Languages

Across the Shattered Realm, many languages are used. Some of these languages are as old as the creation of the realm itself, while others are much more recent. The following is a list of languages that are spoken or understood within the Shattered Realm. Your species indicates the languages your character can speak by default, and other features might give you access to one or more additional languages of your choice. Note these languages on your character sheet. If you are fluent in a language, you are able to understand, speak and are literate with that language. Some species or features may grant fluency in a language while other may only grant partial understanding. ___ ### Common Languages ##### Common The aptly named Common is the most common language spoken across the Shattered Realm. It's quite rare to come across a sentient creature that isn't capable of speaking it (or at the very least, understanding it), and as such it's used as the basis for all communication across the Shattered Realm. Common uses the [[#Corrach|Corrach alphabet]]. ##### Gyrokk Gyrokk is often spoken by cultures that live in subterranean locales. [[Dwarf|Dwarves]], [[Genasi#Oread|Oreads]], [[Gneblin 🛠|Gneblin]], and some [[Drow]] speak Gyrokk, and is often used around mining settlements and other industrial areas. Gyrokk uses the [[#Corrach|Corrach alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Gyrokk will typically speak with a southern-American accent. ##### Oro'Tia Oro'Tia is the language spoken by aquatic societies. [[Azarketi 🛠|Azarketi]], [[Croaklin 🛠|Croaklin]], [[Genasi#Undine|Undine]], and [[Naga 🛠|Naga]] speak fluent Oro'Tia, and is easily found in towns and villages near, or even under the water. Oro'Tia uses the [[#Hanuan|Hanuan alphabet]], and has two [[#Oro'Tia Dialects|dialects]], Malao and Muuai. ##### Scalataari Scalataari is the language created by [[Creature Type#Dragon|Dragons]] and their kin. Now, scaled beings of all kinds use Scalataari, including [[Dragonborn]], [[Kobold|Kobolds]], and some [[Skalangi 🛠|Skalangi]]. Scalataari uses the [[#Suratan|Suratan alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Scalataari will typically speak with a northern-English/Scottish accent. ##### Shaitan Shaitan is a harsh language originally spoken by [[Creature Type#Fiend|Fiends]] and other infernal beings. As the Shattered Realm became more of a melting pot of cultures, other societies based in harsh, hot environments came to speak it as well, such as [[Genasi#Ifrit|Ifrit]], [[Qirasar 🛠|Qirasar]], and of course, [[Tiefling|Tieflings]]. Shaitan uses the [[#Khitab|Khitab alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Shaitan will typically speak with a Pakistani/Urdu accent. ##### Ulimi Once the language of the Fey, Ulimi is now a basic language, spoken by tribal peoples. Many beast species once used Ulimi, and as a result it is the second most common language across the Shattered Realm to this day, albeit it now has a number of complex dialects. [[Firbolg|Firbolgs]], [[Lunari 🛠|Lunari]], [[Me'tsio]], [[Taurox 🛠|Taurox]], [[Tortle]], [[Vanara 🛠|Vanara]], [[Vennec 🛠|Vennec]] and some [[Drow]] and [[Skalangi 🛠|Skalangi]] speak a [[#Ulimi Dialects|dialect]] of Ulimi. Ulimi uses the [[#Izwi|Izwi alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Ulimi will typically speak with an African accent. ___ ### Uncommon Languages ##### Aestian Aestian is an ancient language with very few native speakers. Most [[Deva]] speak Aestian fluently, who claim it to be the language of the Paragons. Aestian uses the [[#Alphabets#Aestian|Aestian alphabet]]. ##### Kjempe Kjempe is the language of the [[Creature Type#Giant|Giants]] and giant-folk. While not common, it is preferred by those who speak it for it's simplicity. [[Firbolg|Firbolgs]], [[Goliath|Goliaths]], [[Novalla 🛠|Novalla]], and [[Tuskanti 🛠|Tuskanti]] are known speakers of Kjempe. Kjempe uses the [[#Izwi|Izwi alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Kjempe will typically speak with a Slavic accent. ##### Mangaskel A basic language once spoken only by [[Orc|Orcs]], Mangaskel was adopted by species once seen as simple-minded savages. As education