Talislantan Terminology - Revision history

Knockwood: Reverted edits by 195.65.184.194 (talk) to last revision by Knockwood

2012-03-22T23:19:46Z

Reverted edits by 195.65.184.194 (talk) to last revision by Knockwood

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:19, 22 March 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~Howdy~~, ~~I truly apprecitate~~ your ~~itgsihns on being~~ a ~~key note speakers~~. I ~~read plenty~~ of ~~blogs~~ in the ~~business but~~, I've to ~~say~~ the ~~majority~~ are ~~garbage~~. It'~~s nice~~ to ~~see~~ that your ~~able~~ to ~~write~~ something of ~~value on~~ this ~~subject~~. ~~As I~~'~~m positive you know there~~ is many so ~~known~~ as ~~motivational speaker experts but~~, ~~I really wish much more~~ people ~~took~~ this ~~seriously due~~ to the ~~fact~~, ~~becoming inspirational speaker truely does effect peoples lives~~ and ~~has~~ a ~~big impact~~ on ~~how they really feel~~. believe ~~how an individual feels on~~ the ~~inside~~ is the most ~~vital thing in life additional so than cash or fame~~.		[[Category:Talislanta]]

			=Talislantan Terminology, Slang, and References=

			Talislanta is an exotic place full of strange beings and happenings. Naturally enough, this oddness is reflected in the native terminology and idiom. Below is an attempt to present some Talislantan usage, rendered into the nearest English equivalent. Some idiom in common usage across the continent will appear first, followed by more regional, national, and tribal expressions.

			==Common Talislantan Idiom==

			<i>'''The avir eats before the ogront.'''</i> The quicker fellow gets the goodies.

			<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.

			<i>'''If it’s not the omnivrax, it’s the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.

			<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.

			<i>'''You're as nervous as a long-tailed Jaka in an Erd herd.'''</i> Metaphor expressing nervousness.

			<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.

			==Djaffir==

			<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

			<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

			==Gao Din==
			The Gao Din are a synthetic culture, created during the early years of the New Age when the City-State of Phaedra created an insular penal colony and then abandoned it. The reusaltant mix of ethnic and cultural types produced a rich stew of idiom, which has only recently begun to attract the attention of scholars.

			<i>'''Spitting over the side of the ship'''</i> A Gao gesture signifying an attempt to forget something meaningless - one more drop in the sea.

			An interesting comparison might be made with Virdish understandings of spitting; cp. "Spitting" below. In point of fact, one ethnohistorian, Lyxandrous of Cymril, made a monumental study of expectoratory customs across the continent. The resultant monograph, <i>Waters of Life: Sibilant Studies</i>, was not one of the Lyceum Arcanum Press's greatest sellers. Only ten copies were ever reported sold, those being sold to students who took Prof. (retired) Lyxandrous' one and only offering of a seminar on the topic.

			==Virdish==
			The Virds are a nomad people of the Desertlands, brought into the Rajan hegemony with the rise of the Nihilist Cult. In the New Age, their language and its use were intertwined with pre-Rajan references, Rajan-specific words, and expressions common throughout the Desert Kingdoms.

			<i>'''Irg'''</i> A Virdish word that literally referred to someone who commands an infantry battalion and, thus, liaises regularly with the Rajan. Such positions were held by folk who considered themselves superior to others in cleverness and guile. They were also executed by the Nihilists with great frequency. An ''irg'', is therefore, primarily, someone who thinks himself clever and, secondly, someone likely to get in trouble because of that belief.

			<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.

			''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, “May the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!”

			<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.

			Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.

			<i>'''Squintting and grunting'''</i> The traditional Virdish equivalent to a laugh.

			<i>'''Vrilk'''</i> An appallingly rude verb. Cp. ''zuj''.

			<i>'''Water Guardian'''</i> The little voice that sometimes speaks words of caution to the Virdish nomads just before doing something foolish. Water, in this case, in being poetically used in place of "life". This may reflect ancient, desert conceptions of what constitures life; alternately, it may be a way of rendering the archaic belief accetable during the period of Rajan hegemony, as guarding life was an heretcial concept under the Nihilist Cult.

