The Old Language
Eldh’rass, or the Old Language, holds a unique and deeply significant place in the shared history of Vesyria and Arailia, two regions shaped by their interconnected past. Emerging as a linguistic bridge following the Split of Thammundra, Eldh’rass became the foundation for communication, culture, and scholarship during the tumultuous Blood Age (AS – After the Split). This language, developed in the aftermath of immense upheaval, reflects a profound period of societal transformation, intellectual resurgence, and the rekindling of ancient traditions. It served as more than just a tool for speech; Eldh’rass unified two burgeoning civilisations and preserved the wisdom of a fractured world.
A Language Born of Change
The creation of Eldh’rass coincided with the dramatic events of the Blood Age, a period marked by the division of the once-unified Thammundra into the distinct realms of Vesyria and Arailia. This division, both political and cultural, necessitated a shared mode of communication to maintain order, exchange knowledge, and preserve the fragile remnants of their collective heritage. Eldh’rass emerged as a common tongue, blending elements of the ancient Tullerian language spoken during the Light Age with new linguistic innovations that reflected the realities of the Blood Age. Its development was shaped by necessity, but its growth was driven by the intellectual and spiritual aspirations of the people.
A Medium for Scholarship and Magic
Eldh’rass quickly became the language of choice for scholars, mages, and leaders seeking to rebuild their world. Its clarity, balance, and structure made it ideal for conveying complex ideas, recording arcane knowledge, and articulating philosophical debates. Words in Eldh’rass often carried layered meanings, allowing speakers to communicate not only literal information but also cultural and spiritual insights. For instance, the word Zar’khanal (meaning “stone of power”) referred to the Obelisks, ancient relics of immense magical significance, while also symbolising the resilience and strength of the people.
The language’s role in preserving arcane traditions cannot be overstated. The Blood Age was a time when the natural balance of magic was disrupted, and much of the ancient knowledge of the Light Age was lost or destroyed. Eldh’rass became the vessel through which surviving mages and scholars codified their understanding of magic, creating a framework that would influence future generations. Ritual phrases, incantations, and spells in Eldh’rass carried the weight of centuries of magical practice, ensuring that this knowledge was not entirely forgotten.
Linguistic Features Reflecting the Times
The structure of Eldh’rass reflects the values and priorities of the Blood Age. Its phonetics are simple yet harmonious, creating a balance of hard and soft sounds that is both pleasing to the ear and easy to understand. This accessibility was crucial in a time when communication between Vesyrians and Arailians was essential for survival and rebuilding. The language’s Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentence structure prioritised clarity, while its minimal use of affixes reduced ambiguity. These features made Eldh’rass a practical and efficient tool for governance, education, and trade.
One of the most striking aspects of Eldh’rass is its vocabulary, which is rich in terms related to knowledge, resilience, and spiritual growth. Words often combined roots from the Tullerian and Kil’Doreian languages, creating compound terms that carried both historical weight and contemporary relevance. For example, Drakk’valoth (“dragon exodus”) encapsulated the sorrow of losing the dragons, while Naemos’kaloth (“destruction of history”) lamented the violent loss of knowledge. These words were not just linguistic constructs; they were reflections of the collective experiences and emotions of a fractured world.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
Eldh’rass was more than just a language; it was a cultural touchstone that united the people of Vesyria and Arailia in a time of division. As both regions sought to define their identities, Eldh’rass provided a common thread that reminded them of their shared heritage. It became the language of ceremonies, rituals, and sacred texts, ensuring that the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the past were not lost.
The language’s connection to dragons, a symbol of power and wisdom in both cultures, further elevated its status. Phrases like Than’voryn (“death sleep of dragons”) and Drakk’saiyan (“decline of dragon riders”) captured the deep bond between dragons and humanity, as well as the sorrow of their fading presence. These terms were often used in songs, prayers, and stories, preserving the memory of the dragons and their significance in the cultural fabric of both regions.