becomes widespread across the Shattered Realm, use of Mangaskel has diminished as many speakers fear being seen as having lower intelligence. [[Baavgi 🛠|Baavgi]], [[Gnoll 🛠|Gnolls]], [[Goblin|Goblins]], [[Kobold|Kobolds]] and [[Orc|Orcs]] speak Mangaskel, although many civilized people avoid doing so. Mangaskel uses the [[#Corrach|Corrach alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Mangaskel will typically speak with a harsh accent, that is a blend of Slavic and African. #### T'rill T'rill is a flowery language that sounds more like song than words. It lilts through the air, and even when used in an argument is pleasant to hear. T'rill is spoken by [[Aviad|Aviads]] and [[Genasi#Sylph|Sylph]]. T'rill uses the [[#Hanuan|Hanuan alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of T'rill will typically speak with a French accent. ##### Veltraum An ancient [[Gith]] language, Veltraum is the language of the void. A language spoken by those on the fringe; those belonging to the smallest tribes, living in the furthest reaches of the Shattered Realm. [[Gith]], [[Illithid 🛠|Illithid]], and [[Kasatha 🛠|Kasatha]] speak Veltraum. Veltraum uses the [[#Khitab|Khitab alphabet]]. For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Veltraum will typically speak with a Spanish accent. ___ ### Dialects Some common languages have become so widespread that they adopt dialects; Certain ways of speaking that over time may come to sound completely different from the original language. If a language you know has a (Dialect) tag associated with it, you are only able to communicate with creatures with your dialect, or without a dialect. For example, A [[Lunari 🛠|Lunari]] that only speaks [[#Ulimi]] ([[#Ulimi Dialects|Ikambi]]) can speak with a [[Vennec 🛠|Vennec]] that speaks [[#Ulimi|Ulimi]], but not with a [[Tortle]] that speaks [[#Ulimi]] ([[#Ulimi Dialects|Uphozi]]). This restriction also applies to reading and writing. While you may share a base language with a creature speaking in a dialect, checks to communicate or understand their communications are made at [[Abilities & Skills#Advantage & Disadvantage|disadvantage]] unless you also know that dialect. In order to learn a new dialect of language, treat it as if you are learning a new language. If you are only capable of speaking a dialect and are using [[Downtime ⚙#Training|downtime]] to learn your dialects common language, it only requires half the usual time. Similarly, if you know a common language and use [[Downtime ⚙#Training|downtime]] to learn a new dialect of your language, it only requires half the usual time. ##### Common Dialects [[#Common]] has two dialects, Highspeech and Outercommon. >**Highspeech** >Highspeech is a dialect spoken near the hustle and bustle of cities. Government officials and University professors frequent its use as it's considered an upper class way of speaking. > >For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Highspeech will typically speak with a high-British accent. > >**Outercommon** >Outercommon is fast and riddled with slang. Outercommon is spoken by frequent travellers, and those not often found in populous areas. It's considered lower class by some. > >For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Outercommon will typically speak with a Cockney/Irish accent. ##### Oro'Tia Dialects Oro'Tia has two major dialects. Use of true Oro'Tian in favour of Malao or Muuai is rare. >**Malao** >Malao, or "river tongue" is a dialect spoken by aquatic species that frequent the surface and spend significant amounts of time above the water. > >For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Malao will typically speak with a Louisiana/Creole accent. > >**Muuai** >Contrary to Malao, Muuai, or "ocean tongue" is spoken by aquatic species that rarely visit above the waves, and tend to keep to the depths. > >For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Muuai will typically speak with a Jamaican accent. ##### Shaitan Dialects Shaitan has just one dialect, Aljahan, which is rarely used. >**Aljahan** >To call Aljahan a dialect is technically a misnomer. Aljahan is much closer to the original Shaitanic language, but over time