Languages
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In their bid to create a standard currency across the Sphere, the Trade Imperium established a common language used by all who were to do business together. Colloquially known as Common, every nation that considers itself “civilized” speaks at least a passable version of Common. This is an invaluable tool for traders, travelers, and adventurers, allowing communication with most people they encounter without the need to learn many different languages. Yet even with the powerful influence of the Imperium, most people speak the native language of their countries with far greater fluency than they speak Common. There are innumerable languages, dialects, and forms of communication to be found throughout the Sphere. Some of the more prominent languages are as follows.
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Character LanguagesAll player characters can speak Common and another language of their choice (usually one tied to their upbringing). |
Arcadian Languages
Faella is the official language of the Hesperian Empire and thus is widely spoken throughout western Mithraes. It is considered “high Elven”, the language which all political, religious, and business affairs are conducted in.
Khuzak is a harsh language spoken prominently among the Dwarves of Vaeldosh. Though their mountainous holdings are few compared to their rival Drow, Khuzak unifies the Dwarven clans of Valedosh with a collective tongue.
Kizz’ek was originally created from the disparate tribal dialects of the oppressed inhabitants of Nehl Kizz’ar during their rebellion against Hibernia. The language is still very much alive within the Sundari lands they control today.
Lumes is spoken by the inhabitants of the Arc, an untamed region of Zu where immigrants from elsewhere on Arcadia often settle. As such, Lumes is a fusion of Navas, Xorian, and Quendi widely considered savage by native Ciraquendi.
Navas was the original language of Zu, spoken by those who first inhabited the mystic, floating islands. The written form of Navas glows ever so slightly when the words are read aloud. It is spoken only in Calo Atanbar, the oldest part of Zu.
Quielle was spoken throughout western Mithraes before the rise of the Hesperian Empire and continues to be spoken by commoners, especially in the free city-states of the Wynderwood. Culturally, Quendi is considered “low Elven”.
Raitesh is spoken by the city-state of Dal’Mathis and the territories it controls within the Sundari Dominion. Few speak this language who do not have regular interactions with the Dal’Matheans.
Talla is the language of the Sundari Dominion, a league of three powerful city-states which control vast holdings in eastern Mithraes. Though these three allies continue to speak their own language, Talla is a unifying tongue with which all within the Dominion have a moderate level of fluency.
Therlese is spoken by the necromancers of Thresk, the easternmost arm of the Sundari Dominion. Only those within the frightful nation and the unfortunate diplomats stationed within ever learn to speak the dark tongue.
Xorian is a harsh, yet beautiful language spoken by the Ekunquendi of the Nihmean Empire. The Nihmeans control many lands within Vaeldosh and all within such territories eventually learn to speak the language of the Drow.
Zud is spoken throughout the isles of Zu which float just above the broken land of Mara. Forged from Navas in the cultural hub of Nexo Domina, Zud is the most widely spoken language among the Ciraquendi.
Khuzak is a harsh language spoken prominently among the Dwarves of Vaeldosh. Though their mountainous holdings are few compared to their rival Drow, Khuzak unifies the Dwarven clans of Valedosh with a collective tongue.
Kizz’ek was originally created from the disparate tribal dialects of the oppressed inhabitants of Nehl Kizz’ar during their rebellion against Hibernia. The language is still very much alive within the Sundari lands they control today.
Lumes is spoken by the inhabitants of the Arc, an untamed region of Zu where immigrants from elsewhere on Arcadia often settle. As such, Lumes is a fusion of Navas, Xorian, and Quendi widely considered savage by native Ciraquendi.
Navas was the original language of Zu, spoken by those who first inhabited the mystic, floating islands. The written form of Navas glows ever so slightly when the words are read aloud. It is spoken only in Calo Atanbar, the oldest part of Zu.
Quielle was spoken throughout western Mithraes before the rise of the Hesperian Empire and continues to be spoken by commoners, especially in the free city-states of the Wynderwood. Culturally, Quendi is considered “low Elven”.
Raitesh is spoken by the city-state of Dal’Mathis and the territories it controls within the Sundari Dominion. Few speak this language who do not have regular interactions with the Dal’Matheans.
Talla is the language of the Sundari Dominion, a league of three powerful city-states which control vast holdings in eastern Mithraes. Though these three allies continue to speak their own language, Talla is a unifying tongue with which all within the Dominion have a moderate level of fluency.
Therlese is spoken by the necromancers of Thresk, the easternmost arm of the Sundari Dominion. Only those within the frightful nation and the unfortunate diplomats stationed within ever learn to speak the dark tongue.
Xorian is a harsh, yet beautiful language spoken by the Ekunquendi of the Nihmean Empire. The Nihmeans control many lands within Vaeldosh and all within such territories eventually learn to speak the language of the Drow.
Zud is spoken throughout the isles of Zu which float just above the broken land of Mara. Forged from Navas in the cultural hub of Nexo Domina, Zud is the most widely spoken language among the Ciraquendi.
