Automatic literacy for PCs

[el-remmen]

Literacy must be purchased in my game using skill points and literacy and speaking a language are separate skills.

1 rank represents very rudimentary ability to read (simple signs, your name, etc.)
2 ranks represents general proficiency
3 ranks represents fluency
4 ranks is mastery.


All characters get 2 free skill points at 1st level (not multiplied) so if they want to get literacy they can - otherwise the points can be spent as they like,

While I understand the reasoning behind using a feat - a feat seems awful much to require.

 

[Stormborn]

I voted "Other" - in most game we do usually go with the idea that if you can speak a language that has a written system you can read it too. Although I try and explain why PCs are literate, especially ones that might not have an obvious reason to be. A wizard is easy, bards make sense, rangers or rogues become more problematic depending on backstory. Th exception to this is when I am trying to establish a certain feel. A Conan-esque game would require PCs to buy literacy. A game where language is more of a plot point, with ancient tomes or lost civilizations, might use a completly different language system. Typically one Languages are bought at proficency levels with skill points or with a linguistics skill for decifering anything other than your native tongue.

 

[Gothmog]

In some campaigns, I assume literacy.

In others, I require the PCs to spend two skill points to become literate--but I also grant them two bonus skill points at 1st level. That way, they have the choice to be literate, or to spend the points elsewhere.

I have never, and will never, require a feat to be literate.

This is exactly what I do as well. I give two extra skill points per level to PCs, but requiring a feat is WAY too strict and almost seems punative. However, the idea of automatic literacy doesn't appeal to me. If you've got a noble class ruling peasants/serfs, then there is NO WAY the nobles would allow a large segment of the population to be literate by default. And I don't use a Common tongue, so each language costs 1 skill point to speak, or 2 skill points to speak and be literate.

 

[hexgrid]

In the Shackled City Adventure Path HC, even run-of-the-mill goblins are literate. (Literate enough to graffiti the city with specific messages in goblin, at least.)

 

[Stormborn]

I should add that typically in a campaign world I assume that while the PCs may be literate the Commoners are not. Experts may be depending on their specializations. The changes however, depending again on the campaign. In very non-feudal campaigns, like in Sharn in Eberron, I have no problems w/ everyone being literate.

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

If you want to avoid requiring any feats for language(s) and literacy, there's a nice little Pick n' Mix product that outlines a new Language Skill that folds in levels of literacy in with levels of fluency.
Granted, I wrote it, so I rather like it.

Any reviews/marketing blurb? Admittbaly its only 49 cents..but that means I need to find other stuff to buy to get to the minimum, and there is not an option to 'add to wish list'...

Can you give me some details?

 

[KB9JMQ]

PC's are literate in their starting languages.
Any language they want to learn after that requires skill points.

 

[Psychic Warrior]

I can't imagine ever buring a feat just to be literate. Feats are rarer than skill points in core D&D and it would feel like a complete waste. I use the core rules for literacy (all classes literate except barbarian) and Speak Language is a class skill for everyone.

 

[lukelightning]

I don't think having illiterate PCs would add much to the game; assuming any PC is literate it really isn't any big obstacle but could slow down the game.

For the same reason I don't go out of my way to make language barriers to difficult; if the PCs are talking to someone in whatever language, as long as any of the PCs speak that language I don't make it a big obstacle (some DMs like to send the "non-understanding" PCs out of the room or something...I just assume the PC that understands interprets for the others).

In my game (Arcana Unearthed, set in the Diamond Throne) there is a fairly high literacy rate, but it depends on race (this is for NPCs; PCs are all assumed literate unless they want otherwise for roleplaying reasons). The "ruling race" of giants and their sibbecai are highly literate, at least in Giantish. The Verrik race is virtually 100% literate. Faen are about 50% literate as they have a strong oral tradition instead of writing, and Litorians are often illiterate and the Litorian written language is rare; literate litorians are more likely to write in giant or common than their own language, or at least use the Giantish alphabet. Mojh are 110% literate

Humans are about 50% literate overall. Yes, their language is "Common" but it is called that not because everyone speaks it but because it is the language of "the Common Folk" (scholars call it "New Devanian"); some human separatists use "Common" as a political term (we are the "real people" while the giants think they are above us...).

The official language of the Diamond Throne kingdom is Giant, but generally public proclamations, etc. are in Giant and Common, with the Giantish text often twice as large as the Common (the excuse being, of course, that Giants are larger so need larger letters, but this, of course, riles up the separatists).

In the Warhammer Fantasy RPG, however, literacy or lack thereof is more important; I've seen games in which none of the players are literate. Which can be funny since many adventures rely on the "you find a mysterious note" device.

 

[Aus_Snow]

I use more skill points, and more feats per x levels, than the 3e RAW suggest.

The option I voted for is only the closest to representing the system I use (i.e., it's not precisely like that).

Basically it's all down to skills, in my campaigns. The amounts vary according to the complexity of the language and/or script in question, going from Basic to Intermediate to Fluent.