Yatagarasu Series
Volume 10:
The Raven's Autumn Full Moon
Author: Abe Chisato
Glossary
Yamauchi: A vast land that legend states was founded by the mountain god. The imperial family of Souke governs Yamauchi. The leader of the Souke family is the emperor, also called the Golden Raven. The eastern, western, southern, and northern territories of Yamauchi are each governed by one of the four influential imperial branch families: Touke, Saike, Nanke and Hokke.
Yatagarasu: The inhabitants of Yamauchi. They hatch from eggs and can transform into ravens, but usually live in human form. The noble class, especially those living in the Imperial Palace and the city around it, are called miyagarasu or palace ravens. Those who live in towns and engage in commerce and other trades are known as satogarasu or village ravens. Commoners who work in agriculture and related industries in rural areas are called yamagarasu or mountain ravens.
Rite of Ascension: Daughters of powerful noble families move to the Imperial Court as candidates to become brides of the emperor. Those who are chosen by the emperor there become his wife, and after selection, they serve as the Princess of Sakura Palace.
The Valley: An underground society where establishments such as brothels and gambling dens are permitted. The Valley differs from mainstream society in a variety of ways. It is a self-governing organization with its own established rules.
Yamauchishu: The imperial family’s elite guard. They are trained at a rigorous military institution called the Keisōin. Those who excel in their training guard the imperial family personally.
Urintengun: Urintengun, literally “The Feather Grove Heavenly Hosts,” is the central garrison commanded by the Lord of Hokke. This garrison is referred to in the text as the Aerial Army of Heaven.
Feather robe: A black garment that is absorbed into the body when transforming from human form to raven form. One cannot transform while still wearing a garment made of ordinary cloth. Warriors who need to transform in case of emergency, and those who cannot afford to buy clothes, wear only feather robes.
Flying carriage: A vehicle that flies through the sky, pulled by the lowest-ranking Yatagarasu (called “horses”). Its appearance resembles an ox-drawn carriage.
Rakujō: Women who renounce their status as women to live as men. This was done in the past when a family had no male heirs to inherit family property. In modern Yamauchi, women become rakujō to join the imperial government, since only men are allowed to be government officials.
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