nivelvian

Nivelvian is a fictional language created by linguist and author David J. Peterson for use in the television series *The Legend of Vox Machina*, a popular animated web series produced by Machinima. The language is designed to reflect the world of *Critical Role*, the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) series that inspired *Vox Machina*, and is used by the characters to communicate in a more immersive and authentic manner.

Nivelvian is a constructed language (conlang) with roots in several real-world linguistic influences, including Latin, French, and other Romance languages, as well as elements of Germanic and Slavic languages. Peterson structured it to be phonetically distinct and grammatically complex, with a rich vocabulary that aligns with the fantasy setting. The language features a highly inflected system, where word endings change to indicate grammatical roles such as case, number, and tense. This makes it more similar to ancient Indo-European languages like Sanskrit or Old English rather than modern Romance languages.

The language has been introduced gradually in *The Legend of Vox Machina* through character interactions, environmental storytelling, and occasional translations. While not all characters speak it fluently, its use adds depth to the world-building and enhances the authenticity of the show’s fantasy setting. Peterson has also released limited resources, such as word lists and grammar notes, for fans interested in learning more about Nivelvian.

Beyond its use in *Vox Machina*, Nivelvian remains a niche conlang with limited public exposure. It serves primarily as a creative tool to enrich the fictional universe of *Critical Role* and its associated media, rather than a widely studied or practical language. Fans of the series often engage in speculative discussions about its grammar and vocabulary, contributing to its cultural presence within the community.