Trained Only

The Read/Write Language skill doesn't work like a standard skill.

• You automatically know how to read and write your native language; you do not need ranks to do so.
• Each additional language costs 1 rank. When you add a rank to Read & Write Language, you choose a new language that you can read and write.
• You never make Read & Write Language checks. You either know how to read and write a specific language or you don't.
• To be able to speak a language that you can read and write, you must take the Speak Language skill for the appropriate language.
• You can choose any language, modern or ancient. Your GM might determine that you can't learn a specific language due to the circumstances of your campaign.

The languages commonly spoken (and written) are as follows: Aleerin (Mechalus), Fraal, Galactic Standard*, Hatire, Nariac, Old Earth**, Rigunmor, Sheyan, Thuldan, T’sa, and Weren.

Galactic Standard is, as one might assume, the “common” tongue, spoken and understood by most educated members of all the major cultures in the Star*Drive universe.

Old Earth Languages are neither as many nor as common as they once were, but several of the major languages remain in use, particularly in the Union of Sol. English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and German are the most frequently heard, though others exist in small pockets. Each Old Earth language skills must be learned individually.