Glossary of in-universe terminology
In order to keep the game understandable and contextually consistent, standardization of terminology was a necessary procedure. Here at Tsukihimates the one chiefly responsible for this task has been me, Petrikow.
Here I have decided to write down explanations and rationalizations of all the various terminology (and otherwise consistent) translations we employ throughout the game. That said, before I embark upon that task, I feel it is necessary that I explain our general philosophy regarding what terminology translations to employ and what not to.
In general 'clarity' is the primary objective of our chosen terminology. Keep in mind that this a general stance, and not an absolute stance. What I mean by that is that while clarity is generally pursued, it is not the be-all-end-all. Translations rely on all of the given context, of which there is a boatload to consider when you're translating TYPE-MOON works. This clarity is meant to make it easy for most schooled in English to read and understand without feeling it absolutely necessary to consult any external resources. This does not mean we have simplified the lexicon employed in Tsukihime, but rather that translations are interpretative enough that they don't feel like contextless nouns.
In addition, there is the question of what some would perhaps call 'fandom-standard' translations, and whether to abide by them or not. There are certainly cases where this has influenced decision making, but we have also tried to not be too caught up in it for cases that are either unclear or do not fit the context of the story being told. Of course, in many cases, a 'fandom-standard' does not exist at all, or is contested between two or more options.
When speaking of standardized translations, one must now also inevitably mention the Aniplex standard, which is used in F/GO NA and Witch on the Holy Night, two other TYPE-MOON works. To make a long story short, here in Tsukihimates we do not follow their standards much, if at all. For people who have only experienced the world of TYPE-MOON through the official F/GO localization, a lot of terminology can thus come across as new and unfamiliar. Hopefully the glossary can serve to smooth out such worries.
I know that for a lot of fans, some of these changes feel unnecessary or misguided, as is always the case when something familiar is altered. I do wish to communicate that it obviously it is not our intent to make people feel that way. For us, the translation has always held the highest priority. If terminology interferes with making a good translation, it has to be changed. If there is one guiding principle we have above the rest, it would perhaps be that one. That is to say we do not change things out of malice, but out of an intent of improving the translation where we can. Our ultimate priority, to which the terminology consideration is subordinate, is that of making the story of Tsukihime as enjoyable as possible.
The purpose of this glossary is, however, not just to enlighten those used to other standards, but also to provide the average reader with a resource they can come back to after they've played the game, or perhaps even as they're playing the game if they feel so inclined, as to some of the notoriously dense lore of TYPE-MOON's world more tangible.
I hope that as you play the game, you'll be able to concentrate on the text, and not feel the weight of this terminology intrude upon the reading. Nevertheless, once you've put it down, and are thinking about the events that took place within it, you may return to this page and find some additional satisfaction in what you've read. If that is the case, I couldn't be happier.
---Petrikow
The glossary contains spoilers for the entirety of the game, and is NOT RECOMMENDED to read before you have completed it.
Quick Jump
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Terminology regarding the supernatural in general [Expand]
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Terminology concerning vampires [Expand]
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Terminology concerning the Church [Expand]
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Terminology concerning mages [Expand]
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Terminology concerning Ciel [Expand]
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Terminology concerning Arcueid [Expand]
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Terminology regarding miscellaneous lore [Expand]
Terminology regarding the supernatural in general
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Ability [異能]
Known elsewhere as: Abberrant Ability
Definition: Powers that can achieve the superhuman. Not really a term, more of a descriptor.
Translation context: The word 異能 is usually used in Japanese to indicate superpowers, but has an older origin to just mean 'unusual talent'. In story, this is a very generic term that simply indicates any kind of 'inhuman ability'. Ultimately, we found it easier to simplify it into something that conveys how it's used.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Supernatural Ability [特異能力]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Full version of the above term. Not really a term, more of a descriptor.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'peculiar' (特異) + 'ability' (能力). Builds on the above term, hence they look similar.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Psychic Ability [超能力]
Known elsewhere as: ESP, Psychic Power
Definition: Superhuman abilities developed as a mutation in certain people.
Translation context: The prefix 'super' (超) applied to 'ability' (能力). Usually refers more to people who claim to have preternatural abilities rather than the more fictional use case of 異能. This is one of the standard fandom translation. Has heavy ties with Kara no Kyoukai.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Psychic [超能力者]
Known elsewhere as: ESPer
Definition: People who have psychic abilities.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'psychic ability' (超能力) + 'person' (者). This is one of the standard fandom translations.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Superpower [超抜能力]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Really strong powers. Possessed by unusually powerful vampires.
Translation context: Literally 'outstanding' (超抜) + 'ability' (能力). Mostly used to describe the incredible abilities of Vlov, but also later applied to the Rosen vampire, so using straight up 'superpower' here felt appropriate, even if it fell out of line with the other of the 'ability' category by using 'power'. Not really a term, more of a descriptor.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Lifescale [存在規模（ライフスケール）]
Known elsewhere as: Scale of Existence
Definition: Scale of something's existence on a metaphysical level. Differences in scale between things can cause their perception of one another to be hazy. In most cases, it essentially just means "power-level". Heavily tied to the Black Barrel of F/GO.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'existence' (存在) + 'scale' (規模). Given the furigana reading of 'ライフスケール' (Lifescale). In this case we just used the furigana reading given, since it is practically the same meaning. Sometimes shortened to just 'スケール' (Scale) or 規模 (Scale, but in kanji), at which point we usually try to be clearer and render it as Lifescale (when applicable, not all cases of スケール mean Lifescale).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Mystic Eyes [魔眼]
Known elsewhere as: Evil Eyes
Definition: Abilities that take the form of eyes. There are different types of Mystic Eyes, but most of them are used to emit magical energy onto a target to perform a basic function.
Translation context: Literally 'supernatural' (魔) + 'eye' (眼). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Mystic Eyes of Death Perception [直死の魔眼]
Known elsewhere as: Evil Eyes of Direct Death
Definition: Shiki's Mystic Eyes. The ability to see the fated end of all things. Very rare, and extremely dangerous. Both to the user, and their enemy.
Translation context: Puns on 'direct' and 'death' (直死) to sound like the word 'looking straight' (直視). This word is then combined with 'Mystic Eyes' (魔眼). This is the standard fandom translation. As a result, the English translation is a pun on 'depth perception'.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Magical Energy [魔力]
Known elsewhere as: Prana, Mana, Mystic Energy
Definition: Energy required to perform supernatural deeds. Divided into two subcategories: Mana (magical energy drawn from the surroundings) and Od (magical energy drawn from one's own lifeforce).
