Comprehend Languages (spell)

Comprehend languages enables the recipient to comprehend spoken and written language, regardless of language or dialect. The spell's effect does not allow two-way communication with a speaker; it affects only the recipient.

Comprehend Languages

Range	20 ft.
Duration	1 hour per level
Area of Effect	1 humanoid
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	mage (1st)

Since most intelligent creatures of the world normally discourse in "common," the language understood by all, the spell is most useful when interpreting languages that are long dead, or languages used upon other worlds or planes of existence.

The spell also has the potential for interpreting partial written inscriptions that have become worn away or rubbed out, such as might occur on road signs and markers.

Comprehend languages also useful in deciphering codes or ciphers the recipient may intercept, though only the words used will be reveals and not necessarily the meaning.

Confuse Language

The reverse of the spell can be used to confound written language, making it incomprehensible to anyone lacking the comprehend languages spell. The caster may, if wished, dispel the spell's magic once he or she is certain it's passed into the hands of the intended receiver — although there are risks associated with this, of course.