong>Whitefish:</strong>a Pernese fish variety. It will retain its flavor even when it is salted, pickled and smoked and is considered to have a delicious taste.<br/><strong>Whities:</strong>water plants resembling the reeds of Earth.<br/><strong>Whitethorn:</strong>Crataegus spp. (English Hawthorn). Flowering deciduous tree/shrub with red berries and white flowers. The leaves and berries can be used to ease heart rate and lower blood pressure. Grows in temperate zones in well-drained soil. There are more than 800 species in North America alone. Deciduous tree, to 15', with white five-petal flowers that usually blossom in May, lobed or toothed leaves. Hardy to -35, alkaline, loamy soil, full to partial shade, usually grows in hedges.<br/>The whitethorn we know, more commonly called hawthorn, does in fact have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure and is effective in acting as cardiac suppressant. Unlike plants like aconite and foxglove, it is only toxic in extremely high doses, making it a preferable treatment in all but the most serious cases.<br/><strong>Why under the double moons:</strong>Pernese proverb.<br/>Willow: a tree, one of the species that was brought to Pern by the colonists. Willow trees were panted by them on the wet riverbanks.<br/>Willow salic: Salix spp., Family Saleaceae. Willow salic is derived from the dried and powdered bark of the willow. It is used to reduce pain and swelling and to lower fevers. There are about 500 different species. Height from 35' to 75' at full growth depending on species. Grows in any moist soil and roots will reach for water. Prefers full sun.<br/>The Dragonlovers Guide to Pern lists red willow specifically, but there are more than five hundred Salix species, all of which contain salicylic acid. Willow is relatively harmless and could be used at home, but why bother? The synthesized acetylsalicylic acid (trade name aspirin) is readily available and more efficiently delivered in pill form. Do not administer willow to young children (for the same reason you do not administer aspirin) and do not take it in combination with other blood thinners.<br/><strong>Wine:</strong>there are several varieties on Pern, usually named for the location they are produced at such as Benden and Tillek.<br/><strong>Wine-chiller:</strong>a container in which wine is cooled with ice.<br/><strong>Wine producing Holds:</strong>Benden, Tillek.<br/><strong>Wing</strong>a fighting unit.<br/><strong>Wing positions:</strong>aerial wing formations were frequently practiced, so that every rider was very familiar with his/her wing position.<br/><strong>Witch hazel:</strong>Hamameus virginiana. Compresses made with witch hazel can be used to ease pain, including eye inflammation, burns, and hemorrhoids. Deciduous shrub or tree, twisting stems, forked branches, smooth gray to brown bark. Bright yellow threadlike petals on flowers. Reproduces in the fall when the dried seed pod forcefully ejects two seeds as far as 20'. Temperate climates, partial shade, 8-15', neutral to acid soil. The only active chemical ingredient found in witch hazel is tannin, making it basically a mild astringent.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">X</span></strong></span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">Y</span></strong></span><br/><strong>Yarrow:</strong>Achillea spp. Can be used as a wash to treat acne. Extremely hardy perennial, with fernlike leaves and white flowers resembling miniature daisies. Stem and leaves are covered with silky hairs. 3', most species will grow anywhere, except creeping yarrow, which requires well-drained soil.<br/>The genus name Achillea comes from the story that Achilles, the Greek hero, used yarrow to stop the bleeding of his troops' wounds in the Trojan War. An alkaloid in the plant has been shown to have coagulant properties. Some species apparently contain chemicals with anti-inflammatory properties, and some also contain salicylic acid (like willow and meadowsweet), while still other species contain varying amounts of thujone, the abortifacient found in tansy.<br/><strong>Yawl:</strong>a Terran and Pernese name for a small fishing vessel. A yawl is a fore-and-aft rigged, two masted vessel having the mizzenmast (or jiggermast) aft of the rudder post.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 1.45em;">Z</span></strong></span><br/><br/>