Language: Difference between revisions

From FuturePath
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
!Competency Explanation  
!Competency Explanation  
|-
|-
|0||You cannot understand anything. <br />However with some context <br />to the message you may be able<br /> to understand something very <br />simple. Such as Danger or <br />"They went that way!"
|1||You cannot understand anything. <br />However with some context to the <br /> message you may be able to understand <br />something very simple. Such as Danger <br />or "They went that way!"
|-
|-
|1||Able to correctly identify <br />the language and write/speak <br />simple words/sentences
|2||Novice: Able to correctly identify the <br />language and write/speak simple<br /> words/sentences
|-
|-
|2||Larger vocabulary and able to <br />carry on very basic conversations
|3||Competent: Larger vocabulary and able <br /> to carry on basic conversations.Can now <br />speak/write the language, although it is <br />very noticeable it is not your first language.
|-
|-
|3||Can speak/write the language <br />good enough to communicate <br />complex thoughts, although it is <br />very noticeable it is not your <br />1st language.
|4||Proficient: You can speak/write the <br />language fluently, it is still noticeable its<br /> not your 1st language, but only to <br />native speakers
|-
|-
|4||You can speak/write the language <br />fluently, it is still noticeable <br />its not your 1st language, <br />but only to native speakers
|5||Expert: Automatic success. There is <br />no need to role for this language it simply <br />rolls off the tongue. Treat it as if it was <br />the Characters 1st language.
|-
|-
|5||Speaking/Writing in the language <br />is easy, you can fool most into <br />thinking it is one of your <br />1st languages, you also have and <br />understanding of the languages <br />history/culture
|-
|6||You can speak and write in this <br />language so expertly you <br />can use your skill in creating <br />official/state/diplomatic documents <br />and preform speeches without <br />any penalties.
|-
|7||Automatic success. There is no <br />need to role for this language <br />it simply rolls of the tongue. <br />Treat it as if it was the <br />Characters 1st language.
|}
|}


Your ability to learn new languages.


Your ability to learn new languages.
This Skill is '''Rank Dependent'''. This means that the rank in the Main Language skill determines how many languages a Character can learn excluding the native language for that Character and Low Common. Each Language learned is also it's own Rank Dependent Skill. The Rank of learned Language Skill (i.e: Jovan Language) determines how well the Character knows the language. A Character always starts out with two Languages, Low Common and there Species Common Language.


This Skill is 'Rank Dependent'. This means that the level of this skill also dictates other aspects. The Rank in Language determines how many Languages a Character can learn. A Character does have a starting language. In fact most Characters start with at least two languages. However if you want to learn more Languages you will need to have a Language rank higher then the number of languages you already know. So if a Character starts out with two languages they can speak those languages fluently already. Even if they have 0 ranks in Language. However if they want to learn a 3rd language they will need to have at least 3 ranks in Language.  
'''NOTE''': Each Character starts out with the Language Skill as their Class skill and also already Trained. Learn more about what this means [[SkillsBasics|here]]. This also applies to any languages learned to mean that all Language Skills are always Class and Trained. All Language skills do '''NOT''' have their rank limited by Character level. Whenever you spend a Skill point in the Main Language skill to learn a new Language immediately write the new Language down on the Character sheet and give it 1 Rank.


Learning new languages is hard stuff, even in the future with advanced learning technologies. Not only must you have more Ranks in Language but for every extra language you must have an extra separate Language skill. Just like Knowledge skills you can add more Language skills. One skill for each new language you learn. The rank of that language skill determines your level of competency with the language in both written and spoken forums. The ranks are to the right:
== Check ==


Any specific language spell is considered Trained/Non-Class skill. You cannot attempt to speak a language you do not know even if you have ranks is the primary Language skill. All ranks in any individual language skill requires two skill points to buy a single rank.  
'''For Unknown Language''': If a Character comes across an unknown language they can attempt to identify it with a Language check. This uses the Main Language skill check. If a Character is attempting to communicate or listen to a foreign language they can also roll to see if they can get a basic understanding. For example, attempting to warn someone else of danger ahead even though they do not speak your language.


'''For Learned Languages''': Any Language that the Character already understands they do not need to roll for unless the communication is messed up in some way such as a gabled transmission or the electronic message is corrupted. The Character can also attempt to understand the language better then there Rank. For example, if a Lepidonian attempts to speak in Human even though they have a rank of 2 the meaning may be lost in translation and it will require a roll to ensure that the Human listening understands correctly.


;Identify: You can use the Main Language skill to attempt to identify a language you do not have a Rank in. The DC is 15 for common major species languages and 25 for minor languages. For any language you have a Rank it you automatically recognize it without rolling unless it is garbled or the text is smudged/corrupted. Only when the communication is in some way messed up that you need to roll to attempt to identify a language you already know.


