D&D General Saurials and Common Sign Language

I love Saurials, and would love to see them return, as well as expanded. Perhaps with some expanded abilities related to dinosaurs, to make them unique from Dragonborn, Lizardfolk and even Firenewts.

As far as language, I'd list it as actual "Saurial" and then note that it is a language that is a combination of vocalizations (hoots, grunts, growls, etc.) mixed with pheremonic excretions, body/tail movements and hand signs. Other races can learn a "guttural" version that can convey a simple information.

Having such a lone character in a group is along the lines of playing a 2014 Kenku, and is like having a Wookie, R2 unit or similar character in the group. As long as at least one other player can understand and "interpret"* for them, it should be fine for play.

I'd rule it quite different from a universal Sign Language, and that Sign Language may actually be the "guttural" form.

* Personally, I wouldn't require the translator player to relay/repeat all information. Just let the player talk normally and assume it's being routed through the interpreter and what the other players are getting is the translated version. If the translator isn't present in a scene, then things can get interesting.
 

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What if Saurials just spoke Saurial and Common Sign Language?
It depends on how common Common Sign Language is within your setting. If a large enough group of non-Saurials within the setting know how to understand as well as sign in Common Sign Language, then a Saurial character might not have much of a problem communicating with others. Otoh, if the number of non-Saurials who can understand, and Sign is small, then the Saurial character is better off using magic/psionics to assist in communicating with others.
 


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