Undercommon

Undercommon is the shared spoken language of the Underdark, a region populated by many intelligent but deeply isolated species. It is not a language of culture or identity, nor is it considered anyone's native tongue. Rather, it is a utilitarian medium of exchange created to allow creatures of vastly different backgrounds to communicate with each other in conditions that do not allow for diplomacy, tolerance, or misunderstanding. Its use is widespread but purely practical, and most who speak it do so out of necessity.   The sounds of Undercommon are often harsh and clipped. Its syllables are short and guttural, and its consonants carry more weight than its vowels. The spoken form of the language lacks the grace or musicality found in older or more culturally grounded tongues. There is no effort made to smooth over pronunciation across dialects, and different regions of the Underdark often pronounce the same terms in completely different ways. This lack of standardization is accepted because those who speak the language expect only minimal mutual understanding. Perfection is not the goal.   The grammar of Undercommon is simplified by design. There is no formal tense structure, no articles, and no consistent use of plurality. Context defines whether a subject is acting in the present or the past. There are few exceptions to rules because there are very few rules. Phrasing is direct. Indirect speech is discouraged, as it introduces ambiguity. Statements are generally short and stripped of excess. Clarity and efficiency are valued over eloquence. The sentence structure most often follows a basic subject and action form, though some variation is tolerated.   Vocabulary in Undercommon reflects the kinds of interactions that occur in the Underdark. There are precise terms for trade goods, measurements, directions, mineral types, and weaponry. There is no poetry, no metaphor, and very little room for philosophical language. Emotional concepts are rare, and when they do appear, they are usually borrowed from other languages. Slavery, property ownership, territory boundaries, and alliance terms all feature prominently in the lexicon. Words for food, shelter, and movement are standardized, while those for beauty, loyalty, or faith are absent.   The written form of Undercommon exists but is not widely used. It is typically written in the script of the dominant race in the region, such as Drow or Duergar, and is almost always transcribed phonetically. There is no native alphabet or calligraphic tradition. Written Undercommon appears in slave records, boundary markers, or short warnings carved into stone walls. Permanent writing in this language is considered wasteful. Few choose to keep records in it, and most prefer to document events or contracts in more refined tongues when given the chance.   Undercommon serves a purpose and nothing more. It is not used to express cultural values or historical narratives. It has no literature, no art, and no community built around its usage. It is a compromise language that exists only because its speakers cannot afford the cost of silence. In a world where survival depends on understanding the threat across the tunnel, Undercommon is just useful enough to keep things moving and just limited enough to keep anyone from getting too comfortable.