In the world of Prism there are many spoken tongues. The most common however, is God-Tongue. This is not an actual lanugage per se, but rather an ability given by the gods. Each god in each nation grants their followers the ability to understand each other in a common tongue. It is not however, a language you can learn or be taught. Crossing the borders between nations switches you from one God-Tongue to another, but you would never notice the difference. You would continue to understand whomever you spoke to, but in their common tongue.
After the God-Tongue, there are several catagories of speech. Most scholars divide the languages into 3 distinct variations. Ancient languages are ones that are rare to know. Some sheltered cultures may speak it, but most people will not be able to understand it. Even finding history books on the topic, either about speaking or simply historical texts written in these tongues are extremely rare. Modern languages are in usage around the world. These are found in every corner of the land, and are generally accepted by all. Tribal languages are those spoken by unique groups of peoples. Sometimes this is due to isolation, other times to a willful choice to speak a distinct tongue. These tongues can be learnt, if you find a willing teacher, however tomes of knowledge on their history or usage will be much harder to find.
Ancient
- Auran: A language spoken by those who have a connection to the elemental plane of Air. It is soft and your breath can change the meaning of a word based on strength or length.
- Aquan: A language spoken by those who have a connection to the elemental plane of water. It is flowing, with words strung together in almost endless lengths.
- Ignan: A language spoken by those who have a connection to the elemental plane of fire. It is quick and bursting, with most words having many meanings and few words overall.
- Terran: A language spoken by those who have a connection to the elemental plane of earth. It is soothing and solid, with words spoken at different intensities.
- Primordial: A language spoken by those with any elemental connection. It is akin to the common tongue spoken in the elemental planes.
- Sylvan: A language spoken by those from the Feywild. It is musical in nature and is said to be difficult to learn as it changes faster than any other language.
- Infernal: A language spoken by those from the Nine Hells. It is very harsh and crackling. Every devilish contract is written in this tongue.
- Abyssal: A language spoken by those from the Abyss. The words of this tongue often sound like swears to other ears, even the most innocent of words.
- Vampiric: This language is unique to this list, as it is spoken by those who still live in the modern times. However, most vampires keep this tongue alive out of spite.
- Deep Speech: A language spoken by Aberrants. It is full of throat noises and is very hard on the ears of those who hear it.
Modern
- Celestial: A language spoken by those who have a connection to the Gods. This language is not the same as the God-Tongue, but is very common all the same.
- Aven: A language spoken by those who are descended from birds. The tongue is full of hoots, and caws.
- Goblin: A language spoken by those of goblinoid origin. Many of the words in this tongue end up being about food.
- Dwarvish: A language spoken by the Dwarves and those who live inside mountains. It is said that there are 300 different words for metals in this language.
- Elvish: A language spoken by those of Elven descent. It is melodic and tends to contain very long words for things that do not need long words.
- Gnomish: A language spoken by the Gnomes. It is one of the fast spoken laguages around. If it takes you more than 1 minute to say something, you are doing it wrong.
- Orc: A language spoken by those who have Orcish heritage. It is spoken with large, open mouths to make up for the tusks Orcs often have.
- Halfling: A language spoken by Halflings. It is said to be the easiest to learn, as Halflings are happy to teach any who ask.
- Draconic: A language spoken by those with Dragon blood in their veins. It is full of grunts and snarls.
- God-Tongue: This language is spoken by all who live in Prism. It is not learnt and can not be unlearnt. All speak it, with or without their choice.
- Druidic: A language spoken by Shamans. It is only taught by those who have these skills, and while the general public do not speak it, every Shaman does.
- Thieves' Cant: This is more of a symbology than a full language. There are a few words, and a handful of symbols that those of a criminal bent understand.
Tribal
- Giant: A language spoken by those who have Giant heritage. It is spoken in isolated communites and is quite loud.
- Khenra: This tongue is almost exclusive spoken between Khenras. It has many variations as the twins common in these people modify it to suit their needs.
- Kor: This language is used by mountain people. It has no words and is only whistles and trills which can bounch off long distances.
- Leonin: This is a language spoken by the Leonin. It is full of roars and rolling r's.
- Loxodon: This is a language spoken by the Loxodon. Not only does it use words, but it uses trunk movements as part of the speech.
- Oceanic: A group tongue spoken by those who favour the waters. It is best understood underwater. On land it sounds like blurbles and bloops.
- Gnoll: A language spoken by the gnolls. It contains yips and barks and is rather simple.
