Star Trek Voyager RPG d20 System

6. Language
How it works in Star Trek RPG
During this early era of play (2130 – 2165) the idea of a Universal Translator is still in its infancy
and won’t even be in common use until the late 2150’s (and then only by cultures affiliated with
the Coalition of Planets). The UT won’t be a standard piece of technology until the 2170s when
it becomes more fine-tuned by necessity through the expansion of the Federation. Until then
UT’s are usually only found being used by the more advanced Starships and their crews.
This being said it is important that characters have the ability to speak multiple languages. All
characters begin play being fluent and literate in their native language. Some species
automatically begin play with more than one language. In those cases the secondary languages
should be treated as being conversational/proficient. If a player wishes to add extra languages at
first level, they must choose from the relevant species’ Optional Languages list.
To gain the ability to read/write or speak a language, a player must put at least one skill point
(maximum four) in the desired language skill. The language skill progression works as follows:
One Skill Point (Familiar)
A character understands only the most basic of words such as food, water, ship, yes and no. If
trying to communicate in this language a character only understands 10% of what is being said.
If trying to read a text the character can only decipher 10% of the words but cannot write in the
given language.
Two Skill Points (Basic Understanding)
While speaking the character can get across messages such as “I am from Earth” or “Where is the
closest Starbase?” A character can grasp basic concepts within a written text and can write terse
messages in the language but cannot give specific detail (only generalities). Overall
understanding is at 30%.
Three Skill Points (Conversational/Proficient)
While speaking the character can grasp most concepts but does not have the ability to discuss
technical details or abstract ideas. Also, colloquialisms are difficult (if not impossible) to
understand. Reading and writing greatly improve at this level. While a character could write a
letter to a friend in this language or read local newspapers technical information, legal language
and advanced phrasing are beyond their ability. Overall understanding is at 65%.
Four Skill Points (Fluent/Literate)
While speaking the character can understand complex phrasing, abstract concepts and even wax
philosophic. The character can read and comprehend even the most advanced texts with amazing
clarity and can translate a given text into their native language (or any language they are
Fluent/Literate in) with ease. A character has the ability to write detailed treatises and has a
decent grasp on colloquialisms. Overall understanding is at 95%.
Possible Language Options
Human Klingon Andorian Nausicaan Orion
Risan Denobulan Tandaran Kreetassan Tellarite
Vulcan Suliban Xyrillian Enolian Many other possibilities