Goblin
This is the common tongue for goblinoid species throughout the world. A surprisingly complex and rich language, it varies in its style and usage across species and cultures. Thought to have partially evolved from dwarvish, it is written with that script (at least with the goblinoids that write.) It has several dialects, and they are not always mutually understandable. Here are some examples:
Hobgoblin Dialect: The most structured and no-nonsense form of the language. Humans who have taken the time to study it are often surprised at how formal it is. While it is well-suited to efficient military communications, it is also a source of longform, rich eddas that succinctly recount the lives of their heroes (and the tactics of their foes.) One listening in on a hobgoblin camp is likely to observe the younger troops sitting around the cookfire, listening to their sargeant recount their units' past deeds with careful attention. It is this dialect that is thought to have first emerged as a unified tongue amongst the goblinoid species, and that which borrows the most from Dwarvish.
Orc Dialect: Like the hobgoblins, orcs spend much of their time sharing tales around the fire. In their case, it is more likely to be the campfire of a tribal band travelling the open road or exploring deep wilderness. It is much less formal than the former, and infrequently written: the elder orcs prefer to strengthen the minds of their youth by having them memorize the oral traditions that have been ongoing for generations.
Goblin Dialect: Perhaps ironically, the smallfolk goblinoids of the language who have proliferated into so many corners of the world as to become its namesake are among its most inconsistent of its users. While there are a surprising number of intelligent goblins who somehow manage to go so far as to craft spells out of the mess, to say that the majority speak the vulgar form is an understament. Outside of shamans, witchdoctors, and some clever chieftains and sorcerers, few goblins trouble themselves with writing it.
Bugbear Dialect: This form of the language isn't so much spoken as it is yelled. The written form is mostly relegated to territorial warning signs, although the wary traveller should be aware that there have been incidents recording a few bugbears clever enough to channel some magic out of this.
Hobgoblin Dialect: The most structured and no-nonsense form of the language. Humans who have taken the time to study it are often surprised at how formal it is. While it is well-suited to efficient military communications, it is also a source of longform, rich eddas that succinctly recount the lives of their heroes (and the tactics of their foes.) One listening in on a hobgoblin camp is likely to observe the younger troops sitting around the cookfire, listening to their sargeant recount their units' past deeds with careful attention. It is this dialect that is thought to have first emerged as a unified tongue amongst the goblinoid species, and that which borrows the most from Dwarvish.
Orc Dialect: Like the hobgoblins, orcs spend much of their time sharing tales around the fire. In their case, it is more likely to be the campfire of a tribal band travelling the open road or exploring deep wilderness. It is much less formal than the former, and infrequently written: the elder orcs prefer to strengthen the minds of their youth by having them memorize the oral traditions that have been ongoing for generations.
Goblin Dialect: Perhaps ironically, the smallfolk goblinoids of the language who have proliferated into so many corners of the world as to become its namesake are among its most inconsistent of its users. While there are a surprising number of intelligent goblins who somehow manage to go so far as to craft spells out of the mess, to say that the majority speak the vulgar form is an understament. Outside of shamans, witchdoctors, and some clever chieftains and sorcerers, few goblins trouble themselves with writing it.
Bugbear Dialect: This form of the language isn't so much spoken as it is yelled. The written form is mostly relegated to territorial warning signs, although the wary traveller should be aware that there have been incidents recording a few bugbears clever enough to channel some magic out of this.
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