Every character will start the game being able to speak 2 languages and write 1 language (one of the two that he can speak). If your character is a Half-Elf or Half-Orc (p. 11), he will start with a third spoken language. The spoken languages should be based on the race and/or background of the character, with at least one of them being a common trade language for the area. The written language will be that of the character’s native language.

Characters may learn additional languages by purchasing the appropriate Talents.

Sample Languages

Common

This is also usually the trade tongue for a large majority of the campaign setting.

Dwarvish

Dwarves usually have two distinct dialects, Low Dwarvish and High Dwarvish. High Dwarvish is rarely taught to outsiders, and spoken only when alone with other Dwarves. Low Dwarvish is more of a trade tongue for the Dwarves and they are more willing to teach this to outsiders.

Elvish

This is the language of the Elves. This is sometimes broken down into various dialects based on the region where the Elves live. For example, Jungle Elves might speak a different dialect of Elvish than the elves living high in the northern mountains. High Elvish is the dialect spoken in the royal Elvish courts, it is a formal, stilted language and quite different from common Elvish.

Halfling

This language is rarely heard because Halflings rarely speak it when outsiders are around. They speak it only amongst themselves, preferring to use the language of neighboring races or cultures to interact with others.

Goblinoid

This is the language of Goblins and Hobgoblins.

Orcish

This is the language that Orcs speak. It is guttural and savage sounding.

Sleesh

This is the language of reptilian humanoids such as Kobolds and Lizardmen. It is a soft and sibilant language.

Thieves’ Cant

This is a specialized language, a sort of linguistic shorthand that can convey a lot of information in short order. The written form of this language is actually a series of codes and markers that allow those who know this language to spot such underworld locations as places to sell stolen goods, or where the local guild can be found. This language is never taught to anybody who is not part of the thieves’ guild, and they take precautions to make sure that it is not learned by outsiders.