If we have regional languages, then it's a definite YES to PC's getting their regional language for free, and to making that retroactive. However:
This is the only sticking point for me on adopting the policy wholesale, though maybe it's not much of one.
I think some GM's might be inclined toward wider swaths of NPC's that don't speak Common than others, which--at least to my mind--changes the game significantly. Travel, negotiation, and information gathering could become a lot more complicated among humans, and so do any language-dependent magical effects.
PC's can already face these frustrations (heck, the Kostry Kopec players just ran into a language none of them spoke), so it's not like it's brand new or anything; I just want to point out that adding the possibility of not just regional languages, but specifically regional-only speakers could have a pretty significant impact.
Qik's thoughts are really the impetus behind my 'preferred method' below. If a GM wants to include an NPC who speaks a regional language exclusively - either as part of a plot device or purely for fluff he could, but by and large this method would prevent the need for official adoption of a ton of regional languages and keep the idea mainly in the realm of fluff.
This is the only sticking point for me on adopting the policy wholesale, though maybe it's not much of one.
I think some GM's might be inclined toward wider swaths of NPC's that don't speak Common than others, which--at least to my mind--changes the game significantly. Travel, negotiation, and information gathering could become a lot more complicated among humans, and so do any language-dependent magical effects.
PC's can already face these frustrations (heck, the Kostry Kopec players just ran into a language none of them spoke), so it's not like it's brand new or anything; I just want to point out that adding the possibility of not just regional languages, but specifically regional-only speakers could have a pretty significant impact.