Infernal
Ervenian Era, 1051 AB
Infernal is the language of the Devils, and of the Nine Hells. Infernal was brought to Theras through contact with evil beings from other planes. It is described as harsh and alien in nature, since it developed among beings with thought patterns very unlike those of humanity. Clerics often take the time to learn it.
Castes of Speech
The Infernal tongue is tied closely to the Devil caste system, being divided into four parts. Though each part uses the same basic foundation, each expresses different concepts and used different words.
The tongue of the least devils, such as the spined devils, is a simple, harsh tongue suited for shouting commands across a battlefield.
The tongue of the lesser devils is equal to any mortal tongue in complexity, used to communicate abstract concepts such as honor or hate. It is less gravelly than the tongue of the least devils, though not exactly musical. Most non-devils who learn Infernal, learn this variation of it.
The stilted, formal, grating yet strangely melodic tongue of the greater devils is full of obscure patterns that seem to meander misleadingly before snapping to an unexpected point. Speaking it properly require careful planning and the ability to respond intelligently to phrases based only on the most subtle of cues. It is said that two greater devils can hold entire conversations in this form of Infernal using only the beginnings of their sentences. It is nearly impossible for mortals to learn.
The fourth form of Infernal is the court language of Hell, used only by pit fiends and the archdevils. This form of the language is so utterly corrupt and evil that its malevolence could drag listeners into hateful despair just through hearing its patterns.
Writing System
Script Infernal
Root Languages
Successor Languages
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