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The language of the Empire of Catalania is Corundrian, which is by far the most common language on the continent. It is called "common" by most people.

An ancient tongue called Parthaegian is spoken by many nobles, as it is a rare language sometimes associated with scholars. It is also, however, taught in wealthy families as a matter of tradition. This is practiced in most of the south of the continent, and in Catalania City.

A form of slang has developed over the course of centuries in the capital. Called Rundran, it is derived from Corundrian, but specific changes have been made. Rundran can sometimes seem like an independent language, with words like Gold becoming Yoldin, and Horse becoming Ounten. This dialect is spoken by some common folk, street merchants, and thieves.

The native language of the Militocracy is Snarrian, and is only spoken by the more traditional families of the region. Snarrian is not taught to foreigners, and is the only language used by the Militia during war times.

A dialect of Snarrian has developed in the Calliak Bay region. Called Ziorian, it is spoken by mercenaries of Freemen, used during their raids and military campaigns. Ziorian is sufficiently different from Snarrian to make it incomprehensible to the people of that region.

Raennen is the original language of the south. It's proud roots are found in the ancient tongue, Degranse. Raennen is now only spoken on the countryside, and is taught at very few schools. A great variety of regional dialects exist from Serval to as far north as Manxx.

The language of Rahajad is Behren. It is spoken throughout the north, and is taught in schools in Lione, Serval, Jaguari, and Catalania.

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Literature

Below is a list of selected literary works. A vast amount of books are written on the continent, and have been for as long as there has been a recorded history. Subjects span every imaginable subject.

Methods of typography and printing are in constant development. Originally devised by Mortimer Elrow of Yonmayer in 22AL, the printing process has allowed for the wide distribution of important texts throughout the continent.

Books are not found just anywhere. In fact, to purchase on an individual must first find a Book Merchant, who usually sells for high prices. Book Shops are rare, but are especially desirable because they offer many older texts.

Selected Texts

The following section features a list of a few common books. The title is followed by the date it is believed to have been written, and the author's name. If no date or author is included, then they are not known by scholars. Also, if it is a religious book, it will have the name of the respective deity after the author.

Religious Texts

The Book Of Dolcrian (c. 3100AL), unknown author, Cattar.
This immensely celebrated work has been used by the clerics of various Good faiths for centuries. Considered fundamental for it's guidance, it is best known as being Cattar Methage Nyle's personal prayer book before his ascendance.

This passage from the second chapter of this short, six chapter handbook, describes the relationship between man and the Essence, creator of all that is.

"...But it is not our mission to seek out the reasons for all that is. We cannot spend our short time on this land delving on this omnipotence, for our own journeys are the greatest of all. If we can understand our purpose, our potential, and discover our own path, then we will have become one with the Essence, no more and no less than that great force ever will be."
Excerpt from the Book of Dolcrian, translated from ancient Parthaegian.

The Caethis (c. 1400AL to 500AL), various authors, Cattar.
The most important collection of holy books within the Cattarrian Orders is the Caethis. Written by the greatest messengers of ancient times, with sections supposedly written by Cattar himself, the Caethis represents the cornerstone of the entire Cattarrian faith.

A total of twenty books exist in the collection, and other than Cattar, authors range from Simiah to Crat Darha, Torla and Brother Merriten. The following excerpt is said to have been written by Crat Darha.

"Good is not a tool for gaining access to that which we should not gain access to. It is not a device with which to gain immunity from a punishment that we may deserve. It will never be a brand of righteousness, giving the privileges of rulership and authority.
But aid those in need, respect all that is living, pursue the path of peace, and yours will be the way of Cattar. The way of Cattar opens all doors, protects all of it's followers, and bestows to them the influence needed to reach their goals."
Excerpt from the ninth Caethis (931AL), by Crat Darha, translated from ancient Parthaegian.

The Cattarrian Chronicle (500AL to present), various authors, Cattar.
For centuries, the leaders of the Cattarrian orders have recorded their thoughts in the Cattarrian Chronicle, an ever-growing collection of holy books. Copies of the Chronicle are available at all of Cattar's major temples.

The Temple Collection (60AL to present), various authors, Cattar.
Studies of older religious texts, opinions and views of Patriarchs, and criticism of the orders' policies.

The Philosophicals (400PO to present), various authors.
All texts written by clerics of Cattar which are not grouped in the other four classifications are called Philosophicals. Over a three hundred of these books exist.

Writings of Torla (c. 1100AL), unknown author, Torla.
This is Torla's main holy book, and many believe it was written by Torla herself.

Principles of Life (c. 800AL), "Father Brythus", Torla.
The Principles are the texts that all clerics of Torla consider essential guidance in understanding the basic rights entitled to living beings.