In Vesyria, Eldh’rass was intertwined with the worship of Hestina, the Sun Goddess. Hymns and prayers in Eldh’rass conveyed the devotion of the Vesyrian people, while also serving as a reminder of their resilience and determination. In Arailia, the language became a symbol of unity and progress, used to articulate the ideals of a society striving to rise from the ashes of war and chaos.
Writing System
Eldh’rass uses a script of 28 characters combining straight and curved lines. The script flows from left to right, mirroring modern Arailian writing. Each character corresponds to a specific sound in the language. Punctuation is minimal and indicated by glyph breaks or spaces between phrases. Key Features: • Words are separated by single dots (·). • Major clauses are divided by double dots (··). • Emphasis is marked with an underscore below the word.
Geographical Distribution
Blood Age (After the Split): Eldh’rass served as the primary language of both Vesyria and Arailia during the Blood Age. This era followed the Great Split of Thammundra, which divided the once-unified civilisation into two distinct regions. While the language was spoken widely across the continent, its usage reflected regional nuances influenced by geography, culture, and the evolving identities of Vesyria and Arailia.
Key Regions of Eldh’rass Usage
1. Vesyria (Eastern Thammundra)
• Cultural Influence: Vesyria retained a deep connection to Eldh’rass as a scholarly and religious tongue, rooted in its reverence for the Sun Goddess, Hestina.
• Primary Locations:
• Dawnhalla (Capital): The heart of Vesyrian nobility and religious worship. Eldh’rass was used for formal court proceedings, religious rituals, and scholarly works.
• Helia and Khrasos: Provinces with strong ties to education and craftsmanship, where Eldh’rass was spoken in schools, guilds, and artisan communities.
• Reydovos: A politically significant area where Eldh’rass flourished in lawmaking and administration.
• Linguistic Characteristics:
• Vesyrian Eldh’rass was formal and poetic, enriched by religious vocabulary and ceremonial phrases.
• Dialects emphasised soft, flowing pronunciations, reflecting their devotion to light and harmony.
2. Arailia (Western Thammundra)
• Cultural Influence: Eldh’rass was embraced as the language of governance, trade, and military strategy. Its scholarly roots supported the rise of Arailian innovation and leadership.
• Primary Locations:
• Archdale (Capital): The political and military hub of Arailia. Eldh’rass was integral to governance, treaties, and historical documentation.
• Naemoira and Odraria: Centres of mining, guilds, and innovation where Eldh’rass facilitated trade and collaboration.
• Handrania: An agricultural stronghold, where the language was used for practical and communal purposes.
• Linguistic Characteristics:
• Arailian Eldh’rass adopted a more direct and practical tone, favouring concise expressions suited for governance and commerce.
• Dialects incorporated terms for resource management, military operations, and craftsmanship.
3. Borderlands (Shared Regions)
• Key Areas:
• Pyros: A fortified city with cultural and military significance, Pyros served as a melting pot where Eldh’rass facilitated interaction between Vesyrian and Arailian forces.
• Bul’Derlihiem Mountains: The mountainous regions where Eldh’rass evolved to include terms for survival, dragon care, and defence against Darkling incursions.
• Dragon Strongholds: Sacred sites where Eldh’rass was preserved through inscriptions, oral traditions, and rituals related to dragon care and worship.
• Linguistic Characteristics:
• Border dialects of Eldh’rass blended Vesyrian and Arailian features, reflecting shared cultural practices and the need for mutual understanding.
Decline and Evolution
• Blood Age Transition: By the end of the Blood Age, Eldh’rass began to diverge into High Vesyrian and Arailian languages as political, cultural, and religious differences deepened.
• Draconic Age Legacy: Eldh’rass inscriptions, artefacts, and oral traditions ensured its survival as a scholarly and arcane language, even as its use in daily life diminished.
Phonology
Vowels:
Eldh’rass uses a system of five primary vowels with distinctions between short and long forms:
• Short: /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/
• Long: /ā/, /ē/, /ī/, /ō/, /ū/
Consonants:
The consonant inventory emphasises clarity, avoiding harsh or guttural sounds:
• Stops: /p/, /t/, /k/, /b/, /d/, /g/
• Fricatives: /f/, /v/, /s/, /z/, /h/
• Nasals: /m/, /n/
• Approximants: /l/, /r/, /w/, /j/ (as in ‘yes’)
Phonotactics:
• Syllables follow a simple structure: (C)V(C).