			<i>'''Zuj'''</i> Delicacy forbids the translation of this rather rude, anatomical term.

			==Wilderlands Region==
			<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes it’s home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these “death leaps” include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.

			No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' “the craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found in the Thystram’s collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.

			<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

			<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaar’s nuptials were made public.

			Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

			<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. It’s appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; it’s bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for it’s behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

			<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.

			<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and “hide-aways”. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.

			Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.

195.65.184.194: Selim

2012-03-22T04:00:08Z

Selim

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:00, 22 March 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~[[Category:Talislanta]]~~		Howdy, I truly apprecitate your itgsihns on being a key note speakers. I read plenty of blogs in the business but, I've to say the majority are garbage. It's nice to see that your able to write something of value on this subject. As I'm positive you know there is many so known as motivational speaker experts but, I really wish much more people took this seriously due to the fact, becoming inspirational speaker truely does effect peoples lives and has a big impact on how they really feel. believe how an individual feels on the inside is the most vital thing in life additional so than cash or fame.

	~~=Talislantan Terminology~~, ~~Slang, and References=~~

	Talislanta is an exotic place full of strange beings and happenings. Naturally enough, this oddness is reflected in the native terminology and idiom. Below is an attempt to present some Talislantan usage, rendered into the nearest English equivalent. Some idiom in common usage across the continent will appear first, followed by more regional, national, and tribal expressions.

	~~==Common Talislantan Idiom==~~

	~~<i>'''The avir eats before the ogront.'''</i> The quicker fellow gets the goodies.~~

	~~<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-~~on.

	~~<i>'''If it’s not the omnivrax, it’s the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.~~

	~~<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both~~ a ~~pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.~~

	~~<i>'''You're as nervous as a long-tailed Jaka in an Erd herd~~.~~'''</i> Metaphor expressing nervousness.~~

	<I~~>'''The book was written~~ in ~~dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics~~, ~~referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.~~

	~~==Djaffir==~~

	~~<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.~~

	~~<i>'''~~I ~~have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'~~''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the ~~American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.~~

	~~==Gao Din==~~
	~~The Gao Din~~ are ~~a synthetic culture, created during the early years of the New Age when the City-State of Phaedra created an insular penal colony and then abandoned it~~. ~~The reusaltant mix of ethnic and cultural types produced a rich stew of idiom, which has only recently begun to attract the attention of scholars.~~

	~~<i>'''Spitting over the side of the ship'''</i> A Gao gesture signifying an attempt to forget something meaningless - one more drop in the sea.~~

	An interesting comparison might be made with Virdish understandings of spitting; cp. "Spitting" below. In point of fact, one ethnohistorian, Lyxandrous of Cymril, made a monumental study of expectoratory customs across the continent. The resultant monograph, <i>Waters of Life: Sibilant Studies</i>, was not one of the Lyceum Arcanum Press's ~~greatest sellers. Only ten copies were ever reported sold, those being sold~~ to ~~students who took Prof. (retired) Lyxandrous' one and only offering of a seminar on the topic.~~

	~~==Virdish==~~
	The Virds are a nomad people of the Desertlands, brought into the Rajan hegemony with the rise of the Nihilist Cult. In the New Age, their language and its use were intertwined with pre-Rajan references, Rajan-specific words, and expressions common throughout the Desert Kingdoms.

	~~<i>'''Irg'''</i> A Virdish word~~ that ~~literally referred~~ to someone who commands an infantry battalion and, thus, liaises regularly with the Rajan. Such positions were held by folk who considered themselves superior to others in cleverness and guile. They were also executed by the Nihilists with great frequency. An ''irg'', is therefore, primarily, someone who thinks himself clever and, secondly, someone likely to get in trouble because of ~~that belief~~.

	~~<i>~~'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as ~~to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.~~

	''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, “May the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!”

