Shyr

The Iosans speak a language called Shyr, whose name is similar to that of the Iosan capital. This ancient language is extremely complex and features rigid rules of syntax and grammar entirely dissimilar from those of human and dwarven tongues. Written Shyr is not phonetic and uses thousands of intricate glyphs. Shyr is almost never heard outside of Ios, and because the Iosans guard their language as tightly as they do all their secrets, only a handful of scholars outside Ios are familiar with its written form.

Distinct dialectical differences exist not only among those who live in Shyrr, Iryss, and Lynshynal, but also among those who live in some of Ios’ outlying fortifications. Additionally, numerous elven houses have developed terms specific to their use, although these do not generally present a barrier to communication. Members of the Retribution of Scyrah have created an extensive system of gestures that are used in place of spoken language for certain tasks.