A Question of Language

[Claymore]

Ok, then question #2 (this one came up during character creation last week)

What exponent level indicates fluency? For example, if a character has an exponent of 2, is that spoken with a heavy accent and fair comprehension? I couldn't find any information about it in the rules.


-Claymore

[eruditus]

Ok, then question #2 (this one came up during character creation last week)

What exponent level indicates fluency? For example, if a character has an exponent of 2, is that spoken with a heavy accent and fair comprehension? I couldn't find any information about it in the rules.


-Claymore

I got the idea from this post that it will be prefferred in the future that languages are traits, no? As a skill I would make a guess:

1 and 2 might be heavily accented
3 would be fluent
4 and 5 would be native
6+ would demonstrate subtleties in language use (this would be a great FoRK for poetry)

am i far off?

[luke]

Ok, then question #2 (this one came up during character creation last week)

What exponent level indicates fluency? For example, if a character has an exponent of 2, is that spoken with a heavy accent and fair comprehension? I couldn't find any information about it in the rules.

Starting characters may choose their native tongue at their Perception exponent. Additional skill points may be added on top of this special root in order to advance its starting rank. Tests for advancement in game can be earned via practice, or during proper roleplaying moments.

exp 1 Some vocabulary
exp 2 Rudimentary phrasing and comprehension
exp 3 Accent-inflected fluency. You still speak a mix of two languages. You get jokes.
exp 4 Full fluency. You understand how to use prepositions. You can comprehend idiomatic expressions.
exp 5 Expert fluency. You understand grammar and syntax in your new language. Dreams appear in your new language.
exp 6 You reflexively think in your new language.
exp 7 Understanding of high and fundamental concepts.
exp 8 Greater understanding than native speakers. Full comprehension of dialect variations. Perfect diction, perfect grammar, perfect syntax.

[eruditus]

Well, if you wanna get fancy about it...

;)

great job, abzu. I dig the subtleties. i found this type of stuff becomes important in spy/cold war sorts of games where it not only important if you speak a language but that your accent cannot be located. High levels in two non-native languages and a little acting is great for these situations whee you can actually speak a language with a slight accent from another area entirely :)

[luke]

it's funny. i'd think it would be even more important in fantasy games, where language/accent really identifies your culture. Especially since travel is not as easy or widespread in medieval fantasy, being able to imitate accents would be very powerful.

Include language skills of 4+ as FoRKs for Inconspicuous and Disguise. 7+ gets you two dice. For language skills of 3+, feel lucky i don't impose a penalty.