Language I-III
To speak a language, a hero needs that Language special ability. Language has three levels, which measure comprehension and fluency (see The Meaning of Language Levels, below). A list of available languages appears on page 222. This must be purchased separately for each language.
Rules: The hero speaks the language at the chosen level of fluency. To read and write the language, the hero must also buy the appropriate Literacy special ability (see page 217).
Prerequisites: the previous level of the special ability (exception: Level I)
AP Value: 2 adventure points per level
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Language Specialization
Optional Rule
The hero knows a dialect or a special form of a language (such as a professional language, like Mage’s Bosparano or Hunter’s Bosparano).
Rules: Knowing and using a Language Specialization grants the hero a bonus of 1 for Fast-Talk (Hard Sell), as long as the other person speaks the same dialect.
The GM decides if the bonus applies. A character with a dialect might suffer a penalty of 1 in some situations, such as when the other person has trouble understanding what is being said.
The use of this optional rule makes the game a little more complex.
Prerequisites: the relevant language at Level III
AP Value: 1 adventure point
Optional Rule
The hero knows a dialect or a special form of a language (such as a professional language, like Mage’s Bosparano or Hunter’s Bosparano).
Rules: Knowing and using a Language Specialization grants the hero a bonus of 1 for Fast-Talk (Hard Sell), as long as the other person speaks the same dialect.
The GM decides if the bonus applies. A character with a dialect might suffer a penalty of 1 in some situations, such as when the other person has trouble understanding what is being said.
The use of this optional rule makes the game a little more complex.
Prerequisites: the relevant language at Level III
AP Value: 1 adventure point
The Meaning of Language Levels
Depending on Level, the hero can hold different types of conversations. A hero who also has the corresponding Literacy special ability knows how to read and write the chosen language.
- Level I: The hero can understand and speak simple fragments of the language (“Yes.” “No.” “I’m hungry.”). Characters can write their names and a few other words if they also know the appropriate script (see Literacy, below).
- Level II: Characters seem quite fluent even though they speak with accents and can’t hold complex conversations. A hero with the relevant Literacy special ability can write simple notes and messages, but still makes mistakes.
- Level III: The hero speaks without an accent and is viewed as a local. At this level, reading or writing mistakes are uncommon. Native speakers automatically receive the language of their culture at this level.