Translation context: Literally 'supernatural' (魔) + 'power' (力). This is the standard fandom translation. The reason why the usual 'mana' is avoided is because that is specifically reserved for a sub-category of magical energy.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Familiar [使い魔]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Servant magically bound to another. Mages employ a variety of animals as familiars, and vampires can do much the same, but usually rely on their underlings instead.
Translation context: Literally just the word 'familiar' (使い魔). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Barrier [結界]
Known elsewhere as: Bounded Field, Ward
Definition: Supernatural barrier. All things that close off a certain area from the normal world are called barriers, no matter the means utilized to create them.
Translation context: Literally 'tie' (結) + 'boundary' (界). Japanese lexical word without direct English equivalent. That said, no need to complicate things. It is used in Japanese fiction to indicate supernatural shields and barriers, among other things.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Conceptual Weapon [概念武装]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Weapons that destroy through imposing a concept on its target instead of using sheer firepower. The Seventh Scripture is one such weapon.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'concept' (概念) + 'armament' (武装). This is the standard fandom translation. Shows up once in Fate/EXTRA with the furigana 'ロジックカンサー' (Logic Cancer), but that appears to be a term exclusive to the EXTRA-verse and has never showed up again.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Inversion Impulse [反転衝動]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: For one's inner character to become unleashed. This is what happens to Shiki on Day 3 (see chapter title). Can also occur in those who carry inhuman blood...
Translation context: Combination of the words 'invert' (反転) + 'urge' (衝動). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable.
Terminology concerning vampires
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Bloodsucker [吸血種]
Known elsewhere as: Bloodsucking Species
Definition: Creatures that suck blood and are immortal. This is not a synonym for vampire, but rather a super-category that includes vampires.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'bloodsucking' (吸血) + 'species' (種). There are some older translations (as in, pre-2010) that favor 'Bloodsucking Species' which is a bit inflexible when describing single specimen. In recent years it has generally strayed towards 'bloodsucker' which is what we also settled on. This term has proven a tad unpopular with editors, so there were brief thoughts about making it something more elegant, but the ease of understanding with 'bloodsucker' ultimately won out.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Vampire [吸血鬼]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Bloodsuckers who have a human shape and intelligence structure, and consumed the blood of Paragons to survive. Divided into Dead Apostles and True Ancestors.
Translation context: Literally just 'vampire', which in Japanese is the word 'bloodsucking' (吸血) combined with 'oni' (鬼), a type of Japanese demon.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Vampiric Urge [吸血衝動]
Known elsewhere as: Bloodsucking Impulse
Definition: That which compels a vampire to suck blood. Especially strong among True Ancestors.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'bloodsucking' (吸血) + 'urge' (衝動). While the word 'bloodsucking impulse' certainly does give special heed to the concept, it also sounds fairly detached from how the Japanese expresses it. Rather than an 'impulse' (a sudden craving), describing it as an 'urge' (a need to do something) felt more appropriate. 'vampiric' was then added as it was favored by editors.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Dead Apostle [死徒]
Known elsewhere as: Death Apostle
Definition: Vampires who were born human and turned into a bloodsucker by either another Dead Apostle, or by a True Ancestor.
Translation context: Made-up word coined by Nasu by combining the kanji for 'death' (死) and 'student' (徒), to pun on 'apostle' (使徒), which is pronounced the same. Death Apostle is the first way this term was ever translated. However, by the time of the Mirror Moon translation, it had settled into Dead Apostle. That would normally be all there is to say about it, but personally I quite like 'Death Apostle'. Fate/Strange Fake gives the definition of the Dead Apostles as "those who meaninglessly carry about death" (徒に死を運ぶ者), meaning that rather than being an apostle that is dead, they are apostles of death. That said, there is a line in Tsukihime that hints more about them being 'disciples that are dead'. Either way, the term has stayed with the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
True Ancestor [真祖]
Known elsewhere as: Progenitor
Definition: Born vampires. They are aligned with the planet, and are classified as elementals. They do not need blood to survive, but their vampiric urges are very strong regardless.
Translation context: Japanese word used in vampire fiction to indicate the originating vampires. Formed by the kanji for 'true' (真) + 'ancestor' (祖) being combined. This is the standard fandom translation. Progenitor was an old term used back in 2003. It sounds cool, but there is a necessity to show a relation between the True Ancestors with the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors (the 'fake ancestors', as it were).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors [死徒二十七祖]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The 27 Dead Apostles who rule over vampire society. The original 27 were the ones who millennia ago broke free from their control by the True Ancestors and established the Dead Apostles as independent. The Ancestors are defined by their possession of 'Idea Blood'. Not all original 27 remain, with many of them having been slain, and their Idea Blood plundered by other vampires.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'Dead Apostle' (死徒) + 'twenty-seven' + (二十七) 'ancestor' (祖). This is the standard fandom translation. We chose to spell out 27 because it felt closer to a name that way.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Organization, uncountable. -
Young Blood [新参]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Ancestors from after the common era. Primary example is Vlov.
Translation context: The word 'newcomer' (新参). The usage of 'blood' fits well into the vampire themes of not only literal blood, but also to that of the aristocratic kind, both qualities which the vampires embody.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable + Attributive, uncountable. -
Old Blood [古参]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Ancestors from before the common era. Primary example are the five old bloods of the Age of Gods Alliance.
Translation context: The word 'oldtimer' (古参). See 'Young Blood' entry for more context.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable + attributive, uncountable. -
Age of Gods Alliance [神代同盟]
Known elsewhere as: League of the Age of Gods
Definition: Alliance made up of 5 old blood Ancestors. Rare case of Ancestors co-operating.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'Age of Gods' (神代) + 'alliance' (同盟). This term uses the same structure as many political parties do in Japanese, and they often end in 'alliance' when translated, so the literal translation here seemed appropriate. Perhaps the same as the 神代連盟 (Age of Gods League) mentioned off-hand in Mahoyo, where it also had the furigana エルダータイトル (Elder Title).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Organization, uncountable. -
Principle [原理]
Known elsewhere as: Idea
Definition: The type of ability acquired by long-lived vampires.
