Roa’thel (roh-AH-thel)

Leonin is a language deeply rooted in oral tradition. Spoken by the proud and communal Leonin people, it reflects their reverence for nature, ancestry, and the bonds that tie their prides together.   The language has a musical and tonal quality, relying on pitch and inflection to convey meaning, emotion, and intent. Its phonology includes rich vowels, resonant consonants, and occasional clicks that mimic the sounds of their environment, such as the rustle of grass or the growl of predators.   Leonin grammar is built around simplicity and fluidity, often favoring prefixes and suffixes to mark tense, number, and emphasis. Reduplication is commonly used to create plurals or intensify meaning, emphasizing repetition as a form of power and importance.   Its word order tends toward SVO (Subject-Verb-Object), reflecting the Leonin’s direct and purposeful nature. However, poetic or ceremonial speech may shift to VSO for emphasis, particularly in storytelling or rituals.   Leonin script is rare, as the language relies primarily on oral tradition. When written, it uses flowing, curved symbols that resemble claws, vines, or waves, mirroring the natural forms of their environment. These symbols are often carved into wood, bone, or stone, preserving their history in ways that echo their oral heritage.   Spoken with grace and authority, Leonin serves as both a means of communication and a tool for storytelling, weaving together the voices of ancestors and the spirit of the wild. It embodies strength, unity, and the deep-rooted pride of its speakers.