Description
Broken Dice LLC is a small publishing company developing a science fantasy tabletop RPG game called The Nuadan Chronicles. In order to add depth and consistency to the fictional world where this game takes place, they require language experts to create two language sketches and accompanying orthographies:
- One of these languages is called Merathi, and is the common tongue of the world this RPG is set in. Most of the romanisation for this language has been determined already, and some words have been generated (these can work as placeholders if necessary). The purpose of the conlang sketch is to consolidate the work already done into a consistent whole that can be expanded upon in later stages. The language aesthetic is based upon the Gaelic and Korean languages, along with a bit of traditional fantasy flair. For the orthography, the employer would like it to resemble Korean script (or another East Asian language, although they want a script with a manageable number of characters, i.e. not a logographic script like kanji). The language sketch should include a minimum of 50 words, and the orthography should include a simple font.
- The other language is a language of magic. The words are based on an ancient proto-language and must be spoken clearly to bring forth their effect. There are seven circles of magic, each focusing on a particular set of words. Overall, there are 24 effect words (Fire, Heal, Scry, etc), 9 meta words (Enchant, Duration, etc) and 5 type words (Touch, Bolt, etc). These can be combined together in countless variations to produce different effects at varying degrees of strength (the word Influence can evoke, for instance, fear — the stronger the caster, the more complex the emotions they can manipulate). So it is important that the words flow together and can be altered for various shades of meaning. There’s a lot of room for creativity and interpretation with this language. The employer would also like a script to go with the language. Here again, the language sketch should include the necessary words and description of their alterations, and the orthography should include a simple font.
Both languages will be used in rule books, maps and other materials. Background culture and supporting documents will be provided for context.
The conlangers chosen for these two original projects may be contracted in the future to continue work on the aforementioned languages or create the other languages populating the undiscovered parts of the world (of which there are at least 11) depending on the success of the game.
Employer
Broken Dice LLC
Application Period
Closed due to job filled
Term
The employer is looking to receive the conlang sketches and fonts before May 13.
Compensation
$450 for a conlang sketch and orthography for the Merathi language. Half will be paid upfront, the rest (including negotiable additional costs for extra words over the 50 word limit) will be paid upon completion.
$450 for a conlang sketch and orthography for the magic language. Half will be paid upfront, the rest (including negotiable additional costs for extra words over the 50 word limit) will be paid upon completion.
A standard contract will be drawn up once specifics are agreed upon.
To Apply
Email Brooke Junker at – “at” – “dot” – to express your interest in the project. Examples of previous work are required, and familiarity with Google Drive and Docs is a plus. The employer would prefer to contract one conlanger per language project, so please indicate in your email which project you are interested in applying for. However, the employer is not against the idea of a single person handling both projects, as long as that person can provide evidence of their expertise. You may express interest for both projects, although the final choice will be at the discretion of the employer.
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