Translation context: Literally just the word 'principle'. In one instance, it has the furigana reading of 'イデア' (ïdea, specifically the Greek pronunciation), referencing 'Idea Blood'.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Hemonomic Principle / Idea Blood [原理血戒／イデアブラッド]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The type of ability held by the Ancestors. Itself seemingly a type of Principle. Possession of Idea Blood indicates that the vampire is one of the Twenty-Seven Ancestors.
Translation context: The made-up word 'hemonomic' (血戒), which is formed by combining the kanji for 'blood' and 'precept'. As 血戒 isn't a real word, but rather a composite invented by Nasu, it was rendered using Greek-English roots and turned into 'Hemonomic' (blood + law). Has the furigana Idea Blood occasionally, but is used interchangeably in the story, such as when Mario says both of them in a row.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Dead Apostle Ranks [死徒の階梯]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The ranks into which Dead Apostles are divided, going from I as the weakest, and IX as the strongest.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'ladder' (階梯) + 'Dead Apostle' (死徒). There was some amount of effort in making sure that this wasn't the 'Dead Apostle Rankings', which made it sound more directly competitive.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized and capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
The Dead [死者]
Known elsewhere as: Zombies, Corpses
Definition: Mindless servants who obey the will of an overlord Dead Apostle. They are represented as Rank I-III in the Dead Apostle Ranks.
Translation context: The word for dead people (死者). This is a bothersome term in many ways. It represents both a category and a certain rank of Dead Apostle in Japanese. As a result, this is the term that comes up far more often in the game. In the Arcueid Route patch, we used different translations for the rank and the category, but we've decided to combine them again as it was often hard to differentiate them properly in interpretation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Irregular noun, countable. -
Rank I: Dead [I階梯：死者]
Known elsewhere as: Rank I Corpse
Definition: Lowest in the Dead Apostle Ranks. Someone who has no inherent resistance to the vampiric curse will turn into this if the vampire drains them. Basically just a walking corpse. Cannot operate without orders from their sire. Part of 'the Dead' (yes, they have the same name).
Translation context: See 'The Dead' entry.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank II: Ghoul [II階梯：屍鬼]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Second rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. Unlike Rank Is, these have some degree of intelligence, but cannot pass off as decidedly human unless measures are taken by them. Part of 'the Dead'.
Translation context: Made-up word formed by the kanji for 'corpse' (屍) + 'oni' (鬼). It has the furigana reading 'ghoul' (グール) in the game, and that is used for the translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank III: Undead [III階梯：不死]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Third rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. These act as commanders to the lower-ranked Dead and have enough intelligence to be able to blend into human society. Part of 'the Dead'.
Translation context: Uses the word for 'undeath' (不死). It has the furigana reading 'アンデッド (undead) in the game, and that is used for the translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank IV: Nightkin [IV階梯：夜属]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Fourth rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. The first rank which could truly be called a vampire instead of a walking corpse. Nightkin and Nightmares are both part of the sub-category of 'Nightkin'.
Translation context: Made-up word created by combining the kanji for 'night' (夜) + 'genus' (属). Both of the 夜属 (Nightkin) type of vampires have 'night' as part of their names, so it was important to preserve this element in both of their translations. '属' was rendered as 'kin' to preserve that vampire-like feeling.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank V: Nightmare [V階梯：夜魔]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Fifth rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. This is where the depth of the vampiric curse is enough for the vampire to develop supernatural abilities. Nightkin and Nightmares are both part of the sub-category of 'Nightkin'.
Translation context: Fantasy word created by combining the kanji for 'night' (夜) + 'supernatural/demon' (魔). Keeping in the spirit of the previous rank, 'night' had to be preserved to give a feeling of consistency between the Ranks. The question was what to do with '魔' (supernatural/demon). Rendering it as 'Nightdemon' had a bad ring to it, not to mention it would infringe on other concepts in lore. As it turns out, the kind of demon from which the concept of nightmares (the dreams) are named, does sometimes get translated from 'nightmare' to '夜魔' in Japanese fantasy novels. Thus, this felt like the most appropriate translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank VI: Lesser Dead Apostle [VI階梯：下級死徒]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Sixth rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. At this stage, the Dead Apostle becomes a true vampire in every sense of the word. They can become completely independent from their sire if they so wish, and can create their own territory and followers. This is as far as a vampire can get on their own. Often this rank is called just 'Dead Apostle' (which can be a bit confusing!)
Translation context: Combination of the words 'low-class' (下級) + 'Dead Apostle' (死徒). '下級' (low-class) was rendered as 'lesser' for better reading.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank VII: Greater Dead Apostle [VII階梯：上級死徒]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Seventh rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. For a Dead Apostle to reach this stage they must be granted certain privileges by an Ancestor. Dead Apostles who have reached this rank far outstrip those of the previous rank, and their presence alone is enough to corrupt the land they inhabit.
Translation context: Literally 'high-class' (上級) + 'Dead Apostle' (死徒). '上級' (high-class) was rendered as 'greater' for better reading and to contrast with Rank VI.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank VIII: Successor [VIII階梯：後継者]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Eighth rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. Those who stand in line to become an Ancestor after the current one. Ancestors give certain beings this privilege due to various circumstances. There are about two of these for every Ancestor. Each one is said to be stronger than even Vlov.
? Translation context: Literally just the word 'successor' (後継者).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Rank IX: Ancestor [IX階梯：祖]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Highest rank in the Dead Apostle Ranks. One of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors. The possession of Idea Blood is what distinguishes an Ancestor from a normal vampire. Any Dead Apostle who acquires Idea Blood (by taking it from a previous holder) ascends to the rank of Ancestor no matter their previous one.
Translation context: See 'Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors' entry.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Suzerain [城主]
Known elsewhere as: Castle Lord
Definition: Dead Apostles who own territory and expand their influence through the gradual buildup of underlings.
Translation context: Word describing the owner of a castle. Used in Japanese historical literature to describe European feudal lords. As a result, 'suzerain' was chosen to reflect the feudal context of the word, which fits in with how vampire society in Tsukihime works.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Sire [親基/親]
Known elsewhere as: Parent
Definition: Indicates the vampire that spawned another, lesser vampire.
Translation context: Made-up word created by combining the kanji 'parent' (親) + 'base' (基). Constructed similarly to the word '親元' (boss). Since this word indicates the 'vampire parent' we used 'sire' which is common in vampire fiction for this kind of role.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable.
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Offspring [子]
Known elsewhere as: Child
Definition: Those that the vampire has turned into one of them.
