Imitsu
The phrase Anata no itoga zen'inni wakaruyuo ni hakkiri to hanashite kudasai serves as a common, if curt, Imitsu greeting, possessing a somewhat similar context to phrases such as "Speak your business" or "What do you want, need, or require?" in Vulgar. The literal translation, "Speak plainly, so all can know what you mean", demonstrates how even casual Duergar conversation is steeped in edicts, proverbs, and esoteric philosophy.-Dictionarium d'Lingueia Pumilian, the standard Terran guide to Imitsu.
Imitsu is the native language of the Duergar. Imitsu itself means "Secret" in their own language. Imitsu is a relatively new language, developed during the Fae Schism. Prior to the Fae Schism, Duergar spoke Vauyeas, the ancient language of the Fey; specifically the Vaeseyuedu dialect.
Imitsu is loosely based on Japanese.
Vocabulary
For ease of research, each word listed in this limited Duergar vocabulary is structured in thematic sections. Furthermore, words may be listed multiple times, if they possess more than one definition or grammatical use.
Atarashen is short for “Atarashen ri Yochi” which means the Bountiful Lands. Atarashen is the name given to Truncia prior to its collapse.
Oborotan is short for “Oborotan ri Yochi” which means the Drowned Lands. Oborotan is the name given to Truncia following its collapse.
Esson literally means Timber or Worked Wood.
The nation of Esson is short for “Esson ri Yochi” which means Territory of Timber.
Hisen means Trade Goods, Chattel, or Refined Products.
Hisen is short for “Hisen ri Yochi” which means Territory of Trades.
Mushin means Diamond
Mushin is short for “Mushin Kyuda” which means the Diamond Estate.
Ryusan means Ore, Coal, or Minerals.
Ryusan is short for “Ryusan ri Yochi” which means Territory of Ore.
Saimun means Coins, Debts, Treasures, or Valuables.
Saimun is short for “Saimun ri Yochi” which means Territory of Coins.
Soko means Guild as well as the territory of the Guild.
Sokon-ka means Guildhall.
Kuran means Clan.
Yochi means Land or Territory.
Yochin-ka means Community.
Jibu-yochin means Home. It literally translates to “One’s Own Territory”.
Kyuda means Estate.
Kyuden-ka means Palace.
The suffix -ka means Center Of and is used to imply the epicenter or power for a location.
Okoku means Hold. A Hold is conceptually similar to a Kingdom, covering several connected Yochi, made up of dozens of Yochi-ka and Soko, ruled by a Council of Daijin and Tenno ri Yochi.
Kinko-shitsu means Vault. A Vault is conceptually similar to a Capitol, the heart of a Hold. Every Vault is located in a secure subterranean location within the Hold’s territory.
Tenno means Chancellor or Governor. Since the Fey Schism, it has been used to identify the noble ruler of a specific Yochi.
Tennonate means Council of Governors. This term is used to identify the noble class of Trunsia.
Daijin means Minister and Guildmaster. Note: Duergar use the Vulgar term Elder to identify a Minister or Guildmaster.
Daijinate means Council of Guildmasters. This term is used to identify the ruling merchant class of Trunsia.
Shogun means General or Warlord.
Shogunate means Council of Generals. This term is used to identify the ruling military class of Trunsia.
Duroroga means Forgeborn and the term used by Duergar to identify themselves.
Duro meaning Forge, Hearth, or Furnace.
Roga means Offspring, Child, or Creation Of. Used as a suffix, -roga means Born, Kin, or Spawn. Examples: Tetsuroga is the Duergar term for Ironborn, Kiboroga is used to identify Wyverns, and Dobutsuroga refers to all Beastfolk.
Ezukai means Lumber or Raw Wood.
Tetsu means Iron.
Kibo means Drake or Dragon.
Dobutsu means Animal or Beast.
Dowafutsu is a term given to Acarcian Duergar. It literally translates to “Grudge Bearers” and was adopted by the Duergar who invaded Acarcia following the Fey Schism.
Dowa means Grudge, Injustice, or Spiritual Wound.
Futsu means Bearer or To Bear.
Ikitesei means Living Saint and is a type of apotheosis unique to Duergar practitioners of the Harmonious Way.
Ikite means Mortal or Living.
Sei as a suffix is an honorific title which means Saint.
Kensei is a specific type of Ikitesei. Their name translates to War Saint.
Jibun means Me and Mine.
The prefix form Jibu- is used to identify personal possession.
Kaiju means Monster.
Ho-o means Phoenix.
Ken means War.
Kogane means Fist.
Okane means Secure or Impenetrable.
Ri means Of or Pertaining To.
Ryuno is an honorific that means “The Great”. Examples: Ryuno Kibo is used to refer to True Dragons,
Ronin means Naked. It is a title given to Duergar that have been exiled from their Hold or can claim no Clan. Also used as a pejorative label given to anyone a Duergar deems dishonorable.
Tokugi Konpe means Feats of Glory and is the name of the Duergar Games.
Tokugi means Feat, Test, Competition, or Game.
Konpe means Glory.
U-okka is a clear and very potent distilled rice whiskey, commonly known as Gemshine.
Nenryu-okka is a dark and even more potent rice whiskey better known as Coalshine.
Eru means Beer.
Urami means Ocean.
Zaimusho means Receipt or Contract.
Iroe means Color.
Siiro means White.
Kure means Black.
Kumore means Gray.
Akke means Red.
Raime means Orange.
Kiiro means Yellow.
Midoro means Green.
Umai means Blue.
Murasi means Purple or Violet.
Chiiro means Brown.
Aojiroe is an adjective that means something is Dull or Pale in Color.
Suburai is an adjective that means something is Bright in Color.
Kurai is an adjective that means is Dark in Color.
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