Languages for Celestial Animals?

[kirinke]

True. to true. But then a summoner would probably know the planar languages anyway. At least, eventually. Because once you get into the higher end summon/gate/call spells, learning the language of what your calling would help with the negotiations.

 

[Saeviomagy]

True. to true. But then a summoner would probably know the planar languages anyway. At least, eventually. Because once you get into the higher end summon/gate/call spells, learning the language of what your calling would help with the negotiations.

Unless, of course, you summon the average angel, in which case it has tongues at will, and you don't need to learn squat.

 

[kirinke]

true on that as well. It might not mean anything mechanical wise, but heck. Just by learning the language means you've put some effort into learning about the critter and may respect them more than a supernatural weapon. That counts for alot. Roleplay wise anyway.

 

[Ninja-to]

Well, they are summoned from other planes, which most probably are home to Celestials.

It just makes sense, that they understand the predominating language of those planes, which is Celestial, the language of the Celestials, and not Common.

Bye
Thanee

I think so too. I don't understand how a Celestial animal knows common when no intelligent creatures on that plane would ever speak it. They'd choose to speak Celestial first over Common, even if they can speak Common.

Another thing mentioned, why ever bother learning any of the Outsider languages? If Angels have Tongues / telepathy or whatever, why would anyone ever need to devote their very few language points for Celestial or what not? For respect for that plane? That's an awfully high price to pay. No player is going to that. They'd choose something more useful. At least I know I wouldn't if I were a player.

 

[Thanee]

You know, there is actually a fair amount of people (IRL), that learn languages, just because they like them or like to study the culture and everything. Dunno, why this should be any different in D&D.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Thanee]

So what about those fiendish vipers that don't come from either Baator or the Abyss?

They'd understand the appropriate language predominant on their home plane.

Bye
Thanee

 

[William_2]

One way to look at it might be that Celestial animals do not make some sort of deliberate decision to pick up a language, and hum and hah over whether to understand Celestial or Common. Maybe they also don’t pick up the knowledge by hanging about other creatures speaking the language (whatever language you have them knowing). Celestial and Fiendish animals understand a language for some higher purpose, one that perhaps might have an interesting explanation if characters pursued it, but otherwise is one of the wonders of a multi-planar universe. Perhaps there is a reason why Common is so widespread that those animals understand it. Or perhaps they exist primarily to be summoned.

 

[werk]

You know, there is actually a fair amount of people (IRL), that learn languages, just because they like them or like to study the culture and everything. Dunno, why this should be any different in D&D.

The people you are talking about probably have an intelligence a bit higher than 3. I think we are discussing the primary and sole language of the creature, not personal development.

If you have more than one language, then by all means, learn whatever you are able.

Celestial Magical Beasties are not outsiders. My primary argument for this is in the description of outsider type.

Proficient with all simple and martial weapons and any weapons mentioned in its entry. Proficient with whatever type of armor (light, medium, or heavy) it is described as wearing, as well as all lighter types.

If they are an outsider, then they are proficient... But a celestial bear or dog could never hold or weild a weapon like that... Outsiders are people...PEOPLE!!! </bad soilent green impression>

 

[ThirdWizard]

Celestial Magical Beasties are not outsiders. My primary argument for this is in the description of outsider type.
If they are an outsider, then they are proficient... But a celestial bear or dog could never hold or weild a weapon like that... Outsiders are people...PEOPLE!!! </bad soilent green impression>

*cough*Lantern Archon*cough*

 

[Thanee]

The people you are talking about probably have an intelligence a bit higher than 3. I think we are discussing the primary and sole language of the creature, not personal development.

If you have more than one language, then by all means, learn whatever you are able.

That was just a reply to:

Another thing mentioned, why ever bother learning any of the Outsider languages? If Angels have Tongues / telepathy or whatever, why would anyone ever need to devote their very few language points for Celestial or what not? For respect for that plane? That's an awfully high price to pay. No player is going to that. They'd choose something more useful. At least I know I wouldn't if I were a player.

And even at 2 skillpoints that's not really a huge price to pay... unless you only get 1/level.

I used that option a few times already to learn a new language for various characters.

Bye
Thanee