Imperial Common: Colloquial Phrases

I know they're speaking common, but did any of ... that ... make any sense to you?

— Elven visitor to Sanguine

Imperial Common originated as a language used by traders through human kingdoms, and soon evolved into the language most of the Imperium used during its formative years. Because of this, Imperial Common has a good chance of being understood by most people inside the empire's borders - and in the lands outside it. Despite this, the Imperial culture often has sayings which crept into it over the years from various places. These phrases tend to confuse those who do not natively speak Imperial Common, as they did not grow up around the usage. Provinces and other regions do, in fact, tend to have their own phrases; these either slowly filter into wider use or remain as local phrases until their meaning is lost.

What follows is a partial list of examples of phrases overheard in Eva Valoria from time to time.

Common Sayings and Their Meaning

"Blessing of the Fortunate Son" - Something turning out to be good despite difficulties or first impressions. The Fortunate Son is one of the pantheon usually associated with trickery, fortune, and as such many things which are the "good" sort of deception wind up linked to them. This particular saying alludes to a tale where a traveler hands over what seems to be an ordinary stone to a beggar, and when the beggar smashes it in frustration it contained an interior of crystalline emeralds.
"Only worth a Crest" - Something common. As the Crest is the smallest denomination of Imperial currency, saying something is only worth a Crest is calling it cheap. This is often used in a derogatory manner, though it has also been turned around to extol a lack of expense.
"Built by goblins" - Shoddily made. Goblins are considered notorious for barely being able to make anything, thus whatever they make is automatically terrible. This attitude bled through from interactions with dwarven clans who have more than a little distaste for goblinoid beings. To tell the truth, goblins are capable of fine work if they have the time and effort put into training. Yet the stereotype remains strong in Imperial culture. Several variants exist regionally, with different races or cultures being substituted based on what the people of the region think.
"Twelve smiled on him/her/them" - Born lucky. This phrase is often simply an adaptation of the term "blessed luck", which is common throughout most cultures. Since the Rhyliss pantheon has twelve principle deities, they are usually referred to collectively as "the Twelve" rather than "the Gods" by those raised in the Imperium.
"Don't argue with the elves" - No arguing with that. This is used in two basic forms, one of which is openly dismissive, the other is not. The polite form is an acknowledgement of something said which is considered undeniably true. ("The ocean is wet." "It'll get better next season." "The governor is an idiot.") A less polite form is used to dismiss an argument against someone who simply will not change their position, due to the perception of elves as being unyielding and seeing themselves as always correct. It is naturally considered in poor taste to use this phrase in the presence of an elf.
"Don't forget to check the wheels." - Slow down and/or do things properly. The actual origins are lost, but it is generally accepted this phrase encompasses times when wagons might not have been stored with their wheels attached. Because someone might be in a hurry and unaware, they could hitch a horse to a wagon with no wheels, and thus look ridiculous in their embarrassing failure. Hence, one should never forget to check the wheels. This term sees greater use around farmers and merchants than in other walks of life.
"Digging for seashells in the desert." - Obviously looking in the wrong place. This saying bled into popular use due largely to the settlement of the Kiroan province, where the majority of the settlements are on the edges of the desert or along the coastal trade routes headed south to Sebile. Various types of shelled seafood are a known commodity, and often are associated with the province's coastal towns. Similarly, the design of many of those shells are incorporated into decorative elements along the trade route. A minor trade, especially popular among young folk needing quick money for an easy job, is scouring the beaches at low tide for shells which are intact enough to sell for a few Crests to travelers. Since the activity takes place over sand, the transposition is very much a jab at someone obviously having missed a major detail and in the middle of a major mistake.