Languages and Literacy

Being able to speak a language does not always mean you are also able to read and write that language. The ability to speak a language is covered by the skill Speak Language, while the ability to read and write a language is covered by the skill Literacy.

At 1st level, if you have a positive Intelligence modifier, you may spend a number of points equal to that modifier, in either Speak Language or Literacy, picking only from the bonus languages listed for your race (you may also spend these points on Literacy for languages listed as automatically spoken). Speak Language and Literacy are treated as class skills for these bonus points. A Barbarian can not spend these points in Literacy (see Illiteracy).

Skill: Speak Language

Class skill for Bard, Cleric, and Wizard.

The Speak Language skill doesn’t work like other skills:

• You can purchase Speak Language just like any other skill, but instead of buying a rank in it, you choose a new language that you can speak.
• You don’t make Speak Language checks. You either know a language or you don’t.
• At 1st level you are able to speak any of the languages listed as automatically spoken for your race.

Skill: Literacy

Class skill for Bard, Cleric, and Wizard.

The Literacy skill doesn’t work like other skills:

• You can purchase Literacy just like any other skill, but instead of buying a rank in it, you choose a new language you can read and write.
• A Barbarian must spend 2 skill points in Literacy before being able to use this skill as normal (see Illiteracy).
• You don’t make Literacy checks, you either know how to read and write a language, or you don’t.
• At 1st level you are able to read and write any of the languages listed as automatically literate for your race.

Illiteracy

A Barbarian may only use skill points to gain Literacy, bonus points gained at 1st level for having a positive Intelligence modifier may not be used. A Barbarian must spend 2 skill points in Literacy to overcome their illiteracy before being able to spend further points to actually learn to read and write. A Barbarian who gains a level in any other class automatically gains literacy and no longer has to spend the additional 2 points. Any other character who gains a barbarian level does not lose the literacy he or she already had.

Languages