World of Aletheia
Language Ability in GURPS
In GURPS, language ability is measured by comprehension levels, which describe how well a character can function in a language. Spoken and written comprehension are purchased separately if they differ.
Each language may be known at one of the following levels:
None (0 points)
Broken (1 point) Basic recognition of words and simple sentences.
Accented (2 points) Clear and functional communication, even under stress.
Native (3 points) Full, native mastery of the language, including idiom and nuance.
You must spend points separately for spoken and written fluency, which may be purchased at different levels. Full written and spoken mastery of a language will therefore cost 6 points.
NOTE: Thieves’ Cant is purchased as a flat 1-point contact language and does not use the standard comprehension levels. See Thieves’ Cant below for details on its use and limitations.
Language Points and Background Frameworks
All player characters receive 6 free character points that may be spent on languages and literacy. These points represent typical background exposure in Aletheia rather than deliberate training.
These 6 points may be spent on:
Spoken language comprehension
Written language comprehension
Additional languages beyond the local language
The frameworks below are suggested background patterns, not requirements. You may follow one closely, modify it, or ignore it entirely.
You may also spend additional character points on languages if your character concept supports greater linguistic ability.
Any of the 6 free points that are not spent on languages or literacy may be reassigned to other traits. These reassigned points count as coming from a disadvantage, reflecting reduced linguistic exposure compared to the norm.
Related Languages
Some languages in Aletheia are closely related, including:
Aldren and Eskar
Vatarese and Thavere
Related languages do not grant automatic comprehension or point discounts. In play, limited recognition or partial understanding may occur in specific situations. All such cases are handled by the Game Master, based on context, stress, and complexity.
Framework Example: Oral Traditionalist
This framework represents cultures and communities where knowledge is transmitted primarily through speech, memory, and practice rather than writing.
Point Allocation
Local language
Spoken: Native level, 3 points
High Speech
Spoken: Broken level, 1 point
Remaining points
Unspent or reassigned, 2 points
What This Represents in Play
The character has a strong spoken command of their local language and relies almost entirely on oral communication. Exposure to High Speech comes through hearing ritual, story, or proclamation, but reading and writing are not part of daily life.
This framework suits characters from strongly traditional communities, isolated regions, Skeldic areas with oral emphasis, some wood elven groups, and cultures where literacy is uncommon or unnecessary.
Framework Example: Traveller or Trade-Exposed
This framework represents characters who regularly move between communities and rely on practical communication across cultures.
Point Allocation
Local language
Spoken: Native level, 3 points
Second regional language or Pirate Tongue
Spoken: Broken level, 1 point
High Speech
Spoken: Broken level, 1 point
Remaining point
Unspent or reassigned, 1 point
Some players may wish to invest extra points for a particularly cosmopolitan character.
What This Represents in Play
The character communicates effectively across regions through practical spoken language. They may recognise multiple accents and switch languages as needed, but literacy is uneven and often situational. Written communication is secondary to face-to-face exchange.
This framework suits merchants, sailors, caravan guards, guides, messengers, and others whose lives involve regular contact with different languages.
Framework Example: Educated or Scholarly Leaning
This framework represents characters who received structured instruction and regular exposure to written material.
Point Allocation
Local language
Spoken: Native level, 3 points
Written: Accented level, 2 points
High Speech
Written: Broken level, 1 point
Further investment in languages might include:
- higher written comprehension in High Speech
- knowledge of additional regional languages
- familiarity with Scriptura Canonis
What This Represents in Play
The character reads and writes comfortably in their local language and can navigate formal written material. They have limited but functional exposure to written High Speech, usually through study, copied texts, or instruction, even if spoken use remains rare.
This framework suits scribes, scholars, formally trained clergy, students of doctrine or law, and others whose background involved deliberate education.
Framework Example: Criminal or Underworld Background
This framework represents characters with sustained involvement in criminal, illicit, or underground networks.
Point Allocation
Local language
Spoken: Native level, 3 points
Thieves’ Cant
Contact language: 1 point
High Speech
Spoken: Broken level, 1 point
Remaining point
Unspent or reassigned, 1 point
What This Represents in Play
The character speaks their local language fluently and has working knowledge of Thieves’ Cant, allowing them to recognise and use coded speech, gesture, and signals within criminal or underground settings. Exposure to High Speech reflects general public and religious contact rather than formal education or institutional training.
This framework suits thieves, smugglers, fences, scouts, spies, and others whose background includes long-term participation in illicit or marginal communities.
Framework Example: Culturally Insular Community
This framework represents characters from communities that intentionally preserve their own language and traditions and limit outside influence.
Point Allocation
Local language
Spoken: Native level, 3 points
Written: Accented level, 2 points
High Speech
Spoken: Broken level, 1 point
What This Represents in Play
The character has strong command of their own language in both spoken and written forms and places cultural value on internal tradition. Exposure to High Speech exists, usually through ritual or necessary contact, but remains limited and external.
This framework suits traditional dwarven holds, high elven communities, strongly insular Skeldic regions, and any culture that prioritises continuity over adaptation.