Languages¶
Every character knows Common plus two different languages chosen or rolled from the Standard Languages table. Knowing a language lets you communicate in it, read it, and write it. Class and other features can grant additional languages. Species alone does not automatically grant its associated language.
Standard languages¶
| Language | Origin |
|---|---|
| Common | Sigil |
| Common Sign Language | Sigil |
| Draconic | Dragons |
| Dwarvish | Dwarves |
| Elvish | Elves |
| Giant | Giants |
| Gnomish | Gnomes |
| Goblin | Goblinoids |
| Halfling | Halflings |
| Orc | Orcs |
Halfling appears in the standard language table, with Halflings as its origin. The name refers to both a species and its associated language.
Rare languages¶
The two ordinary starting choices come from the standard table. Rare languages are secret or less widespread; some features let you learn them. Follow the granting feature or your DM’s permission.
| Language | Origin |
|---|---|
| Abyssal | Demons of the Abyss |
| Celestial | Celestials |
| Deep Speech | Aberrations |
| Druidic | Druidic circles |
| Infernal | Devils of the Nine Hells |
| Primordial | Elementals |
| Sylvan | The Feywild |
| Thieves’ Cant | Various criminal guilds |
| Undercommon | The Underdark |
Primordial dialects¶
Primordial includes Aquan, Auran, Ignan, and Terran. Speakers of one of these dialects can communicate with speakers of the others. These are dialects of Primordial, not four extra entries on the standard starting-language table.
Source: supplied Player’s Handbook (2024), chapter 2, Choose Languages, printed page 37 (PDF page 36).
Imported source¶
Original internal-site content. The rulebook citations in the original page are retained.