Flotsam

Southern Pax is a maritime powerhouse, rivaling even Stilton Head as not only a destination, but an oceanside paradise.

The weather in the south is always warm, leaning towards hot, with trade winds blowing through the passes and channels of the islands south of the continent. Those islands, the former home of The Tolmec Empire, have become destinations for travel, leisure, and business of all kinds.

Getting to all of these places requires ships, boats, and vessels of all shapes and sizes. The vaunted Headship Galleon dominates the waters, of course, but there are waterborn vehicles plying the waters off of southern Pax night and day.

It is no surprise, then, that a "lingo" and style of jargon arose that allowed the sailors and crew of those ships to communicate effectively, no matter where they were from, or what dialect they were used to speaking. Eventually, this jargon became so ingrained into a sailor's vocabulary that the School of Language Arts, at the world famous Bardic College, classified it as not only its own own dialect, but a tried and true language in and of itself, classifying it as a "creole".

Common Phrasings

Descriptions of People

"He’s all bilge and no ballast"–He’s all talk and no substance "A fine capstan o’ a lass"–A strong, reliable woman "He’s a deck-swabber at best"–He’s a low-ranking or unimportant person "Storm-eyed as a siren"–Mysterious or alluring, but dangerous

Nautical Slang for Situations

• "Weigh anchor!"–Get moving!
• "We’re keel-over-fin!"–We’re upside down (or in a chaotic mess)
• "Batten yer trap!"–Shut your mouth!
• "The moon’s crow’s nestin’"–The night is calm (or a clear sky)

Money and Trade

• "What’s the share o’ the plunder?"–What’s my cut of the deal?
• "He’s tight as a cork in a cask"–He’s stingy
• "She’s got coin in her hold"–She’s wealthy
• "Barter o’ barnacles"–A bad trade or deal

Weather and Sailing

• "Reef the sails, she’s blowin’ a gale!"–Prepare for trouble!
• "Dead in the water"–Stuck or making no progress
• "The sea’s a devil's cauldron today"–The ocean is rough
• "That’s flotsam for the tide"–Let it go; it’s not worth saving.

Dictionary

52 Words.

Common Phrases

Greetings, and Farewells

• "Ahoy Driftkin!"-Hello, fellow sailor!
• "Fair winds, an' full hold"-Goodbye, and good luck!
• "Keep yer compass true"-Stay safe, and stay honest

Everyday Speech

• "By the salt, yer a barnacle-brained lubber!"–You're a fool!
• "Scuttlin’ skiff, we’re in the drink now"–We’re in trouble
• "Steer clear o’ the doldrums"–Avoid trouble (or boredom)
• "Aye, she’s runnin’ before the gale"–She’s going fast (or acting recklessly)
• "Shiver me timbers!"–An exclamation of surprise, akin to "Well, I'll be!"

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