	~~<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the~~ speaker ~~has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.~~

	~~Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.~~

	~~<i>'''Squintting and grunting'''</i> The traditional Virdish equivalent to a laugh.~~

	~~<i>'''Vrilk'''</i> An appallingly rude verb.~~ ~~Cp. ''zuj''.~~

	~~<i>'''Water Guardian'''</i> The little voice that sometimes speaks words of caution to the Virdish nomads just before doing something foolish.~~ ~~Water~~, in this case, in being poetically used in place of "life". This may reflect ancient, desert conceptions of what constitures life; alternately, it may be a way of rendering the archaic belief accetable during the period of Rajan hegemony, as guarding life was an heretcial concept under the Nihilist Cult.

	~~<i>'''Zuj'''</i> Delicacy forbids~~ the ~~translation of this rather rude, anatomical term.~~

	~~==Wilderlands Region==~~
	<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes it’s home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, ~~some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin~~ and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these “death leaps” include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a ~~distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor~~.

	~~No less~~ an ~~authority than~~ the ~~esteemed Thystram~~ is ~~recollected to have called~~ the ~~''malamentis'' “the craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found~~ in ~~the Thystram’s collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was~~ so ~~disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.~~

	<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

	<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaar’s nuptials were made public.

	Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

	<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. It’s appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; it’s bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for it’s behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

	~~<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.~~

	<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and “hide-aways”. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or ~~other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.~~

	~~Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes~~.

Knockwood: Reverted edits by 202.236.188.121 (talk) to last revision by GORT

2012-02-22T09:31:35Z

Reverted edits by 202.236.188.121 (talk) to last revision by GORT

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:31, 22 February 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Talislanta]]		[[Category:Talislanta]]

	~~magnificent ieusss altogether~~, you ~~simply received~~ a ~~new reader~~. ~~What could~~ you ~~recommend about~~ your ~~publish~~ that ~~you simply~~ made some ~~days ago? Any certain?~~		=Talislantan Terminology, Slang, and References=

			Talislanta is an exotic place full of strange beings and happenings. Naturally enough, this oddness is reflected in the native terminology and idiom. Below is an attempt to present some Talislantan usage, rendered into the nearest English equivalent. Some idiom in common usage across the continent will appear first, followed by more regional, national, and tribal expressions.

			==Common Talislantan Idiom==

			<i>'''The avir eats before the ogront.'''</i> The quicker fellow gets the goodies.

			<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.

			<i>'''If it’s not the omnivrax, it’s the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.

			<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.

			<i>'''You're as nervous as a long-tailed Jaka in an Erd herd.'''</i> Metaphor expressing nervousness.

			<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.

			==Djaffir==

			<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

			<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

			==Gao Din==
			The Gao Din are a synthetic culture, created during the early years of the New Age when the City-State of Phaedra created an insular penal colony and then abandoned it. The reusaltant mix of ethnic and cultural types produced a rich stew of idiom, which has only recently begun to attract the attention of scholars.

			<i>'''Spitting over the side of the ship'''</i> A Gao gesture signifying an attempt to forget something meaningless - one more drop in the sea.

			An interesting comparison might be made with Virdish understandings of spitting; cp. "Spitting" below. In point of fact, one ethnohistorian, Lyxandrous of Cymril, made a monumental study of expectoratory customs across the continent. The resultant monograph, <i>Waters of Life: Sibilant Studies</i>, was not one of the Lyceum Arcanum Press's greatest sellers. Only ten copies were ever reported sold, those being sold to students who took Prof. (retired) Lyxandrous' one and only offering of a seminar on the topic.

			==Virdish==
			The Virds are a nomad people of the Desertlands, brought into the Rajan hegemony with the rise of the Nihilist Cult. In the New Age, their language and its use were intertwined with pre-Rajan references, Rajan-specific words, and expressions common throughout the Desert Kingdoms.

			<i>'''Irg'''</i> A Virdish word that literally referred to someone who commands an infantry battalion and, thus, liaises regularly with the Rajan. Such positions were held by folk who considered themselves superior to others in cleverness and guile. They were also executed by the Nihilists with great frequency. An ''irg'', is therefore, primarily, someone who thinks himself clever and, secondly, someone likely to get in trouble because of that belief.

			<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.

			''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, “May the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!”

			<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.

			Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.

			<i>'''Squintting and grunting'''</i> The traditional Virdish equivalent to a laugh.

