Throughout Santharian lands you'll hear many proverbs, sayings, yea, even curses, but if you're a foreigner you may not understand everything you hear in certain regions - sometimes you might even get the wrong meaning, which may lead to unjustified animosities. In order to avoid such misunderstandings as well as to learn some more on Santharian culture, the following "Guide to Santharian Proverbs and Sayings" will help you when travelling throughout the lands. The sentences are ordered alphabetically.

	Proverb/Saying Meaning/Explanation Origin "A beautiful weapon is a deadly weapon." A reminder that anything can be used as a weapon. Also a warning not to let things distract you in combat. Told to Coór'hém children when teaching them combat. Amongst many in Nybelmar it is a reminder of the deadliness of Coór'hém female assassins. It is often used as a sales pitch by those who sell very ornate weapons even as far away as northern Caelereth. Elven (Coór'hém) "A flower blooms more than once." Something missed can almost always be done again some other time. Brownie (Llaoihrr) "A fool and his innards are soon parted when tempting wolves." Travellers' saying about the importance of cleaning up food before going to sleep. Human "...and greetings from Ximax!" An answer to someone who changes the subject out of the blue or appears not to have listened at all to a conversation, but suddenly makes a remark. Human (Santharian) "As loyal as a caladrius." Used to express how loyal two people are to each other. Often used in marriage, but sometimes used for other realtionships. Rarely used for a people being loyal to something instead of someone. It obviously derives from the relationship that two caladrius birds have with each other. Never used by elves. Human (in the Voldar region) "A Sinkel's tale" A story that, entertaining as it may be, is most likely heavily exaggerated, although it's impossible to check. This refers both to the general attitude towards the truth when it comes to storytelling the Sinkels display, as well as the myrads of myths and legends surrounding Heirike Sink. Human (Sinkel Merchants) "A wrinkled apple tastes the sweeter." Peasant saying, on the benefits of experience. Human "An Avennorian isn't an Avennorian." You can't put all Avennorians in the same drawer due to the fact that they have ancestors of very different tribes. Human (Avennorian) "And yesterday (last week) a rivermaid seduced you?" This question could well be posed if somebody - especially young men in the company of young women - are talking about their personal prowess. Human "An elf’s tongue will talk the Timelight round." About the nature of elves. Dwarven “An ugly woman may be an oya pea… but then again, she may be only an ugly woman…” A cynical saying from the folk of Veltin. Human (Erpheronian) "Armeros's teeth!" Common Erpheronian curse. Human (Erpheronian) “As beautiful as a Nauroothian” Indicating very lovely, referring to the relatively high population of elven/human cross breeds found in this Northern Sarvonian town. Human “As busy as a myrmex…” Commonly heard simile when one has too many duties to perform at once. Human "As capable in warfare as a Brownie." Referring to a super whimp. Lore holds it that this saying originated when an Avennorian adventurer killed a Brownie with one swipe of a simple knife. Human (Avennorian) “As changing as the tides of fate…” Denotes the unpredictable nature of something, like fate, sometimes used cynically with regards to a spouse. Human "As cheap as an Erpheronian Sweet Steak." Saying that the item is very expensive. Referring to how expensive an item is by comparing it to the ever expense Erpheronian Sweet Steak. Human (Erpheronian) "As cold as rubite." Referring to a woman who has just brushed off a male's unwanted advances. A rubite is a gem looking similar to a ruby (produced by the rubit lizard), but will stay cold in contact with flesh, while a ruby will warm up. Human "As cute as a little pompion." Used to express the cuteness of a baby. Human "As full of meat as a doch nut." Often used in the marketplace to suggest that something is nutritious, strong, or well worth its cost. Human "As happy as a Jernaisite." Care-free, happy-go-lucky. Human (Caltharian) "As lax as the folks of Roulk." A quite offensive comparison used to express that work doesn't progress at all as intended. Human (Avennorian) "As lucky as Kha're." This means that somebody had a stroke of luck, several unrelated incidents which turn out to be favourite for him, but don‘t really affect his life. Human (Shendar) "As nice as an imp." Very mean. Human "As quick as a hawk and sly as a kiang!" Refers to a very clever, mentally agile person - can also be a warning, as in "be careful of him, he's as quick... etc., etc." Human (Zhunite) "A regular Brandivere." Used mostly in New-Santhala, this comment has one of two meanings, which must be discerned in context; either the person referred to is very generous with his/her time and money, or with intimate favours... (derived from the well-known mage Dalmac Brandivere, who resided for nearly a decade in the New-Santhalan outskirts) Human (New-Santhalan) "As savage as a makaka pack." Extremely ferocious, to the point of being deadly, though it is often used facetiously to mock some who is bragging of his exploits or is notable for cowardice. Human (Korweynite) "As smart as an orc." Derogarotry human