Optional Language Rules

The following article is a optional detailed rule system for languages and scripts.

NATIVE TONGUE(S)
The OML for the character's native tongue(s) is determined by first adding the character's INT ability and a number based on the character's parent occupation.

LEARNING NEW LANGUAGES
To learn a new language, the character must use up three development rolls to open the skill. Normally, the language will open at SB1, however the opening skill base may be adjusted according to the familiarity of the language to the character's own. I have designed a table with opening SB levels for any language based on the language(s) known. Part of this table is reproduced below.

LANGUAGE TABLE
The following table shows the OML skill base levels for
opening new languages, based on how well another language is
known. If a character knows two or more languages in the table,
he uses the BEST OML. Note that "ancient" tongues are used, as
they may be of value in learning modern languages (much as Latin
is to learning Italian, Spanish etc.).

Language MLs have an effect on the table above. A character with a basic grasp (ML 29 or less) derives no benefit from related languages and opens new languages at OML of SB1. A character with a grasp (ML of 30-59) uses the table above but
subtracts one from the OML SB level (minimum of 1 always). Characters that have Fluency or Mastery (MLs 60-84 and 85+) use
the table with the OML SB levels above as normal.

Natural ML
In some cases, two languages may be so closely related to each other that speakers may have a basic chance to speak with
each other despite no having opened MLs. This "natural ML" exists only when a language has an OML level of SB4 or greater
(determined by the table). The natural ML is determined by subtracting 3 from the OML SB level in the table above, doubling
it, and then using this as a SB level for the Natural ML.

Example: Jard is an Ivinian with a 75 ML in his native tongue (fluency) and a languages SB of 13. He runs into
Bjarn who is from Harbaal and does not speak Ivinian. Jard would have a natural ML of 52 (OML would be SB5 from table;
subtract 3 yields a 2; Double this is 4 which multipies with language SB (13) to give 52 ).

LINGUISTICS SKILL
Linguistics is a Commumication Skill that is intended to reflect the character's knowledge about the structure of
language. There are a large number of rules for languages, and a few are universal. Knowledge of these rules will aid the
character in the development of new languages by giving a learning structure.

The skill works by allowing the character to add the Skill Index of his/her linguistics skill to the OML of any language
that is opened. Development rolls are awarded each time a new language ML is opened; 2 to 4 rolls is normal. Practice is only
allowed when exposed to linguistics texts/etc. Rolls may also be awarded when a character reaches fluency or mastery in a
language.

Skill: Linguistics - Communication Skill
Skill Base: INT INT WIL
OML: SB1

LANGUAGE ML MODIFIERS
The ML of a language is influenced by many factors. The concepts that are being communicated with the language can modify
the ML according to how complex/abstract they are. +10 if sender or reciever of written communication +0 if sending or receiving spoken communication.

+/- GM discretion (*)
-20 for very complex/abstract ideas
+0 for moderately complex ideas
+20 for formal or somewhat complex ideas
+40 for simple/ordinary ideas
+60 for ideas expressed at a purposely simple level
* - There are many adjustments that the GM may apply to language
ML. If the character has never actually engaged in conversation
with a native speaker (learning the language in a classroom) a
peanalty may apply. Accents (such as Trierzi north and south) may
also create a penalty for non natives.

SCRIPTS
Script skill may be described as the character's ability to read and write the script involved. Writing a script yields a +10 to script ML; if this exceeds 100, then a roll against ML is unnecessary (The 96-00 auto failure rule does not apply to scripts). Basically, a script ML is used when reading a written work. The character's ML reflects how comfortable he or she is with the script, being able to read a work despite poor handwriting, damage to the work, etc.. The ML may also reflect the speed at which the character reads. these speeds would depend somewhat on the type of script involved, but a scholar who is comfortable with a script should read around 500 words per minute.

All scripts are of two types: Phonetic, where each letter represents a certain sound; and Glyphic, where each symbol
represents a word or concept. Generally, phonetic scripts are easier to learn but are linked to the language in which they are
written. Glyphic scripts are much harder to learn but as they do not represent a particular language, they can be read by anyone
who knows the script. The Neramic symbol for life is the same whether you speak Ivinian or Dalken, and thus can be understood
by both even though thay cannot speak to each other. Some scripts are ill-suited to some languages. This also
applies to glyphic scripts. For example, Shek P'var glyphic scripts, such as Vastienish, are not designed to be translated
into normal speech as all of its symbols are odivshe principles and feelings. There are also minor examples, such as the lack of
a symbol for iceberg in Neramic, or the lack of a letter in any script except in runic for an aspirated short U (as used in the
runic spelling of Fuhreling).

The chart above reflects the difficulties that someone may
encounter when enscribing a language using another script. The
adjustment above is to the character's script ML. The penalties
above for Neramic reflect cultural differences and are due to
symbols that are nonexistent or inappropriate in the context of
these cultures.

LEARNING SCRIPTS
Scripts are opened by applying at least three develpoment rolls (36 hours training) to the appropriate script skill. The OML of the script is based to a major degree on its complexity.