Do Ravens talk?

[Femerus the Gnecro]

Raven familiars.

The PHB says that they can 'speak one language.'

Does this mean that they can understand it, or actually speak it like a human/dwarf, etc?

-F

 

[Jeph]

Understand only. However, if they spend 4 skill points, they can learn to say "Nevermore!"

 

[Fast Learner]

Speak it, like anyone else, hence the use of the word "speak" instead of "understand."

 

[Oni]

speak, thats what makes them cool (in fact my favorite familiar).

 

[Pax]

speak, thats what makes them cool (in fact my favorite familiar).

And mine, as well -- for LN, CN, and all Good-aligned 'casters.

For TN, or any evil-aligned caster ... the Beholderkin: Eyeball (source: Monsters of Faerun) absolutely -rocks-. A grapefruit-sized miniature Beholder ... what could be cooler than that?!?

 

[candidus_cogitens]

There's no question, it is a nice feature of raven familiars that they can speak, but on the other hand, all familiars eventually learn to speak, though only with their masters.

 

[silvertable81]

There's no question, it is a nice feature of raven familiars that they can speak, but on the other hand, all familiars eventually learn to speak, though only with their masters.

Then cast a Permanent Tongues. Poof, the tranlator has arrived.

 

[AuraSeer]

Yeah, don't underestimate the utility of a speaking familiar. If they can't speak to other people, it's really hard to send them out for help.

"What's that, Hedwig? Harry's in trouble at the old well?"

 

[Ferret]

LMAO, it really suits them ravens, it really looks like they talk IRL

 

[0-hr]

Once your DM agrees that ravens can talk, point out to him that familiars can also use any of the master's skills for which they have the proper physical abilities.

A raven can talk, and Speak Language is a skill, therefor a raven familiar can speak all of the languages that the master can.

After that sinks in, bring up Command Word activated magic items.

Suddenly all those toads don't look so munchkiny...