Elven Language

Elves speak a fluid language of subtle intonations and intricate grammer. While Elven literature is rich and varied, it is the language’s songs and poems that are most famous. Many bards learn Elven so they can add Elven ballads to their repertoires. Others simply memorize Elven songs by sound. The Elven script, as flowing as the spoken word, also serves as the script for Sylvan, the language of dryads and pixies, for Aquan, the language of water-based creatures, and for Undercommon, the language of drow and other subterranean creatures.

Note about Elven: Only Elves of pure blood are able to speak the Elven language fluidly and without error. Half-Elves speak the Elven tongue in a slightly clumsy manner, and Humans or other races who learn the tongue sound awkward and childlike speaking it. This is only detectable by other Elves however, if a Half-Elf and Human communicate in Elven, they will likely not be able to notice anything unusual.

Aquatic Elf
Automatic Languages: Elven, Aquan.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All aquatic elves speak Elven, written with a distinctive style of Espruar characters that shows Aquan influences. Aquatic elves native to the Sea of Fallen Stars also speak Serusan, the trade language of the marine peoples of the Inner Sea, while aquatic elves from the Great Sea or the Trackless Sea speak Aquan. Both of these languages use the Aquan alphabet.

Those aquatic elves who have the inclination also learn various languages of the surface world, notably Common, Chondathan, and Sylvan.

All aquatic elf characters are literate, except for barbarians, warriors, and commoners.

Avariel
Automatic Languages: Elven, Common.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All avariels can speak Elven and Common, and each learns an additional language based on his or her native region. Most winged elves are intelligent enough to pick up at least one additional language. This additional language is usually Auran, so the avariels can speak with allied creatures of the air such as the giant eagles they adore.

Additional languages often learned by avariels include Goblin, Orc, Sylvan, and the predominant human language(s) of their home region. Avariels also often learn the Draconic and Giant languages so that they can converse with their hated enemies if the need arises.

All avariels are literate, except for avariel barbarians (assuming they exist).

Drow (Dark Elf)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Undercommon.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

Most drow speak Elven, Undercommon, and a language appropriate to their native region. Those with the time or inclination, particularly warriors, learn Drow Sign Language (see below) or languages commonly spoken by beings that settle nearby, including Abyssal, Common, Draconic, and Goblin. Drow also learn common languages spoken on the surface near the entrances to their particular corner of the Underdark, such as the Illuskan language.

Drow have developed a unique sign language, Drow sign Language, which allows silent communication with hand gestures up to 120 feet away as long as both parties can see each other. Drow Sign Language has no alphabet or written form.

All drow characters are literate except for barbarians.

Moon Elf (Silver Elf)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Common.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All moon elves speak Elven, Common, and the human language of their home region. Their nomadic nature encourages them to pick up additional languages as they travel as well, and most moon elves can speak at least one or two additional languages beyond these. Common choices include Auran, Chondathan, Gnoll, Gnome, Halfling, Illuskan, and Sylvan. All moon elf characters are literate, except for barbarians.

Sun Elf (Gold Elf)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Common.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All sun elves speak Elven, Common, and the human language of their home region. Although they often learn other languages (in particular Auran, Celestial, Chondathan, Gnome, Halfling, Illuskan, and Sylvan), they prefer to use magic to communicate with neighbors or simply insist that visitors learn Elven.

Many sun elves choose to study dead languages such as Aragrakh, Loross, or Seldruin in order to increase their access to ancient works and lore.

All sun elves are literate, except for barbarians, if any exist.

Wild Elf (Green Elf)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Common.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All wild elves speak Elven, Common, and the language of their home region. They are isolationists and do not trust outsiders, so they rarely learn the languages of their neighbors, especially their enemies. Common additional languages include Gnoll, Illuskan, Mulan, Orc, Shaaran, Sylvan, and Tashalan.

Wild elf characters who choose a player character class (other than barbarian) are literate, but all other wild elf characters are illiterate.

Wood Elf (Copper Elf)
Automatic Languages: Elven, Common.
Bonus Languages: Any (other than secret languages, such as Druidic).

All wood elves speak Elven, Common, and the language of their home region, if any. The average wood elf has neither the interest nor the dedication required to learn other languages, but those who do often learn Chondathan, Draconic, Gnome, Goblin, Gnoll, and Sylvan.

All wood elf characters are literate except for barbarians.