Dwarvish
Sometimes called Kuzdhul or Khuzdahl, the Language of the Dwarves of the Shieldlands is written with a special runic alphabet. The language has three different "modes" that are used for different puropses:
Runic Mode is a very succinct dialect that is used for describing basic or fundamental physical concepts with great subtlety but using as few characters as possible. This mode is used by Dwarven runesmiths in the creation of magic items. It is never spoken outside of a ritual or religiou context. Dwarves with proficiency in Arcana can read Runic Mode.
Elegaic or Poetic mode is the language of the Dwarven sagas, used in their epic histories and important inscriptions on tombs and monuments. It's aesthetic features frequently repeated consonants and heavy emphasis on the ends of lines and sentences. Dwarves with proficiency in History can read and write Elegaic Mode. Dwarves with proficiency in Performance can speak it fluently.
Trade mode is the everyday language of Dwarves used for business and just getting around. Non-dwarves who learn the language learn Trade Mode.
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