Derro Language?

[Garnfellow]

What languages do Derro speak? Undercommon? Dwarf? A separate tongue altogether?

 

[Pinotage]

Given that the MM is silent on the topic, all three are probably equally valid. They're 'dwarf-like', they live 'underground' and yet they're 'distinct' species. My guess would be both dwarven and undercommon, since they live near drow and duergar.

Pinotage

 

[Garnfellow]

Given that the MM is silent on the topic, all three are probably equally valid. They're 'dwarf-like', they live 'underground' and yet they're 'distinct' species. My guess would be both dwarven and undercommon, since they live near drow and duergar.

It's interesting that I recall so little discussion about the changes made to the derro between 3.0 and 3.5, even though the changes are really quite dramatic, probably as radical as any other 3.5 change.

I went back to the 3.0 entry, when derro were still dwarves with the Humanoid type. Dwarves were given Dwarf and Undercommon as automatic languages, and derro were described as being like standard dwarves except where noted. Since there is no exception noted on languages, I assume 3.0 derro spoke Dwarf and Undercommon.

With all the changes made to the derro in 3.5, I guess the language thing just fell through the cracks.

 

[spunky_mutters]

I think they should speak dwarven, but backwards.

At least they made them usable in 3.5. If you tried making a derro savant in 3.0, you know what I mean.

 

[Garnfellow]

For what it's worth, the derro sorcerer in Dungeon's adventure "The Clockwork Fortress" is listed as speaking Common, Dwarven, and Undercommon.

 

[Khayman]

Crazytalk?

I'd go with the 3.0 listing. Funny they left that out.