Re: Archaen: A Bit of Magical Whimsy

Edward Heil wrote:

> In the roleplaying game Talislanta, the language wizards use is Archaen.
> It's ancient and nobody does anything but cast spells in it anymore.
>
> What would a language like that look like? Well, I designed the nominal
> system with some interesting cases.....
>
> (hope this cut & paste works... otherwise check out the original at:
> http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/3714/archaen.html)
I went to the webpage and I would recommend that anyone who liked your post
to be sure to visit it because it gives a lot more information about
the language.

This is really cool!  I'll be sure to learn Archaen before I compose
any more spells ; ).  I really like its classical flavor.  It makes it seem
all the more "wizardly."  I can really see dark-robed figures chanting in
Archaen before smoking braziers of frankincense with tall, red tapers in
their hands!

I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about this lang!

Dunn Patrick's suggestions are right on the money.  He mentioned some great
pointers
as to where to go with the verbs.

If Archaen wizards often deal with spirits who are beneath them and also
spirits (even
gods) who are above them, then there should be distinct differences between
they way
each are addressed within the language.  (For example, a formal 2nd person
pronoun
for those beings that could blast the wizard into ashes and another for
ordering those
little imps who better ask "How high?" as soon as the wizard says, "Jump!")
You know,
a metaphysical "tu" vs. "usted" sort of thing.

Too bad Al Crowly ain't around to enjoy it... but I am : )