Translation context: Literally just the word 'child' (子). Similar to 'sire', 'offspring' was chosen since it is common in vampire fiction and makes for better sounding sentences. 'kin' was considered as well.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. Plural is 'offspring', not 'offsprings'. -
Underling [下僕]
Known elsewhere as: Servant
Definition: Those that serve another, higher-ranked vampire (often their sire).
Translation context: Uses the word for 'manservant' (下僕). Similar to 'sire', 'underling' was adapted as to bring attention to the kind of relationship a 'vampire parent' and 'vampire child' have.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Extension of Humanity [人間の延長]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Description of Dead Apostles. Used to show how they contrast to True Ancestors, but also to show how despite all their power, they're still fundamentally human, and have only had their lifespans extended.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'human' (人間) + 'extension' (延長).
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Extension of Nature [自然の延長]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Description of True Ancestors. Used to show how they contrast to Dead Apostles, but also to show how they're related to the planet.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'nature' (自然) + 'extension' (延長).
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Hex of Restoration [復元呪詛]
Known elsewhere as: Curse of Restoration
Definition: The property which allows Dead Apostles to restore from fatal injuries. Only methods which surpass a Dead Apostle's speed of regeneration, or somehow otherwise nullifies their way of restoring themselves are actually capable of killing them for good.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'restore' (復元) + 'hex/curse' (呪詛). Deviated from the earlier 'Curse of Restoration' as 呪詛 would then overlap with the more generic 'curse' (呪い), which is used somewhat differently.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable.
Terminology concerning the Church
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Holy Church [聖堂教会]
Known elsewhere as: Church
Definition: An organization within a thinly veiled equivalent of the Catholic Church devoted to hunting down things that are an affront to God. Often shortened to 'the Church' (教会).
Translation context: Combination of the words 'temple' (聖堂) + 'church' (教会). This is the standard fandom translation and has been for a long time. Personally, I have considered that perhaps Templar Church is closer to the intended meaning, given how the Templar Order is sometimes translated to "聖堂騎士団" (Temple Knight Order) in Japanese. That said, in this case, there isn't much to be gleamed by using a more 'accurate' translation so we've left it as is.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Organization, uncountable. -
Executor [代行者]
Known elsewhere as: Agent
Definition: Someone in the employ of the Holy Church, tasked with fighting vampires and other inhuman creatures.
Translation context: Uses the word for 'stand-in' (代行者). This is the standard fandom translation. Given the furigana reading 'エクセキューター' on regular basis, which is often adapted as 'Executor' for translations.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Burial Agency [埋葬機関]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: An elite organization within the Holy Church even further devoted to hunting down heretics. Composed of its director, seven regular members and one irregular eighth member. Known for their extreme methods. Ciel is the seventh member of the Burial Agency.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'bury' (埋葬) + 'institution'(機関). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Organization, uncountable. -
Agency Director [局長]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The leader of the Burial Agency. Occupied by a woman named Narbareck, whose family have had the seat since the organization's inception.
Translation context: Uses the word for 'bureau director' (局長). In this case, naming the title after the organization it represents felt wise, as 局長 is otherwise a rather generic term.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Title, uncountable. -
Sacrament [秘蹟]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Techniques used by the Holy Church to invoke miracles. Technically a form of magecraft, but the Church insists otherwise. Some descriptions of sacraments imply that it's more accurate to say that magecraft are sacraments, however. It is said fairies invoke sacraments as well... (details unclear)
Translation context: Literally just the word 'sacrament' (秘蹟). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Baptismal Rite [洗礼儀式]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Technique used by the church for combating spiritual beings.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'baptism' (洗礼) + 'ritual' (儀式). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Sacrament Assembly [秘蹟会]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Sub-organizations within the Holy Church. Details unclear.
Translation context: Literally 'sacrament' (秘蹟) + 'meeting' (会). This is sort of the standard fandom translation. There is a slight caveat to this term: originally 秘蹟会 was defined as a single entity, specifically the 8th Sacrament Assembly. Kotomine from F/SN belonged to that organization, and for a long time it was assumed that there was just this one Sacrament Assembly. In this game, however, there are clear references to this term representing a group of organizations, rendering it a more inclusive term.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Presbyter [司祭]
Known elsewhere as: Priest, Prelate
Definition: Official within the Holy Church.
Translation context: Uses the word 'cleric' (司祭). We have chosen to differentiate this term from '神父' (priest). For those not in the know, Presbyter is the Latin origin of the word 'priest' and is still used in Catholic contexts for the profession, indicating a precise rank in the Catholic hierarchy. Given that this is an official rank in the Catholic-inspired Holy Church it felt appropriate to give it that Latin flavor.
Usage notes: Both capitalized and uncapitalized. Both title and regular noun, countable. -
Acting Presbyter [司祭代行]
Known elsewhere as: Acting Priest, Acting Prelate
Definition: Someone from the Holy Church who presides over a certain area, acting in place of a regular presbyter. Mario's official title.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'presbyter' (司祭) + 'represent' (代行). See 'Presbyter' entry. This term has appeared once before in Hollow Ataraxia, where it was Caren's title. There's a single scene where Ciel calls Mario 司祭代理 instead, which is essentially the same thing but with a slightly different word at the end. There it has been rendered as 'Deputy Presbyter'. Incidentally, that's also Fumie Irie's title (from Mahoyo) and generally seems to be entirely interchangeable in meaning.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Both title and regular noun, countable.
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Scriptural Weapon [聖典武装]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Scriptures in the form of weapons. Used for killing the undead. Black Keys are the greatest example of this type of weapon.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'scripture' (聖典) + 'armament' (武装). We used the adjectival form of Scripture to make it flow better.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Black Key [黒鍵]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The simplest kind of Scriptural Weapon. They function by making undead bodies 'remember' that they should be dead.
Translation context: Made-up word created by combining the kanji for 'black' (黒) + 'key' (鍵). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Plating Effect [鉄甲作用]
Known elsewhere as: Iron Plate Effect
Definition: Basic throwing technique used with Black Keys. Causes an extreme weight to be loaded behind the thrown black key. This is apparently not achieved through magecraft, or any other otherwise magical means, but instead by pure physical prowess.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'plated armor' (鉄甲) + 'effect' (作用). We deviated from the older translation because it wasn't really what it meant, and also because it was unnecessarily long.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Temple [聖堂]
Known elsewhere as: Iron Plate Effect
Definition: Sacrament employed through the usage of Black Keys. Both Noel and Ciel are able to employ it. Creates a barrier that traps the target inside the formation of Black Keys. Touch the walls of the barrier can reduce people to salt.
