Languages of the Empire

Table of Contents

1. Language Overview
2. Skill Level Definitions
3. Maximum Number Of Languages
4. Linguistics Skill
5. Language List

Related Rules

• Character Generation Rules
• Skills: Usage and Improvement

Language Overview

Each character will start the game with at least one language, Tyconian Standard. In addition, many characters will have one or more additional languages. Non-Humans frequently have their racial language. Any character can have the language of the planet on which they grew up, also known as their planetary language. While all characters have Tyconian Standard, the additional languages are available, as desired, to fit with character backgrounds. Additional languages are gained as learned skills during character creation or through play.

Low tech planets (tech level 9 and below) frequently have multiple languages being used on the planet as opposed to a single planet wide language. By tech level 10 and above, a single language has usually been established. Many high tech planets (tech level 12 and above) use Tyconian Standard as their planetary language.

All characters are fluent in Tyconian Standard, as mentioned above, and have a starting skill level of 4+1d6 (5 - 10).

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Skill Level Definitions

Familiarity

Skill levels from 1 to 5 represent basic familiarity with a language. At this skill level a person can speak adequately and communicate in most situations. Vocabulary is moderate and grammar and conjugation are acceptable.

Fluency

Skill levels from 6 to 10 represent fluency. At this skill level a person is considered fluent in the language. They can speak easily and clearly on any topic. At the higher end of this range, the character speaks like a native often with no discernable accent and may be able to emulate other accents.

Literary Fluency

Skill levels in excess of 10 are considered exceptionally fluent in the language. This level represents poets, authors, orators, and others exceptionally competent with the language.

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Maximum Number of Languages

A character may know a number of languages equal to their Education.

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Linguistics

The Linguistics skill represents a study of languages and their structure. It can be used to translate a newly discovered language (with time and some frame of reference). It can also be used to translate a language similar to a known language by identifying common roots and other similarities and common lineage.

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Language List (partial)

• Tyconian Standard
• Darid
• Sussarian
• Planetary Languages

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