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Post by Jesse Ross on Jan 11, 2017 2:57:46 GMT
I'm currently working up an NPC spellcaster with a focus on communication and languages (Message, Comprehend Languages, Speak with Animals, Tongues, etc). One thing that I was hoping for her to have was a spell that allowed her to not just communicate with a being she doesn't share a language with, but to truly learn their language in a shorter timeframe than the standard 250 days indicated in the PHB.
I'm wondering if you all would be willing to help me beat up this idea and help make sure it feels balanced.
Learn Language (5th-level divination)
Casting Time: 1 hour
Range: Self
Components: V, M (a treant leaf consumed by the spellcaster)
Duration: Permanent
You learn a language from one willing or charmed creature that you touch for the spell's duration. The creature must have an Intelligence of 3 or higher and know at least one language. If a creature has lower Intelligence or does not know any languages, this spell has no effect. If the creature can only speak the language but not read it (or vice versa), the effect of this spell matches the creature's knowledge.
This spell doesn't allow learning arcane languages, such as those used in the casting of spells.
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Post by lasersniper on Jan 11, 2017 20:51:18 GMT
This feels more ritualistic or enchantment then spell. Especially since it is a permanent effect.
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Post by Jesse Ross on Jan 12, 2017 14:50:11 GMT
This feels more ritualistic or enchantment then spell. Especially since it is a permanent effect. Thanks for the feedback. How would you change the description to make it work better as a ritual or enchantment? |
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Post by joatmoniac on Jan 13, 2017 5:32:33 GMT
First, if it is an NPC then balance and whatever else doesn't need to be too ironed out. If it is something that then a PC could learn then it would become important. For 5e the first hesitancy I have about the spell is the Duration: Permanent, but that is mainly because there are currently no true permanent spells in the game, at this point. So, using some of the longest duration spells as examples Simulacrum and Hallow I think that the Duration: Until dispelled could be an interesting and applicable fit. From there I would leave the level at 5, and the school as Divination. I would add on a GP cost for the materials because it is a big deal to have a permanent language, and essentially if this is in the hands of a PC they could very quickly be C3PO at 9th level. I like the idea of the spell requiring a link to a creature, and it is that link that I would leverage to fulfill the Duration: Until dispelled. Essentially the spell is cast on that creature until it is dispelled off of them. They would act as the translating go between for you and the language you can now comprehend. This would also mean that the death of this creature would cancel the spell, and it would also help fit the idea that it is Divination as the spell would need to tap into the brain of the other creature while you were needing things to be translated. You could also start to do fun RP stuff from there. The NPC or PC that speaks using a language that they know in this way speaks with the voice of the creature that they cast this on. The creature might not be able to speak, or even says the words that the caster is now saying, etc. Hopefully that makes sense, and is helpful, or is totally wrong, and someone has a better idea. Whatever gets us all a great spell! |
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Post by Guest on Jan 27, 2017 2:42:05 GMT
First, if it is an NPC then balance and whatever else doesn't need to be too ironed out. If it is something that then a PC could learn then it would become important. For 5e the first hesitancy I have about the spell is the Duration: Permanent, but that is mainly because there are currently no true permanent spells in the game, at this point. So, using some of the longest duration spells as examples Simulacrum and Hallow I think that the Duration: Until dispelled could be an interesting and applicable fit. From there I would leave the level at 5, and the school as Divination. I would add on a GP cost for the materials because it is a big deal to have a permanent language, and essentially if this is in the hands of a PC they could very quickly be C3PO at 9th level. I like the idea of the spell requiring a link to a creature, and it is that link that I would leverage to fulfill the Duration: Until dispelled. Essentially the spell is cast on that creature until it is dispelled off of them. They would act as the translating go between for you and the language you can now comprehend. This would also mean that the death of this creature would cancel the spell, and it would also help fit the idea that it is Divination as the spell would need to tap into the brain of the other creature while you were needing things to be translated. You could also start to do fun RP stuff from there. The NPC or PC that speaks using a language that they know in this way speaks with the voice of the creature that they cast this on. The creature might not be able to speak, or even says the words that the caster is now saying, etc. Hopefully that makes sense, and is helpful, or is totally wrong, and someone has a better idea. Whatever gets us all a great spell! There are permanent spells, such as Teleportation Circle and True Polymorph. The rider is that you have to concentrate for the full duration or recast the spell over a long period of time. This spell would work fine with such provisions, e.g. duration: 8 (or 24) hours, then add something to the spell description like, "If you cast this spell to learn the same language every day for X days, the effect becomes permanent." Obviously you'll want X to be less than 250 days to make it worthwhile. As a DM, I'd aim for 90 or 120, but I think you'd be fine going as low as 30. That said, I agree with your initial statement. There's no need to detail NPC abilities, unless, as you said, a PC expressed an interested in acquiring said abilities. |
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Post by Jesse Ross on Feb 1, 2017 2:55:46 GMT
This spell would work fine with such provisions, e.g. duration: 8 (or 24) hours, then add something to the spell description like, "If you cast this spell to learn the same language every day for X days, the effect becomes permanent." Obviously you'll want X to be less than 250 days to make it worthwhile. As a DM, I'd aim for 90 or 120, but I think you'd be fine going as low as 30. I like that. I think I'll incorporate the "every day" requirement, using 30 days. It sort of functions like a magically enhanced language immersion program  Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone. |
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Post by Jesse Ross on Feb 1, 2017 2:58:24 GMT
Essentially the spell is cast on that creature until it is dispelled off of them. They would act as the translating go between for you and the language you can now comprehend. This would also mean that the death of this creature would cancel the spell, and it would also help fit the idea that it is Divination as the spell would need to tap into the brain of the other creature while you were needing things to be translated. You could also start to do fun RP stuff from there. The NPC or PC that speaks using a language that they know in this way speaks with the voice of the creature that they cast this on. I also really love this idea. The RP possibilities are super quirky and make total sense. Great suggestion! |
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drdoost
Squire
Posts: 33 
Favorite D&D Class: Bard
Favorite D&D Race: Aasimar
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Post by drdoost on Feb 12, 2017 23:54:57 GMT
I really like this idea. You could have some sort of system in place for non-magic users to still be able to talk. The bigger cities might have places similar to Telegraph booths from the western days where you could send messages to people for a fee. I'm probably going to add both your spell and this "Spellegraph" idea to my game.  |
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Post by Jesse Ross on Feb 13, 2017 14:34:18 GMT
I really like this idea. You could have some sort of system in place for non-magic users to still be able to talk. The bigger cities might have places similar to Telegraph booths from the western days where you could send messages to people for a fee. I'm probably going to add both your spell and this "Spellegraph" idea to my game. Love the "spellegraph" idea. I think I'll steal that one for my game  |
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