Translation context: Just the word 'temple'.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable.
Terminology concerning mages
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Arcane [神秘]
Known elsewhere as: Mystics, Mystery, Occult, Arcane Mystery
Definition: Things of supernatural nature. The more about the thing in question that is revealed, the more diluted it grows, and thus the weaker it becomes.
Translation context: Japanese lexical word with no direct translation. Formed by the kanji for 'god' (神) + 'secret' (秘) Describes the 'hidden mystical and supernatural things of the world', and is often used to describe exceedingly cryptic things. It is used in a vast variety of ways in Nasuverse lore, both attributively (ex: 神秘組織, 'arcane organization') and as a noun (ex: 修得する神秘, 'obtainable arcana'). For people familiar with the Nasuverse lore, this is no doubt a large change. The impetus came from the fact that 'mystery' (used previously) could not be applied in a sane way to all the applications of the Japanese word. Arcane (and its noun derivatives of Arcanum and Arcana) are used to cover all the usage cases. In addition, the usage of 'mystery' rendered things somewhat confusing for new readers (test readers were unsure what it meant), as well as making it difficult to use the very common word 'mystery' at all without causing confusion. Arcane has the nuance of meaning both 'hidden/obscure/known by few' while also having a more supernatural bent that 'mystery' struggles to achieve (being mostly focused on the 'hidden' part). Naturally the term is discussed in both KnK and Mahoyo as being related to the Greek word for 'mystery', but the emphasis those works put on the hidden nature of it doesn't exist in the same way here, where it is almost exclusively used to describe things of supernatural nature. It has also been given many different furigana through the years, but never something consistent (for example, mystere & occult).
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Irregular usage. Arcane: adjective. Arcanum: irregular noun, countable (plural is Arcana). The Arcane: name of general category. Arcanity: attributive noun, countable and uncountable (never used in this translation).
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Magecraft [魔術]
Known elsewhere as: Sorcery, Magic, Thaumaturgy
Definition: The artificial recreation of the arcane.
Translation context: Uses a normal word for 'magic' (魔術). This is one of the standard fandom translations. In normal translations of Japanese fantasy, you would usually just translate this as 'magic', but Nasu decided to make a strict demarcation between this term and another more commonly translated as 'magic'; 魔法.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, uncountable and countable. -
Mage [魔術師]
Known elsewhere as: Magus, Wizard
Definition: Someone who practices magecraft. All all mages strive to reach the Fount of Origination, for a variety of purposes.
Translation context: Uses a word that means 'mage' or 'spellcaster'. This is a common fandom translation.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Mages Association [魔術協会]
Known elsewhere as: Magi Association, Magecraft Association, Conclave
Definition: An arcane organization for mages. Its mission is the concealment of the arcane as to further the advancement of magecraft. Often shortened to just 'the Association'.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'magecraft' (魔術) + 'association' (協会). This is a common fandom translation. Formed around the usual 'profession' + 'association' found in English (ex: the Builders Association).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Organization, uncountable. -
Magic Circuit [魔術回路]
Known elsewhere as: Magical Circuit
Definition: Organ in humans used for performing magecraft. Often likened to psuedo-nerves. They wary in a variety of ways between different people. Some have higher circuit counts, and other have strange quirks to them. Mages try to specifically breed their children to have better circuits.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'magecraft' (魔術) + 'circuit' (回路). This is the standard fandom translation. These are called 'マジックサーキット' ('magic circuit' in katakana) by Melty Blood and elsewhere, and we've decided to follow that for the kanji term.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. Usually plural. -
Magecraft Formula [魔術式]
Known elsewhere as: Magical Formula.
Definition: Set of magecraft instructions, roughly analogous to a spell. Can be engraved on objects as a kind of 'standing spell'.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'magecraft' (魔術) + 'formula' (式). This is a common fandom translation.
Usage notes: Unapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Magecraft Foundation [魔術基盤]
Known elsewhere as: Magical Foundation, Magic Foundation, Thaumaturgical Foundation
Definition: Metaphysical foundational magecraft structures in which instructions of how magecraft is to be performed has been engraved. Mages run magical energy through their circuits, connect to a foundation and put together a formula to execute their magecraft.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'magecraft' (魔術) + 'foundation' (基盤). It is worth noting that 基盤 is close to the word used for circuit boards in Japanese (基板), perhaps a nod to the computer metaphors employed with magecraft (as in Magic Circuit).
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Mystic Code [魔術礼装]
Known elsewhere as: N/A Definition: Implements to aid in the usage of magecraft.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'magecraft' (魔術) + 'attire' (礼装). This is the standard fandom translation. It is derived from a regularly used furigana spelling of the term.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable.
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Greater Magecraft [大魔術]
Known elsewhere as: Grand Rituals Definition: Magecraft that requires preparation beyond what is possible by mere incantations. It is said that greater magecraft is generally meant as a means to reach the Fount of Origination.
Translation context: The word 'magecraft' (魔術) with the 'big' (大) prefix. This is one of the standard fandom translations.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable.
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Magic [魔法]
Known elsewhere as: Sorcery, True Magic
Definition: The pinnacle of magecraft. There exist only five of them, with a corresponding five practitioners (one dead). The true definition of magic is to achieve something 'impossible'. Only the Fifth Magic is directly referenced in Tsukihime.
Translation context: Literally just the word for 'magic'. This is a common fandom translation. Because of its strange lore position (the number of things considered magic is limited) it is allowed what would usually be a highly irregular plural case.
Usage notes: Both capitalized and Uncapitalized. Irregular noun, countable (plural is Magics). -
Magician [魔法使い]
Known elsewhere as: Sorcerer, True Magician
Definition: One of the five people who can use magic. Aozaki Aoko is one such person.
Translation context: Combination of the words for 'magic' (魔法) + 'user' (使い). This is a common fandom translation. Natural way of translating this term if one is already using 'magic'.
Usage notes: Both capitalized and uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Ether [エーテル]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The building block of mana, and thus, most magical energy. Also known as the Fifth Imaginary Factor (第五架空要素). There also existed True Ether (真エーテル) which dominated Earth during the Age of Gods. True Ether is the Fifth Canonical Factor (第五真説要素).
Translation context: Just 'ether' in katakana. This is the only translation attested.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Numeromancy [数秘紋]
Known elsewhere as: Numerology, Gematria
Definition: Type of magecraft that involves numbers. Roa and Ciel use it to conjure lightning.