Helion Languages
Breoke is spoken by tribes of nomadic Orcs that wander the plains of Helios, following herds of large game from place to place. Those who trade or travel with them often learn a few key phrases in their barbaric tongue.
Chikai shares similarities with other tribal Orcish dialects and is spoken primarily by the tribes which dwell amongst the rocky caverns and volcanic fissures of Helios’s Voka Rohaj mountain range.
Gretan was once spoken in the cities and caravans of the Goblins. But since the subjugation of Goblin-kind by the Orcs, much of Gretan has been lost or amalgamated into Orcish tongues. Very few know how to speak Gretan fluently.
Lodjar is spoken in the few Orcish strongholds and cities which have endured the ravages of time and war. Though each city has its own dialect, an understanding of Lodjar will allow for basic communication in any of Helios’s cities.
S’kine is the most widely spoken of the Orcish languages, heavily used amongst the warring tribes and factions of the Bloodlands. It is considered by many to be a barbaric and brutish language, a fact which suits its speakers just fine.
Sanwa is a dark language spoken by the Fomorians in their underground cities. Like all Fomorian languages, it is based on Uvu, the tongue of demons. The evil of the tongue has been diluted by other Orcish dialects throughout the years.
Shaz-Ligi is a much older Fomorian language whose Uvu roots are obvious and terrifying. Long refrains of Shaz-Ligi can darken lights and cause the ground to shake. Few Fomorians still speak this dark and terrible tongue.
Tol’vakaar is spoken by the Urad of the deep southern jungles who wage a guerilla war against the empires and warbands of the Bosek. The strange tongue mimics many sounds heard in nature to help disguise the chatter of the Urad.
Zal-Hafiri was supposedly taught by the spirits to Orcish shamans, a gift to those who walk with the petty gods of the Unworld. Very few Orcs speak Zal-Hafiri.
Chikai shares similarities with other tribal Orcish dialects and is spoken primarily by the tribes which dwell amongst the rocky caverns and volcanic fissures of Helios’s Voka Rohaj mountain range.
Gretan was once spoken in the cities and caravans of the Goblins. But since the subjugation of Goblin-kind by the Orcs, much of Gretan has been lost or amalgamated into Orcish tongues. Very few know how to speak Gretan fluently.
Lodjar is spoken in the few Orcish strongholds and cities which have endured the ravages of time and war. Though each city has its own dialect, an understanding of Lodjar will allow for basic communication in any of Helios’s cities.
S’kine is the most widely spoken of the Orcish languages, heavily used amongst the warring tribes and factions of the Bloodlands. It is considered by many to be a barbaric and brutish language, a fact which suits its speakers just fine.
Sanwa is a dark language spoken by the Fomorians in their underground cities. Like all Fomorian languages, it is based on Uvu, the tongue of demons. The evil of the tongue has been diluted by other Orcish dialects throughout the years.
Shaz-Ligi is a much older Fomorian language whose Uvu roots are obvious and terrifying. Long refrains of Shaz-Ligi can darken lights and cause the ground to shake. Few Fomorians still speak this dark and terrible tongue.
Tol’vakaar is spoken by the Urad of the deep southern jungles who wage a guerilla war against the empires and warbands of the Bosek. The strange tongue mimics many sounds heard in nature to help disguise the chatter of the Urad.
Zal-Hafiri was supposedly taught by the spirits to Orcish shamans, a gift to those who walk with the petty gods of the Unworld. Very few Orcs speak Zal-Hafiri.
Theran Languages
Argyan is the language of Midgard, a guttural tongue which emerged from the fusion of several of the land’s most prominent tribal dialects upon unification of the disparate tribes.
Avantosh is spoken by the people of Aldegan and spread to the far corners of Europa in the days of their Empire’s greatness. Most Europeans speak at least a basic version of Avantosh.
Bresnik is a fusion of southern Ishtari languages with those of northern Europa and is spoken throughout Odain, the region where these two halves of Thera’s largest continent meets.
Caldonic is a bastardization of Avantosh spoken by what was once the southern third of the Empire before their rebellion. Caldonic is spoken throughout the nation of Cardinia and its vast holdings elsewhere.
Chaka is spoken by the nomadic tribes which wander the deserts of Ishtar. Chaka is rarely spoken in Ishtar’s great cities, though most who call the desert home have at least a passing familiarity with the language.
Borelle, like Cardinian, is a dialect of Aldegan spoken by what was once the western third of the Empire before the great rebellion. Borelle is spoken by Espina and its vassals.
Cantos is a lyrical language that flows like oceans of Corsica, the nation which gave it birth. Cantos is spoken by that nation and its many islands as well as those who deal frequently with the corsairs of the sun-kissed country.
Dietche was the tongue of the Noth, spoken now only in the darker, wilder places of Thera. Though there are many dialects of Dietche, there is a commonly accepted “correct” version which most who speak this tongue use.
Ha’ati is one of Ishtar’s primary languages and is spoken prominently in the great cities of the northern desert. Most European encounters with the people of Ishtar are in the language of Ha’ati.
