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 and rare languages are listed in Table 8.4: Languages, below. Rare languages are more difficult to learn, and are usually only spoken by unusual creatures.
Some intelligent but non-civilized monsters, such as gnolls and lizardfolk, have their own language. You can learn the language of a single type of monster as a rare language. They are not all listed invidually here due to the sheer number of languages.
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.
Writing Systems: There are four common writing systems: letters, glyphs, runes, and sigils. Each writing system can express multiple languages.
| Common Language | Typical Speakers | Writing System |
| Common | Civilized creatures |
Letters |
| Draconic | Dragons, kobolds | Glyphs |
| Dwarven | Dwarves | Runes |
| Elven | Elves | Glyphs |
| Giantish | Ogres, giants | Runes |
| Goblin | Goblins, hobgoblins | Runes |
| Halfling | Halflings | Letters |
| Human | Humans | Letters |
| Orcish | Orcs | Runes |
| Rare Language | Typical Speakers |
Writing System |
| Abyssal | Evil soulforged |
Sigils |
| Elysian | Good soulforged | Sigils |
| Moirain | Lawful soulforged | Sigils |
| Monster languages | Various monsters | Varies |
| Protean | Chaotic soulforged | Sigils |
| Sylvan | Dryads, fae | Glyphs |
| Undercommon | Underground creatures | Runes |