• Consonant clusters are minimal, with /r/ and /l/ often used as secondary consonants (e.g., Thar’voryn).
• Stress typically falls on the penultimate syllable.
Morphology
Roots and Derivation:
Eldh’rass builds vocabulary from root morphemes, with meanings expanded using prefixes and suffixes:
• Example: Thaer (shadow) → Thaer’lodha (old sage/wise mentor).
Affixes:
• Prefixes: Used for negation (na-), intensification (tha-), or locative (sar-).
• Suffixes: Used to indicate formality (-nath), plurality (-yn), or action (-thra).
Gender and Number:
• Gender is not marked in Eldh’rass nouns or pronouns.
• Number is context-dependent, with plurality implied by suffixes (-yn for animate, -oth for inanimate).
Tense Markers:
• Present: Root form.
• Past: Prefix dor-.
• Future: Prefix tha-.
Syntax
Sentence Structure:
• Basic word order: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO).
• Modifiers (adjectives, adverbs) generally follow the noun or verb.
• Example: Veksha dor thir’vayna = You are full of surprises.
Negation:
Negation is formed with the prefix na-:
• Example: Na-veksha dor nath = I do not speak either.
Questions:
Questions are marked by the particle -ath at the end of the verb:
• Example: Veksha-ia mathra-ia thaer’lodha-ath? = Did you learn from the old sage?
Vocabulary
Common Nouns:
• Atta – Father
• Mâna – Mother
• Thaer’lodha – Old sage
• Zar’khaloth – Obelisk
• Drakk – Dragon
• Dom’ha – Services
• Ark’dalin – Strong refuge
• Naemos – Knowledge/treasures
Verbs:
• Veksha – Speak
• Mathra – Learn
• Athra – Pay
• Teach – Teach
Adjectives:
• Har – Good
• Thir – Unexpected/surprising
• Vayna – Gift-like
Adverbs:
• Altha – Hopefully
• Sar – In/from
Pronouns:
• Dor – Used for and/inclusive actions
• Nath – Too/also
Phonetics
Eldh’rass is characterised by its melodic and rhythmic sound, which lends itself well to poetry and chant. Pronunciation relies heavily on maintaining vowel harmony within words.
Sample Pronunciations:
• Veksha → /ˈvɛkʃɑː/
• Drakk’valoth → /ˈdræk ˌvæloʊθ/
• Thaer’voryk → /ˈθɛər ˌvoʊrɪk/
Tenses
1. Present:
• Root form: Veksha dor veksha-nath. = I speak it too.
2. Past:
• Prefix dor- indicates past tense:
• Dor veksha dor thir’vayna. = You were full of surprises.
3. Future:
• Prefix tha- indicates future tense:
• Tha veksha dor altha. = You will hopefully speak.
Sentence Structure
Eldh’rass sentence structure is primarily Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), ensuring clarity and simplicity in communication. Modifiers and auxiliary elements are systematically placed to maintain balance in sentence construction.
Basic Sentence Construction
1. Subject-Verb-Object (SVO):
• The subject comes first, followed by the verb, and then the object.
• Example: Veksha dor thaer’lodha.
(I speak to the old sage.)
2. Modifiers (Adjectives/Adverbs):
• Adjectives follow the noun they describe.
• Example: Drakk thaer’lodha. (The shadowy dragon.)
• Adverbs typically follow the verb.
• Example: Veksha sar Arrowfalls. (I speak in Arrowfalls.)
3. Prepositions:
• Prepositions (sar, dor, etc.) precede the noun or noun phrase they modify.
• Example: Dor veksha’mar sar thaer. (To speak truthfully in shadow.)
4. Negation:
• Negation is achieved by adding the prefix na- to the verb.
• Example: Na-veksha dor thaer’lodha. (I do not speak to the old sage.)
5. Questions:
• Questions are marked by the particle -ath added to the verb or at the end of the clause.
