Faronun Alphabet

The Faronun alphabet is the most extensively used writing system in the known world, being the standard alphabet in the Farubaida o Caroha, the Dual Empire, the Opulensi Empire, the Leunan Empire and Gallat, and also seeing extensive use in the Kothari Exatai, Holy Moti Empire, and Karapeshai Exatai as an academic alphabet. Developed in the early Bronze Age, its origin is frequently a point of contention between Faronun and Seshweay scholars, both of whom insist their ancestors must have developed it (though the historical and linguistic evidence strongly suggests it is a Faronun invention).
Uniquely among writing systems, the Faronun alphabet makes exclusive use of the "vowel line" -- an innovation where the vowels of a word are represented by a continuous, flowing line. The line ranges from the very top of the written line, representing a long "e" sound, to the very bottom, representing an "ah" sound. Diphthongs, naturally, are represented by a curve in the line. Consonants are attached to the line, and are the only real "letters". This makes it extremely well suited to the vowel-saturated Faronun language, and leads to a generally more compact writing system than otherwise is possible.
Occasionally, "clef marks" are used to aid the eye in distinguishing where the high and low points of the vowel line would be, though this has fallen out of use in modern times. 
Born in Helsia, the alphabet quickly made its way to the nearby Trilui people, and from there across the Lovi Sea to the Seshweay and Pekorova. Some time later, it was adopted by Opulensi and Hamakuan merchants, finally finding use in the court of the Dual Empire when the Savirai conquered old Nahar.
Category:Farou
Category:Writing