Languages

Overview

Players have a specific amount of starting languages that they can speak at will. They can also pick the skill Language Studies in order to gain more languages. The exact rules on the use of this skill are in the skill description. However based on their intelligence score and their rolls on table LL-1 above they will be able to choose from one of the three categories listed above, under these categories are specific languages that the player can choose from. Listed below are the three language categories and their languages that fall under them for the player to choose from.

Commonly Used

Amarian, Maldoran, Hafarian, Wood Elf, Hill Elf, Common Dwarf, Orc, Ogre, Wildling, Kobold, Goblin, Hob Goblin, Bugbear, Brownie, Minotaur, Troll, Cyclops, Giant ( hill, ice, cave )

Rarely Used

Gobblytalk, Cave Elf, Ice Dwarf, Drixie, Grey Dwarf, Trent, Fairy, Puck, Centaur, Harpy, Nixie, Leprechaun, Griffon, Nagas, Gorgon, Manticores, Boca, Pooka, Golem ( flesh, stone, iron )

Secret Languages

Thieves Cant, The Whisper, Sand Speak, Guild Talk, Alley Speak, Nobles Hand,

THE SECRET LANGUAGES

There are a class of languages that are called the Secret Languages. These are long secret and mysterious ways of communication that are not always involving speech. Some of these languages may use gestures or other forms of communication. These languages are used by secret societies, and those that do not want their communications easily understood or intercepted. Below are the various secret languages and a brief description of what they are and how they are used. There are other secret languages but they are described in detail in other tomes that are yet to be discovered in some long forgotten dungeon or tomb.

Thieves Cant

The common language of thieves guilds in the Alterverse ™. There are literally hundreds perhaps thousands of variations of this language, as each guild tends to make their own unique variations.

The Whisper

Used also by thieves guilds this version of Thieves cant adds whispered talk combined with facial expression in order to get their point across and communicate with one another.

Sand Speak

Spoken by small nomadic tribes that inhabit the deep deserts of Hafaria, it is a language that is very difficult to learn due to these nomadic bands that speak it do not usually teach it o outsiders. If chosen as a language the player must first roll a D20, a roll of 1 – 15 means that they have found a tribal member to teach it to them. 16 – 20 means that they must pick another language.

Alley Speak

Commonly used in large cities and towns, it is used by the street people, harlots, and those that ply the dark alley ways and streets. It is made up of looks, gestures, and slang. It is the most “common” of the secret languages.

Nobles Hand

This is a sign language made up of complicated finger movements, it is used mainly by nobility thus its name. If a “non” noble is caught using it, in some areas it could bring a death sentence to the user. As in some areas it is for the “exclusive” pleasure of the Nobles. When a player wants to pick a secret language for their PC’s use, the GM should impose certain simple rules for the gaining of the language. The PC should be made to find a NPC or other PC who speaks it, and then they must convince and pay this NPC or other PC to teach them.

The payment for the secret language should be at least, one thousand gold coin (minimum). And once the PC pays this it will be assumed that the PC learned the language. Players need to keep in mind that knowing one of these languages is not the same as using them. They need to keep in mind that in certain areas, or in certain situations the blatant use of one of these languages could land them in deep trouble. After all a PC who is not a member of a specific thieves guild and knows that guilds language could be looked upon by the guild as a spy, and thus the guild in question may decide that it is prudent to “remove” the perceived threat…… Permanently