Languages of Tarien
The Library at the University of Karradone
Several languages exist in Tarien, most falling into one of four language groups. Languages exist as both written and spoken. They vary from region to region, although three have become the languages of trade. From the The Nerrid Alliance all the way east to The Citystate of Yaty, Yatian is the primary language of trade. Eldorian becomes popular in Yaty and most people speak Eldorian all the way to New Solarin. Along the Azemathian Frontier, all commonly uses that language. People in The Kingdom of Galencia, The Free Township of Dalencroft, and The Soulmeliti Forests generally speak Soulmeliti. In The Flietch-ta Empire and The Elanthai Council, learned people know both tongues, and some may know Soulmeliti.
Contents
A linguistics professor once attempted to develop the definitive Eldorian/Nerridian dictionary. The poor fellow worked furiously for sixty years until he died, and only managed to complete his introduction, a 1200 word piece concerning the definitions of the word Nerrid and its plethora of relational contexts.
Land of Tongues
Given the isolation of different races and nations in Tarien, there is no common trade language. The closest would be Eldorian, which is spoken by many sailors and trade caravans. Characters, upon creation, can substitute Common for any other language in Tarien, typically that from their homeland, as a native language. This means that characters start with three languages (but not Common) during character creation.
When selecting languages during character creation, characters are encouraged to pick from the regional languages described here, as well as other, more esoteric languages like Abyssal or Draconic.
Related Languages
Some languages are similar enough to others that characters who speak one can get the gist of what is being said. To do so, the language must be adjacent to one known by the character and they must make a successful Intelligence (DC 20) test. Success gives them enough understanding to get the basics of what was being said.
Rarity of Literacy
Unlike some other worlds, learning to read and write is not common. While the world has its share of nobles, scholars, priests, and magi that use the written word, the majority a the world cannot recognize more that few of them. As such, characters in Tarien cannot, be default, read or write a language that they can speak.
A few exceptions do occur, for select classes and backgrounds. Characters in the classes of Cleric and Wizard both generally know how to read and write their native languages. In addition, characters with the backgrounds of Acolyte, Noble, and Scribe also commonly know how to read and write their native languages.
Exceptions, of course, occur. If you think your character's backstory should include the ability to read and write, work with your dungeon master.
Learning Languages
Characters can also work to learn a language (or to read or write one) by working with a party member or NPC who speaks it. Typically these lessons take a year to attain fluency. Alternatively, characters that are fully immersed in an another language - such as an Eldorian living in halls of New Kharolin, can gain fluency in two to six months.