			<i>'''Vrilk'''</i> An appallingly rude verb. Cp. ''zuj''.

			<i>'''Water Guardian'''</i> The little voice that sometimes speaks words of caution to the Virdish nomads just before doing something foolish. Water, in this case, in being poetically used in place of "life". This may reflect ancient, desert conceptions of what constitures life; alternately, it may be a way of rendering the archaic belief accetable during the period of Rajan hegemony, as guarding life was an heretcial concept under the Nihilist Cult.

			<i>'''Zuj'''</i> Delicacy forbids the translation of this rather rude, anatomical term.

			==Wilderlands Region==
			<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes it’s home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these “death leaps” include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.

			No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' “the craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found in the Thystram’s collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.

			<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

			<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaar’s nuptials were made public.

			Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

			<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. It’s appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; it’s bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for it’s behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

			<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.

			<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and “hide-aways”. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.

			Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.

202.236.188.121: /* Talislantan Terminology, Slang, and References */

2012-02-22T06:25:42Z

Talislantan Terminology, Slang, and References

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:25, 22 February 2012
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Category:Talislanta]]		[[Category:Talislanta]]

	~~=Talislantan Terminology~~, ~~Slang, and References=~~		magnificent ieusss altogether, you simply received a new reader. What could you recommend about your publish that you simply made some days ago? Any certain?

	Talislanta is an exotic place full of strange beings and happenings. Naturally enough, this oddness is reflected in the native terminology and idiom. Below is an attempt to present some Talislantan usage, rendered into the nearest English equivalent. Some idiom in common usage across the continent will appear first, followed by more regional, national, and tribal expressions.

	~~==Common Talislantan Idiom==~~

	~~<i>'''The avir eats before the ogront.'''</i> The quicker fellow gets the goodies.~~

	~~<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.~~

	~~<i>'''If it’s not the omnivrax, it’s the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.~~

	<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.

	~~<i>'''You're as nervous as a long-tailed Jaka in an Erd herd.'''</i> Metaphor expressing nervousness.~~

	<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.

	~~==Djaffir==~~

	~~<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.~~

	<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

	~~==Gao Din==~~
	The Gao Din are a synthetic culture, created during the early years of the New Age when the City-State of Phaedra created an insular penal colony and then abandoned it. The reusaltant mix of ethnic and cultural types produced a rich stew of idiom, which has only recently begun to attract the attention of scholars.

	~~<i>'''Spitting over the side of the ship'''</i> A Gao gesture signifying an attempt to forget something meaningless - one more drop in the sea.~~

	An interesting comparison might be made with Virdish understandings of spitting; cp. "Spitting" below. In point of fact, one ethnohistorian, Lyxandrous of Cymril, made a monumental study of expectoratory customs across the continent. The resultant monograph, <i>Waters of Life: Sibilant Studies</i>, was not one of the Lyceum Arcanum Press's greatest sellers. Only ten copies were ever reported sold, those being sold to students who took Prof. (retired) Lyxandrous' one and only offering of a seminar on the topic.

	~~==Virdish==~~
	The Virds are a nomad people of the Desertlands, brought into the Rajan hegemony with the rise of the Nihilist Cult. In the New Age, their language and its use were intertwined with pre-Rajan references, Rajan-specific words, and expressions common throughout the Desert Kingdoms.

	<i>'''Irg'''</i> A Virdish word that literally referred to someone who commands an infantry battalion and, thus, liaises regularly with the Rajan. Such positions were held by folk who considered themselves superior to others in cleverness and guile. They were also executed by the Nihilists with great frequency. An ''irg'', is therefore, primarily, someone who thinks himself clever and, secondly, someone likely to get in trouble because of that belief.

	~~<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people,~~ a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.

	~~''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, “May the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow~~ you~~; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn~~ your ~~tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete~~ you ~~onto a world less pleasant even that this!”~~

	~~<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.~~

	~~Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.~~

	~~<i>'''Squintting and grunting'''</i> The traditional Virdish equivalent to a laugh.~~

	~~<i>'''Vrilk'''</i> An appallingly rude verb. Cp. ''zuj''.~~

	<i>'''Water Guardian'''</i> The little voice that sometimes speaks words of caution to the Virdish nomads just before doing something foolish. Water, in this case, in being poetically used in place of "life". This may reflect ancient, desert conceptions of what constitures life; alternately, it may be a way of rendering the archaic belief accetable during the period of Rajan hegemony, as guarding life was an heretcial concept under the Nihilist Cult.

