HEROIC REALMS

RULE CHANGE (General Skills): Languages, Reading, Writing

For valuable consideration, we wanted to inform everyone of an upcoming change to the rules of the game. As of late many players have had several questions as it relates to languages, reading, and writing. These questions have allowed us to rethink the way these skills are used and portrayed in the game. For most of you, the rule changes to languages, reading and writing will not necessarily directly impact your character.

Since it is not necessary to make an immediately rule change now, you may expect these changes to occur next season; they will be updated in the rulebook. Alternatively, some of you may wish to make changes to your characters now to include these changes. For that reason, we will allow players to update their character to include the new changes as outlined below.

Languages I/II: Characters selecting this skill may acquire one language from a different species i.e. Elf, Orc, Triclopse, Kobold, etc. Following the acquisition of this skill, players will need to indicate what language they understand and have it recorded on their character sheet. This skill may be purchased not more than twice. This skill will not allow characters the ability to read and write the acquired language. See reading and writing for more details. Please note each player naturally understands common tongue as well as their racial tongue if they are playing a racial class other than human. Languages I/II cost (1) general skill point each. For role-playing purposes, characters that speak different languages should state “clarify, I am speaking (insert language i.e. elf) to surrounding players. Players that do not understand a specific language will need to act as though they do not know what is being said.

Reading I/II/III: Characters with this skill may read the common language inscribed on scrolls, maps, paintings, or any object revealing text written in the common language. Characters without this skill will need to act as though they cannot read; they will be illiterate. Please note characters that acquire this skill will be able to read their racial language as well as common. Additionally, when this skill is stacked with the skill languages, players may possess the ability to read the text of another chosen language other than common. This is accomplished by acquiring “reading I/II/III. Since players can only learn two additional languages other than common and that of their race, reading I/II/III will allow characters the ability to read each language a player can speak. Players must learn to read “common” before all other languages. Reading I/II/II cost (1) general skill point each.

Writing I/II/III: Writing provides those with an ability to write in the common language. Characters may find this ability useful for messages and scroll creation. The prerequisite for this skill is reading. Please note characters that acquire this skill will be able to write their racial language as well as common. Additionally, when this skill is stacked with the skill languages, players may possess the ability to write the text of another chosen language other than common. This is accomplished by acquiring “writing” II and III. Since players can only learn two additional languages other than common and that of their race, writing I/II/III will allow characters the ability to write each language a player can speak. Players must learn to write “common” before all other languages. Writing I/II/II cost (1) general skill point each. For role-playing purposes, anyone scribing a document in a specific language will need to indicate the type of language the document is written in. This can be done by indicating the name of the language at the top of a page document. If no language is indicated, it will be understood that the document, scroll etc. is written in the common tongue.

***If you know a current participant of the game that does not have the internet and cannot read this post, please pass the news along.

Keith…some clarifications please

You said these changes will occur next season so does that mean

1. For the rest of this season if you know additional languages you can read & write them?
2. If so when will that change go into effect?
a. After the last game
b. New Years Day
c. First game next year

Since we RP on the board over the winter I feel we need to know when we should start the change.

Well this is a slightly irritating change, but I suppose it makes sense from a mechanical standpoint. I hope it isn't retroactive or at least waits til next season though, because I'd now need to spend two points I currently do not have to keep up with stuff Artha already has had up til now (reading and writing in Draconian).

Two more clarifications:
1) For those of us who already have additional languages, are we going to at all need to spend additional skill points to keep being able to read and write in other languages, or is this just for future skill point buying?
2) Scribing. If we are going to need to spend skill points to match this change, am I going to need to spend another skill point for "Scribing II" to be able to scribe stuff in Draconian, or is Scribing an all-encompassing skill like the others used to be?

Thanks for the questions. I know this can be irritating to some, but we feel the changes are necessary both logically and mechanically. Be glad you weren't involved during the play test of HR. Just think of all the changes others have had to endure...poor adventurers (LOL).
1) This change will occur following the last game of this year...the day after.
2) Anyone seeking to read and/or write any language beyond common or racial will need to expand additional general skill points.
3) As stated in the rulebook (Scribing): Much like writing, scribing is viewed as highly articulate in form and style. Scribes are often hired by nobles and paid well for their services. So, to answer your question, it is all encompassing; it stays the same.

Ok I have a few logistical questions. (Yeah you knew they were coming)

1. When you state that you will allow characters to update for the changes, will this allow players to exchange existing general skills on their charachter sheet for points to spend on the new skills. The reason I ask, and I am certain I am not alone in this, is that some may have purchased general skills not as important to them as perhaps the reading and writing of languages, based on the fact the skills being implemented now were not previously available? ie. Joe purchased Heraldry for his character because he has already acquired all the language skills he wanted, but now with the rule change, he would prefer to have reading and writing in Dwarven than Heraldry. (I didnt look up points for the example, but i think you get the idea)

2. How does this effect the skill ancient languages if at all? The rulebook reads "Ancient Languages- Adventurers with the knowledge of ancient languages will have the ability to understand the fundamentals of most ancient languages. Reading and Languages are a prerequisite for this skill." Will additional reading/writing points be needed for this as well?

3. Can you clarify what is considered an ancient language over what is considered an acquireable language skill? For example Drow is not considered an ancient language to my knowledge and is a specific acquireable skill. What languages are considered Ancient languages and how do they differ from the language skill? And how can they be discerned in game?

4. Do any of the existing languages such as Kobald, Drow, Dryad, Draconian, etc not have a written form? If so, what are they? Some races/cultures are more creature like and may not have a written language which is why I ask.

Thank you in advance for clarification.

1) No, the change doesn't occur until after the season is over...you may purchase now if you'd like.
2) There were languages that were spoke long ago "Ancient Languages" that are no longer spoken in today’s world. The skill provides the basic knowledge that languages existed long ago. If by chance, in-game a tome, item, etc. was scribed with "Ancient Languages" a player with this skill could understand what was written. This skill does not allow people to speak in a dialect that reflects that of "Ancient Languages."
3) See number "2" above
4) For mechanical purposes, every acquirable language has a written form to it. However, some are more commonly scribed than others. For instance, it would be rare to see something written in Dryad.

Alright, that works, I'll burn off two of the points I get at level-up in the last game of the season.

Okay...so in the case of my character Cali being an elf who has already purchased reading and writing...am I able to read and write in Elvish or do I need to purchase that?

No, players naturally understand common tongue as well as their racial tongue if they are playing a racial class other than human. Therefore, when they acquire the skills "reading" and "writing" they can read&write in both common as well as the race of their character.