Translation context: Resembles the word for 'numerology' (数秘術) but with the last kanji replaced by 'crest' (紋). Seemingly a made-up term. As it appears to be a magical twist on numerology (which itself is already quite mystical in nature) the term 'numeromancy' seemed appropriate.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Wizardry [魔道]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Pursuit of magecraft. Those who are engaged in the study of magecraft use this word to describe their actions.
Translation context: Uses a word that roughly means 'the dark arts'. Though wizard is a seldom used term in the Nasuverse, it was applied here as it had been previously applied to the word '魔道元帥' (Wizard Marshall), Zelretch's (user of the Second Magic) title.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Incantation [詠唱]
Known elsewhere as: Chant.
Definition: The act of casting magecraft.
Translation context: Uses the word for 'incantation' or 'chant'.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. Sometimes used as a verb (詠唱する): 'to chant'.
Terminology concerning Ciel
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Seventh Scripture [第七聖典]
Known elsewhere as: Seventh Holy Scripture
Definition: Conceptual Weapon in the possession of Ciel. Its enormous magical energy expenditure limits its wielders to only those with monstrously powerful Magic Circuits. It is a variable weapon, formed around the Seven Causes of Deaths. Its seven components can be configured together in different ways to form a whole array of weapons. Supposedly, it's true form is something akin to an armored vehicle (details unclear). Ciel sometimes just calls it 'Seven'.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'number seven' (第七) + 'scripture' (聖典). Prior translations tended to include 'holy' as well, but we have expended with it to put it more in line with Scriptural Weapon.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Seven Causes of Death [七つの死因]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The Seven Causes of Death bestowed upon man by canon law. These are the concept around which the Seventh Scripture is built. Each one is represented by a weapon within Seven.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'seven' (七つ) + 'cause of death' (死因).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Death by Immolation / Blaze [焼死（ブレイズ）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The first of the Seven Causes of Death. Represented by a massive automatic firearm that fires .30 caliber bullets. One of Ciel's main weapons.
Translation context: Lexical word that represents a death via fire. Has the furigana "Blaze", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Immolation = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Blaze = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Disease / Sick [病死（シック）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The second of the Seven Causes of Death. No further details are known about it.
Translation context: Lexical word that represents a death via disease. Has the furigana "Sick", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Disease = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Sick = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Hemorrhage / Blade [出血死（ブレイド）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The third of the Seven Causes of Death. Represented by an oversized whip sword which is divided into several segments. One of Ciel's main weapons.
Translation context: Lexical word that represents a death via bleeding out. Has the furigana "Blade", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Hemorrhage = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Blade = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Impact / Break [衝突死（ブレイク）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The fourth of the Seven Causes of Death. Can be used in tandem with the Third Cause of Death (details unclear).
Translation context: Lexical word that represents a death via blunt impact. Has the furigana "Break", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Impact = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Break = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Insanity / Lost [精神死（ロスト）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The fifth of the Seven Causes of Death. No further details known.
Translation context: Non-lexical word which seemingly represents the death of the mind. Has the furigana "Lost", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Insanity = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Lost = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Torture / Pain [拷問死（ペイン）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The sixth of the Seven Causes of Death. Represented by a suit of armor which when put on is impossible to take off other than by dying. This, however, also grants it a conceptual property of making the wielder impossible to kill until it is taken off. It's full name is 'Virgin Pain', and it is modelled after an Iron Maiden.
Translation context: Non-lexical word which seemingly represents death via torture. Has the furigana "Pain", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Torture = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Pain = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Death by Condemnation / Punish [断罪死（パニッシュ）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The seventh of the Seven Causes of Death. It is represented by the pile bunker which shatters the soul instead of the body. The so-called Scripture of Reincarnation Condemnation.
Translation context: Non-lexical word which seemingly represents a death ordained through criminal judgment. Has the furigana "Punish", but oftentimes in our translation, both the kanji translation and the furigana is used because of context. The kanji translation of all the Causes of Death are standardized to start with 'Death by...'
Usage notes: Death by Condemnation = Capitalized regular noun, countable. Punish = Capitalized proper noun, uncountable. -
Cathedral / Gothic Fort [大聖堂（ゴチックフォート）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Greater magecraft devised by Ciel by using a defeated Ancestor as a model. Has a limited amount of uses, and needs a long time to recharge. Can be used in a variety of ways, but Ciel primarily uses it to seal enemy vampires inside a certain space.
Translation context: Just the word 'Cathedral'. Given the furigana 'Gothic Fort' as well, and both these are used in the translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized regular noun, countable. -
Tower of Imprisonment / Tower Ring [幽閉塔（タワーリング）]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: A type of barrier developed by Ciel to be used with her Cathedral sacrament. It uses the same principle as the 'Temple' type of barrier, but confines the target from every direction, and crushes them with the weight of the Cathedral once they are trapped. Ciel developed it as a way to deal with Arcueid.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'confinement' (幽閉) + 'tower' (塔). Given the furigana 'Tower Ring' as well, and both these are used in the translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized regular noun, countable.
Terminology concerning Arcueid
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Avatar in White [白い化身]
Known elsewhere as: White Avatar, White Incarnation
Definition: Common metaphor used to describe Arcueid, who is the avatar of the planet.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'white' (白い) + 'avatar/incarnation' (化身). Styled in a way as to avoid making any racial connections (which is not the intent in Japanese).
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Vampiress [吸血姫]
Known elsewhere as: Vamprincess
Definition: Description of Arcueid, who bears the name 'Brunestud' and is thus considered True Ancestor royalty.
Translation context: Pun on 'vampire' (吸血鬼) where the last kanji has been replaced with 'princess' (姫), which makes it pronounced the same still. The already existing word 'vampiress' implies a more noble and ladylike vampire much as this word does in Japanese, and was thus chosen for the translation.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Original One [原初の一]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Arcueid and Brunestud's title. Related to their status of being an Ultimate One (details unclear).
