Divine and Sylvan Languages in Terraia | World Anvil
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Divine and Sylvan Languages

Overview

The languages of the Gods, the Titans and the most ancient of planar races come together in this part of the language tree. They are of particular interest to Oracles, Demonists, Diabolists, Summoners, and Priests.

Divine, Oracular and Sylvan Languages

Divine and Sylvan languages are those that have derived directly from the Gods in some form.

Divine or Oracular Languages

According to Cleito, the First of the Apollonian Oracles:
"Oracles from the mouths of Titans Gods Sphinxes the Dead and Damned."
The Divine Languages of the Gods and Spirits are therefore classified as Oracular Languages, and are valued by Priests for the same reason.  

Oracle Impact

If a Divine or Oracular language is spoken by the Oracle receiving a divine vision or message AND that language matches the source of the Oracle (for example a speaker of Hadean receives an Oracle from the Dead Spirit of Achilles), then the initial confirmation of the oracle, and verification of the source are considered successful. Otherwise there is a +1 bonus for each Oracle language spoken when determining the source and significance of the message. (But not the content).

Titanic (Titans)

Titanic is the language of the Titans, it was the most ancient of languages in the Universe and is learned only by Priests of Titans such as Prometheus and Hekate. Followers of Athena have been known to attack people speaking it. Only some inscriptions exist in it - and it is generally considered an unwritten language.
 

Celestial (Gods)

Celestial is the language of the Gods. As such all Oracles, Soothsayers, and most Clerics learn it. This allows them to more completely understand the oracles and instructions of their Gods. Paladins and Clerics of Athena all get this language eventually in their careers.

Sphinx (Sphinxes)

The language of the Riddle-Makers is divinely inspired and a form of divine language in and of itself. It is another language used by Oracles and Omen Interpreters as it aids in interpreting some omens and oracles. Bards often study this language in the hope it will aid in their oratory skills. (+1D10% to Bardic Charm/Influence rolls).
 

Hadean (the Dead)

Hadean is the language of the dead (not the undead) - it is the language spoken in the depths of Hades Realm and in parts of Tartarus. It too is often taken by Oracles, as some of the dead give prophecies - or at the very least warnings of what is about to come.
   

Demonic (the Damned)

The Demonic language is used in Tartarus, but is most commonly encountered as a script - often in old demonist texts and books about the lower planes and their denizens. It is therefore a popular language among Diabolists and Summoners.
 

Titanic Derived Languages

 

Gigantic

The language of Giantkind, which can be universally used when dealing with all but the Stone Giants is a language straight from the Titans. It is a rare language to be heard, and is studied by very few.
 

Cyclopean

The language of the Cyclops is heard the most at the end of the Western Reach and is commonly associated with the Brazen who frequent the area. As the Cyclopes were the first forge masters, many Smiths and Foundry workers still study this language in the hopes that parts of it's speech will imbue power into their forging attempts. The Dwarves also study Cyclopean similarly in the hopes of finding inscriptions and books that could unlock the secrets of the forge.
 

Minotaur

The language of the Minotaurs has been directly linked to the Titans - and is used alot near the Temple of Geryon and the Pillars of Hercules among the Maze of Minotaurs who pace the realm in that area.
 

Celestial Derived Languages (including Sylvan Languages)

Ithil Elvish

This is considered a dialect of Celestial by many scholars. The language of the Elves is universally known as Ithil (Moon) Elvish. It is in fact a non-existent language - in actuality every Elven 'House' has it's own dialect of the language. So what a Non-Elf hears as just Elven, is in fact House Tinuhael Dialect. All the dialects are mutually understandable and differences may not even be discernible to most non-Elvish listeners. There are a total of nine Elvish Dialects.  

Draumraug Elvish

This 'dialect' is very different, it is often linked to Demonic forces, but in actuality the House has not allowed Demonic to be included in their dialect. Rather they have incorporated parts of Hadean into their spoken language.

Sylvan Languages

These are the main Sylvan languages spoken in Atlantis. Other's exist but are said to come from Otherworld Sylvans.

Core Sylvan Languages

Higher Sylvan

This is a language in two forms. It is used extensively in carvings, and signs in the forests of Atlantis as information, warnings, and general communications between residents of the forests. It is a major source of communication between woodsmen, druids and rangers. It is also used as a sign marking or sign trail language allowing the leaving of key signs on trails to warn or inform later travelers of the presence of danger, food, water, fire, or any number of detailed messages.

Druidic Cant (Restricted Language)

Druidic cant includes a large part of Higher Sylvan sign language within it - but is a largely independent spoken tongue. The language of Druids also includes a written script (Ogham Runes) and spoken language.

Sylvan

Sylvan allows for the communication of standard forest communications among it's denizens and is used as a form of trade language in Sylvan settings.

Undersylvan (Restricted Language)

This is the language of burrowing animals and is only used by Gnomes and such creatures. No other race has been able to learn this language.

Sylvan Race Languages

 

Brownies


Brownies care for their communities, those who speak their language have a +10% greater chance of being helped by a Brownie if requesting their aid in an area.

 

Dryads


Dryads are strongly linked to Druids - they will happily help a Druid and most druids learn Dryad as Dryads are the main Sylvan Guardians of Druid Groves.

Floran (Restricted Language)

This is the language of plants and flowers, it can only be spoken with the spell 'speak with plants'.

Nixies


Nixies speak an Aquan fused language mixed with Sylvan - but with a very arrogant manner in most cases.

Nymphs


Nymphs are greatly prized for their incredible beauty, and their language is studied by Courtiers, and Priests/Priestesses of Aphrodite in the belief (falsely) that it will improve their Charisma. It is a language that can be used in the casting of Druidic and Priest spells - making it popular with casters seeking to enhance their social standing when dealing with Atlantean Nobles.

Pixies


Pixies are mischievous and as such their language is very tricky - it is often used by Bards seeking to improve their riddling and oratory skills - with Pixish thrown into comedy pieces to improve their story pace.

Satyrs


Satyrish is the language of the party. It is actually used alot in the Red light districts of large towns and cities. Satyrish is therefore a popular language among party goers in Atlantis. It is a limited language - focused mainly on the pleasures of life. It is therefore often taken by priests of Dionysus.

 

Sprites


Being truly immortal, Sprites are treasured by Druids as the memory of nature and treat them with great respect - a Sprite is more likely to know the history of an area with such longevity that they are also often sought out by Bards seeking legend lore insights into items and area histories. For this reason the Sprite language is often studied to maximise the chances of succeeding in negotiating with a sprite.

Sylphs

  Sylphish is a Herian based Air Elemental type language that is highly melodic - making it another popular Bardic language. Some bards seek to sing in Sylphic to enhance the melody produced by their singing - even though the audience will not understand it.

Treantish


Treantish is very very rarely encountered in Atlantis with Dryads being noted as the main users of the language other than some houses of the Ithil Elves.


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