The Tongues of Mytharae
Recorded by Scholar Arthelion of the Fifth Astral Academy, Luminaris
Year 247 of the Fifth Era
On the First Tongues
Language in Mytharae did not emerge from a single origin. It formed along separate paths, shaped by environment, physiology, and Magica itself.
Scholars distinguish between two forms:
- Mortal Tongues developed for communication and adaptation
- Intrinsic Tongues bound to the nature of a race and inseparable from it
To study language is to study perception. Each tongue reveals how its speakers understand the world.
✦ The Kharum Tongue ✦
The Unspoken Language
The language of the Kharum cannot be reproduced by other races. It depends on dual tonal resonance, internal vibration, and layered sound structures that require a different physical form.
To outsiders it resembles grinding stone and harmonic pressure. It is deliberate, structured, and assembled rather than spoken.
Their writing reflects this. Symbols are geometric, layered, and arranged like engineered diagrams. A single inscription can encode instruction, meaning, and intent.
Among the Kharum, language is not separate from thought. It is a system. To speak incorrectly is to think incorrectly.
✦ The Common Tongue ✦
Valerian
Valerian is the most widespread language in Mytharae. It was shaped for clarity, trade, and governance.
Early contact with the Kharum influenced its structure, though its complexity was removed. What remained was a language that is efficient, adaptable, and easy to learn.
It became dominant not because it is powerful, but because it is practical.
✧ Notes on the Valerian Alphabet ✧
The Valerian script contains 24 letters, divided into three symbolic groups
| Group | Nature | Function |
|---|---|---|
| River Letters | Vowels | Allow words to flow and connect |
| Stone Letters | Hard consonants | Represent strength, structure, permanence |
| Wind Letters | Soft consonants | Used in speech, poetry, and fluid expression |
Scholars note that River Letters are considered the oldest, as early writing focused on names and places. Stone Letters dominate architecture, titles, and cities. Wind Letters emerged later, allowing expression beyond structure.
✦ The Luminari Tongue ✦
Solarian
Solarian is a language of rhythm and pattern. Meaning shifts through cadence and repetition, reflecting celestial motion.
It is required for Star Magic. The stars respond to structure rather than intention.
Among the Luminari, speech is measured and deliberate. Language is both calculation and art.
✦ Draconic ✦
The Language of Command
Draconic is declarative rather than descriptive. Each glyph represents a command or law.
Written Draconic imposes will upon reality. Spoken forms used by the Draconi are simplified and less powerful.
It reflects a culture built on dominance, hierarchy, and legacy.
✦ The Arcane Tongue ✦
Arcanum
Arcanum is a structured language of magic. Each word represents a function rather than an idea.
Words combine to form spells as constructions. Magic is instructed, not persuaded.
This makes it powerful, precise, and dangerous when misused.
✦ Writing Systems of the Races ✦
| Race | Writing Form |
|---|---|
| Kharum | Geometric engineered script |
| Draconi | Glyph-based symbols |
| Luminari | Flowing celestial script |
| Noctari | Spiral and mirrored writing |
| Thalori | Leaf-like runes |
| Durakai | Carved angular runes |
| Bogryn | Knot and mark systems |
| Sarnai | Painted clan symbols |
Final Scholar’s Reflection
Language reveals more than communication. It reveals perception.
The Kharum build meaning.
The Valeri simplify it.
The Luminari shape it through harmony.
The Draconi impose it.
The Arcane Tongue defines it.
To know a language is to understand a people. To master them all is to understand the structure of the world itself.