The Language of Nharith—The Tongue of Forgotten Light

The Language of Nharith, known to some as "The Forgotten Light", was once the sacred tongue of the Aelmarin, an ancient race of mystics who lived in the Obsidian Glade, a secluded and treacherous region deep within the Black Crags, a mountainous area to the northeast of the Sea of Monsters. This isolated land, where jagged peaks pierced the sky and volcanic mists cloaked the valleys, was said to be a place where light and shadow danced in eternal conflict. The Aelmarin thrived here, weaving their unique language from the interplay of these primal forces.   The language, Nharith, was unlike any other in Nehwon, blending musical tones, intricate written glyphs, and light-based gestures into a singular system of communication. It was not merely a means of speaking but a spiritual and magical practice that resonated with the very essence of existence. The Aelmarin believed that their language allowed them to harmonize with the cosmic balance, serving as both a tool and a symbol of their connection to the world’s deeper truths.  

The Fall of Nharith

The decline of Nharith is tied to the mysterious disappearance of the Aelmarin. Long ago, during the twilight of the Age of The Quarmallian, the Quarmallians expanded their dominion with reckless ambition, exploiting magic and nature alike. The Obsidian Glade, a sanctuary for the Aelmarin and their sacred language, became a target of their greed. Quarmallian mages sought the Aelmarin’s secrets, hoping to enslave their knowledge of Nharith and harness its power for conquest.   Legends tell of a climactic battle between the Aelmarin and the Quarmallians, a conflict that tore apart the Obsidian Glade. When the dust settled, the Aelmarin were gone. Some believe they were annihilated, while others claim they transcended to another plane, taking their wisdom with them. The language of Nharith, left without a people to speak it, began its slow march toward extinction.     Over the centuries, fragments of the language have survived in the hands of a few isolated groups and individuals. Yet, these remnants are incomplete, scattered like echoes in the void, and the full understanding of Nharith remains elusive.  

Those Who Still Use Nharith

Today, only a handful of people across Nehwon retain knowledge of Nharith. Chief among them are The Luminaris Order, a reclusive sect of mystics who dwell near the ruins of the Obsidian Glade. They claim descent from the Aelmarin, though their connection is tenuous at best. The Luminaris use Nharith in their rituals, chanting its tones and tracing its glyphs as acts of devotion. However, even they admit that their grasp of the language is fractured, limited to ceremonial and symbolic use.     Outside the Luminaris, hermits and wandering scholars occasionally study Nharith through inscriptions left behind in ruins or ancient scrolls. For these individuals, the language is less a functional tool and more a tantalizing puzzle—a gateway to understanding the mystical truths the Aelmarin left behind.   The Elves of Mÿthanos also revere Nharith, though they do not claim to understand it. To them, it is a relic of an age when light and life were in perfect harmony. Elven sages believe traces of the language exist in their own ancient dialects, and they honor it as a symbol of spiritual purity.  

Why Nharith Is Nearly Unteachable

Nharith is widely considered one of the most unteachable languages in Nehwon. The reasons for this are manifold, rooted in both the physical limitations of modern speakers and the fragmented state of the language itself.   Much of Nharith relied on the unique physiology of the Aelmarin, who could perceive and manipulate light in ways beyond mortal comprehension. Without their heightened senses, the language’s light-based gestures are nearly impossible to replicate accurately. Furthermore, the language was designed to resonate with the speaker’s spirit as much as their voice. Without the spiritual alignment the Aelmarin cultivated through their way of life, the deeper meanings of Nharith’s tones and glyphs are lost.   The language is also deeply tied to magic. Certain phrases require the use of light-based spells to convey their meaning, blending words and enchantments into a seamless whole. For those without the ability to wield such magic, these phrases are incomprehensible. The surviving fragments of Nharith are themselves incomplete, often presenting contradictions or gaps that make learning the language akin to solving an unfinished riddle.  

A Description of Nharith

The Language of Nharith operates on three interconnected levels: tone, glyph, and light gesture. Each component serves a specific purpose, and only through their combined use can the full meaning of the language be conveyed.   The spoken component of Nharith is musical, composed of harmonic notes rather than traditional words. Each tone carries both an emotional weight and a magical resonance. A single note could express concepts like “hope” or “despair” while simultaneously channeling magical energy.   The written component consists of flowing glyphs, carved or painted in circular patterns that seem to shimmer faintly when viewed in dim light. These glyphs were not just words but anchors for magical energy. They could be used to store spells or act as conduits for light magic.   The gesture component required manipulating ambient light into specific patterns. By tracing movements in the air, Aelmarin speakers could create temporary shapes and symbols of light that amplified their spoken tones and written glyphs. To an observer, the gestures appeared as radiant dances, weaving light itself into language.  

The Cultural Significance of Nharith

To those who still study or revere the language, Nharith is more than a means of communication—it is a philosophy. Its intricate interplay of tone, glyph, and light gesture reflects the interconnectedness of all things, emphasizing harmony between body, mind, and spirit.   For the Luminaris, the language is a sacred relic of their ancestors. They believe that by piecing together its fragments, they might one day reawaken the forgotten wisdom of the Aelmarin. The Elves of Mÿthanos see Nharith as a divine gift, a reminder of an era when the balance of light and shadow was unbroken.   Scholars, on the other hand, view Nharith as a tantalizing mystery. The language’s magical properties suggest it could hold the key to new forms of enchantment or even open pathways to other planes. Yet, its complexity and the dangers associated with light magic make such studies perilous.  

A Language on the Brink

As the centuries pass, the Language of Nharith teeters on the edge of oblivion. Its last speakers are few, its teachings fragmented, and its true essence tied to a people long gone. Yet, its legacy endures in the ruins of the Obsidian Glade, the rituals of the Luminaris, and the dreams of those who seek to understand its secrets. Whether Nharith will ever rise again or fade completely into the shadows of history remains an open question, but its memory continues to illuminate the imagination of Nehwon.