Common

Common is the most widely spoken language across the material plane and throughout many parts of the wider multiverse. It serves as the standard means of communication among diverse peoples, cultures, and species who otherwise would not share a common linguistic heritage. It is not the oldest language, nor the most sophisticated, but it is the most practical. It was developed and adopted for utility, and it continues to exist because it works.   The origins of Common are debated among scholars. Some trace its foundation to early trade networks and the rise of multi-ethnic cities where merchants, laborers, and travelers needed a shared tongue. Others believe it was spread by early empires or alliances that imposed their language for administrative convenience. Whatever its point of origin, Common adapted quickly. Its flexibility, simplicity, and speed of use allowed it to replace or coexist alongside many local languages.   Phonetically, Common is unremarkable. It contains a balanced mix of hard and soft sounds, with straightforward vowel forms and consistent consonant clusters. It lacks the tonal complexity of more esoteric tongues and does not rely on inflection to carry meaning. The rhythm of speech is stable. It avoids long chains of syllables or excessive grammatical rules. These qualities make it easy to learn, even for those with limited exposure or time.   The grammar of Common is equally utilitarian. Sentences follow a clear structure built around subject, verb, and object. Modifiers are applied in predictable order, and conjugations are minimal. Tense and plurality are handled through basic word changes rather than complex forms. Gender is rarely marked, and most words are not case-sensitive or bound by rigid declensions. This allows for quick acquisition and consistent understanding across regions.   Common has a standardized written form that mirrors its spoken clarity. Letters are simple in shape and easy to reproduce with ink, chalk, or carving tools. The alphabet contains enough characters to cover the full range of phonemes without requiring accent marks or combined letters. Writing is arranged in straight lines from left to right, with spacing used to separate words and sentences clearly. Punctuation is minimal but sufficient to clarify intent.   The strength of Common lies not in its cultural richness, but in its reach. It is not the native language of any one people, but it is spoken to some degree by nearly everyone. Even among groups with strong local traditions, Common is often used for trade, diplomacy, or communication with outsiders. Inns, markets, courts, and ports rely on it to function. Adventurers, merchants, and travelers often learn Common before learning any other tongue.   Despite its simplicity, Common is not without nuance. Regional dialects exist, and certain words carry different connotations in different places. Slang, idiom, and borrowed terms from other languages give it texture. Still, the core of the language remains consistent. It is rare for two fluent speakers to misunderstand each other, even across long distances or years of separation.   Common is not a language of poetry or precision. It is a language of need. It does not aim to elevate. It aims to connect. It is used when time is short, when clarity matters, and when the only thing that truly counts is being understood.