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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Khayman" data-source="post: 2202947" data-attributes="member: 17051">I'm running an historical game set in the 1400s, so this will be a bit more involved than the core rules.   Characters are assumed to be human for this campaign, and magic is decidedly low.* There is no 'Common', although in particular time periods and regions there will be a dominant tongue that is used for trade --- Latin, Aramaic, etc.* Literacy is a cross-class skill. One rank gives a PC the ability to read and write in one script.  For example, Latin, Cyrillic, Ogham.   [edit: Our previous solution was to assume all PCs were literate, with the option of 'buying down' to illiteracy at first level, receiving 2 bonus skill points.]* Characters begin with one automatic language (their native tongue).  For example, characters from England speak English.* Characters gain bonus languages depending on their region.  For example, English characters may select from French, Gaelic (various dialects), and Dutch.* Languages are divided into three grades: Basic, Functional, and Fluent (or ranks 1, 2, and 3).  There are higher grades, but the benefits are to a) scholars and b) actors hoping to lose/gain an accent.  Basic means you can ask where the bathroom is. Functional means that you can ask why the bathroom is filthy. Fluent means you can expound upon the masterful fresco painted on the bathroom wall and share your tips for grouting.* Characters begin by having a Functional (rank 2) grasp of their native language --- unpolished but adequate.  Each 'additional language' granted by Intelligence bonus gives +1 Language Point, which can be used to buy automatic or bonus language ranks.  These may be supplemented by ranks bought through the Speak Language skill. * A language cannot be increased by more than 1 rank per character level.So, the average beginning character might know 1 to 3 languages, and even then some of them might be better than others. We also have a feat, currently called 'Cunning Linguist' (working title), that a) gives bonus language ranks at 1st level and b) allows characters to purchase languages faster (i.e., up to 3 skill points/level).edit: We also have PCs make Listen checks to decipher related dialects of a known language --- DC 10, 15, or 20 depending on levels in their native language. Taking 10 is an option --- "speak slowly, damn you!"</blockquote>

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