Elven

From PathfinderWiki
Lady Elyana Sadrastis, an elven ranger
Elven is also used as the adjectival form of elf. In that use it need not be capitalized.

Elven or Elvish1 is believed to be among the elder, if not the eldest of the languages mortals speak on Golarion. Scholars conjecture that it was formed when elven speakers of the Fey language tried to introduce grammatical rules and vocabulary from both Empyrean and Draconic.2 The Elven alphabet contains thirty-three letters (twenty-four consonants and nine vowels).3 It is a complex language, but sounds poetic in tone and cadence.4

On Golarion

In the Inner Sea region, Elven is spoken in the elven nation of Kyonin,5 and in other major elven population centers such as the Mordant Spire.6 It is also spoken by nearly all half-elves,7 as well as the drow and driders of the Darklands.8

In Tian Xia, Elven is naturally most commonly spoken in the elven nation of Jinin, although it is also common in Kaoling, Zi Ha, Shokuro, and Amanandar.9

Other Elven-speaking races

Elven is spoken as a secondary language by a large assortment of good-natured, fey, or forest-dwelling creatures:

Selected vocabulary and idioms

Elven word English translation
iffdahsil Monstrous fiend22
nyl Death/dying/dead3
ilduliel Nemesis; a feud2324

References

  1. Erik Mona, et al. Saga Lands” in World Guide, 108. Paizo Inc., 2019
  2. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 5: The World” in Campaign Setting, 221. Paizo Inc., 2008
  3. 3.0 3.1 Mike McArtor. “Chapter 4: Secrets” in Guide to Darkmoon Vale, 49. Paizo Inc., 2008
  4. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 251. Paizo Inc., 2011
  5. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 94. Paizo Inc., 2011
  6. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 178. Paizo Inc., 2011
  7. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 28. Paizo Inc., 2011
  8. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 113–114. Paizo Inc., 2009
  9. James Jacobs, et al. “Life in the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 49. Paizo Inc., 2011
  10. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 95. Paizo Inc., 2010
  11. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 105. Paizo Inc., 2009
  12. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 49. Paizo Inc., 2010
  13. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 97. Paizo Inc., 2010
  14. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 99. Paizo Inc., 2010
  15. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 42. Paizo Inc., 2009
  16. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 116. Paizo Inc., 2009
  17. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 108. Paizo Inc., 2009
  18. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary, 97. Paizo Inc., 2009
  19. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 177. Paizo Inc., 2010
  20. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 101. Paizo Inc., 2010
  21. Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 258. Paizo Inc., 2010
  22. Benjamin Bruck, et al. “Chapter 2: Places of Myth” in Mythic Realms, 21. Paizo Inc., 2013
  23. Hal Maclean & Jeff Quick. Elves of Golarion” in Elves of Golarion, 8. Paizo Inc., 2008
  24. Benjamin Bruck, et al. “Chapter 1: Common Races” in Inner Sea Races, 77–78. Paizo Inc., 2015