	~~<i>'''Zuj'''</i> Delicacy forbids the translation of this rather rude, anatomical term.~~

	~~==Wilderlands Region==~~
	<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes it’s home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these “death leaps” include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.

	No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' “the craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found in the Thystram’s collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.

	<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

	<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaar’s nuptials were made ~~public.~~

	Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

	<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. It’s appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; it’s bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for it’s behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

	~~<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.~~

	<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and “hide-aways”. They did not bite or sting like some ~~other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.~~

	~~Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.~~

GORT: Reverted edits by 94.31.96.233 (talk) to last revision by GORT

2012-02-20T19:16:58Z

Reverted edits by 94.31.96.233 (talk) to last revision by GORT

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:16, 20 February 2012
Line 19:		Line 19:
	<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.		<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.

	I'~~m ntcioing a real trend~~ for ~~having~~ ~~additional' text within navigation~~. ~~Something like~~ ~~About: find out more about us'~~.~~Adds to accessability I guess!~~		==Djaffir==

			<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

			<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

	==Gao Din==		==Gao Din==

94.31.96.233: /* Djaffir */

2012-02-20T19:07:51Z

Djaffir

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:07, 20 February 2012
Line 19:		Line 19:
	<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.		<I>'''The book was written in dust!'''</i> A phrase coined by magicians researching old magics, referring to books in which the pages have disintegrated. The phrase has now spread to mean any book in disrepair or which is incomplete/indecipherable.

	~~==Djaffir==~~		I'm ntcioing a real trend for having additional' text within navigation. Something like About: find out more about us'.Adds to accessability I guess!

	~~<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.~~

	~~<i>'''~~I ~~have (or have not) drunk from that oasis~~''~~'</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory~~. ~~The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before~~. ~~Somewhat analogous~~ to ~~the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.~~

	==Gao Din==		==Gao Din==

GORT: Reverted edits by 221.120.250.106 (Talk); changed back to last version by 67.52.90.14

2009-01-17T23:39:37Z

Reverted edits by 221.120.250.106 (Talk); changed back to last version by 67.52.90.14

221.120.250.106: zellaalel

2009-01-17T14:43:11Z

zellaalel

67.52.90.14: /* Djaffir */

2006-08-19T01:31:02Z

Djaffir

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:31, 19 August 2006
Line 22:		Line 22:

	<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.		<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

			<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

	==Gao Din==		==Gao Din==

67.52.90.14 at 01:22, 19 August 2006

2006-08-19T01:22:54Z

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 <i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i>   Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.
 ==Virdish==
@@ Line 33: / Line 40: @@
 <i>'''Spitting'''</i>   Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.
 <i>'''Squintting and grunting'''</i>   The traditional Virdish equivalent to a laugh.
@@ Line 60: / Line 69: @@
 Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:39, 17 January 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~pasbocricle~~
	[[Category:Talislanta]]		[[Category:Talislanta]]

Line 12:		Line 11:
	<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.		<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.

	<i>'''If ~~itâs~~ not the omnivrax, ~~itâs~~ the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.		<i>'''If it’s not the omnivrax, it’s the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.

	<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.		<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.
Line 24:		Line 23:
	<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.		<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

	<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom ~~âthat~~ does (or does not) ring a ~~bellâ~~.		<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom “that does (or does not) ring a bell”.

	==Gao Din==		==Gao Din==
Line 40:		Line 39:
	<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.		<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.

	''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, ~~âMay~~ the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!~~â~~		''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, “May the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!”

	<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, ~~âsacrificedâ~~ precious bodily essence.		<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, “sacrificed” precious bodily essence.

	Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.		Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.
Line 55:		Line 54:

	==Wilderlands Region==		==Wilderlands Region==
	<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes ~~itâs~~ home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these ~~âdeath leapsâ~~ include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.		<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes it’s home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these “death leaps” include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.

