Language
Languages are systems of communication used by the peoples of Elanthia.
Language mechanics
By default, all characters know and speak the Common language. Characters may select a different language by using the SPEAK verb, or by using a modifier with the SAY verb. Anything spoken in different language can only be understood by someone else who understands that language. To switch back to Common, use the command 'SPEAK COMMON'.
Example usage:
- SPEAK HALFLING
- SAY ~HALFLING Happy birthday!
Additionally, RECITE, SING, and WRITE will automatically use the selected language.
Many written signs across the lands may be written in the local language. When a character tries to READ a sign, they will only fully understand them if they know the language. Otherwise they will only be able to tell which language it is written in, but not what the contents are.
There are no graduated fluency mechanics in GemStone IV: either a character understands a language completely, or not at all. However, players are free to roleplay varying levels of familiarity.
List of languages
Common
The Common language is known to nearly all inhabitants of Elanith. It is the primary language spoken by humans.
Guildspeak
Each profession has its own language. Collectively known as Guildspeak, they include Bard, Cleric, Empath, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warrior, and Wizard.
Racial and cultural languages
Many races have their own language. These include Aelotian, Dark Elven, Dwarven, Elven, Erithian, Giantman, Gnomish, Halfling, Krolvin, and Sylvankind.
Certain languages are only available to specific cultures. These include Dhe'narsi, Faendryl, and Tehir.
A member of a given race and culture may know several different languages. For example, Burghal gnomes of the Winedotter bloodline know both their native Gnomish as well as Elven from their long history of living with elves, while the Aledotter gnomes instead know Dwarven as they make their homes near dwarf settlements.
This table shows language availability across all races.
"x" means a race automatically knows that language.
"C" means a race needs to have a specific culture to know that language.
| Language | Aelotoi | Dwarf | Elf | Dark Elf | Half-Elf | Human | Sylvankind | Erithian | Burghal Gnome | Forest Gnome | Giantman | Halfling | Half-Krolvin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Guildspeak | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Aelotian | x | ||||||||||||
| Dark Elven | x | C | |||||||||||
| Dhe'narsi | C | ||||||||||||
| Dwarven | x | C | |||||||||||
| Elven | x | x | x | x | x | C | |||||||
| Erithian | x | ||||||||||||
| Faendryl | C | C | |||||||||||
| Giantman | x | ||||||||||||
| Gnomish | x | x | |||||||||||
| Hafling | x | ||||||||||||
| Krolvin | x | ||||||||||||
| Sylvankind | C | x | |||||||||||
| Tehir | C | C |
This table show which cultures grant additional languages.
| Race | Culture | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Elf | Faendryl | Faendryl |
| Dark Elf | Dhe'nar | Dhe'narsi |
| Half-Elf | Ta'Faendryl | Dark Elven and Faendryl |
| Half-Elf | Tehir | Tehir |
| Half-Elf | Half-Sylvan | Sylvankind |
| Human | Tehir | Tehir |
| Human | Shakat | Tehir |
| Burghal Gnome | Winedotter | Elven |
| Burghal Gnome | Aledotter | Dwarven |