== Check ==
== Try Again ==


You can use or add the primary Language skill on any Language check when the Character is only trying to listen to or read a prepared message. This only works when the Character has no ability to reply. Only attempting to understand a message. This applies even with a language that the Character has not trained. If you have 3 ranks in Language and 4 ranks in Language(Human Common) then when you preform your check you can add 7 instead of just 4 when trying to listen to a garbled message in Human Common speech. However the best possible outcome is still determined by your Language(Human Common) rank level. This situational modifier is only meant to represent the Characters affinity with Languages not how well they know a language.  
When attempting to understand what someone is saying, either through "noise" in communication or speaking between a language barrier the player cannot re-roll. It is in the moment and if you cannot understand then you will have to attempt to have the other person repeat. Your ability to communicate this request is based on your skill rank or a Charisma check if you do not know the language but are attempting to communicate non-the-less. If it is not good enough to be able to convey the desire to have the message repeated you cannot attempt to make another check.


You can use secondary Language Skills, such as Language(Human Common), when attempting to speak or write in that language and there is a concern of a failure and/or chance for a different outcome depending on success. Examples could be writing a convincing lie in a holo message to the pirates that the derelict ship is located in a different quadrant. Or trying too negotiate your release from captivity by speaking in your captives native language. All these require checks.  
You cannot re-roll for other messages unless it is a recorded message that is garbled or otherwise messed up. You know what you know and to learn more you will need to have a higher rank in that language or find someone that does. If the message is messed up taking 20 will give the Player an auto success.


Characters that attempt to communicate in a secondary language take penlites to social/communication skill checks. Any skill involving Cha gets a -7 when using a secondary language. The penalty is reduced by the rank of the secondary skill. For example if the Character has 4 ranks in Language(Human Common) then that Character only takes a -3 when using Human Common with a social/communication skill. Once a Character reaches rank 7 in a secondary skill it is considered a primary or 1st language. No penalties are taken and there is no need to roll.
== Special ==
 
* There are some feats that can help improve the use of the Language skill.
Another scenario for the use of both the Primary Language Skill and any secondary Language skills is when attempting to overcome "noise" in a communication. Noise being anything that could cause communication between individuals to be difficult. For example a bad link between communicators or a heaving wind on a alien world. The GM can have the Characters use the Language skill to try to overcome the communication barrier.  


== List of Languages ==


== Try Again ==
=== Low Common ===
:: This is an extremely simple language with only roughly 1000 words in its vocabulary and 12 letters/sounds. The sounds can actually be different per species but they all follow a pattern. Once you know what that pattern then you understand Common and can quickly pick up on other species use of the language. There are attempts to try to sound similar to make it easy for people and universal translators. This language is a simple one used to help people communicate basic needs and to conduct business.


When attempting to understand what someone is saying, wither through "noise" in a communication or speaking between a language barrier the player cannot re-role. It is in the moment and if you cannot understand then you will have to attempt to have the other person repeat. Your ability to communicate this request is based on your initial skill check. If it is not good enough to be able to convey the desire to have the message repeated you cannot attempt to make another check.
=== High Common ===
:: A more refined and complicated version of Common. It has more numerous letters and sounds and its vocabulary is in the 10s of thousands. It is normally used among dignitaries, ambassadors, nation leaders, and successful business owners. It's more complicated structure with its larger vocabulary allow it to convey complicated meaning and express one's feelings more accurately. Many people struggle with High Common when trying to communicate with different species especially those who speak it differently. However, it is still a Universal and flexible language built with Common as its foundation.


When attempting to review per-recorded messages or any other scenario where you are not in combat and where haste is not required a player can attempt to take 10 or take 20. And a player can re-roll. The time it takes to accomplish the outcome of a roll is based on the size of the message. A very short single meaning message is only 2 minutes. However longer and more complex messages (ones with more meanings) take more time. A whole book would take on average 4 full days with each day being a separate and successful check. We will leave it up to the GM to decide the complexity and length of the message and thus the amount of time it takes.  
=== Species Languages ===
:: Each [[Species]] has a common language. The list of species can be found on the [[Species]] page.


== Special ==
=== Jove Primal ===
:: A special language invited by the Jove as an early attempt at 'Common'. A mix between a higher language like High Common while attempting to be universal and easy to speak like regular Common it was used early on during the [[Timeline|'''The First Coalition''']] before '''The Great Collapse'''. However, it largely failed because it was hard for certain species to speak it and the language was rigid. However, the written version somewhat survived as its alphabet symbols were used as the bases for the written version of Common and High Common. Mostly forgotten some people use it or a version as a way to stay secretive.


* The Diplomat Advance Class treats all secondary languages as class languages, just without the +3 rank bonus.  
=== The Twin Languages ===
* There are some feats that can help improve the use of the Language skill.
:: These are two different languages that have grown very close but still differ in some ways. They originated from the two major Empires that ruled after the '''Chaos Epoc'''. The Twin Empires most Histories call them. They are all gone and their civilizations mysteriously disappeared. Only there great ancient structures spawning the galaxy exist barring witness to there existence. In some of these great structures are ancient libraries or record keeping facilities. Most of what is know about these great Empires including there languages have been learned from these places. The Carthegos and the Latiumians each with there own Language. However over nearly 100 centuries their languages partially merged. Today they are spoken largely the same way and share many of the same words only there written forms show differently.

