Language Dialects 4E

[Ninja D!]

How far back it goes kind of varies but that is related to the history of the setting.  Basically the root language is the name given to the language a race spoke when they first came to the island continent.  Those languages gradually changed in different cultures and are now recognized as different dialects or even different languages.  Think like a single lonely old white British man talking to an American born, English speaking black kid whose parents or grandparents are from Africa.  It is possible to communicate most things but there will be plenty of misunderstandings and confusion.

[Ninja D!]

On Languages and Language Dialects of the Island Continent

The many and diverse inhabitants of the island continent speak almost as many different languages.  Today more languages are spoken there than at any other time during the course of history.  It is easy for the trained ear of a skilled linguist to identify that most of these languages, while spoken by different peoples in different environments, have descended through time from a much smaller number of root languages.  The changes have taken place gradually, influenced by countless factors, but the result is a peculiar one.

It is common for people of two distinct cultures, who speak very differently from one another, to need to communicate.  When these people speak dialects of the same root language it is quite possible, though with a little difficulty.  Sometimes different pronunciations for like words are used and slang is an ever present problem.  However, with a little effort, successful communications can be achieved.  

What This Means

Distinct language dialects will be considered their own unique languages.  Each language will now also be given a root language.  

When two individuals attempt to communicate using different languages that share a common root language, they are able to do so, only with some difficulty.  This difficulty is represented by a -4 penalty on skill checks for Bluff, Diplomacy, and Insight.  This -4 penalty will also be applied to Intimidate and Streetwise skill checks that are made involving verbal communication (such as making verbal threats, gathering information, ect...).

When two individuals attempt to communicate using different languages that do not share a common root language, the results are the same as normal (no language-based verbal communication is possible).

On some occasions, differences in the way of speaking may vary even within the same language dialect.  This is due mostly to slang that is used in on settlement or region but not in another.  In most situations, this is easy to work past.  However, in extreme situations, this may also cause a penalty to Bluff, Diplomacy, Insight, and even Intimidate or Streetwise.  This is to be done at DM's discretion but the penalty should never exceed -2.

Version 1.1
Discussion of this should be directed  here.

[Pellanor]

*thumbsup*

Yet another idea I'll be thieving for my game :)

[Ninja D!]

Great, then it will be doing someone some good.  I'm glad.

[Moniker]

I would not use the -4. The mechanics behind 4E use bonuses ranging frm 1-6, dependant on level and penalties that are always either -2, or -5. I'd use one of those (-2 would be appropriate, -5 would be a bit harsh).

[Ninja D!]

I thought it was usually -2 or -4.  -2 doesn't seem like near enough to me.