reference to a really stupid person. Human "As smart as a Ximax rat." Used to state that someone is behaving very clever. Human (Ximaxian) "As subtle as Jamliso." How blunt can you get? Human "As the seed is formed in Avá’s Dream, so the Tree grows in Avá's Light." On the inevitability of human nature. Elven "As trusthworthy as a human." Very unreliable. Mullog "As well heel wolves...." Used with a comparative phrase to suggest futility, for example, "As well heel wolves as argue with that woman in one of her moods!" Human "As wise as Federkiel" An old comparative expression which has been around as long as the Federkiel family, though the current holder of the title, Sage Artimidor, has done much to bolster its contemporary validity... Human (Santharian) "A Zarathian deal" You made a bargain which is exactly what your money is actually worth, consequently a fair deal. Human (Zarathian) "A Zarathian nose" Someone who has an uncany ability to sense foul play. Human (Zarathian) "Between Ximax cats than Ximax rats!" Quote from the innkeepers in the City of Magic who have a lot of their supplies looted by the clever Ximax rats. Human (Ximaxian) "Between the pickaxe and the rockface..." Difficult situation. Dwarven "Blessed (is) the man who calls an aj his friend." Shendar expressing respect for each other. Human (Shendar) "Boy, you tryin' to end up as dinner to that drake?! Get offa dere!" Used to scare children out of doing things that are disobedient or unsafe. Human "Breeding like quirrels." Refering to people who have more children in their family than is considered prudent. Human (Ashmarian) "Bring on the Brandi's." Said facetiously when someone has made a particularly solid verbal 'hit'; synonymous with 'Low blow!' or 'That's striking under the belt!' This expression is used mostly among humans in central Santharia, where the common healing ointment, "Brandi's", developed by the herbmage Dalmac Brandivere is readily available on every household shelf... Human (Santharian) “Bryng downe th’ tyrant’s grasping bloodie rule / as doth th’ myrmexene imperyal’s bane / Where insycts struggle, shal we humans cease / To sette our handes to virtue’s ways agayne?” Anonymously scrawled across the great gate of Marcogg, during the Civil Wars. Human "By Sophronia's hand!" At any cost. Human   "By the nine-tailed cat of Minich!" Curse expressing things which have gone wrong. Human "Certain as the Morongetyr is still in place." Expressing something, which is undeniable certain. Dwarven (Kiingerim) "Cha brightens the eyes, enlivens the heart, strengthens the liver as no ale can claim / Cha for the maidens, cha for the sages, cha for the babe and the mother the same…" Old Hoggenheath saying on the importance of the cha tea herb. Human "Chasing a tarepi tail" As a result of a tradition in the Fields of Aurium called the "Tail Chase", the saying "chasing a tarepi tail" became common and spread from the fields to town and beyond, to Ravenport and the rest of Manthria. The game involves two groups of children, one decorated by tareptail weed to denote they are 'prey', the other group the hunters, chasing the first group. Where it was originally used to comfort anxious parents or siblings of children, pointing out that the child was just playing a game, nothing scary whatsoever, it later became better known as "chasing a lass". Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Coór-ridden" Also an emphatic adjective, meaning "haunted", or "dammed". E.g.: "That Coór-ridden baron wants ta double our taxes - does'e think we're made o' feffin' gold?" Human "Customers lulled by the le’matice" See the "Lullabye of the le'matice" saying. Human (Varcopas) "Curi'lyr!" Kuglimz insult, meaning "son of a pig". Human (Kuglimz) "Cuter than a cob!" Because baby cobs are at first so harmless and adorably fluffy, this saying is meant as a compliment that may be given to a northern baby. Human (Ice Tribes) "Destiny, chance, fate, fortune -they're all just ways of claiming your successes without claiming your failures." On destiny and chance, success and failure. Human "Did you hear Dalireen's bells?" Used when a person has something of an epiphany, when the complications of a problem become clear. In a sense, the person is asking if Dalireen's bells have helped them find the answer in the same way her bells are said to help lost children. Often used among neighboring humans tribe and among hobbit folk. Hobbit "Did you just Tame the Tree?" The accomplishment of Taming the Tree is a large one in the village of Shneerin at the Y'rom Coast. Therefore, a person radiating with pride, carrying a broad grin on his face, will be asked if he has just Tamed the Tree, because obviously he's has achieved a great feat. Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Discussion gathers no gems." On the virtue of work. Dwarven "Don't grab an elf by the ear!" Don't try to say something, act in a field which you don't really understand. Human "Don’t mind him, he’s a pricklepea." The Helcrani of Milkengrad use this saying much as the merchants of New-Santhala refer to a coarse-spoken but kindhearted person as a "diamond in the rough". Human (Helcrani) "Don't talk twice to a Proudmen (about the same thing)!" Reflecting that it might not be the best idea to try to change the mind of an Erpheronian, once he has already made up his mind. Human (Centoraurian) "Don't turn Zarathian on me!" When someone who is usually willing to try anything shrugs off an idea as a waste of time. Human (Zarathian) "Don't use a hammer where a finger-tap will do!" Used to express that certain situations should be handled better in a sensitive way except straight forward. Dwarven "Drelldung!" A vulgar expletive popular with young blades of central Sarvonia, who believe it to be translated from the Thergerim. Dwarven/ Human "Dune watch" Anyone who may be looking forward for something important (mostly found in desert areas). Human (Shendar) "Dwarves to their caverns and elves to their trees!" Popular among the city nobles, meaning, "to each their own". Human "En Praka sin en vera" Translates to "In practice, not in truth", a common expression heard not only by its Faen inventors but all around Western Nybelmar. It refers to both the subtlety of speech and the nuances of subjective truth - usually exclaimed in oxymoronic circumstances regarding logic and validity, e.g. "Our laws dont make any sense whatsoever, how can we accept to live by them? - They work perfectly en praka sin en vera." Faen "EvEven orcs have a use." Nothing is a complete loss. Human (Kasumarii) "Even the milch will sweat today." Means that it is very hot, even for a desert. Dwarven (Kavogerim) "Even your horse cannot out-run Queprur!" Usually said to suggest that one may be taking too great a risk, or, less commonly, used as a threat. Human (Centoraurian) "Every fruit has a stone, as the plainsfolk say." Barbarian proverb about mixed blessings Human (barbarian) "Every toe and every finger, every moment you might linger; good girls, bad boys, she sees all: our fair lady Jeyriall." A rhyme most children and their parents know in the hamlet of Shneerin and around. It's born from the belief that the gods and forefathers are still watching the community, and the superstition that they might wait around every corner to ask penitance for certain deeds. Because Jeyriall is most valued in the village, she's the one the rhyme is addressed to. The third line of the rhyme may be changed to "good boys, bad girls" or any other variety. Sometimes completely different words are put in, when the situation demands: "Kisses, bedding, she sees all" might be a stern warning to the adolescents of the hamlet. Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Falls and fells!" Expletive. Human "F'ang!" Kuglimz insult, meaning "impotent" or "unmanly". Human (Kuglimz) "Farewell, and may the All-Mother/All-Father bless your path." A traditional Kuglimz leave-taking phrase. Human (Kuglimz) "Feffin!" (Used as an adjective inserted within a sentence for emphasis, thus: "Who woke the feffin' dragon up, eh?") Meaning is debated, but most linguistic scholars in Caelereth agree that it originated with human sailors and spread rapidly around the known world... Dwarven "For a dead soldier, there's no victory." You shouldn't try to achieve victory by sacrificing valuable men. Human "Gambling on a mouse." Anyone who foolishly, desperately, or perhaps mistakenly tries any endeavor, undertaking or solution to attain a desired end (started in desert areas and has found wider populairty). Human (Shendar) "Geranium beauty" Somebody who is physically beautiful... though the effect is achieved through the use of cosmetics. Zhunite "Give me a mage and a demon; I'll take the demon." On the dangerous and untrustworthy nature of mages. Human "Glory is for martyrs, we seek victory!" Quoted from Hiartun Rarkan - Marmarran Master General. It simply means that there are no rules with regard to honour. Honour is for those who fall short, Marmarrans will employ any tactic to win. Zhunite (Marmarra) "Gnomes are the friendly dwarves." Caltharian saying referring to Daran gnomes (integrated gnomes in human societies) in order to stress the helpfulness of these gnomes. Human (Caltharian) "Gold in the ground is rock still." Equivalent of "a bird in the hand". Dwarven "Greyler!" This is a disrespectful term used mostly as an insult to older people. It is analogous to calling them crazy, or saying that they are getting too old to make sense anymore. It is also used as disrespectful slang for 'homosexual person'. The way it is interpreted depends on the usage. If a youth says to her grandparent “Shut up you stupid old greyler!”, they would most likely mean it as a slur on the age of the grandparent. In contrast, a man might shout “Ugh! Get your hands off me, greyler!” if another man were to make advances on him. Human (Santharian) "Has Dalireen just passed by?" Used when someone begins to hum or sing without thinking, in a sense, asking "Did you get distracted?" Often used among human tribes living near hobbit settlements. Hobbit "Hasn't got the sense of a new-dropped foal." Obviously, refers to one's foolish behavior. Human (Centoraurian) "Have you been trying to Tame the Tree?" This warning question is uttered by parents to younger children who are believed not to be ready yet for their maturity ritual. If the child has tried to accomplish a task he or she is simply not capable of yet, a father or mother will remind the child of his most important trial to come by asking this question. A panting youngster is asked the same question: what effort has made you so exhausted, "have you been trying to Tame the Tree?" Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Have you no home of your own? Go make oatpaste!" 