Dethek is the name of a runic script used by dwarves, giants, orcs, and ogres. It consists of letters, numerals and symbols for common words or phrases.
Dethek is also sometimes used to refer to the Dwarvish language.[1]
History
The historical origins of Dethek can be traced back as far as the founding of Shanatar over 10,000 years ago,[2] but even then Dethek was well established and had probably been around for centuries before.
The straight lines in Dethek were designed to make carving into stone simple.[3]
Application
Dethek runes are rarely written on paper or cloth due to the short life and fragile nature of such materials. Runes are usually carved or scraped into stone or metal, be it the walls of a building or the blade of a sword.[3]
Alphabet
The Dethek runic alphabet consists of 24 characters. This is because w, x and z are represented by the same character.[4] This may be confusing for humans trying to translate into common. It is not an issue for native Dethek users, as few words in those languages have these letters.
Numerals
The Dethek method of counting uses a collection of straight lines, joined together to create a number. This means each number appears as single character.
Any numbers enclosed in boxes are dates, written day/month/year.[3]
The characters for 1 and 5 are combined in various logical ways to create numbers 1 to 9.
The characters for 1, 5 and 10 are combined to created the next set of numbers.
The next set of numbers before 100 can be created using logical combinations of the 1, 5 and 10 symbols.
To make 100, simply invert a 10 on top of itself (10x10=100). The rest of the hundreds can be created using combinations of previous symbols.
To make 1000 flip a 10 symbol on it's side infront of 100 (10x10x10=1000).
Unfortunately no sources explain how to create numbers higher than 1099. We can easily speculate, but there is no agreed method.
Symbols
Some of the most common words or phrases have their own symbols.[5] This is useful for sign-posting or creating runestones.
Each of the main races in Faerûn has a symbol assigned to it. The symbol applies to both singular and plural, leaving the reader to work it out from context.
This piece of text shows how written stories using these symbols can be misinterpreted. Depending on how you want to tell the story, this passage could be read in 2 ways;
- Durlag slew the dragon with ease
- Durlag slew the dragons with ease
One of these accounts is more flattering to Durlag. The events would probably be exaggerated wherever possible for story telling purposes.
These symbols are used for tracking and signposting. They are usually found in areas around Dwarven settlements or deep underground in mines.
Punctuation
Dethek is extremely lacking in punctuation. This is probably due to the fact that dwarves rarely record anything more than simple instructions, warnings or spells.
The first letters of nouns and words that begin sentences can be capitalized. This is achieved with a simple horizontal accent over the letter.
Unlike in common, dwarves don't capitalize entire words for emphasis. To emphasize or show exclamation, letters are highlighted in red. This is usually used for warnings and important names or places.[3]
Words are generally separated by spaces or occasionally a chip into the stone with a chisel (resembling a floating full stop). Although there are no fixed rules to end sentences, the most common method is a large line or slash. It is not uncommon for sentences to run into each other, making context key to translating such texts.[3]
Example
This example shows Dethek letters, symbols and punctuation.
Trivia
- In Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide one scenario refers to Davek runes. This is considered an error. Davek is a dwarven alphabet used in a different WOTC setting.[6]
- The Dethek alphabet is shown in two sources, Dwarves Deep and Forgotten Realms Campaign Set. The runes for 'n' and 'o' varies between these sources. For the purpose of consistency this article is written in accordance with the Dwarves Deep alphabet as it is the more recent.[7][4]
References
- ↑ Thomas M. Costa (1999). “Speaking in Tongues”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon Annual #4 (TSR, Inc) (4)., p. 29.
- ↑ Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 19. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 9. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ed Greenwood (October 1990). Dwarves Deep. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 0-88038-880-3.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood (October 1990). Dwarves Deep. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 0-88038-880-3.
- ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 23. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Jeff Grubb (August 1987). “Cyclopedia of the Realms”. In Karen S. Martin ed. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (TSR, Inc.), p. 8. ISBN 0-88038-472-7.