Language
(Spoken, Written)
This skill represents knowledge of the intricacies of spoken and written language. Each language is treated as a separate skill, with ranks indicating the depth of understanding and fluency.
General Rules for Language Skills
The skill level in a language determines how effectively a character can communicate, understand, and interpret both the spoken and written forms of that language. The ranks in the skill reflect varying degrees of proficiency:
| Skill Rank | Level of Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Rank 1 | Basic understanding. You know common words (written and spoken) and can communicate in simple terms. You may struggle with complex ideas and cultural nuances. |
| Rank 2 | Fluency equivalent to a native speaker. You have complete literacy, understand cultural nuances, and are familiar with slang and idioms. You get one language for free at this level. |
| Rank 3 | Mastery of the language, including advanced vocabulary, technical terms, and deep understanding of etymology and historical context. You are essentially a walking dictionary. |
Some additional modifiers may be considered based on circumstances:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Attempting to interpret ancient or archaic texts with modern language knowledge | (flip-1) |
| Engaging in technical or scholarly discussions beyond everyday conversation | (flip-1) unless Rank 3 is held |
| Using cultural references, slang, or idioms specific to the language | (shift+1) if Rank 2 or higher |
Results:
- Success: Effective communication, accurate interpretation, and understanding of the language in the given context.
- Failure: Miscommunication or inability to grasp the full meaning of spoken or written content.
- Failure by a Large Margin: Complete misunderstanding, potentially leading to incorrect actions or conclusions.
Acquiring Additional Languages
Characters may learn additional languages by taking this skill multiple times, each representing a different language with its own ranks. This allows for a broad range of linguistic capabilities, useful in diverse cultural and scholarly interactions.