'Shoo', 'begone', 'get lost', and 'feff off'! People use this saying as a rather rude way of asking a person who has overstayed his welcome to depart. "Go make oatpaste" might also be used by busy mothers said to a bored child who has finished all her chores or is trapped inside on a rainy day. Human (Santharian) "Head as thick as a pompion." Used to refer to a dullard. Human "He has breath as foul as dragon wind!" Self-explanatory... Said to have been uttered by Uckzuck Rochock, Tharoc Wargrider's father. Orcish "He lost his helmet!" A well-known proverb for disgrace as the last thing a Santerran soldier would do before abandoning a ship was throwing away his iron helmet, as it was the only piece of item one could not accidentally lose in a sea battle. Human (Santerran) "He who blindly chases the jupa ape, misses the kitjuran trees on the way'." Saying of the Krean to illustrate how stubborn determination and pride can lead to the loss of much more valuable things. Human (Krean) "He who flees lives to fight another day." You shouldn't let any of your enemies escape the battlefield. Human "He who hews not eats not." On the virtue of work. Dwarven "Herkpt'in" (emphatic verb, colloquial) "Herkpting" is the action of snorting up phegm and spitting it out. The verb is properly pronounced in three syllables with the stress on the first and third, thus: HERK-pih-Ting. "The old man was busy herkpting into the spittoon, and didn't see the soldiers striding towards him." However, it has been co-opted as a vulgarism, and as such is pronounced HERK-pit-ten. "You herkptin' piece of gnoll snot, whateryer think yer doing?" Dwarven "He/she went to the greylers." He/she has gone missing. This saying is usually used after the person has disappeared after having been in a bad situation for some time, or having some secret revealed about them, or having been sad for a long time. It means that no-one knows what has happened to the person, but everyone thinks that they may have killed themselves, or have actually run off to live with the greylers. If someone says this, it means they think the person will never be seen again. Human (Santharian) "His love is so deep as the snow on the Norong'sorno white." Said when a man love his wife dearly. Human (Shendar) "Hot as kragghi." Used to refer to quick-tempered individuals. Human (Kuglim) "How do you dream? I mean, what can you dream of; if from under your forest ceiling you have never seen the stars?" A typical provern of the Meládrhim, expressing their nomadic lifestyle very well. Elven (Melád) "Hunger is the finest sauce." A hungry stomach will make any meal seem pleasant, no matter how foul in taste it actually is. Sometimes used to admonish someone who is fastidious, especially when food is involved. Though hobbits love fine food, as long as all of the numerous meals are taken, the day will be okay. Halfling "I'm sure you'll tassel it!" (said sarcastically) The Eyelian people are known for creating tassels to be worn on their clothing after important events in their lives, such as getting married or returning home from a war. This saying is meant to be indicating that something has happened which is so important that they'll carry out this custom for it when really, it's not. Example: "Hey, I found a really cool snake down in the forest today!" "Yeah, I'm sure you'll tassel it." Human (Eyelian) "I think I'll ship to the Shoals tomorrow." A person uttering these words sees no hope in the current situation and is left with little options. It may also be a threat to leave to a distant place, referring to the southernmost part of the Sarvonian continent. Human (Santharian) "If a maryón can climb up a water fall, you will be able to do...!" This saying is supposed to be a hint, that a given task should be not too difficult for somebody to master. Human "If ink were drink, I'd be a scholar!" Hobbit saying, self-explanatory. Used when someone voices what is considered an improbable or self-indulgent wish. Halfling "If it quorks like a kyck-kyck, hops like a kyck-kyck, and tastes like a kyck-kyck... it’s doubtless a kyck-kyck!" Old gnome saying on the merits of simplicity in argument. Gnomish "If you say that word again, I'll scrub your mouth with Krrahghi (Kragghi)." Used as a threat of punishment for bad language in Ashmari children or rebellious orclings. Human (Ashmari), Orcish "It'll be not my head on the block." I won't be the one who gets in trouble. Human "It is easier to catch the seed of the false heart than... To express that it is impossible to get hold of somebody or something. Human "It's like chopping wood with an orcish knife." Doing something completely senseless and without thought. Human "It's like Shneerin on Fastday." Though not of Shneerin origin (a small Avennorian farming village), the saying refers to the habit of the Shneerin community to gather with all souls at the Broken Wing tavern on Fastday. Either it means that too many people are in a far too small place, often heard in Ravenport establishments when a complete shipcrew takes over a tavern in Stormside, or it is used to note the opposite: a place where no one is present where all sorts of people should be. This meaning is traced back to members of the Ravenport Thieves Guild, but also heard when Market Merchants have very few customers while there should be all sorts of people coming to their stalls. Human (Avennorian) "It will happen when roses cover