Speak Language
Speak Language (None; Trained Only)
Common Languages and Their Speakers: Language Typical Speakers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Abyssal Demons, chaotic evil outsiders Alzhedo Human language of Calimshan Aquan Water-based creatures Auran Air-based creatures Celestial Good outsiders Chondathan Major human language of central Faerun Common Humans, halflings, half-elves, half-orcs Damaran Human language of the northeast mountains Draconic Kobolds, troglodytes, lizardfolk, dragons Drow Dark Elves (dialect of Elven) Drowsign Secret sign language of the Drow Druidic Druids (only) Dwarven Dwarves Elven Elves Giant Ogres, giants Gnome Gnomes Goblin Goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears Gnoll Gnolls Halfling Halflings Ignan Fire-based creatures Illuskan Human language of the Far North Infernal Devils, lawful evil outsiders Mulhorandi Human language of Thay and Mulhorand Orc Orcs Rashemi Human language of Rashemen Sylvan Dryads, brownies, leprechauns Terran Xorn and other earth-based creatures Undercommon Drow, Duergar, other underdark races
Action: Not applicable.
Try Again: Not applicable. There are no Speak Language checks to fail.
The Speak Language skill doesn't work like other skills. Languages work as follows.
- You start at 1st level knowing one or two languages (based on your race), plus an additional number of languages equal to your starting Intelligence bonus.
- You can purchase Speak Language just like any other skill, but instead of buying a rank in it, you choose a new language that you can speak.
- You don't make Speak Language checks. You either know a language or you don't.
- A literate character (anyone but a barbarian who has not spent skill points to become literate) can read and write any language she speaks. Each language has an alphabet, though sometimes several spoken languages share a single alphabet.
