LINGUIST (Intelligence):

The character has learned one or more languages. Unlike other skills, Language skills do not count against your limit of expert-level skills. Note that Proficient Scholar is required to learn to read and write any language that is not the character's own. In addition, starting characters may only spend skill points on the languages of the eight PC races; other languages can be learned later but are too obscure at first.

Novice: The character has learned a smattering of a language, enough to get directions, ask for food, and get proper change.

Proficient: The character has learned the language more thoroughly, enough to get by in many conversations provided the speakers do not talk too fast. He has learned some sayings and swear words but rarely gets jokes.

Advanced: The character has learned the language fluently; his accent is small, and he can comprehend almost all jokes, sayings, and swearing.

Expert: The character can talk as though he were born knowing the language. Only the most technical and specialized words are unknown to him, and he no longer has an accent unless the word relies on body language for body parts he does not have (such as whiskers or a tail).