Estmerian Idioms

"A real cobel of goblins" refers to a particularly tricky or ugly task. Coming out of the backwaters of Estermain countryside. Goblins are a common problem, quick to grow in number, and difficult to eradicate. In small numbers they keep their mischief to a minimum, only stealing small things or killing the occasional animal. In larger groups their trouble takes a darker shift they start to abduct children and burn isolated farms.
"Grim skies above" is used to refer to a situation that is filled with bad omens, or is likely to have a bad outcome. The older Estmerian population was highly superstitious, often looking for omens in their activities to tell them what they should do. This catchall phrase is used to indicate any host of negative omens, rather than having to try to elaborate upon what omens they specifically saw or think they saw.
"A real tankered" a good situation, or helpful aspect of a situation. Coming out of the heavily militarized side of Estmerian society, that often relied upon alcohol to pass the time or attempt to combat minor illnesses. Now it is used quite often to refer to anything that somebody sees as good.
"Blackdagger" is the label given to shady people who are seen as being up to no good. They are likely to stab you at night with a blackened dagger. The blackening of the dagger is to indicate the probability that it is a poorly maintained dagger, or intentionally darkened to avoid reflecting light making it easier to conceal.
"Old empire" This is a catchall phrase used by the Estmerians to indicate a service or custom that the old ruling empire performed. While it has been nearly 200 years since the fall of that empire, it is still commonly referred to reminisced about the lack of it. In some areas remnants of the empire continue on, performing stuff in the same stagnated way they had before the fall.