Translation context: Combination of the words 'origin' (原初) + 'one' (一). Word first used to describe Brunestud of the Crimson Moon in Kagetsu Tohya. Was later used in MBAACC, where it has the furigana 'アルテミット・ワン' (Ultimate One), which refers to the TYPES of Notes. Differentiated from 'Ultimate One' as to make sure all the different varieties of it are differentiated.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Title, uncountable. -
Touch of the Planet [星の触覚]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The role assigned to the elementals by the planet. Elementals act as Gaia's agents, but often not in a very direct manner.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'planet' (星) + 'sense of touch' (触覚). There are a few words that are styled in a similar way, such as Brain of the Planet (星の頭脳体) and Lungs of the Planet (星の肺) in addition to the ones listed here, and this was intentionally styled in a similar way.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Alter-Ego of the Planet [星の分身]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Describes the True Ancestors at large, but Arcueid in particular. Out of all the elementals, the True Ancestors are the closest to being a copy of the planet.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'planet' (星) + 'alter-ego/clone' (分身). There are a few words that are styled in a similar way, such as Brain of the Planet (星の頭脳体) and Lungs of the Planet (星の肺) in addition to the ones listed here, and this was intentionally styled in a similar way.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Breath of the Planet [星の息吹]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Another description of mana, the greater source of magical energy, which was originally provided by the planet's True Ether. Arcueid has the ability to inhale mana from the atmosphere and circulate it through her body to clean it, and then unleash it as energy.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'planet' (星) + 'breath' (息吹). There are a few words that are styled in a similar way, such as Brain of the Planet (星の頭脳体) and Lungs of the Planet (星の肺) in addition to the ones listed here, and this was intentionally styled in a similar way.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Fantasy Manifestation / Marble Phantasm [空想具現化（マーブル・ファンタズム）]
Known elsewhere as: Imaginary Realization
Definition: Arcueid's ability: to interfere with natural phenomena through probabilistic fluctuations. The natural privilege of the True Ancestors. As the mightiest True Ancestor, Arcueid's Marble Phantasm is especially powerful.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'fantasy/imagination' (空想) + 'manifestation' (具現化). 'Marble Phantasm' is a seldom used furigana reading for 空想具現化. Here, we have decided to employ both the translation of the kanji term, as well as the furigana translation. In game, we use the furigana function to display both translations at once. We decided to include the kanji translation because it made it much easier to understand what Arcueid's ability does when compared to 'Marble Phantasm', which only really makes sense if you've read Nasu's explanation about probability and marbles.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Authority of Creation [創造の権能]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Roa's description of Arcueid's abilities. Authority is the term used for the power of gods in Nasuverse lore.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'creation' (創造) + 'authority' (権能).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Millennium Castle [千年城]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The castle of the True Ancestors, nestled in the mountains somewhere in the Inner Sea of the Planet. Arcueid can bring it forth into reality by using her Marble Phantasm. The ability to do so is a sign of being Brunestud's successor.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'millennia' (千年) + 'castle' (城). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Event Storage [事象収納]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: A feature of Arcueid's Marble Phantasm that allows her to convert matter into 'events', stripping it of its metaphysical meaning, and then storing these events inside the Inner Sea of the Planet. Arcueid's Event Storage is vast enough to store all Textures of Earth.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'event' (事象) + 'storage' (収納). In this context, 'event' refers to the events of probability theory (a branch of mathematics), and ties into the themes of Marble Phantasm being able to manipulate probability.
As an aside, event is used like this for other terminology in TYPE-MOON's works, such as that of "Pruned Events", which feature in Fate/Extella and Fate/Grand Order. In a similar sense, the usage of 'event' there indicates its connecting to probability theory, tying into the theme of possibilities with parallel worlds.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Luminary [光体]
Known elsewhere as: Luminous Body, Shining Body, Astral Body
Definition: State of excitation possessed by the True Ancestor royalty. Caused by the so-called Inflationary Luminary Phenomenon (離拡光体現象). It is a system meant to revive the True Ancestor in case their body is destroyed. In the case of Arcueid, her Luminary is so powerful, it has the ability to reset the entire planet. For more information, see the extra material TM Manuscript (or "Katatsuki Kouhon").(
Translation context: Uses a lexical word that indicates anything that emits lights. Often used to talk about celestial objects, but also occasionally used to indicate the projected 'astral bodies' in occult theories. Luminary was used as a translation for the meaning of the word as "a natural light-giving body, especially the sun or moon".
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Fantasy Dequantification [空想無量化]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Feature of the Luminary which nullifies all normal attacks. Only attacks which Arcueid fear will actually hurt her have the capability to do so, on account of her being a mental projection when in her Luminary form.(
Translation context: Combination of the words 'fantasy' (空想) + 'quantification' (量化) with the prefix 'un-/non-/de-' (無).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Celestial Egg [天体の卵]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Entity that exists inside of Arcueid. Appears to contain the soul of the planet. According to TM Manuscript: "The chances of a celestial object being born in space is practically none. Fortuity and Spacetime Causality which lets this be established is defined as a soul."(
Translation context: Combination of the words 'celestial object' (天体) + 'egg' (卵).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable.
Terminology regarding miscellaneous lore
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Inner Sea of the Planet [星の内海]
Known elsewhere as: Inlet of the Planet, Planet's Inner Sea
Definition: Backside of the planet. Gaia's dream. Known by many names (one of them being 'Avalon', and has many different natures. Inaccessible by most human means. It is here that the Millennium Castle is usually found.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'planet' (星の) + 'inner sea' (内海). This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Earthvein [地脈]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The channels by which the life of the planet flows. If these are cut off from the land, the planet can no longer interfere there. Occassionally mages fight over the rights to use them, especially when there's a fluctuation in one of them.
Translation context: Made-up word formed from the kanji of 'land/earth' (地) + 'vein' (脈). Seemingly has no standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Precept of Henosis [解脱の法]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: That which Mario demands Roa reveal to him. Mario believes it can solve the question of eternal youth.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'moksha' (解脱) + 'law/method' (法). Moksha is a Buddhist concept that entails releasing oneself from the earthly plane to attain nirvana. It is used in Japanese to refer to things that have more generally released themselves from the world, or in some way overcome it. In this case we drew a parallel to a similar concept in western philosophical thought: Henosis, to become united with the fundamental truth of reality.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Paragon [霊長/類]
Known elsewhere as: Primate, Humanity, Prime Being, Prime Species, Apex Species
Definition: Category of beings who define the planet's way of being. The Paragon Seat (霊長の座) is currently occupied by humanity. Seemingly includes beings which have the same potential (details unclear).
Translation context: Japanese lexical word without direct English equivalent. This is poetic language from old Chinese used to indicate humanity's supremacy among all living beings, later adapted into Japanese. This word was then used to name the clade of animals that we know as apes; the primates, by adding on a '類' (category). Generally translated as 'primate', despite the fact that it shows up both as '霊長' and '霊長類'; despite the fact that it makes for ridiculous sentences (ex: "The complete murder of the primates by means of the Incineration of Humanity." from F/GO Camelot's official translation); and despite the fact that it does not mean 'ape' in a Nasuverse context.