• Example: Veksha-ia mathra thaer’lodha-ath?
(Did you learn from the old sage?)
Compound Sentences
1. Coordination:
• Compound sentences are linked using dor (and).
• Example: Veksha dor thaer’lodha dor thaer drakk.
(I speak to the old sage and the shadow dragon.)
2. Subordination:
• Subordinate clauses follow the main clause, often introduced with veksha (that) or sar (where/when).
• Example: Veksha dor thaer’lodha veksha thaer drakk dor athra.
(I speak to the old sage, who serves the shadow dragon.)
Complex Sentences
1. Relative Clauses:
• Relative clauses are introduced by veksha (that/which).
• Example: Thaer drakk veksha dor thaer’lodha athra veksha’mar.
(The shadow dragon that the old sage serves speaks truthfully.)
2. Conditionals:
• Conditional phrases use altha (hopefully) or na- (negation) to indicate uncertainty or impossibility.
• Example: Altha veksha dor thaer’lodha, veksha dor thaer drakk dor athra.
(If I speak to the old sage, I will speak to the shadow dragon too.)
3. Temporal Clauses:
• Temporal markers such as sar (when) are used to indicate time.
• Example: Thaer drakk dor veksha’mar sar thaer’lodha veksha dor thir.
(The shadow dragon speaks truthfully when the old sage listens.)
Word Order Variations
1. Emphasis on the Object:
• To emphasise the object, it can be moved to the beginning of the sentence, followed by a marker.
• Example: Thaer drakk, dor veksha thaer’lodha.
(The shadow dragon, I speak to the old sage.)
2. Commands:
• Commands omit the subject and use the verb root directly.
• Example: Veksha thaer’lodha! (Speak to the old sage!)
3. Exclamatory Sentences:
• Exclamatory sentences add thir (surprising) for emphasis.
• Example: Thir veksha dor thaer’lodha! (How surprising that I speak to the old sage!)
Examples in Context
1. Simple Declarative:
• Veksha dor thaer’lodha. (I speak to the old sage.)
2. Question:
• Veksha-ia mathra thaer’lodha-ath? (Did you learn from the old sage?)
3. Negative:
• Na-veksha dor thaer’lodha. (I do not speak to the old sage.)
4. Conditional:
• Altha veksha dor thaer’lodha, veksha dor thir’vayna.
(If I speak to the old sage, I will be full of surprises.)
Adjective Order
Adjective Order
Adjectives follow the noun they describe:
• Example: Drakk thaer’lodha = The shadowy dragon.
• In compound descriptions, adjectives are ordered by:
1. Size
2. Colour
3. Quality
4. Function
• Example: Ark’dalin thir’vayna = A surprising strong refuge.
Structural Markers
1. Markers for Action:
• Dor = And/inclusive actions.
• Na- = Negation.
2. Markers for Emphasis:
• -ath = Marks questions or doubt.
3. Markers for Location:
• Sar- = Indicates place or origin.
Footer Content for Eldh’rass
Legacy of Eldh’rass:
Though no longer spoken widely, Eldh’rass lives on through inscriptions, historical records, and its influence on modern Arailian and Vesyrian languages. It is revered by scholars, historians, and arcane practitioners as a bridge to the past.
Quote:
“Dor veksha’mar doth altha — The decline of language is a tragedy.”
– Sage Thaerion, Keeper of Eldh’rass Tomes
Explore More:
• Draconic Age: The roots of Eldh’rass in dragon lore.
• Arailian Evolution: How Eldh’rass shaped Arailian society.
• Vesyrian: Its continuation in Vesyria.
Quick Facts:
• Name: Eldh’rass (Old Language)
• Era of Use: Blood Age (After the Split)
• Primary Regions: Vesyria and Arailia
• Predecessor: Unified Language of the Draconic Age
• Successors: Arailian and High Vesyrian
• Key Themes: Scholarly, arcane, and ceremonial
• Writing System: Inscriptional and cursive forms for ceremonial and practical uses
Notable Phrases:
• ‘Dor veksha-nath.’ - I speak it too.