The Book of Justice (c. 500AL), unknown author, Rorren.
Used as a handbook by magistrates throughout the continent, the Book of Justice is considered the foundation of law everywhere. It is not considered, however, to be an official guide to law in most nations, but as a set of guidelines.

The Arthiss (c. 1100AL), various authors, Simiah.
The Arthiss is an important work of holy philosophy, and is popular not only within the orders of Simiah, but with those of Parda and Torla as well.

The Sarqul , unknown author, Gondor.
The Sarqul is a mysterious tome, and it's importance within the orders of Gondor is so great that it is seldom carried by clerics, and kept at safe locations. It's date of creation is unknown, and those who do know certainly are not telling anyone. Still, some knowledge of this books contents are known to scholars.

A section of the Sarqul dedicated to the prophecies of the end of mortal existence is said to provide a detailed description of the arrival of the representatives of the Gods, and the destruction they will bring to the nations of men and Felines. In any event, it is widely believed that the Sarqul has a powerful, supernatural effect on it's reader.

Book of Theryth (c. 1000AL), unknown author, Theryth.

The infamous Book of Theryth is dedicated to teaching the practice Evil ritual, methods of murder, and Evil Philosophy.

Guide to Truth (c.1800 - 1050), unknown author, Lagvile.
This book is a powerfully deceptive work, leading the reader on a path of false morals, trickery, and fundamentally Evil principles.

Shadow of Gerrisath (c. 600AL), unknown author, Sathross.
This is the main holy tome of Sathross, and not only features the complete teachings of this deity, but includes a remarkably complete description of his own visits to the plane of mortals.

Tales

Beyond Serotta (390PO), Derkei Vervich.
Vervich's Beyond Serotta is one of the all-time classic romances, telling the story of the young diplomat Drimeyan, who, while traveling through the Snar Mountains, becomes involved in aiding in the reconstruction of a small port village called Serotta.

The Legend of Ryan (787AL), unknown author.
A favorite with bards, the Legend of Ryan tells the story of a Feline forest guide who is called on by the image of Crat Darha to save the world. His epic travels and sometimes comical episodes bring him face-to-face with Gondor himself, and with a remarkable plot twist, incredible luck and unprecedented cleverness, Ryan succeeds in saving everything that is.

The Tale of Lord Ranthax (120AL), Sir Ethart Blayke.
This popular tale tells of the adventures of Lord Kershmede, both before and after being summoned to take his place as Knight of the Empire and Lord High Commander of the Imperial Militia. Sir Blayke seems to have keen insight on the events that occurred during the life of this legend, and tells of his exploits up until his death during the Second Barbarian War.

Age of Sadness (520PO), Nerwin Agletheet.
Agletheet was the master of fireside prose, and successfully captured his ability in his well known work, Age of Sadness. Here, he tells many short stories of the adventurers who lived before the Oblivion, and of their great deeds and losses.

Lord Frescher and his Three Spotted Dogs (548PO), Seisha Feres.
Lord Frescher is one of Seisha Feres' most popular works, telling of a count in the northern reaches of the Barony of Fenning. The character has exemplary morals, and on various occasions through the book, aids the Empire in apprehending criminals, solving mysteries, and solving disputes. His love for the Empire is only matched by his love for his three hunting dogs, Curn, Galn, and Felophethiser.

Arcane Theory

Arcane Studies and the Flow (300AL), Gray Wizards.
Arcane Studies is the fundamental Gray Wizard book, and is mandatory reading for all students attending classes with their mountain. It is a complex analysis of the Flow, and contains equations most experienced wizards cannot grasp.

The Flow (930AL), Hederesod Nex.
The famous Master of the Gray Wizards, Hederesod Nex, explains the true nature of the Flow's origins, and the secrets to it's continued control and study.

Tapping Into Natural Energy (200PO), Anitia Sonner.
Anitia Sonner, the famous wizard from Lione, explains his theories about Elemental Energy, and it's relation to the Flow. Many of her theories are strongly contested by other researchers, who believe that, for the most part, these natural forces are essentially the same thing.

The Catalania Collection (570-594PO), Milar of Catalania.
This 7 volume collection of theoretical and practical views of magical energy and it's use is fast becoming the most popular current magical study. Milar, councilor to the Emperor of Catalania, is quite famous for his dedication to the arcane.

Arcane Magic

The Tortoise (584AL), Talbash.
The spells contained in the Tortoise are coveted by wizards throughout the continent . The most famous of these, Hourglass of the North, capable of sending subjects back in time. The Tortoise is currently rumored to be in the possession of the Master of Time's Flow.

It should be noted that there is also a book called "The Tortoise", written by Talbash, but that is only a study of magical theory.

