Your primary speak/ read write skills will be in your native language. Additionally everyone will have a skill in speak common which will start out at half of your speak own language skill. If you can read/write your own language then you will also get a r/w common skill at half the value of your native skill. If your initial training allows for a second language you may use that training to either increase your common skill or learn a third language.

Almost all trading in the land is carried out in common. Except between two similar cults. Then their native language is used.

As with any situation where differences occur there will always be purists. A few select trading houses refuse to do business in any language except that of Isseries. But there are usually interpreters available, for a price.

Most cults will speak their native language to one another only in private, or during ceremonies. It is generally considered rude to not speak common when there are people of another cult about.

One side effect of the various cult languages is that a magical device prepared by one cult may be unusable by another cult. Example: If you are a Humakt, you may recognize a bladesharp rune that has been enchanted by a Stormbull, but might have trouble casting the spell.
In game terms: with spells enchanted by a cult within your pantheon, you have a 75% normal chance of casting the spell. A spell enchanted by a cult not of your panthean you have a 50% normal chance of casting the spell. A spell enchanted by a memeber of your own cult, you have 100% of your normal chance to cast the spell.

Return to The Religion Page
Return to The Runequest Page