• ‘Thaer’voryk dor veksha’morth.’ - The Stygian creatures mimic insincerity.
• ‘Drakk’valoth dor veksha’na thal’noth.’ - The dragon exodus left us with nothing.
Cultural Significance:
• Used to preserve arcane and historical knowledge.
• Central to the rituals and governance of both Vesyria and Arailia.
• Holds a vital role in dragon lore and communication.
Linguistic Features:
• Subject-Verb-Object sentence structure
• Rich in compound words and poetic expressions
• Influenced by Kil’Doreian vocabulary
Dictionary
Root Languages
Successor Languages
Common Phrases
Greetings and Farewells
1. Good Morning
• Athra veksha’mor.
(Light protects your dawn.)
2. Good Night
• Than veksha’nor.
(Death guards your rest.)
3. Hello
• Veksha’dor athra.
(Speak of light.)
4. Goodbye
• Naemos veksha’dor.
(Treasure what is spoken.)
Expressions of Affection
5. I Love You
• Veksha’har dor thir.
(I speak my heart.)
6. I Love You, Daughter
• Veksha’har dor veksha.
(I speak my heart to my daughter.)
7. I Love You, Father
• Veksha’har dor atta.
(I speak my heart to father.)
8. I Love You, Mother
• Veksha’har dor mâna.
(I speak my heart to mother.)
Gratitude and Politeness
9. Thank You
• Naemos dor veksha.
(Treasure the words.)
10. You Are Welcome
• Veksha’ath dor altha.
(Words bring hope.)
11. I Am Grateful
• Veksha dor naemos.
(I speak of treasures.)
Family and Relationships
12. Father
• Atta
13. Mother
• Mâna
14. Daughter
• Veksha
15. Son
• Voryn
(This term evolved from the same root as “stillness,” signifying a quieter protector role.)
16. Sister
• Tharsha
(A term meaning “keeper of kin.”)
17. Brother
• Thanor
(Derived from “guardian of the house.”)
Other Common Expressions
18. Peace Be With You
• Thaer’nor dor veksha.
(Shadows guard your stillness.)
19. May the Light Protect You
• Athra dor veksha.
(Light protects your words.)
20. Forgive Me
• Naemos dor thaer’morth.
(Treasure me for my insincerity.)
21. Be Strong
• Drakk dor veksha.
(A dragon protects your heart.)
22. It Is Done
• Thaer’mar.
(The shadow rests.)
Expressions for Specific Situations
23. A Blessing
• Athra’mor dor veksha.
(Light’s blessing on your dawn.)
24. A Curse
• Thaer’morth dor veksha.
(The shadow mocks your words.)
25. I Am Ready
• Veksha dor thanor.
(I speak as the guardian.)
Common Female Names
1. Aelthra (Light of the dawn)
2. Thaerina (Shadowed grace)
3. Voryssa (Still protector)
4. Marania (Blessed sanctuary)
5. Vekshara (Daughter of the flame)
6. Athryne (Shielded by light)
7. Draksha (Dragon-born)
8. Lodhalya (Keeper of wisdom)
9. Naemosyn (Treasure of the past)
10. Zarethia (Guardian of power)
11. Thalnora (Voice of the sea)
12. Arhaela (Bright refuge)
13. Zarienne (Stone of shadows)
14. Memoria (One who remembers)
15. Odralyn (Crafter of light)
16. Thanisya (Daughter of death)
17. Kaelrith (Eternal flame)
18. Althrya (Bearer of hope)
19. Morynne (Silent strength)
20. Valnya (Protector of the journey)
21. Hanthra (Keeper of the fields)
22. Serenya (Calm of the storm)
23. Zarhessa (Powerful and steadfast)
24. Imalyn (Guide of the stars)
25. Veksha’noth (Daughter of nothingness)
26. Koryntha (Child of stillness)
27. Athariel (Light’s song)
28. Thariel (Keeper of kin)
29. Dralyssa (Fire’s heart)
30. Lorynna (Graceful strength)
