Languages: Monastic Linguistics & Unusual Tongues

Another post regarding languages, this one came about as a brainstorm in response to a Quora question:


Depending on the monastery, I think a case could be made for literally any language.  Examples below could probably apply to other other religious, arcane or academic institutions of the right sort as well:
  • All normal languages - Might be common if the institution focuses on learning in general.
  • Axiomatic and/or Gith - Axiomatic was proposed as a descriptor of lawful plane traits in D&D 3rd Edition. A language of this sort might be common in monasteries run by by the Githzerai, or those founded on Githzerai teachings. Possibly also useful for legal training.
  • Anarchic - Similarly Anarchic was proposed to describe chaotic qualities.  This might be used by sort of "anti-monks", chaos-warriors, or covenant of sorcerers of unmaking. Basically any group whose philosophy involves sidestepping or ignoring rules and following passions. Multi-classed Barbarian/Monks might be common here.
  • Celestial, Abyssal and/or Infernal - If the institution is religiously oriented. it may include more one of these languages. These might also apply to those studying light or dark-adjacent aspects of arcane magic.  In particular:
    • Celestial (CG, NG, LG) - Religious institutions, sometimes spoken spontaneously by those in prayer or worked into transcendent music.
    • Abyssal (Demons/CE) – Used at institutions which promote general rebellion, suffering and bloody-mindedness.
    • Infernal (Devils/LE) - If axiomatic is the language law schools use to train students minds to a higher standard, then infernal is studied on the sly by devious slimball attorneys.  Also a few bardic colleges offer an infernal elective in the use of infernal for verbal irony, dry wit, cutting sarcasm and double entendre.
  • Primordial (various Elemental) or Draconic - Philosophy or martial styles based around the elements. May include more multi-classed Monk/Sorcerers. Also those with any kind of dragon-related ancestry or who study the building blocks of physical existence.
  • Outer Glypic - A family of semi-psychic languages used by certain abominations and inhabitants of the Far Realms. Expresses partially alien concepts. Uncomfortable for most mortals to think in. Used by cultists of the great old ones and outer gods. Also studied by cenobites and some psychic or arcane researchers; explorers in the further regions of experience: demons to some, angels to others.
  • Sylvan or specific wild animal languages - Possibly a monastery oriented toward harmony with nature. Potentially a run elves, gnomes, Druids, Fae patroned Warlocks, Wild Magic Sorcerers, or training school for a Ranger corps.
  • Thieve's Cant - Might be taught in a school for spies, an institution with underworld connections, or a monastery or mission school associated with the impoverished. The folks who work there could be canny heart-of-gold types or devious manipulators. (See also Cants: Thieves & Other)
Basically, if you can think of a combination of language and institution that “feels about right" and fits the setting, then why not go with it?

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