Another common fandom translation is 'prime species', which lends itself poorly to being used on single specimen ("a Prime Species" sounds like an entire species, not a single individual).
The word 'paragon' as a translation was inspired by a Chinese translation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, where the line "the paragon of animals" (from the famous "What a piece of work is man!" speech) was rendered as "萬物的靈長" (equivalent to 万物の霊長 in Japanese) This phrase 万物の霊長 is very closely connected to 霊長 in general and has been used occasionally in TYPE-MOON works as well.
"But what about Primate Murder?" Well, hopefully we don't have to ever start translating '殺人者' as 'Murder'. While 'Primate Murder' is undoubtedly the name of that particular being, that doesn't mean we have to apply its usage for 霊長 here.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Transcendent [超越]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Description of those who surpass humanity. Includes vampires, phantasmals, elementals, devils, etc. Tend to be far more powerful than any human on an individual level. Not so much a term, as a descriptor.
Translation context: Just the word 'transcendant' itself. Comes in few different variations, such as 'transcendentals' (超越者) and 'transcendentiality' (超越性).
Usage notes: Capitalized. Adjective, countable. -
Phantasmals [幻想種]
Known elsewhere as: Phantasmal Species
Definition: Species who roamed the earth during the Age of Gods. Have largely left the surface of the earth for the Inner Sea of the Planet, but a few remain. Think unicorns, dragons, and so on.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'phantasm/unreal' (幻想) + 'species' (種). Like many of the terms that end in 'species' (種), we've dropped it as it then becomes difficult to use for individual specimen, which is often how it is used in the story.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Irregular noun, countable. -
Greenchild [嬰児]
Known elsewhere as: Child, Cherub
Definition: Descriptions for those who receive the blessing of the planet. Arcueid is one such example. However, this term is mostly reserved for describing homunculi, who are artificial attempts at creating elementals, and as such receive similar blessings from the planet.
Translation context: The lexical word for 'infant/newborn', but a more unusual one. In addition, Nasu insists on the reading of みどりご, rather than the more common えいじ. The emphasis on this reading (which is formed from 'greenery' (みどり)and 'child' (ご), together with the connections of nature, caused us to choose this translation over the more common 'infant'.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Irregular noun, countable. -
Age of Gods [神代]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: Period when the gods walked the land, and before humanity had become Paragons.
Translation context: Just the word 'Age of Gods'. This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Authority [権能]
Known elsewhere as: N/A
Definition: The natural ability possessed by gods and by extension Divine Spirits. Authorities are powers derived from reality itself, as gods represent natural phenomena given shape.
Translation context: Just the word 'authority'. This is the standard fandom translation.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Fount of Origination [根源の渦]
Known elsewhere as: Swirl of the Root, Radix, Spiral of Origin
Definition: Causation point of all of reality. Causes flow out of it, giving rise to all other events. Reaching the Fount of Origination is the ambition of western mages.
Translation context: Combination of the words 'origin' (根源) + 'whirpool' (渦). This is another major deviation from standard fandom translations. It may seem strange to think, but 'root' has probably been a pretty major misinterpretation of this term. The most practical reason it has been changed is because the one scene it's brought up in makes it clear that this concept is meant to be interpreted as a sort of water-like thing. You might wonder something along the lines of: "Isn't this just some peculiarity with how its used here in TsukiRE? After all, it doesn't have that many water-like metaphors applied to it elsewhere, does it?" The truth is: this is how it's first described in any Nasu-work: Kara no Kyoukai. Here the metaphor extends even further, involving rivers, dripping and all manners of watery terminology. So while originally simply considered as a way of correcting this metaphor in Tsukihime, as it turns out, this was the metaphor intended for the term all along. This is why it is now the 'Fount of Origination', instead of the more common 'Swirl of the Root'.
Usage notes: Capitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Fortuity [運命力]
Known elsewhere as: Force of Fate, Force of Providence, Force of Fortuity
Definition: The quality of any given individual to be blessed by fate. Is a finite property which can be used up or otherwise expended through life. Generally results in a fatal accident for the person in question when it runs out. Essentially just indicates someone's luck, or in a more colloquial sense: 'plot armor'.
Translation context: The word 'fate' (運命) with the suffix 'power/energy/force' (力). Seems to be an attempt at making a word that characterizes 'luck' (運, the first kanji used on its own just means 'luck') as a sort of expendable resource.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Firmament [天蓋]
Known elsewhere as: Canopy, Dome
Definition: Covers the cosmos. Is as of yet untread by the human mind. Seems to refer to the moon (details unclear).
Translation context: Uses a word that just mean 'dome'. The usage of this term was closer to the old cosmological meaning of the 'dome of the sky', which is called the firmament (itself a word that just means 'dome') in old philosophy.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, uncountable. -
Cosmos [宙（ソラ）]
Known elsewhere as: Space
Definition: The shape of the stars. Humanity's destination.
Translation context: Literally 'space' (宇宙) with the furigana reading 'ソラ' (sky). Nasu is unusually insistent on this reading. The cosmos is outer space as perceived by humanity.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Order [秩序]
Known elsewhere as: Balance
Definition: The order of the world at large. A fluid concept, with many overlapping usages. Whether it is the order of the human world, or the world above our heads, a proper way of things always exists, and it strives to keep all of reality in its rightful shape, lest it all disappear into nothingness.
Translation context: Uses a lexical word that indicates 'social harmony and order' most of the time. However, the concept has a very specific connotation in TYPE-MOON's works.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Directive [方向性]
Known elsewhere as: Directivity
Definition: That which gives matter its meaning.
Translation context: Uses a word that means 'directivity'. Normal lexical word. Has special TYPE-MOON only connotations.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable. -
Focality [極点]
Known elsewhere as: Extremum
Definition: Spot of extreme convergence, almost like a singularity. Arcueid possesses the 'Principle of Focality' (see: Melty Blood Type Lumina).
Translation context: Uses a word that means 'pole' or 'extreme point'. Despite the rather banal ordinary usage, it has a fairly special connotation in TYPE-MOON works. 'Focality' is a word which indicates where things focus at, hence it fit well with the usage in Tsukihime.
Usage notes: Uncapitalized. Regular noun, countable.