Latest revision as of 06:08, 18 May 2019

Table: Language Ranks
Rank Competency Explanation
1 You cannot understand anything.
However with some context to the
message you may be able to understand
something very simple. Such as Danger
or "They went that way!"
2 Novice: Able to correctly identify the
language and write/speak simple
words/sentences
3 Competent: Larger vocabulary and able
to carry on basic conversations.Can now
speak/write the language, although it is
very noticeable it is not your first language.
4 Proficient: You can speak/write the
language fluently, it is still noticeable its
not your 1st language, but only to
native speakers
5 Expert: Automatic success. There is
no need to role for this language it simply
rolls off the tongue. Treat it as if it was
the Characters 1st language.

Your ability to learn new languages.

This Skill is Rank Dependent. This means that the rank in the Main Language skill determines how many languages a Character can learn excluding the native language for that Character and Low Common. Each Language learned is also it's own Rank Dependent Skill. The Rank of learned Language Skill (i.e: Jovan Language) determines how well the Character knows the language. A Character always starts out with two Languages, Low Common and there Species Common Language.

NOTE: Each Character starts out with the Language Skill as their Class skill and also already Trained. Learn more about what this means here. This also applies to any languages learned to mean that all Language Skills are always Class and Trained. All Language skills do NOT have their rank limited by Character level. Whenever you spend a Skill point in the Main Language skill to learn a new Language immediately write the new Language down on the Character sheet and give it 1 Rank.

Check

For Unknown Language: If a Character comes across an unknown language they can attempt to identify it with a Language check. This uses the Main Language skill check. If a Character is attempting to communicate or listen to a foreign language they can also roll to see if they can get a basic understanding. For example, attempting to warn someone else of danger ahead even though they do not speak your language.

For Learned Languages: Any Language that the Character already understands they do not need to roll for unless the communication is messed up in some way such as a gabled transmission or the electronic message is corrupted. The Character can also attempt to understand the language better then there Rank. For example, if a Lepidonian attempts to speak in Human even though they have a rank of 2 the meaning may be lost in translation and it will require a roll to ensure that the Human listening understands correctly.

Identify
You can use the Main Language skill to attempt to identify a language you do not have a Rank in. The DC is 15 for common major species languages and 25 for minor languages. For any language you have a Rank it you automatically recognize it without rolling unless it is garbled or the text is smudged/corrupted. Only when the communication is in some way messed up that you need to roll to attempt to identify a language you already know.

Try Again

When attempting to understand what someone is saying, either through "noise" in communication or speaking between a language barrier the player cannot re-roll. It is in the moment and if you cannot understand then you will have to attempt to have the other person repeat. Your ability to communicate this request is based on your skill rank or a Charisma check if you do not know the language but are attempting to communicate non-the-less. If it is not good enough to be able to convey the desire to have the message repeated you cannot attempt to make another check.

You cannot re-roll for other messages unless it is a recorded message that is garbled or otherwise messed up. You know what you know and to learn more you will need to have a higher rank in that language or find someone that does. If the message is messed up taking 20 will give the Player an auto success.

Special

  • There are some feats that can help improve the use of the Language skill.

List of Languages

Low Common

This is an extremely simple language with only roughly 1000 words in its vocabulary and 12 letters/sounds. The sounds can actually be different per species but they all follow a pattern. Once you know what that pattern then you understand Common and can quickly pick up on other species use of the language. There are attempts to try to sound similar to make it easy for people and universal translators. This language is a simple one used to help people communicate basic needs and to conduct business.

High Common

A more refined and complicated version of Common. It has more numerous letters and sounds and its vocabulary is in the 10s of thousands. It is normally used among dignitaries, ambassadors, nation leaders, and successful business owners. It's more complicated structure with its larger vocabulary allow it to convey complicated meaning and express one's feelings more accurately. Many people struggle with High Common when trying to communicate with different species especially those who speak it differently. However, it is still a Universal and flexible language built with Common as its foundation.

Species Languages

Each Species has a common language. The list of species can be found on the Species page.

Jove Primal

A special language invited by the Jove as an early attempt at 'Common'. A mix between a higher language like High Common while attempting to be universal and easy to speak like regular Common it was used early on during the The First Coalition before The Great Collapse. However, it largely failed because it was hard for certain species to speak it and the language was rigid. However, the written version somewhat survived as its alphabet symbols were used as the bases for the written version of Common and High Common. Mostly forgotten some people use it or a version as a way to stay secretive.

The Twin Languages

These are two different languages that have grown very close but still differ in some ways. They originated from the two major Empires that ruled after the Chaos Epoc. The Twin Empires most Histories call them. They are all gone and their civilizations mysteriously disappeared. Only there great ancient structures spawning the galaxy exist barring witness to there existence. In some of these great structures are ancient libraries or record keeping facilities. Most of what is know about these great Empires including there languages have been learned from these places. The Carthegos and the Latiumians each with there own Language. However over nearly 100 centuries their languages partially merged. Today they are spoken largely the same way and share many of the same words only there written forms show differently.
Retrieved from "http://d20futurepath.com/index.php?title=Language&oldid=7732"