Languages? How many can you get? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Languages? How many can you get? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Sutemi
09-25-07, 02:31 PM SPEAK LANGUAGE

"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."

Since you can only get 4 ranks of class skill at first level, does this mean that Speak Language is an exception since there are no ranks? With high enough INT could my human roque speak about a dozen or more languages at first level (he is not multiclass)?
Kouk
09-25-07, 02:40 PM SPEAK LANGUAGE

"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."

Since you can only get 4 ranks of class skill at first level, does this mean that Speak Language is an exception since there are no ranks? With high enough INT could my human roque speak about a dozen or more languages at first level (he is not multiclass)?

As far as I am aware, there is not an inherent limit to the number of languages you can learn (your DM may place restrictions on certain languages based on availability and such).

I will just review some stuff also:

At first level, you automatically speak Common, and your racial language if you have one. You also speak one extra language from your bonus language list for each point of Intelligence Bonus you have.

A Rogue with let's say a 14 Intelligence would start with Common, his racial language (if any) and 2 extra languages. If the Rogue wants to learn additional languages by spending skill points, he would have to spend 2 skill points for each language he wishes to learn. This is because Speak Language is not a Class Skill for a Rogue. A Human Rogue with a 14 Int could learn 22 languages by using his 44 Skill Points - coupled with his knowledge of Common and 2 bonus languages for his Int allows knowledge of 25 languages total.

In Core, the only class with Speak Language as a Class Skill (and thus that can learn a language for only one skill point) is the Bard. To my knowledge the Beguiler (PHB2) also has Speak Language as a Class Skill, but I don't recall any others.

EDIT: Of course, if you spend all your skill points on learning languages, you won't be able to do much in the way of "Rogue" things, or anything else.

I could certainly understand a house rule that you can't learn more than a couple of langauges at any given level though. Probably based on the number of Skill Ranks at first level at least, which would allow 2 extra languages from pure Skill Points at first level.
FrostWolf
09-25-07, 02:43 PM You get all the languages of your race (I.E. A dwarf gets common and dwarven), pluse one for each Int bonus you have (I.E. an 18 Int will get 4 additional languages). You can also spend 2 skill points to buy a language, and like knowledges, you don't but the general catagory, but each one seperatly. So just like you don't get only 4 skill points at first level to put into all you knowledges, you buy each luanguage as a seperate thing.

Kouk, Scout also gets speak language.
Kouk
09-25-07, 02:49 PM Kouk, Scout also gets speak language.

OK, thanks.
Sutemi
09-25-07, 02:55 PM Thanks for the very comprehensive answer Kouk! This is just the answer I wanted!

Of course, if you spend all your skill points on learning languages, you won't be able to do much in the way of "Rogue" things, or anything else.

It doesn't matter because I want to make an interpreter and with bard, beguiler or scout I could propably make it much easier but roque with high INT will cover all the languages even if it's cc skill...
ShadowF
09-25-07, 04:15 PM Changling Rouge. Changling because you get Speak Languages for free. Scout is nice but you don't have open lock.
Ecalsneerg
09-25-07, 04:18 PM It's like buying a skill. You still have to pay for the skill ranks, have a maximum limit, etc, but instead of adding to the modifier, you get 1 language per rank.
ShadowF
09-25-07, 04:26 PM Changling
Change shape +10 to disguise
Gain Speak Languages skill
+2 Intimidate, Bluff and SM
+2 on Sleep and Charm saves

Bonus: Auran, Dwarven, Gnome, Elven, Halfling, Giant, and Terran

Draconic, Auran, Terran, Sylvan, Giant and Under Common are the most common languages amoungst Playable Characters.
Sutemi
09-25-07, 04:28 PM Changling
Change shape +10 to disguise
Gain Speak Languages skill
+2 Intimidate, Bluff and SM
+2 on Sleep and Charm saves

Bonus: Auran, Dwarven, Gnome, Elven, Halfling, Giant, and Terran

Draconic, Auran, Terran, Sylvan, Giant and Under Common are the most common languages amoungst Playable Characters.

Nah, I want'em all at first level. "Common languages" is not enough.
ShadowF
09-25-07, 04:33 PM Nah, I want'em all at first level. "Common languages" is not enough.

LOL, good luck. Kenku can mimick what it has heard.
Sajek
09-25-07, 04:55 PM Fun fact: A 2nd level elven bard/druid with 22 Int. can know every core language if he spends 12 skill points.
Banatine
09-25-07, 04:55 PM If you want to save skill points there is a feat called 'natural linguist' or something like that. At the level you take it, and every level thereafter, you learn one language for free. Much better than spending all your skill points in it, i think.
Ecalsneerg
09-25-07, 05:02 PM Fun fact: A 2nd level elven bard/druid with 22 Int. can know every core language if he spends 12 skill points.