Shaitan has adapted to sound less harsh and more inviting. Aljahan holds true to it's original infernal use, and is spoken primarily by Demons and Devils rather than commoners. > >For roleplay purposes, native speakers of Aljahan will typically speak with an Arabic accent. ##### Ulimi Dialects Ulimi has three dialects, Ashani, Ikambi and Uphozi, each shaped by the different homelands of it's speakers. >**Ashani** >Ashani is spoken by those that once dwelt among dense forested canopies. Ancestral forests and jungles were the birthplace of the Ulimi language. A quiet, breathy dialect, spoken like leaves on the wind. > >**Ikambi** >Ikambi is spoken by species who's ancestors roamed in wide open, warm plains and grasslands. It is a loud and welcoming dialect of an already emotive language. > >**Uphozi** >*pronounced Ooo-Foh-Zee* >Swamps and wetlands are where the speakers of Uphozi originated from. These species are typically hunters and more often than not have scales. This dialect is known for sounding harsh to outsiders. ___ ### Other Methods of Communication ##### ECHO (Encoded Harmonized Orthography) ECHO is the language spoken by the [[Thri-Kreen]]. It's use and awareness of it was extremely limited after the Thri-Kreen found their way to the Shattered Realm, however in recent decades it's benefits have been realized. The 'signalling' nature of the language is incredibly efficient, and partnered with the discovery of [[The Aeos 📜#Phoelsum|Phoelsum]] crystals, technologists have unveiled methods for non-magical telecommunications across the Shattered Realm. ECHO is communicated as a combination rapid signals. Recent [[Warforged]] models are capable of understanding these signals and interpreting them, and people have begun learning it as well, as it's seen as the future of communication. Long range 'telegraphs' using ECHO is possible, but the hardware required to both send and receive signals is rare and expensive. ##### Druidic There are rumours that, deep within the woods, you might just stumble upon hidden messages left on the bark of trees or the face of boulders. These rumours are true. Known only to [[Druid|Druids]] and their ancestors, the Druidic language serves as a way of communicating short but important messages about surrounding areas. Often marked onto various natural materials via druidcraft, Druidic functions as a language by using symbols to convey things like directions, warnings and advice to all who are able to decipher it. ##### Pytuhẽ (pi-too-way) Pytuhẽ are a unique method of communication for [[Myconid 🛠|Myconids]]. While a [[Myconid 🛠|Myconid]] wishes to "speak", they emit spores, which allow them to transmit their thoughts to creatures that come into contact with these spores. These spores can go around corners and affect only creatures with an Intelligence of 5 or higher that aren't [[Creature Type#Undead|undead]], [[Creature Type#Construct|constructs]], or [[Creature Type#Elemental|elementals]]. Affected creatures can hear and understand the thoughts of the [[Myconid 🛠|Myconid]], whether they share a language or not. For roleplay purposes, Pytuhẽ will sound as though spoken with a native American accent. ##### Thieves' Cant While some scholars believe thieves' cant is not a true language, it utilizes a unique set of grammar, combined with local dialects, idioms, coded language, and hand gestures. While it allows for secret communication between [[Rogue|Rogues]] and thieves of the Shattered Realms, thieves' cant doesn't exist independent of other languages. It is impossible for two thieves to communicate in cant, if they do not have at least one shared language. ##### Voidmind Voidmind is a form of ambient telepathy that allows the user to communicate to nearby creatures using their minds. When a creature uses Voidmind, they transmit their thoughts to all creatures within the specified range. Users of Voidmind must be careful however; it isn't uncommon for someone to be listening that you might wish wasn't. ___ ### Alphabets ##### Corrach ![[corrach.png]] ##### Izwi ![[izwi.png]] ##### Suratan ![[suratan.png]] ##### Khitab ![[khitab.png]] ##### Hanuan ![[hanuan.png]] ##### Aestian ![[aestian.png]]