Language

History

Due to its wide variety of races, Esmorde is a world of many languages. In earlier times Elvish was the most popular language in Esmorde, used primarily by Elves and Dragons, and the only written language. When the bond between Esmorde and the otherworld was strong, Esmordian traders found it easier to do business if they spoke English, which they dubbed ‘Common’. It quickly became the primary speaking language, with literary dominance between Elvish and Common blurring over time. In recent times, most Esmordians speak both languages, plus their own ethnic tongue such as Dwarvish, Goblin or Mermish.

Glossary

Below is a glossary of Esmordian terms added to the ‘Common’ language.

Nori – part servant, part apprentice to an Elder of Esmorde, usually taken on during adolescence. When an Elder deems the nori worthy, they are given the Test of Elementals, and if they succeed, are given full ruling powers over their Elder’s element. It is a position of high-esteem and reverence, almost close to royalty.

Wana – Esmordian slang for ‘Mother’.

Tu’ath – A society of Elves, the leaders of which are a Rí (King) and Ríoghan (Queen).

Horde – A society of Goblins, the leader of which is a Morg (Master). Leaderships are often somewhat short-lived, seeing as Goblins have a nasty habit of killing off their Morgs quicker than they can skin a Bogtrotter.

Sect – A society of Dwarves, the leader of which is a Sovereign. It’s been known for Dwarf Sovereigns to be elected simply by the size of their hammer.

Empire – A society of dragons, the leader of which are the Emperor and Empress. Both are equal to avoid fighting between the genders.

Fan – A society of mermaids, the leader of which is usually an idiot. Or, more accurately, a Glam (male) or a Glitter (female).

Hydraht – A mysterious room in the Temple of Water where the exact placement of sunlight and water casts dancing lights around the room, making it hard to focus on a target. The room is half-submersed in water with the only footholds seven movable pillars, so no one can sneak up behind you.

Inouant – A dome-shaped room in the Temple of Water housing a giant map of Esmorde beneath a glass floor. The map is enchanted to be an exact reflection of Esmorde, like a ‘living copy’, so even the most recent geographical changes are displayed accurately, such as the ever-growing Dustlands.

Mythril – A rare and extremely precious metal; stronger, lighter and more flexible than any substance on Earth. Most races have their own way of smithing the raw product, but there is a strong rivalry between the expert craftsmanship of the Elves and the Dwarves.

Crezca – A symbolic feather given to adolescents when their tribe leader believes they have reached adulthood. The feather is a direct representation of the Element of Air, the Second Element, and is the second step in the elemental circle of life – Birth by Water, Growth by Air, Death by Fire. It is presented to a youth during a gathering called a Crezca Ceremony.