But the problem is languages are bought like skills, and still are subject to maximum ranks.
FLAvatar
09-25-07, 05:21 PM Wrap your head around not so much buying ranks in Speak Language, but as buying ranks in Speak Language: Giant.

Just like all the Profession <whatever> or Craft <whatever> or even Perform or Knowledge are distinct subset skills, it is perfectly ok to collect 'em all.

Besides, it's Speak Language. It isn't like the fabric of the universe is going to unravel because someone remembered Blink Dog is a core language and spent skill points in it instead of bringing along a way to cast Tongues :D
Sutemi
09-26-07, 04:04 AM If you want to save skill points there is a feat called 'natural linguist' or something like that. At the level you take it, and every level thereafter, you learn one language for free. Much better than spending all your skill points in it, i think.

Can you refer a book?
Kouk
09-26-07, 07:53 AM Can you refer a book?

The search for "linguist" in the Feat Index: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/lists/feats

Brings up Races of Eberron as having Master Linguist. If you have the prerequisite of 4 or more languages known, it gives you a free language every time you level up.
april151978
09-26-07, 02:46 PM I have an evoker of 6th level with 11 (or more; character sheet not handy) languages and will get one every level...

I guess the DM could set limits (no more than X) or limitations (no more than X per Y), but that depends on many factors...
DM-Scott
09-26-07, 05:25 PM On a side note, it is actually really useful to bards to have the speak language as a class skill, as well as most spellcasters who plan to be using illusions and enchantments pretty often, simply because some spells require the caster to be able to communicate with others in some situations, or if they want to make an illusion that has sound more believable by making say...an illusion of an orc speak orc instead of a gruff version of common (or worse, elven :P ).

If you're really want a master linguist without costing a feat, multi-classing for it isn't a bad option. A level of bard, beguiler, or scout can be pretty good since you could pile all of your skill points for that level into new languages (at a 1 for 1 basis). Though under the standard rules this is only really an option for humans or with your favored class (but it's easier if your DM uses free multiclassing).
Tempest Stormwind
09-26-07, 05:33 PM Low-level: Cast Tongues. You now understand and speak all languages. Can be made permanent with Permanency, if I recall correctly.

Other ideas: Natural Linguist (Races of Eberron), Smatterings (I believe this is in Races of Destiny), Wanderer's Diplomacy (PHB2).