the Yar’Dangs." The Shendar use this saying if something could possibly happen, but not very likely. (It would be an unlikely miracle of nature, but what a beautiful sight it would be!) Human (Shendar) "Jav'eir's wings shadow your sight" (Brvz'byk'gor'Jav'eir, lit. "Eyes your dark [ened by] death bird") Either a reference to one's age and the gradual loss of vision which accompanies it, or said to/about someone who is dying. Human (Kuglimz) "Juklankah." Something that is commonplace or ordinary. Human (Kuglimz) "Jumpy as a leverat." Expression to describe a very nervous person. Human (Kuglimz) "Kack!" Broadly translated, means, "excrement". Pronounced with two hard 'k' sounds. Commonly used when one hits one's thumb with one's battlehammer, or when trying to repair household water pipes. Can also be conjugated very effectively, as in "Kacking hammer hit me on the kacky thumb!" or "This kacked-up pipe's got no kackin' water in it!" or even "You kack-faced drell cubs got no backbone ta be soldiers in THIS army!" Dwarven "Keep the toads in the bucket!" A Manthrian proverb used to warn someone about gossip or the necessity for secrecy on a particular issue. Human (Avennorian) "Kuati-skull!" Insult (similar to ‘numbskull’, ‘thickskull’, and ‘woodenhead’) Human "Ku’errels have tails and girls have curls / Clouds have rain and trysters pearls." A common line from a much longer folksong of the Mossy Rocks Cove area, usually quoted to express the sentiment that 'everyone has some quality or ability of worth, no matter their exterior character'. Human "Like a lake and a liver" (Maríncín y sai siníwecín) To represent two which are inseperable. Elven (Ylfferhim) "Like an old jegra" This common saying evolved within the peninsula of Shar. It was used to describe a woman who was somewhat undesirable, or to compare and undesirable one to a (more) desirable one (in reference to jegra mate selection, it which the old ones are ignored by the males. Human (Krean) "Like juk'lan and waterberry" Representing a relationship that seems particularly close. Human (Kuglimz) "Lullabye of the le'matice" The saying usually applies to a good nights sleep such as in “I feel asleep to the Lullaby of the le’matice”. Yet, the saying also applies to business matters especially in the Varcopas area. Different varieties of the le’matice vine have slightly different blooming cycles from each other and will often bloom during different times. Since inhabitants of Varcopas have separated varieties by colours to different streets, it is almost guranteed that the le’matice on each street will be in different stages of their blooming cycle. If the district's le’matice variety is in bloom, the district’s business will due exceedly well. But if the variety of le’matice on that street is not in bloom, the business on that street will do badly so badly in fact that business commonly closes down during the short two weeks when that street’s variety will not bloom. From this fact arises the saying, “Customers lulled by the le’matice”. Also negatively, "Pockets as empty as a bloomless street". Human (Varcopas) "Make sure to speak right to an Avennorian." You need to be cautious not to hurt feelings with lightly spoken words about an aspect of Avennorian heritage. Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Man good when dead." How this proverb was obtained and translated we are not certain. Possibly originally a human fabrication, but it since has passed into common lore. Orcish "May Seyella bless you with an aj, a tent and a true husband!" Shendar wishing each other all the best, refering to the most important things in their lives. Human (Shendar) "May your wits stay as keen as your blade, until next we meet my friend." Keep your mind sharp as it is as important as your weapon. Usually said when friends, allies and comrades part company. Initially thought to be of Erpheronian origins it has become a widespread saying amongst warriors. Human (Erpheronian) "Mari'kah'meeh!" The Kuglimz have a saying that someone or something is a "meeh'kah'mari", that is, a sheep that wants to be a wolf, or a "mari'kah'meeh", a wolf that wants to be a sheep. This is generally used when someone is displaying highly inappropriate behavior for their status, gender, or age. An adult male refusing to fight in an upcoming battle (which rarely happens) would be called a "mari'kah'meeh". Human (Kuglimz) "Meeh'kah'mari!" The Kuglimz have a saying that someone or something is a "meeh'kah'mari", that is, a sheep that wants to be a wolf, or a "mari'kah'meeh", a wolf that wants to be a sheep. This is generally used when someone is displaying highly inappropriate behavior for their status, gender, or age. A little girl trying to put on her father's sword belt would be called a "meeh'kah'mari". This may be affectionate, as in the latter, or derisive, as in the former. Human (Kuglimz) "Merry as a watersprog." The maryóns are the epitome of happiness and therefore referred to when someone is trying to express this notion. Human "Moonlight becomes you, [name]" Not-too-subtle death threat, as Kasumarii funeral rites involve placing the body in full view of the moon. Human (Kasumarii) "My enemies ride fast, not knowing this fight will be their last! None have to chase me, let those who will face me kill me or die by my hand!" Spoken as a prayer by those who consider themselves myrmidons of Armeros. Many of them