D&D (2024) Bonus languages in One D&D backgrounds goes contrary to their other goals

[Thommy H-H]

Yeah, nobles knowing Draconic is an extremely weird one. I could see Halflings, as a people who often travel. I could see Elves, which I could easily see as diplomats. Dragons are hard, unless it's because you expect to have to convince them not to eat all the princesses.

It's a good example of why "pick a language" should just be put there, even in a sample background.

Okay, seriously, it is worth actually reading the descriptions of the Backgrounds given, because every one of them explains exactly why the character with that Background learned that particular language.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

If there is a sizeable number of folks who need/want the pre-built ones so they don't have to spend mental overhead on the choices, then there will be a sizeable number of gladiators that get Orcish because that's what the book gives. And a sizeable number of players who will associate Orcish with violent things like being a gladiator.

Will they really, does not any orc grow spuds? Who make boot for the orcish warriors?

If there isn't a sizeable number of folks who need/want pre-built examples, then we don't need to give them at all.

Agree, we should not make them all. Give them a random tables for those that could not be bothered to think up their own.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Okay, seriously, it is worth actually reading the descriptions of the Backgrounds given, because every one of them explains exactly why the character with that Background learned that particular language.

I did.

"Was it truly necessary to read all those ancient histories in their original Draconic?"

It's still stupid.

 

[Charlaquin]

Yeah, nobles knowing Draconic is an extremely weird one. I could see Halflings, as a people who often travel. I could see Elves, which I could easily see as diplomats. Dragons are hard, unless it's because you expect to have to convince them not to eat all the princesses.

It's a good example of why "pick a language" should just be put there, even in a sample background.

How about if they give a suggestion for those who don’t want to make the choice themselves but add a parenthetical reminder that you can choose a different one. So Gladiator would say “Orcish (or another language of your choice)”?

Of course, you’d also need to do that with the tool, the feat, the skills, the ASIs, and the equipment package… At which point, it seems redundant. A single explanation at the beginning that you can change any or all of the options would do. And the packet already provides that.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Seems un-bardy to not use oral tradition, but it feels like scholars would want to write everything down.

Fair. I don't think the scholars who interview dragons would leave the oral histories in Draconic, but would translate it into a more widely spoken language.

 

[Thommy H-H]

I did.

"Was it truly necessary to read all those ancient histories in their original Draconic?"

It's still stupid.

So why are you confused by the idea of a noble knowing Draconic? It says right there why this particular noble does!

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Of course, you’d also need to do that with the tool, the feat, the skills, the ASIs, and the equipment package… At which point, it seems redundant. A single explanation at the beginning that you can change any or all of the options would do. And the packet already provides that.

Spelling out those choices has been a conscious part of WotC style for a long time now, since when you don't specify things, you end up having to relitigate it all in Sage Advice (and countless online forums) anyway.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

Those are example backgrounds. They do not represent every gladiator etc. Each is an example for an individual.

But I do think they shouldn’t give them generic names but the names of whose backgrounds they are.

no not every... but a good cross section I would think

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

So why are you confused by the idea of a noble knowing Draconic? It says right there why this particular noble does!

I'm not confused. I think it's a stupid and implausible choice, which I've explained over several posts.

If you are secretly the person who wrote the Noble background, lighten up and accept the feedback.

 

[Thommy H-H]

no not every... but a good cross section I would think

Do you think everyone with the scout Background occasionally travelled with two friendly druids?