Qhadiric is spoken throughout the jungles of Khandir, Ishtar’s southernmost region. As the root from which all other languages on Ishtar were born, an understanding of Qhadiric can help in the study of Ishtar’s other tongues.
Qin was the language established by the Golden Empire of Yokai in the days before Emperor Yushio’s demise. It is still widely spoken throughout the continent and is considered by many the official language of Yokai.
Rochspel is a harsh, guttural tongue born from the fusion of Khuzak and tribal dialects when Dwarves first began to settle in the lands of Midgard during the Golden Age.
Sihada is spoken in Ishtar’s southern deserts, all the way into the northern parts of Arhona. Like Ha’ati, it is widely spoken throughout the cities, though the wandering desert tribes of the region speak only a basic version.
Sun-Shii was the most widely spoken language in Yokai before Yushio rose to power and united the lands beneath his Empire. Sun-Shii is actually a collection of many regional dialects brought together by years of trade and war.
Tzec is a dark and terrible tongue based on the demonic language of Uvu. During Ishtar’s Dark Age, an evil empire of necromancers known as the Oskibar controlled the land and spread the black tongue throughout the deserts.
Zafuti is the most widely spoken language in Arhona, seat of southern Isthar’s once great Markandi Empire. However, few outside the wild borders of Arhona speak this language.
Avantosh is spoken by the people of Aldegan and spread to the far corners of Europa in the days of their Empire’s greatness. Most Europeans speak at least a basic version of Avantosh.
Bresnik is a fusion of southern Ishtari languages with those of northern Europa and is spoken throughout Odain, the region where these two halves of Thera’s largest continent meets.
Caldonic is a bastardization of Avantosh spoken by what was once the southern third of the Empire before their rebellion. Caldonic is spoken throughout the nation of Cardinia and its vast holdings elsewhere.
Chaka is spoken by the nomadic tribes which wander the deserts of Ishtar. Chaka is rarely spoken in Ishtar’s great cities, though most who call the desert home have at least a passing familiarity with the language.
Borelle, like Cardinian, is a dialect of Aldegan spoken by what was once the western third of the Empire before the great rebellion. Borelle is spoken by Espina and its vassals.
Cantos is a lyrical language that flows like oceans of Corsica, the nation which gave it birth. Cantos is spoken by that nation and its many islands as well as those who deal frequently with the corsairs of the sun-kissed country.
Dietche was the tongue of the Noth, spoken now only in the darker, wilder places of Thera. Though there are many dialects of Dietche, there is a commonly accepted “correct” version which most who speak this tongue use.
Ha’ati is one of Ishtar’s primary languages and is spoken prominently in the great cities of the northern desert. Most European encounters with the people of Ishtar are in the language of Ha’ati.
Qhadiric is spoken throughout the jungles of Khandir, Ishtar’s southernmost region. As the root from which all other languages on Ishtar were born, an understanding of Qhadiric can help in the study of Ishtar’s other tongues.
Qin was the language established by the Golden Empire of Yokai in the days before Emperor Yushio’s demise. It is still widely spoken throughout the continent and is considered by many the official language of Yokai.
Rochspel is a harsh, guttural tongue born from the fusion of Khuzak and tribal dialects when Dwarves first began to settle in the lands of Midgard during the Golden Age.
Sihada is spoken in Ishtar’s southern deserts, all the way into the northern parts of Arhona. Like Ha’ati, it is widely spoken throughout the cities, though the wandering desert tribes of the region speak only a basic version.
Sun-Shii was the most widely spoken language in Yokai before Yushio rose to power and united the lands beneath his Empire. Sun-Shii is actually a collection of many regional dialects brought together by years of trade and war.
Tzec is a dark and terrible tongue based on the demonic language of Uvu. During Ishtar’s Dark Age, an evil empire of necromancers known as the Oskibar controlled the land and spread the black tongue throughout the deserts.
Zafuti is the most widely spoken language in Arhona, seat of southern Isthar’s once great Markandi Empire. However, few outside the wild borders of Arhona speak this language.
Other Languages
Archazai is perhaps the oldest language which still remains intact, though unspoken by any living civilization. Scholars theorize that Archazai was used as a universal trade language during the Golden Age, much like Common is today. Many ruins and ancient documents contain Archazai scripts translatable only by those who understand this dead language.
Sign is a non-verbal language consisting of hand-signs and body language used to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing. The language is most often seen in circles of similarly impaired individuals and those who care for them.
Thieves Cant is a language of strange symbols and body language used by guilds of thieves to communicate amongst one another without fear of the uninitiated overhearing. Each guild employs its own version of the Cant.
Sign is a non-verbal language consisting of hand-signs and body language used to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing. The language is most often seen in circles of similarly impaired individuals and those who care for them.
Thieves Cant is a language of strange symbols and body language used by guilds of thieves to communicate amongst one another without fear of the uninitiated overhearing. Each guild employs its own version of the Cant.
