Language

Languages are systems of communication used by the peoples of Elanthia.

Language mechanics

By default, all characters know and speak the Common language. Players may select a different language for their character by typing SPEAK, or by using a modifier with SAY. Anything spoken in a different language can only be understood by someone else who understands that language. To switch back to Common, use the command SPEAK COMMON.

Example usage:

• SPEAK HALFLING
• SAY ~HALFLING Happy birthday!

Additionally, RECITE, SING, and WRITE will automatically use the selected language.

Many written signs across the game world may be written in the local language. When a character tries to READ a sign, they will only fully understand them if they know the language. Otherwise, they will only be able to tell which language it is written in, but not what the contents are.

There are no graduated fluency mechanics in GemStone IV: either a character understands a language completely, or not at all. However, players are free to roleplay varying levels of familiarity.

List of languages

Common

The Common language is known to nearly all inhabitants of Elanith. It is the primary language spoken by humans.

Guildspeak

Each profession has its own language. Collectively known as Guildspeak, they include Bard, Cleric, Empath, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warrior, and Wizard.

Racial and cultural languages

Many races have their own language. These include Aelotian, Dark Elven, Dwarven, Elven, Erithian, Giantman, Gnomish, Halfling, Krolvin, and Sylvankind.

Certain languages are only available to specific cultures. These include Dhe'narsi, Inyexi, Faendryl, and Tehir.

A member of a given race and culture may know several different languages. For example, Burghal gnomes of the Winedotter bloodline know both their native Gnomish as well as Elven from their long history of living with elves, while the Aledotter gnomes instead know Dwarven as they make their homes near dwarf settlements.

This table shows language availability across all races. "x" means a race automatically knows that language. "C" means a race needs to have a specific culture to know that language.

Table: Languages by Race

Language	Aelotoi	Dwarf	Elf	Dark Elf	Half-Elf	Human	Sylvankind	Erithian	Burghal Gnome	Forest Gnome	Giantman	Halfling	Half-Krolvin
Common	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Guildspeak	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x
Aelotian	x
Dark Elven				x	C
Dhe'narsi		C		C
Dwarven		x							C
Elven	x		x	x	x		x		C
Erithian								x		C
Faendryl				C	C
Giantman											x
Gnomish									x	x
Halfling												x
Inyexi										C
Krolvin													x
Sylvankind					C		x
Tehir					C	C

This table show which cultures grant additional languages.

Table: Culture Languages

Race	Culture	Languages
Burghal Gnome	Aledotter	Dwarven
Burghal Gnome	Winedotter	Elven
Dark Elf	Dhe'nar	Dhe'narsi
Dark Elf	Faendryl	Faendryl
Dwarf	Khanshael	Dhe'narsi
Forest Gnome	Inyexat	Erithi and Inyexi
Half-Elf	Faendryl	Dark Elven and Faendryl
Half-Elf	Shakat	Tehir
Half-Elf	Sylvan	Sylvankind
Half-Elf	Tehir	Tehir
Human	Shakat	Tehir
Human	Tehir	Tehir

Other Languages

• Ithzir
• Troll

Resources

• A Treatise of the Aelotian Language (official)
• Dark Elven languages (official)
• Elven Lexicon (official)
• Erithi Lexicon (official)
• Faendryl Lexicon (official)
• Giantman Runes (official)
• Gnomish Lexicon (official)
• Ithzir Language (official) - from "Ithzir Genesis"
• Ithzir language research
• Krolgeh Language (official)
• Tehir Language (official) - "from Life and Being in the Sea of Fire"
• Sylvan Lexicon (official)
• Tehir Language research
• Tehir Lexicon (official)
• Trollspeak