	No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' ~~âthe~~ craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.~~â~~ This note is nowhere to be found in the ~~Thystramâs~~ collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.		No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' “the craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found in the Thystram’s collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.

	<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.		<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

	<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when ~~Shaarâs~~ nuptials were made public.		<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaar’s nuptials were made public.

	Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.		Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

	<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. ~~Itâs~~ appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; ~~itâs~~ bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for ~~itâs~~ behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.		<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. It’s appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; it’s bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for it’s behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

	<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.		<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.

	<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and ~~âhide~~-~~awaysâ~~. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.		<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and “hide-aways”. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.

	Incidentally, calling someone a ~~âskeelixâ~~ was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.		Incidentally, calling someone a “skeelix” was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:43, 17 January 2009
Line 1:		Line 1:
			pasbocricle
	[[Category:Talislanta]]		[[Category:Talislanta]]

Line 11:		Line 12:
	<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.		<i>'''The fastest way through the malathrope is the belly.'''</i> Disaster is best faced head-on.

	<i>'''If ~~it’s~~ not the omnivrax, ~~it’s~~ the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.		<i>'''If itâs not the omnivrax, itâs the malathrope.'''</i> Trouble is omnipresent.

	<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.		<i>'''Your certainty regarding my luck makes my own diminish.'''</i> A common expression reflecting both a pessimistic view of the world and a cynical notion that anyone who praises your luck will soon be trying to take advantage of you.
Line 23:		Line 24:
	<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.		<i>'''Honored beyond Honor'''</i> Phrase common amongst older Djaffir when they wish to sweeten the palate of those with power.

	<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom ~~“that~~ does (or does not) ring a ~~bell”~~.		<i>'''I have (or have not) drunk from that oasis'''</i> The oasis in this expression is metaphorical for the memory. The phrase is used when the speaker s confronted by something that he may or may not have encountered before. Somewhat analogous to the American idiom âthat does (or does not) ring a bellâ.

	==Gao Din==		==Gao Din==
Line 39:		Line 40:
	<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.		<i>'''Jyort'''</i> A good example of Virdish, abbreviated expletive. Before the Rajan suzerainty, the Utikar people, a sub-tribe of the Vird, were well-known for their flowery and poetic curses and might resolve disputes with hours-long displays of such, although this fact is unknown in the New Age to all but scholars of obscenity (who are more common than might be suspected). Life under the Nihilist Cult has restrained this characteristic and led to the common practice of abbreviating expletive so as to render them both more efficient of breath (frequently in short supply while at war) and indecipherable by the Rajan.

	''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, ~~“May~~ the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!”		''Jyort'' encapsulates, as it were, the following, âMay the Seven Cancerous Mouths of Death rend you into small pieces and swallow you; may the Fifteen Hellish Stomachs of Death burn your tender parts with their poisonous acids; and may the Twenty-two Flaming Rectums of Death, excrete you onto a world less pleasant even that this!â

	<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, ~~“sacrificed”~~ precious bodily essence.		<i>'''Spitting'''</i> Spitting, as a waste of precious water, was an indication that the speaker has conceded a point of debate and, in so doing, âsacrificedâ precious bodily essence.

	Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.		Cp. "Spitting over the side of a ship" above for a differing Gao Din understanding of the action.
Line 54:		Line 55:

	==Wilderlands Region==		==Wilderlands Region==
	<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes ~~it’s~~ home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these ~~“death leaps”~~ include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.		<i>'''Crazy as a malamentis.'''</i> The ''malamentis'' is a smallish, sextapedal, ruminant animal which makes itâs home in the deserts of the Wilderlands. Given the generally deserty conditions of the deserts, many naturalists have wondered what in the Seven Moons a ruminant is doing in such a location. In fact, some have speculated that the ''malamentoi'' may well be wondering the same thing, as the chief field data of the beast consists of watching the small creatures, thin and dehydrated, climb to the top of the tallest outcropping in the area, and throw themselves to their dooms in various, spectacular ways. Frequently, these âdeath leapsâ include large groups of the things, locking limbs and performing extremely impressive aerial acrobatics while making a distinctly disturbing keening noise in the few seconds preceding their flattening upon the desert floor.

