Bonus Languages Restrictions?

[theoremtank]

I may be missing something completely but here is a rule that is bothering me.

What is the reason why the races from the Player's Handbook have distinct bonus language lists?

I have only found this to be unnecesarrily restrictive in terms of roleplaying. For instance, I have an elven PC who was raised by dwarves. Why don't the rules allow me to choose dwarven as a bonus language?

 

[hammymchamham]

Actually, the rules would allow you to, see DMG page 21 Modifying Races

 

[Hypersmurf]

I have only found this to be unnecesarrily restrictive in terms of roleplaying. For instance, I have an elven PC who was raised by dwarves. Why don't the rules allow me to choose dwarven as a bonus language?

Talk to your DM. The assumption is that elves are raised by elves.

If you're "breaking the mold", the DM might let you bend some rules.

-Hyp.

 

[Crothian]

Ya, many of these things need to be cleared by the DM first.

 

[dcollins]

Agreed, this would be a rules change possibly allowed by a DM (as suggested by DMG p. 21-22).

 

[Li Shenron]

You can also always spend 2 skill points on any language. But being him RAISED by the Dwarf, you may just switch his native Elven for Dwarven.