say this as a warrior's prayer while drinking water shortly before riding into battle. Also used to motivate troops by generals in times of despair during wars. Human (Santharian) "Never lay odds with an Avennorian!" This saying refers to the widely held belief that Avennorians are particularly cunning and use this skill in races and card games, sometimes to the point of being thought of as cheats. The phrase has also over time come to refer to their seeming ability to get the good end of a bargain every time. Human (Santharian) "Never underestimate the horned wolf with a silver ridge." Don't believe that someone is powerless and weak just because you see them as beneath you. Human "Noisy as a kuatu" Is likely to be a derogative hurled by mothers at rampaging children... Human "Not a Jernaisite's worry." Not a chance, very slim. Human (Caltharian) "Not even a false heart will be able to hold me back!" Often used by lovers to to assure the beloved man/woman, to come back in any case, Human "Not even the Shoals will save you from me!" When confronted with these words, you have someone willing to hunt you to the edge of Caelereth without hesitation. It's an expression of determination and usually with a fatal or malicious edge to it. Human (Santharian) "Not for all the gold in Gerimthur!" No way! Gerimthur denotes a famous mine. Dwarven "Off with those wind mages, eh?" Can be said to someone who loses his train of thought. Human (Santharian) "Of one drop!" A pair that is inseparable. Human (Erpheronian) "Off with Dalireen!" Often used amoung mother hobbits to explain where the children are: in most cases, off singing, laughing, and picking flowers, or something of the sort. It is also sometimes used for those who are in a happy, dreamy state of mind. Used primarily among hobbits. Hobbit "One kaimun is ten kaimuni." Be careful, there is more to this than meets the eye! Mullog "One man’s Brownie is another man’s stew." Unfortunate legacy of a time in human history. Said to have been coined by Zlothig the Brutal, one-time plains warlord. Now used ironically to warn others of racist or exclusionary language! Human "Only cowards fear death!" Used very commonly among orcs and warriors of all races and tribes. Mostly a battle cry to commit one's voidal self to their chosen deity without remorse in their last few moments. Has also been used when trading death blows with an enemy to preserve the freedom of your land. Orcish "Oya, oya, mickles, meez / Cat’s a-corner, catchin’ peas! / Catch as catchan, catcha girl / pretty as a n’oya pearl!" Rhymes sung by children of Wyring. Human (Erpheronian) "Pillar strong, pillar tall. In the end, all pillars fall." If you don't stop trying, you will succeed. It might seem hopeless now, but that will change. Refers to pillar trees. Used in the region of the Drifting Woods, the human settlements along Nybelmar's northern coast. Human (Nybelmarian) "Pitdamp!" Expletive, drawn from a mining term. Dangerous gasses often build up underground, and can explode in the present of open flame... Dwarven "Pockets as empty as a bloomless street" See the "Lullabye of the le'matice" saying. Human (Varcopas) "Pompion-gut, pompion-gut!" Used to tease e.g. greedy and indolent fellows. Human "Quantity is Quality." A superior armed group can still be destroyed by hordes of lesser or not armed men. Human "Quick as a quirrl!" Very fast Human "Quick as a spid!" A slang term used mainly by thieves to denote someone of extreme quickness, often used as a congratulatory term after a successful pickpocket, attack, or sleight of hand maneuver. Also used as a bragging term. It is derived from "quick as a spiddleshell", crustaceans known widley for thier extreme speed. Human "Reef-wit!" Popular Avennorian fisherman insult, referring to one's stupid behaviour possibly causing accidents (like running one's boat into a coral reef, for instance). Human (Avennorian) "Rouk'ang'ewyn'kah'relt'ang'heir." Translates loosely to: "A woman without temper (or "spirit") is like a river without current." Human (Kuglimz) "See a purple stone, it's your delight. See red stone, it's a plight." Saying referring to the bloodstone, an exceptionally rare stone that usually has a purple colour. After bloodstones have been soaked in blood they begin to change, harding to an incredible degree, also losing their deep purple hue in favour for a chilling dark red. Human (Zhunites) “Seek the myrmex to teach thee manners!” Peasant saying, to a lazy child or youth Human "She (or - not so often - he) is a false heart." Describes a beautiful woman or man with a doubtful character. Beautiful to look at, but unpleasant to live with. Human "Shneerin survives!" The clause is commonly said to note that everything will be all right in the end. An often used phrase to conclude or wrap up a painstaking discussion. The chronicles of Shneerin (a small Manthrian hamlet) trace the saying back to the War of the Chosen, when the first attacks on the hamlet are reported. Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Slick as rock silk." Used to refer to someone who has a quick tongue or a way to get out of difficult situations. It is usually said admiringly. Said to have originated from younger Ximaxian mages. Human (Santharian) "Slippery as a keeker." Used as a derogatory reference to “big folk” by halflings. Halfling "Slippery as a Verain." A saying that was coined to describe someone who could rarely be trusted and always had an ulterior motive to helping others. Shar dwelling tribes (Nybelmar) "Spell's past the circle." Water under the bridge... Human "Spring sap rises, autumn leaves fall." Meaning "life always moves from one stage to another". Elven "Stick to your ribs!" Referring to any hearty and filling food. Hobbit "Stubborn as brinney!" Equivalent to calling someone a jackass Human (Shendar) "Sunspawn!" Something along the lines of "Son of a bitch" (or even worse). Human (Kasumarii) “Tarep-ears" A common insult in Athe region of ancient Avennoria and also in Marduran for people with non-Glandorian ancestry, who therefore have obvious ears. Human (Avennorian) "Tea at morning, tea at night / Makes the heart and stomach right….” Saying from the Brinsley Delta on the importance of tea. Human "Tell it to the greylers!" Nobody is interested in hearing this story - everyone knows it already. Human (Santharian) "That and twenty sans will buy you a cup of cha." In other words: What you are offering is worthless. Human (Santharian) "That's just another Azhorhrian sandstorm." Indicating disbelief in another's story or statements. This proverb is not used in Aeruillin (home of the Azhorhians), but in Sarvonia by the way... Human "The Armourslord's calling comes through the sword." Referring to the conviction of the militaristically oriented Erpheronians, that a true hero will be tested in his lifetime by having to apply the learned skills in battle. Human (Erpheronian) "The language of music makes kin of all races." Self-explanatory. Attributed to the Kuglim bard F'ash, who, despite being brutally mauled and mistreated, managed to survive a full season as a captive of the savage Losh-Oc solely due to his astounding musical ability, before he escaped. Human (Kuglimz) “The myrmex turns many a stone to find her food.” From the writings of Sage Alkemus, regarding persistence. Human "The night is your guard, but your shadow my life." Kasumarii equivalent of a proposal. Rumored to be the first line in a poem by Kasumar to Tyrajall. Human (Kasumarii) "There's always a few bad seeds in a pickle." Erpheronian country noble's expression, used to refer to the fact that in any mix of people one will find those of virtuous and of corrupt character alike. Human (Erpheronian) "The shedwarf at the hearth and the hedwarf at the face; thus swings the world in balance." About the dwarves themselves and their society. Work is gender-specific in Thergerim culture, but not assigned arbitrary values as it might be in many human cultures. Both mining and food preparation are seen as essential to support life, and dwarf society does not discriminate between the sexes. Tol-Baroll is, you will remember, God of Forges and Earthworks but also God of Hearths and Cooking... Rulers, religious leaders, teachers, and so on are drawn equally from both genders. Dwarven "The storm does not swirl around you alone!" It means not to think too highly of oneself, that you are, in fact, just like everyone else. Is sometimes used on people who are feeling sorry for themselves, though in Remusia, there are not too many who fall into this category. Human (Remusian) "The rain has stopped soaking the ground so that the blood may start." Kuglimz saying expressing the arrival of summer (seen as the "Battle Season"), following the often very stormy spring in the lands of the North. Human (Kuglimz) "There are more here than in Milkengrad's marketplace." Used to denote abundance of any kind. Human (Helcrani) "The wounds of the body are easier to cure than the scars of the mind." It is hard to cure a mental problem. Human "This season it may rain gold, the next it will rain tears!" A saying among the farmers of Shneerin. It’s a warning to be not too optimistic. While the fields of golden rain may hint at prosperity and wealth, the next moment this may be changed by war, natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances. Human (Avennorian, Shneerin) "Tide change, heart change!" Translated from Mermish. Used when speaking about decisions and promises, which merfolk take lightly. Mermish "To act like a brunn." Equivalent to calling someone a jackass Human "To have a nose like a rimrunner." The people of Onved, a larger town inside the Rimmerins Ring Mountains, use this saying referencing the rimrunner terrier, generally when describing a gossip. This refers to the tenacious little dog’s determination when it goes after rats or other prey. It is hard to dissuade a Rimmer from pursuit. Human (Santharian) "To hit two toads with one stone." To accomplish two goals with only one effort. Mullog "To hold a bridge" To cling to someone or something that is now gone. Human (Erpheronian) "To hunt a tree tibbar." Your hunt (what ever it is you want to achieve) is senseless and shows a lack of intelligence. Human (Shendar) "To lay Jaera's Claim" To claim something that does not belong to you/cannot be yours to claim. Referring to Jaera Marduril, who openly (and, some say, stupidly) declared to collect the rightful tithe in money from the settlement of Clendor, as well as goods and fighters for the war with Shan'Thai that had in parts Avennorian influence. This was met with equally open violent reprisals, in which Jaera was killed along with many of her party. Human (Avennorian) "To run like a quagga." Indicating extreme speed, sometimes used to mock cowardly behavior. Human (Shendar) "To take off like a quagga." Indicating extreme speed, sometimes used to mock cowardly behavior. Human (Shendar) "To talk like an elf." Translated from Trollish: Talking very fast and difficult. Trollish "To top Lorehaven’s Eye!" Southern Avennorians have a saying, that something or someone is or will be large enough to top Lorehaven’s Eye (the port's prominent lighthose tower)! This is often used humorously to describe a boy in his growth years. Human (Avennorian) "To try to light a candle with a deliz." To try to achieve something impossible, knowing well that it will fail and one will "burn one's fingers". Human "To try to sail to Zardinia." When someone is "trying to sail to Zardinia", he's trying to accomplish a (seemingly) impossible task. It's both used as a 'stand alone message' ("he's trying to sail to Zardinia") and when comparing something ("trying to tame this horse is like sailing to Zardinia"). The name should actually be Zandiria, one of the larger isles of the Scattersand Shoals, but has been mixed up over the centuries. Human (Santharian) "To stare death in the face." To be confronted with death. Probably deriving from the encounters with a black unicorn, which is seen as a representative of death. Human (Anpagan) "To wriggle like a jun'era." To work very hard to achieve a goal. Human (Avennorian) "True heroes are honoured by meeting the Swordlord earlier." Early deaths on the battlefield represent an honour for the tribe of the Erpheronians, who represent a society based primarily on military strength. Human (Erpheronian) "Vekk'ang."" Severe Kuglimz insult, meaning "non-rider". Actually, this is the worst insult you can give to a Kuglimz and the result of it is almost always bloodshed. Human (Kuglimz) "Watch out, or the bouncers will get you!" Used to address a child which shows off. Human "Water is soft, but it wears away stone." Sailors’ saying, on the virtue of persistence. Human "Westan." Colloquial abbreviation for lit. “man of the west”. The word “westan” is in all likelihood a remnant of the jargon once in use among the Caltharians from around the Ancythrian Sea, originally designating pilgrims belonging to the Centoraurian and Kyranian tribes on their way to the sanctuary of the Twelve at Elsreth. The geographical implication of the term – which is commonly employed in almost the whole of Santharia – has by now vanished altogether. Human "Well, it's not like riding bare-back!" Refers to something as being a difficult task, much as we might say something is "extremely tricky". Human (Centoraurian) "Were you raised by a kuatu?" An angry fellow will be sure to bark if you track in a lot of leaves and other litter when entering his shop. Human "With a nice beer anything tastes good." Means precisely that. Dwarven (Kiingerim) "With no prize there can be no victory!" From Hiartun Rarkan. Essentially it expresses Marmarran aestheticism stating that the satisfaction of winning is not enough. For it to be a victory something must be gained (or more often than not taken from someone else). Zhunite (Marmarra) "When the wind is in the east, Grotor blows for man and beast. When the wind is in the west, Iasha will sing the best. When the wind is from the south, Neter opens then his mouth. When the wind is from the north, let no farmer issue forth." An Ashmarian farmer’s chant, naming the spirits of the winds. Note the variation on gods’ names, associated with three of the winds. Although ordinary air movements on the surface of Santharia are called "wind", most people do not confuse them with the High Winds or the Darkwinds! Here obviously some local folk beliefs have corrupted orthodox doctrine. Human "While the oven is hot, friends are plenty." The cook that gives good meals is surely to have many friends. Halfling "Ximax works in mysterious ways." General line. To non-magi, it means roughly: Magi - don't think about 'em cause you won't understand them. To magi, it's just another dig at the weird ways of their leaders. Human "You are behaving like a maryón." When children rollick around and do not want to stop when asked to, this proverb is used to describe their friskiness. Human "You bring as much joy as a nightbird is singing." You bring misery and sorrow wherever you go. Elven (Injerín) "You can always add more salt to the stew, but only the Gods can take it out." Midland peasants’ expression, meaning "don’t hurry to make changes". Human "You lead another to tears" (ác aelonián injèrá qué) Meaning that one is so close to another that they will allow themselves to be led even to destruction or distraction, whichever comes first. Elven (Aellenrhim) "You look like a bouncer!" Used to address a child that is being very annoying or irritating. Human "You might as well harvest krakenweed with bare hands!" What you're doing is incredibly stupid. Mullog "You need to grow into your ears and feet yet!" Meaning: You are too young, too small, or too immature to be involved in the speaker's confidence. Typically said to overly inquisitive children, but also used as an insult to one's peers. This saying refers to the icemute puppies, whose ears and feet are disproportionately large for their bodies, and will be until they reach adulthood. Human (Ice Tribes) "Your beard is unkempt." A dwarven insult meaning that one is unworthy. Dwarven (Mitharim)

28th Frozen Rivers 1668 a.S. Information provided by various team members