	No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' ~~“the~~ craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.” This note is nowhere to be found in the ~~Thystram’s~~ collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.		No less an authority than the esteemed Thystram is recollected to have called the ''malamentis'' âthe craziest being I have ever had the displeasure to study.â This note is nowhere to be found in the Thystramâs collected works, but rather in the notes of his acquaintances. Those same sources note that the famous naturalist was so disturbed by creatures, that he ripped the pages detailing them from his works and consigned them to the fire.

	<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.		<i>'''Hecky'''</i> A common adjective in the Wilderlands of the New Age in both senses of the term: popular and vulgar. Vulgar, in that no one with any class at all would use it. And thus, common to the Wilderlands of Za. It meant "crazy" and would be the approximate equivalent to "nuts" or "looney" in early 20th century American usage.

	<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when ~~Shaar’s~~ nuptials were made public.		<i>'''King Shaar'''</i> The subject of a romantic fable that was widely-told throughout the Wilderlands region. It which was usually recounted as history, although reputable historians scoff at such assertions. Shaar is always portrayed as the bravest, handsomest, wealthiest, and most virtuous ruler of whatever people happen to be telling the tale. He was, however, unable to produce an heir to the throne (for some reason) and in his melancholy, locked himself away in his keep, or fortress, or tomb, or sky-castle (depending again, on the version of the story) to brood. Therefore, many fertile young women went through truly mind-boggling lengths to reach the King and present themselves as prospective brides (or whatever the culturally-appropriate position was). After many years of this, one equally virtuous and becoming young women, who was too modest to pursue the legendary ruler, accidentally discovered his place of solitude and Shaar was instantly besotted with her. His announcement of marriage was said to have triggered a wave of suicides across the land and many otherwise unmarked cairns and mounds across the Wilderlands are said to those of women who killed themselves when Shaarâs nuptials were made public.

	Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.		Given the relative frequency of violent death, and consequent hurried burials, in the Wilderlands, it would seem that this terribly romantic legend is used to explain the much more prosaic reality behind the ubiquitous unmarked graves in that region.

	<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. ~~It’s~~ appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; ~~it’s~~ bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for ~~it’s~~ behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.		<i>'''Trool-headed'''</i> The <i>trool</i> is a squat, ungainly beast of foul temper inhabiting the Wilderlands region. Itâs appearance suggests the worst characteristics of the reptile, the mammal, and the amphibian; itâs bloated, disc-shaped body is more attractive only than the tiny, wedge-shaped head on top of it. Despite these aesthetics accomplishments, the <i>trool</i> is more famous for itâs behaviour than its appearance. <i>Trools</i> are infamous both for their strict sense of entitlement and their denseness. Upon meeting another creature, a <i>trool</i> will always pause and wait for the other to move out of the way, giving it primacy. <i>Trools</i> cannot speak, but seem to believe that the other will intuit what it wants. A <i>trool</i> will quite literally die before it allows another creature to pass it. This is attested to by the many dead <i>trool</i> that have been observed expired while silently awaiting tree-stumps and rock outcroppings to move aside and let them pass.

	<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.		<i>Trool-headed</i> is thus used to mean stubbornly stupid.

	<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and ~~“hide~~-~~aways”~~. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.		<i>'''You are as useful as a skeelix!'''</i> Skeelix were a flying pest common to the entire Wilderlands region. In appearance, they were something like a tiny, unshelled mollusk, with pale, mucousy flesh and triple-wings of thinly, calceous nature. In the wilds, these vermin were fairly inactive during the heat of the day, to avoid excessive sun exposure and consequent drying out. However, they were attracted to man- or other-made structures and âhide-awaysâ. They did not bite or sting like some other vermin, but they had a nasty habit of appearing underfoot, hand, or other appendage and squishing in most unpleasant manner.

	Incidentally, calling someone a ~~“skeelix”~~ was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.		Incidentally, calling someone a âskeelixâ was considered grounds for lethal dueling and blood feud among many Wilderlands tribes.