Difference between revisions of "Comprehend Languages (spell)"

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[[File:Comprehend Languages (spell).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
 
[[File:Comprehend Languages (spell).jpg|right|525px|thumb]]
'''Comprehend languages''' enables the recipient to comprehend spoken and written [[Language|language]], regardless of language or dialect. Since most intelligent creatures of the world normally discourse in "[[Common Language|common]]," the language understood by all, the spell is most useful when interpreting languages that are long dead, or languages used upon [[Prime Material (inner plane)|other worlds]] or [[Planes of Existence|planes of existence]].
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'''Comprehend languages''' is a spell that enables the recipient to understand spoken and written [[Language|language]], regardless of dialect or origin. However, the spell does not grant the ability to speak or [[Read & Write (sage ability)|write]] in the understood language, nor does it allow for two-way communication with a speaker. The effect is purely interpretive, affecting only the recipient.
  
 
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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.
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Since most intelligent creatures converse in "[[Common Language|common]]," the universally understood tongue, this spell is primarily useful for deciphering long-dead languages, as well as those spoken on [[Prime Material (inner plane)|other worlds]] or [[Planes of Existence|planes of existence]].
  
It's also useful in deciphering [[Code|codes]] or [[Cipher|ciphers]] the recipient may intercept, though only the words used will be reveals and not necessarily the meaning.
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The spell also allows for the interpretation of damaged or incomplete written inscriptions, such as faded road signs, broken tablets or partially erased markings. However, its accuracy depends on how much of the text remains legible.
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Additionally, comprehend languages can aid in deciphering [[Code|codes]] and [[Cipher|ciphers]] that the recipient encounters. However, while the spell reveals the words used, it does not inherently provide an understanding of the intended meaning, especially in cases where symbols, cultural references, or hidden meanings are integral to the message.
  
 
== Confuse Language ==
 
== 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.
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The '''reverse''' of the spell can be used to obscure and distort written language, rendering it incomprehensible to anyone who does not have access to comprehend languages. The affected text does not disappear or change physically, but its meaning becomes impossible to discern, as though it were written in an unknown or unknowable script.
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The caster may, if desired, dispel the effect at a later time, restoring the original meaning once the text has passed into the hands of the intended recipient. However, this introduces risks, as the act of dispelling the effect requires either [[Dispel Magic (spell)|dispel magic]] or comprehend languages. If the message is intercepted, or if the caster is unable to remove the enchantment before it is needed, the intended recipient will be left unable to read it.
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See [[Tongues (spell)]]
  
[[Category: Magical Spells]]
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[[Category: Magical Spells]][[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 02:28, 20 February 2025

Comprehend Languages (spell).jpg

Comprehend languages is a spell that enables the recipient to understand spoken and written language, regardless of dialect or origin. However, the spell does not grant the ability to speak or write in the understood language, nor does it allow for two-way communication with a speaker. The effect is purely interpretive, affecting 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 converse in "common," the universally understood tongue, this spell is primarily useful for deciphering long-dead languages, as well as those spoken on other worlds or planes of existence.

The spell also allows for the interpretation of damaged or incomplete written inscriptions, such as faded road signs, broken tablets or partially erased markings. However, its accuracy depends on how much of the text remains legible.

Additionally, comprehend languages can aid in deciphering codes and ciphers that the recipient encounters. However, while the spell reveals the words used, it does not inherently provide an understanding of the intended meaning, especially in cases where symbols, cultural references, or hidden meanings are integral to the message.

Confuse Language

The reverse of the spell can be used to obscure and distort written language, rendering it incomprehensible to anyone who does not have access to comprehend languages. The affected text does not disappear or change physically, but its meaning becomes impossible to discern, as though it were written in an unknown or unknowable script.

The caster may, if desired, dispel the effect at a later time, restoring the original meaning once the text has passed into the hands of the intended recipient. However, this introduces risks, as the act of dispelling the effect requires either dispel magic or comprehend languages. If the message is intercepted, or if the caster is unable to remove the enchantment before it is needed, the intended recipient will be left unable to read it.


See Tongues (spell)