Common Male Names
1. Athoros (Shield of light)
2. Thaeros (Shadow’s strength)
3. Draknor (Dragon’s flame)
4. Zarvyn (Stone of power)
5. Memorak (Keeper of memory)
6. Thanarion (Son of death)
7. Kaelvoryn (Eternal protector)
8. Naemyr (Treasure of the earth)
9. Altharion (Bearer of the dawn)
10. Odrythos (Crafter of wisdom)
11. Vorykan (Silent shadow)
12. Thalros (Voice of the sea)
13. Arkos (Strong refuge)
14. Lodhren (Guardian of knowledge)
15. Hanthar (Keeper of the harvest)
16. Zarion (Mighty stone)
17. Vekramar (Father of fire)
18. Koryn (Still protector)
19. Imarion (Guide of the flame)
20. Dralthar (Heart of the fire)
21. Vornith (Shielded strength)
22. Serenos (Calm warrior)
23. Athryn (Son of the dawn)
24. Tharok (One who binds kin)
25. Vekryn (Son of nothingness)
26. Aelthros (Light of courage)
27. Lorykan (Graceful might)
28. Zarythos (Steadfast stone)
29. Morykhan (Silent flame)
30. Thanarok (Shadowed son)
Common Unisex Names
1. Voryn (Silent strength)
2. Zaryal (Stone of wisdom)
3. Thalyn (Echo of the sea)
4. Kaelor (Eternal light)
5. Thanek (Shadow’s guide)
6. Aeryn (Grace of dawn)
7. Drakyn (Dragon’s spirit)
8. Memryth (Keeper of remembrance)
9. Hanthryn (Protector of harvest)
10. Odryn (Crafter’s heart)
11. Loryk (Gentle flame)
12. Vekhar (Hope’s guardian)
13. Atharion (Bearer of strength)
14. Koryal (Still light)
15. Zarath (Stone of courage)
16. Imaryl (Guide of memory)
17. Serith (Quiet resolve)
18. Naelyth (Treasure of unity)
19. Aelvyn (Light’s balance)
20. Thanith (Shadow’s resolve)
21. Dralyth (Heart of fire)
22. Tharion (Voice of kinship)
23. Vornal (Strength of stillness)
24. Arthyn (Bright protector)
25. Karyn (Graceful stone)
26. Zoriel (Star-like resilience)
27. Moryal (Silent guide)
28. Aelthor (Bringer of dawn)
29. Hanthros (Keeper of the field)
30. Vekal (Hope’s fire)
Common Family Names
1. Drakhal (Of the dragon’s kin)
2. Zarathor (Stone fortress)
3. Thanorel (Descendants of shadow’s light)
4. Vorykaris (Mimic’s grace)
5. Hanthorin (Guardians of the harvest)
6. Aelvyrith (Children of light)
7. Naemaryn (Treasure keepers)
8. Memorael (Keepers of memory)
9. Odralis (Crafters of unity)
10. Tharindral (Protectors of kinship)
11. Veksharion (Daughters of hope)
12. Koryndral (Hearts of stillness)
13. Valoryk (Eternal defenders)
14. Athralor (Strength of dawn)
15. Serilith (Gentle wisdom)
16. Kaelthorin (Guardians of eternal light)
17. Arthalith (Bringers of brightness)
18. Loryvalis (Flame-bound protectors)
19. Dralimyr (Children of fire’s heart)
20. Zorinal (Stars’ resolve)
21. Thanedryn (Shadow walkers)
22. Aelvaren (Lights of unity)
23. Morykaloth (Stronghold of memory)
24. Vornalith (Calm strength bearers)
25. Hanthrelis (Sustainers of the field)
26. Koryvyn (Balance keepers)
27. Zarindrel (Stone-hearted defenders)
28. Drakvalis (Dragon’s flame)
29. Arthoryn (Bright protectors)
30. Odrelith (Crafters of resilience)
This is really fascinating. It reminds me the in-depth languages of the Inheritance Cycle and Lord of the Rings. I will say that as cool as the dark background with floating embers is, the grey words are hard to read against the black background.
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you like the colang! :)