Languages
01
Overview
The languages of Hvalla are diverse yet linked by a mother tongue. The First Kings were rumored to speak a universal proto-language until they broke from one another. As wargs drew further from their brothers and sisters, they developed their own ways of speaking. All languages are broken into spoken and written components.
You can learn more about dialect differences and unique words used by each of the different races in their individual pages.
02
Written
Futhark
Futhark is the most widely known written language. Its permutations come from the same roots but have regional differences that distinguish them. Most road signposts are written in this runic language and the majority of warg children are taught it.
Fjell (Stonewarg)
A very crude alphabet, the Fjell Futhark is basic and uncomplicated. Its runes have often been mistaken by other nations as mere scratches in the environment.
High Futhark (Woodwarg)
A powerful and complicated written language, the High Futhark was said to have been created by the First King of the Woodwarg when a Skald refused to teach the children of Jord the Oghan alphabet. It is able to be read by only the most proficient of Woodwarg Scholars.
Oghan
Oghan is the lost written runic language of the Skalds and Oracles. It is older than the present-day forms of the Futhark and is rumored to produce even stronger magic in spells.
03
Spoken
Common
The common language is the primary language of Hvalla. It is spoken by most races, and has only small dialect differences between them.
Broken Common
Broken Common is a form of the Common Tongue. It is more likely to exist in places where Stonewarg have proliferated and contested areas.
Fjelltunge
Fjelltunge is the native language of the Stonewarg. It is rough and guttural and every word to an unknowing bypasser sounds as if it has been chewed up and spat out.
Henje
The lost language of Skalds and Oracles, every word is said to be imbued with magic.
04
Communication With Animals
Wargs cannot speak the tongues of other creatures, prey, and predators alike. Some wargs have strong relationships with animals, though these are more for companionship than having the ability to actually communicate with them.
The exception to this is the communication between wargs and magical creatures like ley creatures. Wargs are able to communicate with these creatures that are bonded to them verbally or via pure mental intent, and the Ley creature seems to understand and will carry out any tasks as requested. The Ley creature itself does not ‘talk’ the way wargs do, but can express itself physically.