Languages
Duleinish: The primary language of the tribes of Shanh Duleiel. While a few more obscure languages are spoken by people of the plains as well, virtually all intertribal communication is in Duleinish, and only a rare few recluses do not know at least the basics of the language there. While primarily derived from Deadtongue, local languages were also absorbed into Duleinish, including the original languages of the tengu and orcs. Varied dialects are common, with some becoming quite distinct. Duleinish generally uses particularly soft consonantal sounds, and is characterized by a relatively large number of both vowel sequences and diphthongs. Most dialects of Duleinish contain no P or X sounds, and several no T or K sounds; a common Duleinish accent will generally soften these to sound more similar to B, SCH, D, and G, respectively.
Undercommon: Once the language of the drow alone, Undercommon retains a cadence somewhat similar to Aelven, from long before even the days of the ancients when the drow and pale elves were said to have been a single people. A great number of loanwords from dialects both modern and long-forgotten, and simpler grammatical structure, as well as simply the passing of untold aeons, however, mean the two languages no longer have much practical similarity.
Gnomish: While clearly related to Sylvan, the Gnomish language is seemingly simpler, but complicated to properly learn. Most words in Gnomish have several potential meanings, and grammar is minimal, with the result that the language is strongly dependent on interpretation and context.
Aelven: Spoken primarily by the lashunta, but throughout Aelinar as well. How much similarity it truly has to the ancient language of the pale elves is a common subject of scholarly debate in Aelinar, particularly for the Yue'kir, who have been known to argue extreme opinions on both sides at different times. Aelven is a complex language to learn, but considered intuitive and clear once the basics are established. Multisyllabic words are most common, as are softer consonantal sounds in contrast to Undercommon or Dwarven.
Sylvan: The ancient language of the fey has no original written form, but is usually written in the Aelven or Gnomish scripts. Sylvan uses few hard consonants, and is often described as sounding like a lullaby. Sylvan vocabulary is complex and extensive, such as using twelve entirely different words for various kinds of cloudy weather, and grammar that most find counterintuitive.
Khorhan: Harsh and throaty-sounding, the language of the hobgoblins is one of the more widely known in Thascien, at least on a superficial level. While it bears little relation to most modern languages, it does borrow somewhat from the ancient orcish language, thought to be due to a grudging necessity to communicate efficiently with slaves. The Khorhan script is sharp and angular, and occasionally confused with Dwarven, much to the offense of both hobgoblins and dwarves.
Draconic: Supposedly, the Draconic language spoken by the wyvarans is not quite the same language of the mythical true dragons, or is at best a low dialect, but the language of a creature rumored to have been seen in the times of Deadland is not a concern to most. Every wyvaran will claim it is the pure form of the language, and arguing otherwise would often prove hazardous. Draconic is difficult to pronounce properly for other races, with rumbling or hissing sounds being common.
Dwarven: While dwarves are generally content to speak Undercommon for most dealings with outlanders, they retain their own distinct language. Dwarven may well be the language closest to its historical form, for it has changed little over time, and foreign loanwords are less strongly incorporated, as well as primarily used only for concepts the dwarven people dislike.
Tradescant: In the absence of a true common tongue since the Deadlands fell, this pidgin blend of Khorhan and Dwarven came into regular use among merchants and travelers. While unsuitable for more complex discussion, basic vocabulary is commonly enough known that it can be relied on throughout nearly all of Thascien.
Psycode: A peculiar telepathic shorthand, used to convey information more quickly than could be accomplished through purely verbal communication.
Celestial, Infernal, Halcyon Speech, and Discordic: The four languages used by outsiders are in truth more akin to dialects than separate languages. Pronunciations, vocabulary, cadence, and grammar vary, but anyone fluent in Celestial will understand Halcyon Speech, and so forth. Even outsiders will use words normally considered part of another's language when needed to describe concepts their own lacks nuanced terms for.
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