Brevic Wisdom

The people of Brevoy are known for their somewhat pessimistic (they would say “realistic”) view of life, summed up in the many expressions on the lips of every farmer, trader, traveler, and tavern regular. Common Brevic sayings include:

“When the wolf shows you his teeth, he’s not smiling.”

“Riders at night carry no glad tidings.”

“Winter always follows spring.”

“As the stars see me” (a common oath asserting the truth) and “The stars see all.”

“The dragon has two heads” (referring to both the crest of the Conqueror and the duplicity of the nobility).

“The temple is close, but the night is cold. The tavern is far, but I have a cloak.”

“Fire is everyone’s ally, but no one’s friend.”

“Pharasma makes cradles for us all.”

“No man dies wishing he had worked more.”

"And the wolves are sated, and the sheep are whole" (referring to a win-win situation)

"Don't piss in the well - you might need to drink from it later"

"It is better to be poor and healthy, than rich and sick" (often parodied tongue-in-cheek as "It is better to be rich and healthy, than poor and sick")

"A thread from all the world, and the poor one shall have their shirt" (referring to gradual, patient accumulation of resources)

"One that burned themselves on milk, blows on water" (referring to people being overly cautious following past bad experiences. Often a justification for withholding trust)

"Ye who hath lied once - who shall believe you now?" (a common admonishment at oathbreakers)

"But the bear's advice disappeared in vain" (a quote from a folk fable, essentially meaning "I told you so")

"I ran across a bridge, and snatched up a clover's leaf" (anther quote from a popular folk tale, referring to a person so busy with running around (typically doing work), that they barely have time to eat.

"And if there's something I desire, than I shall drink to it, of course" (a quote from a popular comedic song

"other than face-beatings, I offer no miracles" another quote from aforementioned song

"When I am drunk, and I am drunk at all times..."

"Pound the metal while it is hot" (meaning to get on a task while you have the initiative)

"The only thing that's free is bait in a trap"

"Ready your sleigh in summer, and your wagon in winter."