We feel that this has been done before.
But we would like to give a different spin to this.
It is more of a magic system, to be honest, not so much of a language. But since the challenge is as such, we would like to combine said magic system with language.
Cliche, perhaps.
But hey, as long as it works. Here we go:
RUNE MAGIC
While this was popularised as a divination tool in our world, in this realm, runic symbols are everywhere around us. They are in the air, in water, in stone, in trees, in the sky, in the earth, and in you. Should you know them by name and have power over them, then you may bind them to your will and they will grant you their magic. They may be surrounding us this very moment, but it takes a certain skill within you to be able to see said symbols.
Thus, one must first acquire the Sight.
Sight
The Sight is the ability to be see the runic symbols surrounding the lands. That is all there is to it, but having the Sight does not necessarily mean they can manipulate the runic symbols to their whims.
For that, they would need Draw (temporary term, will change when I find a cooler name.)
Draw and Cast
To Draw is to summon the runic symbols to you. This cannot be done without the Sight, as you would need it to see what runic symbols surround you. In order to draw, you either call its name aloud. One must be in full concentration with the intent to use it to be able to draw it. Advanced users would be able to do so through their mind, if their concentration is fixed towards their intentions on using the Runes. However, in order to draw, one must know the names of these runes and what they represent.
Upon knowing the runes, one would be able to Cast (ditto) the runic symbol towards their target.
For example, say a torch is nearby and you use the Sight to see its symbol. You would see Kenaz, The Beacon, flaring before your eyes. You then Draw Kenaz by uttering its name (verbally or in mind), and it will come to you, its symbol formed in your hands (know that without the Sight, you wouldn't know it's there). You can use Cast to direct Kenaz towards a target, form your intention around the name (it has to be something close to what it is meant to be. Kenaz is Beacon/Torch. Thus, the form you choose has to make sense).
But the fun doesn't end at just basic runes.
Manipulate
Being able to Cast and Draw is one thing, but being able to Manipulate is another. Taking the method of Casting and Drawing, Manipulate requires you to Draw as many runic symbols as you can. By Drawing multiples, you would be able to Manipulate them by combining the properties of the runic symbols and creating a new form.
Take Sowilo (health/life) and Algiz (protection), Manipulate them, and you will get a healing-protection spell/magic.
Take Raidho (chariot-travel) and Uruz (Auroch-strength & speed), and you will get a speedy and buff spell/magic.
Take 3 or 4 runic symbol, and you will get different combinations. But this all depends on the person's knowledge of the runes and its properties.
Runes
Runes, or runic symbols, are the ones surrounding us in this realm. They are what we see through the Sight, what we Draw, what we Cast and what we Manipulate. Without the knowledge of the runes, one would not be able to accomplish such feats, even if they do have the abilities mentioned above. As mentioned in the example above, different runes have different properties. By understanding its meaning and its properties, one would have proper control over it.
There are 24 runes altogether, plus one unmarked rune. Perhaps, out of all the runic symbols there are out there, the ones that has puzzled users the most would be the Wyrd rune (fate). It cannot be read as it is a blank rune. As such, it cannot be Seen, Drawn, or Casted. Despite all this though, Wyrd is as real as the runic symbols around us; it is just blank.
Though there are rumours of users being able to Cast Wyrd into play, and its effects were either devastating or magnificent; more often than not, rather devastating. It is a powerful runic symbol with its properties related to fate. The fact that it is so tells you how much power this rune holds.
But it chooses who to reveal itself to.
The Wyrd/Odin/Blank rune
Also known as the Rune of Fate, this rune is said to exist all around us, much like the other runic symbols you would see through the Sight. However, Wyrd does not have a symbol of its own, unlike the others.
Despite what others have theorised about Wyrd being an unobtainable runic power, there have been cases where some claimed to have seen Wyrd themselves. Those who have seen it claimed that it was in a form that was readable to them, not blank. Even so, what people have realised upon hearing such stories was that its runic symbols differed from person to person. And yet another strange incident; they would be able to remember their experience in seeing it, but when it came to trying to draw the rune, they would not remember its shape.
To those who have seen it and claimed its power was granted a very powerful symbol in their hands; it was strong enough to change another person's fate, depending on the target. Its strength differs, depending on the will of its user. The most devastating record of its use was during the Sindarin incident, in which its user, Haleth Yr Sraosa, wiped out an entire civilisation of people.
But such powers come at a great price. Upon using Wyrd, its user will be cursed with a nidstang.
Similar to a geas or a curse, after using said powers, a nidstang curse will be upon the user. As ever- changing as the shape of Wyrd is, so is its curse. Again, it differs from person to person. In one recorded incident, its user was made mute. In another, it cursed a man to repeat his life over and over again. In Haleth's case, it cursed him with eternity. As such, it can be theorised that these nidstangs are related to what the person has done with the power of Wyrd.
However, such incidents, old or recent, has only ever recorded seeing Wyrd once in their lifetime; it has never appeared more than once. Those who claimed to have seen Wyrd and never use it have never seen it again since then.
Yet, most events involving Wyrd seemed to be connected...
It is almost as though Wyrd has a mind of its own...
...and a plan.
FAQ
Is there a specific language magic must be spoken in? (Latin, Elven, Something else?)
Unless you count the Elder Futhark as a language, then yes.
Is there a way you have to say the words?
You can say it aloud or through your mind. The important part is that you have to know what it is and what it does in order to Draw it. See Draw and Cast for further reading.
Are there specific words that are magical?
It is not so much magical as it is more of manipulating the elements around you. They exist in their own way, but with your abilities, you can Cast and Manipulate them to your desire.
Can anyone speak these magical words, or does someone need to be magical or know how to do it?
Speaking is fine, but to use it, you must have the Sight, the Draw, the Cast and the Manipulate skills to be able to make use of it. If you lack one of these skills, them it's probably rather useless to you. Manipulate may be considered as a small loss, but it is only through Manipulate can the users ascend and acquire advanced runic magic usage.
Are people born knowing these words, learn through, or something else?
While most of them require learning, one must acquire the Sight above all else. It is the most important element in Rune Magic. Sadly, this ability is limited to those who are born with it.
Is this a written language or only shared through speaking?
It was a written language in our world, historically speaking, but in this realm, they are symbols of the elements and things around us.
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We edited, but we have not been able to come up with a weakness to the magic.
We will continue thinking on this.
Until then, enjoy our update on Wyrd, the Rune of Fate.
