Language in the Game
Language, in most D&D games, is a binary affair. If someone speaks the language they are fluent in it, and can read and write at a native level. If not, they understand nothing. This is fine, but I'm a massive language nerd, and want language to be a little more interesting, without becoming incredibly cumbersome.
Skills, Proficiency and Learning Languages
At level one, the base rules will grant you a number of languages based on your race and background. Do those as normal. You are fluent in those languages, and can read and write them.
At some point, you may wish to learn a new language. To do so, you'll need someone who speaks the language to teach you. By spending a Character Point (see
House Rule: Character Points) during downtime, you will pick up some basic vocabulary. Add a new skill to your sheet for the language - for example, if you are learning Draconic, add "Draconic" to your list of skills. You are not considered proficient in this skill. From now on, you may get the general gist of simple conversations or short lengths of text in that language, and you can make a roll (DC determined by the DM) to try and understand more intermediate topics. You can also communicate very simple concepts, and make a role to attempt slightly more detailed sentences.
After some months of training or use, you may spend another Character Point to gain proficiency in the language skill, increasing your ability with that language. After a few more months, you may spend a third point to learn the language fully, at which point you may remove it from your skills list and add it to your list of languages known.
Starting Languages
When starting the game, in addition to the languages granted by your background, race and class, you receive a number of bonus character points equal to the higher of your Intelligence or Charisma modifier. These must be spent immediately, and may only be spent on languages, as described above.
Comments