Learning a language

[Khelvan]

I got a question, how long do you need to learn a new language.
Assuming the party is on the run in enemy territory and
no one speaks its language.
Now they want to learn the native language from some allies while on the run.
Normaly at level up you invest skilll points thats it.
But this time its part of the challenge so i will not allow that.
What do you think how much time should be necessary?
What are the DC to check if the person has mastered the language?

Any Advice

Thanks

Khelvan

 

[irdeggman]

I got a question, how long do you need to learn a new language.
Assuming the party is on the run in enemy territory and
no one speaks its language.
Now they want to learn the native language from some allies while on the run.
Normaly at level up you invest skilll points thats it.
But this time its part of the challenge so i will not allow that.
What do you think how much time should be necessary?
What are the DC to check if the person has mastered the language?

Any Advice

Thanks

Khelvan

Since you are disallowing the mechanic from the RAW - it takes exactly as long as it does to learn a new skill or increase a skill by 1 rank.

So be consistent in how you approach it.

The DMG has a set of rules for "optional training" - check those out for guidance.

 

[moritheil]

I recall Ravenloft used to have some rules for picking up a local language. If you don't like 3.5 rules maybe you can adopt those.

 

[Kask]

I got a question, how long do you need to learn a new language.
Assuming the party is on the run in enemy territory and
no one speaks its language.
Now they want to learn the native language from some allies while on the run.

I have it take the amount of time of going from one level to the next. Of course, they have to have access to someone who speaks & writes the language in question for at least 50% of the time...

 

[roguerouge]

I'd go with Decipher Script checks for pidgin-level understanding of the language or I'd go with Bluff and Sense Motive checks to send and receive messages. Alternatively, you could just make it an INT check and call it a day.

 

[green slime]

About a year to make yourself resonably understood, and understand most simple conversations.

Call it 12 months +/- 1 per Intelligence point above or below 12.

Of course stringing together a series of simple noun-verb constructs is easier, and may get suffice to get a simple basic message across. But you'll never be popular.

I'd just not bother, and go with Sense Motive checks, to understand the other's expression.