8.3 Communication and Languages
Literacy: All characters with an Intelligence of -2 or higher are presumed to be literate, allowing them to read and write any language they speak. Each language has an alphabet, though sometimes several spoken languages share a single alphabet.
Language Rarity: Some languages are widely spoken in the world, while others are only encountered in unusual circumstances. Common languages are summarized on Table 8.4: Common Languages, below. Rare languages are summarized on Table 8.5: Rare Languages, below. Rare languages are more difficult to learn, and are usually only spoken by unusual creatures.
Learning Languages: Learning a language is a time-consuming process, and most characters only know a few languages based on their species. You can learn two common languages or one rare language in place of training a skill (see Skills). In addition, you can talk to your GM about knowing an additional language based on your character’s personal background.
| Language | Typical Speakers | Alphabet |
| Common | Civilized creatures |
Common |
| Draconic | Dragons, kobolds | Draconic |
| Dwarven | Dwarves | Dwarven |
| Elven | Elves | Elven |
| Giantish | Ogres, giants | Dwarven |
| Gnoll | Gnolls | Common |
| Gnome | Gnomes | Dwarven |
| Goblin | Goblins, hobgoblins | Dwarven |
| Halfling | Halflings | Common |
| Orcish | Orcs | Dwarven |
| Language | Typical Speakers | Alphabet |
| Abyssal | Evil planeforged |
Abyssal |
| Aquan | Water-based creatures | Elemental |
| Auran | Air-based creatures | Elemental |
| Celestial | Good planeforged | Celestial |
| Ignan | Fire-based creatures | Elemental |
| Sylvan | Dryads, faeries | Elven |
| Terran | Earth-based creatures | Elemental |
| Undercommon | Drow | Elven |