Alternate approach for Languages

[TippetsTX]

Given how precious a character's starting IQ is now, I've been considering ways to better use it. At the same time, given the cultural and racial diversity that must exist on a world as vast as Cidri, it seems a shame (and somewhat incongruous) that languages will often get the short shrift during character creation.

The idea, then, is to use IQ in a different way for learning new languages. Rather than 'spend' IQ, the stat value itself will determine how many languages a character will know. For every 5 (or maybe 4) points of IQ the character has, they will know one language. This includes their own native tongue. Raising IQ will allow the acquisition of a new language, but as with talents, study is also required.

A talent like Scholar or maybe a new one called Linguist could have the benefit of lowering the threshold to something like one language for every 3 IQ points.

BTW, I'm pretty sure this isn't a new idea. I know there were different proposals being thrown around back in July when Steve was looking for input on his changes to the talent list, though I didn't see this approach specifically. It seemed like a logical and simple solution, however, and it's possible I saw it someplace else that I can't remember.

[JLV]

Be careful! I got suspended over this discussion last time it came up! You're treading on dangerous ground here!

[TippetsTX]

Originally Posted by JLV

Be careful! I got suspended over this discussion last time it came up! You're treading on dangerous ground here!

I know some of the old Talent discussions I've been reading thru got heated last year, but I didn't think that languages were that controversial. Thanks for the head's up, though.

[hcobb]

Under the new rulebook isn't it the dumbest characters who will know the most languages?

Rocknoc, Age 45 Barbarian Poolboy
ST 16 DX 16(14) IQ 8 MA 12(10)
Great Sword(3d+1) Heavy Crossbow(3d) Leather Armor(2)
Sword(2), Crossbow(1), Horsemanship(1), Brawling(1), Carousing(1), Literacy(1), Quick-Draw-Sword(1), Running(2), Sex Appeal(1), Swimming(1), Mundane Talent: Pool Maintenance, and four foreign languages.

25 * 500 = 12,500 total XP of which 8,300 is in attributes, leaving 8 excess skill points.

[TippetsTX]

Originally Posted by hcobb

Under the new rulebook isn't it the dumbest characters who will know the most languages?

Well, that does appear to be one possible consequence (unintended, I'm sure) of there not being any minimum IQ for the learning of new languages. My proposal would address this loophole.

[hcobb]

Originally Posted by TippetsTX

Well, that does appear to be one possible consequence (unintended, I'm sure) of there not being any minimum IQ for the learning of new languages. My proposal would address this loophole.

So make it a cap. No character can know more than more than a quarter of their IQ in languages, including their native tongue.

Exceptions:

IQ 17+ wizards get Sorcerer Tongue for free as part of their basic Wizard training.

Scholars learn new languages for only 300 XP each and can learn up to half their IQ in languages.

Giants and Dragons can also learn their full IQ in languages.

[warhorse11h]

Originally Posted by TippetsTX

Given how precious a character's starting IQ is now, I've been considering ways to better use it. At the same time, given the cultural and racial diversity that must exist on a world as vast as Cidri, it seems a shame (and somewhat incongruous) that languages will often get the short shrift during character creation.

The idea, then, is to use IQ in a different way for learning new languages. Rather than 'spend' IQ, the stat value itself will determine how many languages a character will know. For every 5 (or maybe 4) points of IQ the character has, they will know one language. This includes their own native tongue. Raising IQ will allow the acquisition of a new language, but as with talents, study is also required.

A talent like Scholar or maybe a new one called Linguist could have the benefit of lowering the threshold to something like one language for every 3 IQ points.

BTW, I'm pretty sure this isn't a new idea. I know there were different proposals being thrown around back in July when Steve was looking for input on his changes to the talent list, though I didn't see this approach specifically. It seemed like a logical and simple solution, however, and it's possible I saw it someplace else that I can't remember.

Seems to me to be a workable variation. But, just to be sure I understand it, as a character advances and gains IQ, the ratio of languages to IQ would remain constant?

[TippetsTX]

Originally Posted by warhorse11h

Seems to me to be a workable variation. But, just to be sure I understand it, as a character advances and gains IQ, the ratio of languages to IQ would remain constant?

Unless you have a special talent that changes the ratio, yes.

[warhorse11h]

Originally Posted by TippetsTX

Unless you have a special talent that changes the ratio, yes.

Ok thanks. I may incorporate this idea. With your permission of course. Heresy against the rules as written appeals to me.