Should undead be allowed to speak?

[lukelightning]

Awaken undead has a duration of "permanent" so watch out for dispel magic! (I think it should be instantaneous, like awaken).

I would definitely allow an intelligent undead to speak, regardless of physiology; well I guess an intelligent zombie or skeleton with no jaw wouldn't be able to, but that would be a flavor thing. As other folks have pointed out, lots of other things with no speech organs can speak in D&D.

P.s. Have you heard about the dyslexic zombies? They try to eat your brians.

 

[Cabral]

Present the arguments others have suggested (omit the duffus bit), but be prepared for some potential resentment for going to these boards for arguments, advice, suggestions, etc about how he should run his game.

It is his game. His world. His rules. He does not have to follow the Player's Handbook, DMG, or Monster Manual by the letter. I sure don't. That said, he hopefully is not unbending in his decisions, and will entertain the above arguments.

If he does not, fret not! Ask your DM if you can change the Minion's Command Word to Command Thought on the basis that you were unaware of his ruling about your minion and speech when you created, bought, assigned, etc the equipment for your minion. Thereafter, you'll have to keep the minion's limitations in mind

Good luck and I hopefully you and your DM can reach a mutually enjoyable solution.

 

[andargor]

I have a evil Rat-Bastard DM.

I answered maybe. If your DM says yes, then yes. If no, then no.

Calling your DM names doesn't win points in the argument.

Andargor

 

[Scion]

Should undead be allowed to speak?

Only when spoken to. Otherwise they are likely to get all uppity and expecting rights. You cant let the undead have rights!

 

[Dakhran the Dark]

Only when spoken to. Otherwise they are likely to get all uppity and expecting rights. You cant let the undead have rights!

Scene from an undead uprising:

Leader: What do we want?

Zombies: BRAAAAINS!

Leader: When do we want it?

Zombies: BRAAAAINS!


[EDIT] What makes this even more funny is, this has actually happened...

 

[Bad Paper]

I would allow an awakened skeleton to speak sign language, and require its creator to buy a rank in Speak Language to learn to sign. No vocalizations for skeletons.

 

[lukelightning]

But liches can speak, right?

I would allow an awakened skeleton to speak sign language, and require its creator to buy a rank in Speak Language to learn to sign. No vocalizations for skeletons.

 

[was]

Sure, where would we be without zombies shouting "BRAINS"?

 

[Shin Okada]

I vote for yes regarding language.

But will an awakened undead remain as a minion?

 

[Kid Socrates]

Count another vote for "Braaaaaaaaaaaaaains."

In all seriousness, what would stop it? It's already a dead creature walking around sentient, a bane to life and all it stands for. I can't figure out how it wouldn't be allowed to shout curses to the living as it damns them for eternity. Or until they die. Whichever. No biggie.