New Advantage: Avalon Accent ( 0 points, Avalon only )
Mainland Théans would say that the Triple Kingdoms are too
small for a great diversity of accents but they could not be further from
the truth. Almost every valley and village has a slight difference in
their local vernacular and word usage, which can often lead to
embarrassing faux pas from visitors. For instance, a small chain of
villages in the north of Avalon has at least twenty different names for an
outdoor coat.Ignoring these minor variations, the three nations can be
broken down into six distinct accents, with the main island of Avalon
showing the largest range. Each of these regions has had subtly different
influences on it, from the ancient people of the islands, Vestenmannavnjar
raids, the Montaigne invasions to modern trade with other nations.
| |
Avalon |
High Avalon |
Inish |
Highland |
Lothian |
Wandesboro |
| Avalon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Castille |
2 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| Cathay |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| Cymric |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Crescent |
3 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
| High Eisen |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
| Eisen |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Montaigne |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Théan |
3 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
| Teodoran |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
| Ussuran |
2 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Vendel |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0* |
1 |
1 |
| Vodacce |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Regional Notes
Avalon is a mixture of the ancient Cymric tongue with influences from
other continental languages, most notably Montaigne. This is the accent
described in the Player’s Guide.
High Avalon is spoken mainly in Carleon and Luthon by the educated
classes and includes more Montaigne vocabulary from the period of
occupation and government. The link with the hated Montaigne also makes a
High Avalon speaker more distrusted in some parts of the Three Kingdoms
and some of the major Théan languages will be more familiar but those of
more exotic places become increasingly more difficult.
Inish greatly resembles the ancient Cymric language and has changed
less due to its isolation and ability to resist the influx of Montaigne
words and usage. Once you get an Inishman started on a topic, however, the
language barrier is the least of your worries. Inish do not take easily to
other languages, but they get 1k0 to Social rolls involving convincing
another person, which reflects their extraordinary gift of being able to
think on their feet.
Highland is also from the Cymric root but shows the influence of trade
with the Vestenmannavnjar tribes, so it has gained the harder edge
characteristic of the northern languages. A long tradition of church
scholars in the Marches also gives the speaker a good grounding in the
ancient Théan tongue. Northern languages are easiest for them to learn and
they can take Vendel for free, or pay 1 HP not to have a Kirk accent that
would undoubtedly annoy any Vestenmannavnjar whom they encounter.
Lothian is something of an aberration, the Avalon accent has been
heavily influence by Highland, and producing a number of very
idiosyncratic words, especially a range of very colourful insults.
Lothians do not have much time for the classical languages but are as
familiar with most modern nations as the average Avalon. A Lothian speaker
will get a warmer reception in the Highland Marshes and Inismore,
receiving a +5 bonus to Social rolls but losing the same amount if dealing
with Avalon high society.
Wandesboro is the sailor’s accent of Avalon and is almost a Creole of
the many foreign influences found within the ports and bars. Strong
accents from Inismore and the Highlands have also started to change the
coastal sound. Being uneducated although proficient, speakers cannot take
the Linguist advantage although they get 3 HP extra to pay for Language
Acquaintance costs at character creation.
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