High-level: Polyglot epic feat.
goawayugh
09-27-07, 08:40 AM Mindbender 1.
LoneStranger
09-28-07, 02:28 AM Master Linguist is the best way to go with that, turn a character into a diplomatic marvel as she/he can translate for any conversation.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sutemi 09-25-07, 02:31 PM	SPEAK LANGUAGE "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." Since you can only get 4 ranks of class skill at first level, does this mean that Speak Language is an exception since there are no ranks? With high enough INT could my human roque speak about a dozen or more languages at first level (he is not multiclass)?
Kouk 09-25-07, 02:40 PM	SPEAK LANGUAGE "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." Since you can only get 4 ranks of class skill at first level, does this mean that Speak Language is an exception since there are no ranks? With high enough INT could my human roque speak about a dozen or more languages at first level (he is not multiclass)? As far as I am aware, there is not an inherent limit to the number of languages you can learn (your DM may place restrictions on certain languages based on availability and such). I will just review some stuff also: At first level, you automatically speak Common, and your racial language if you have one. You also speak one extra language from your bonus language list for each point of Intelligence Bonus you have. A Rogue with let's say a 14 Intelligence would start with Common, his racial language (if any) and 2 extra languages. If the Rogue wants to learn additional languages by spending skill points, he would have to spend 2 skill points for each language he wishes to learn. This is because Speak Language is not a Class Skill for a Rogue. A Human Rogue with a 14 Int could learn 22 languages by using his 44 Skill Points - coupled with his knowledge of Common and 2 bonus languages for his Int allows knowledge of 25 languages total. In Core, the only class with Speak Language as a Class Skill (and thus that can learn a language for only one skill point) is the Bard. To my knowledge the Beguiler (PHB2) also has Speak Language as a Class Skill, but I don't recall any others. EDIT: Of course, if you spend all your skill points on learning languages, you won't be able to do much in the way of "Rogue" things, or anything else. I could certainly understand a house rule that you can't learn more than a couple of langauges at any given level though. Probably based on the number of Skill Ranks at first level at least, which would allow 2 extra languages from pure Skill Points at first level.
FrostWolf 09-25-07, 02:43 PM	You get all the languages of your race (I.E. A dwarf gets common and dwarven), pluse one for each Int bonus you have (I.E. an 18 Int will get 4 additional languages). You can also spend 2 skill points to buy a language, and like knowledges, you don't but the general catagory, but each one seperatly. So just like you don't get only 4 skill points at first level to put into all you knowledges, you buy each luanguage as a seperate thing. Kouk, Scout also gets speak language.
Kouk 09-25-07, 02:49 PM	Kouk, Scout also gets speak language. OK, thanks.
Sutemi 09-25-07, 02:55 PM	Thanks for the very comprehensive answer Kouk! This is just the answer I wanted! Of course, if you spend all your skill points on learning languages, you won't be able to do much in the way of "Rogue" things, or anything else. It doesn't matter because I want to make an interpreter and with bard, beguiler or scout I could propably make it much easier but roque with high INT will cover all the languages even if it's cc skill...
ShadowF 09-25-07, 04:15 PM	Changling Rouge. Changling because you get Speak Languages for free. Scout is nice but you don't have open lock.
Ecalsneerg 09-25-07, 04:18 PM	It's like buying a skill. You still have to pay for the skill ranks, have a maximum limit, etc, but instead of adding to the modifier, you get 1 language per rank.
ShadowF 09-25-07, 04:26 PM	Changling Change shape +10 to disguise Gain Speak Languages skill +2 Intimidate, Bluff and SM +2 on Sleep and Charm saves Bonus: Auran, Dwarven, Gnome, Elven, Halfling, Giant, and Terran Draconic, Auran, Terran, Sylvan, Giant and Under Common are the most common languages amoungst Playable Characters.
Sutemi 09-25-07, 04:28 PM	Changling Change shape +10 to disguise Gain Speak Languages skill +2 Intimidate, Bluff and SM +2 on Sleep and Charm saves Bonus: Auran, Dwarven, Gnome, Elven, Halfling, Giant, and Terran Draconic, Auran, Terran, Sylvan, Giant and Under Common are the most common languages amoungst Playable Characters. Nah, I want'em all at first level. "Common languages" is not enough.
ShadowF 09-25-07, 04:33 PM	Nah, I want'em all at first level. "Common languages" is not enough. LOL, good luck. Kenku can mimick what it has heard.
Sajek 09-25-07, 04:55 PM	Fun fact: A 2nd level elven bard/druid with 22 Int. can know every core language if he spends 12 skill points.
Banatine 09-25-07, 04:55 PM	If you want to save skill points there is a feat called 'natural linguist' or something like that. At the level you take it, and every level thereafter, you learn one language for free. Much better than spending all your skill points in it, i think.
Ecalsneerg 09-25-07, 05:02 PM	Fun fact: A 2nd level elven bard/druid with 22 Int. can know every core language if he spends 12 skill points. But the problem is languages are bought like skills, and still are subject to maximum ranks.
FLAvatar 09-25-07, 05:21 PM	Wrap your head around not so much buying ranks in Speak Language, but as buying ranks in Speak Language: Giant. Just like all the Profession <whatever> or Craft <whatever> or even Perform or Knowledge are distinct subset skills, it is perfectly ok to collect 'em all. Besides, it's Speak Language. It isn't like the fabric of the universe is going to unravel because someone remembered Blink Dog is a core language and spent skill points in it instead of bringing along a way to cast Tongues :D
Sutemi 09-26-07, 04:04 AM	If you want to save skill points there is a feat called 'natural linguist' or something like that. At the level you take it, and every level thereafter, you learn one language for free. Much better than spending all your skill points in it, i think. Can you refer a book?
Kouk 09-26-07, 07:53 AM	Can you refer a book? The search for "linguist" in the Feat Index: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/lists/feats Brings up Races of Eberron as having Master Linguist. If you have the prerequisite of 4 or more languages known, it gives you a free language every time you level up.
april151978 09-26-07, 02:46 PM	I have an evoker of 6th level with 11 (or more; character sheet not handy) languages and will get one every level... I guess the DM could set limits (no more than X) or limitations (no more than X per Y), but that depends on many factors...
DM-Scott 09-26-07, 05:25 PM	On a side note, it is actually really useful to bards to have the speak language as a class skill, as well as most spellcasters who plan to be using illusions and enchantments pretty often, simply because some spells require the caster to be able to communicate with others in some situations, or if they want to make an illusion that has sound more believable by making say...an illusion of an orc speak orc instead of a gruff version of common (or worse, elven :P ). If you're really want a master linguist without costing a feat, multi-classing for it isn't a bad option. A level of bard, beguiler, or scout can be pretty good since you could pile all of your skill points for that level into new languages (at a 1 for 1 basis). Though under the standard rules this is only really an option for humans or with your favored class (but it's easier if your DM uses free multiclassing).
Tempest Stormwind 09-26-07, 05:33 PM	Low-level: Cast Tongues. You now understand and speak all languages. Can be made permanent with Permanency, if I recall correctly. Other ideas: Natural Linguist (Races of Eberron), Smatterings (I believe this is in Races of Destiny), Wanderer's Diplomacy (PHB2). High-level: Polyglot epic feat.
goawayugh 09-27-07, 08:40 AM	Mindbender 1.
LoneStranger 09-28-07, 02:28 AM	Master Linguist is the best way to go with that, turn a character into a diplomatic marvel as she/he can translate for any conversation.