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Unearth Arcana - Revised Langues

This document presents playtest material for advanced language rules in Dungeons & Dragons. These mechanics offer a more nuanced approach to communication in your campaign world, replacing the standard language rules found in the Player's Handbook. This system is designed for campaigns where linguistic diversity, cultural barriers, and the challenge of translation play a significant role. As playtest material, these rules aren't fully balanced and might change. We welcome your feedback!

Unearthed Arcana: Expanded Languages

Language shapes adventures. Each tongue speaks of unique cultures, ancient histories, and distant lands. In this expanded ruleset, there is no universal "Common" tongue. Characters instead rely on a diverse tapestry of languages determined by their origin, background, and experiences.

Fluency Levels

Characters' understanding of languages is defined by fluency:

  • None: No comprehension.
  • Basic (Phrasebook): Understands simple greetings, common phrases, and rudimentary instructions. Relies heavily on context and gestures.
  • Conversational: Comfortable in everyday dialogue, able to barter, navigate, and grasp ordinary speech. Struggles with specialized vocabulary or complex discourse.
  • Fluent: Near-native proficiency. Understands idioms, subtle nuances, and complicated topics. Reads and writes proficiently.
  • Academic/Native: Mastery at the highest level, including archaic forms, complex texts, dialects, and deep cultural context.

Starting Languages

Characters gain initial languages based on their origins:

  • Origin: Fluent proficiency in primary language(s) of your homeland or upbringing (DM discretion).
  • Background: Often grants one additional language at Fluent proficiency.
  • Class/Race: Certain classes or races (such as Druids, Elves, or Dwarves) grant specific Fluent languages.

Language Families & Related Languages

Many languages share common roots, aiding comprehension of related tongues.

Mechanic: Fluent proficiency in one language might grant Basic proficiency or Advantage on Intelligence checks when interacting with closely related languages.

Example: Fluent proficiency in Common Delphic grants Advantage when interpreting Ancient Delphic texts or Basic fluency in related dialects.

Learning Languages

Learning or improving language skills occurs during Downtime:

  • Basic: 5 workweeks minus your Intelligence modifier.
  • Conversational: 10 workweeks minus your Intelligence modifier (from Basic or None).
  • Fluent: 10 workweeks minus your Intelligence modifier (from Conversational).
  • Academic: Requires extensive study, a dedicated tutor, or special quests (DM discretion).

Cost: Typically 25 gp per workweek, adjusted by rarity or availability of tutors and materials.

Immersion: Spending prolonged time immersed in a language-speaking community may grant Advantage on progress or reduce required time.

Languages of the World

Language Origin Speakers Family Script Real-World Analog
Arfordirian Arfordir Humans, Elves Arf-Haroldian Common French
Beccin Bec Humans, Elves Beccian Beccin Script Russian
Common Delphic Athenaeum Arcane users, Scholars Classical Delphic Script Greek/Latin
Modern Elvish Last Elven State Elves Elven Elven Elvish
Haroldian Harold-Ford Humans, Elves Arf-Haroldian Common English
Auran Unknown Dwarves, Elementals Dwarven Dwarven Runes Dwarvish
Ironic Iron Bash Dwarves, Elves Dwarven Dwarven Runes Dwarvish
Cavosian Great Cavern Dwarves Dwarven Dwarven Runes Dwarvish
Ikbesh Icebeach Humans, Elves Ikbesh Common English/Icelandic

(Add additional standard or exotic languages—like Undercommon, Draconic, Celestial, Infernal, and Abyssal—as needed for your campaign.)

Scripts & Literacy

Each language typically uses a specific script. Fluent proficiency usually includes literacy. Deciphering unfamiliar scripts requires Intelligence (Investigation) or (History) checks, possibly aided by Calligrapher’s Supplies proficiency.

Exotic & Secret Languages

  • Exotic Languages: Represent rare or ancient tongues—Draconic, Primordial, Abyssal—often requiring special circumstances or longer learning times.
  • Secret Languages: Thieves' Cant or Druidic, which cannot be learned normally and require specific class features or story-based circumstances.

Gameplay Impact

This expanded system emphasizes linguistic diversity:

  • Social Encounters: Communication challenges enhance roleplaying. Misunderstandings are frequent without shared languages.
  • Exploration & Investigation: Reading ancient texts, maps, or messages depends on linguistic proficiency.
  • Character Development: Language choices enrich character backgrounds and cultural ties.
  • Downtime Activity: Provides meaningful and thematic activities between adventures, enhancing immersion and depth of play.

Unearthed Arcana © Wizards of the Coast LLC | Used under Fair Use guidelines for homebrew purposes.

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