BXDMG (WIP): Language Comprehension

People who've played in my games know that I'm sometimes big on languages in game play (which ones the PCs do/don't know, especially in regard to creatures encountered who don't speak Common). And if you have a copy of my BX D&D supplement Fang, Faith Legerdemain, (also available as POD at Lulu.com), then you know there's a lot of language information there that will also be making its way to the BXDMG. You also might have seen my previous blog post on Dialectical Misunderstanding. And looking back at that one myself, I realized it was a "bit too AD&D" for my taste. So I've revisited it based on a 2d6 roll (similar to a Reaction table). 

As a reminder, any reference to "p.00" is just a placeholder until final layout, and if you see anything you think should be adjusted, please let me know.

Language Comprehension

Even when two creatures do not share a common language, some degree of communication may still be possible through related tongues, familiar dialects, gestures, written text, or patient effort. The following guidelines can be used to determine how well a message is understood when language presents an obstacle.

Types of Communication

The manner in which a message is conveyed affects what can reasonably be understood. Although the same Language Comprehension table may be used for each, the results should be interpreted according to the form of communication.

• Spoken language is used whenever two creatures attempt to communicate through speech despite a language barrier. 
• Written language is used when attempting to read inscriptions, books, letters, maps, or other written texts in an unfamiliar language or script. 
• Signs and gestures are used when communication relies on pantomime, pointing, facial expressions, or other nonverbal cues. 
• Graphic communication is used when interpreting runes, heraldry, pictographs, arcane symbols, religious iconography, and other visual representations whose meaning depends on knowledge rather than language. It is suggested that such attempts be resolved using Lore Checks (see p. 00).

Resolving Communication Attempts

When the outcome of a communication attempt is uncertain or dramatically important, the DM may roll 2d6, apply the interpreter's (the creature attempting to understand the message) Intelligence modifier and any additional modifiers determined by the DM (see below), then interpret the result according to the form of communication being used.

Few conversations rely on a single form of communication. At the DM's discretion, speech, writing, and gestures may reinforce one another, improving the chances of successful understanding. Alternately, the DM may roll separately for each type of communication involved, allowing different parts of the message to be understood with varying degrees of success.

Magical effects that translate or otherwise overcome language barriers supersede these rules.