What Determines If a Demon Can Speak Common?


Advice


Seems that probably the majority of them do not (including the most powerful demons like Balors and Mariliths) but enough of them do that it's not a super rare exception like Succubus/Incubus only...


Telepathy (Su)(all demons)

The creature can mentally communicate with any other creature within a certain range (specified in the creature’s entry, usually 100 feet) that has a language. It is possible to address multiple creatures at once telepathically, although maintaining a telepathic conversation with more than one creature at a time is just as difficult as simultaneously speaking and listening to multiple people at the same time.

Note it isn't restricted to what languages you know.


Yeah, by default Demons have a way around it, and it is just narrative role decision in terms which have need for it without using Telepathy. Of course "Common" depends on local language, etc, so minority of Demons knowing "Common" would know Chelaxo-Taldane although fair assumption that's what you get when Summoning one from Chelaxo-Taldane predominant region. (Tien in Tian Xia, something else on alien planets) Or alternately, can be caster choice based on "Commons" that they know, if they know multiple "Commons" (not all languages qualify). Language is a underdeveloped part of PRPG system.


If the demon has an interest in Avistan (or whatever region you choose to define your particular "common" language) and sufficient intelligence, it can learn Common. Appropriate mouthparts and vocal tract help, of course.

A random demon encountered in the Abyss is unlikely to speak Common, even a Succubus. OTOH, if encountered on the material plane, it becomes more probable. Those in Kyonin might speak elvish; those in the Worldwound might speak Hallit.


Rathendar wrote:
Note it isn't restricted to what languages you know.

Ah ha, that makes a significant difference. Thanks.

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