Lellnite Speaks
Lellnite Speaks contains powerful magic from ages past. It's origins are unknown, as is the date it was written. The spell, "Lellnite Speaks", contained in the book , is said to be a "powerful command of attention and truth".

Spells of Conth (c. 400PO), Ulerin Monstol.
Spells of Conth is perhaps the most well known of the rarer spell books. Currently, the original copy of this work is in Felineo, at the Temple of Cor.

Book of Powers
Said to have been written in Cathian and the Underworld, the Book of Powers contains magic intended for use by immortal messengers of the Gods. It is said to be in the Private Library of the Gray Wizards, constantly guarded. As per the agreement between the Gray Wizards and the faiths, access to the book has been given to all High Messengers. Among the spells contained in the book is the Wave of Death, and the Light of Cathian.

Glestmial's Spells (c.200AL), Glestmial.
Glestmial was preoccupied in solving the problems most wizards were faced with on a daily basis. His spells reflect his studies, and primarily address healing and instinctive spell casting.

Healing

Herbalists Compendium (437PO), Brother Aglerre Surtois.
This encyclopedia of plants contains over three hundred of those most useful in herbalism. Accompanying each entry is a brief description of it's uses, and a drawing.

Plants that Heal (569PO), Brother Latlir Rashin.
Latlir Rashin, the respected High Priest of Cattar, exposes his favorite plasters, poultices, salves, and tonics. He details preparation and common uses.

Derothan's Handbook (312PO), Weybrook Derothan.
Derothan was one of the first true Physicians, and his last written work, Derothan's handbook, became his most famous. It is a complete text for learning the intricacies of herbalism, and although it does not replace a teacher, it is a exceptional reference and is sized for travel.

History of Plague (514PO), Lady Teilin of Ocelot.
Lady Teilin was much respected as a historian, and one of her many popular books is the History of the Plague. The book includes accounts from victims who survived the ordeal, clerics who treated the sick, and excerpts from other related books.

The Physicians Manual (570PO), Aedrus Feres.
This 8 volume collection covers Human and Feline anatomy, common practices for healing, surgery, and much more. It is popular with physicians throughout the continent.

Science

The Modern Alchemist (13PO), Cerron Kellson.
Kellson was the first Alchemist to make his trade popular, by releasing a comprehensive guide to elements, their properties, and procedures for causing their transition into other states. He also describes the Ruby Elixir, the mythical potion that causes aging to cease.

Advanced Mathematical Theory (502PO), Pirrat Urisov.
Urisov, the greatest known mathematician, wrote the most comprehensive manual on advanced calculation ever. It is read by scientists everywhere, and some of his discoveries are considered revolutionary.

Military Strategy and Accounts

The Field (470PO), Ritrajev Goryevsk.
This two-volume study of battlefield warfare has been employed by great military commanders for over a century. Many generals in the Militocracy have credited this work alone for their military successes. Even in far away lands like Balton and Serval, it is required reading for ambitious officers.

Militia Command (549PO), Mertz Gurten.
This basic book of militia command is directed at young nobles looking into careers as militia officers.

A Comprehensive Guide to Battlefield Strategy (c. 928AL), Lord Ranthax Kershmede.
This guide to battlefield strategy and tactics is attributed to Ranthax Kershmede, and is considered, by Imperial generals, the most complete and highly evolved military manual of all time. Kershmede describes many of the battles he took part in, analyzing the outcome and theoretically applying some of his methods.

Nation in Arms (915AL), Thocoly Lob.
This account of the tragedy and glory of war was written by Thocoly Lob, the famed Emperor of Catalania. At the time this book was written, he controlled the entire continent. He speaks of the conflicts he was forced to deal with, and the great battles he took part in at home and abroad.

Other Books

Imperial Handbook of Diplomatic Protocol (388PO), various authors.
Carried by diplomats everywhere, this ancient guide is observed by the courts of Kings and Counts alike, and contains many practices that are considered mandatory for nobles.

The Blue Book (500PO), Lord Orzette.
Lord Orzette is credited with bringing together the most used rules of etiquette into single pocket-sized guide.

The Heraldry Collection of Pallassi (312AL - Ongoing), Academy of Ancestry of Pallassi.
The Heraldry Collection of Pallassi is by far the most expansive archive of heraldry on the continent. With over two hundred books, updates occur every five years, when scholars are sent to cities throughout the continent to collect more information regarding family and government heraldry.

The Union Guide , merchant tax laws (167PO - ongoing), various authors.
This large collection of merchant law and port taxes is the work of the government of the Union of Serval. Most merchant captains carry this book when traveling to unknown or unfamiliar destinations.

The Culinary Art of the South (435PO), Cirrelle Scione and Quierre Argimont.
Scione and Argimont are famous for having created some of the most exquisite dishes of the south. Their study of the culinary arts is popular with cooks throughout the south.