DM Q&A: Spells: Spells not in NWN

[Traziun]

In D&D, base barbarians are illiterate, though they can spend two skill points to learn to read and write in the languages they know. How would we represent this in NWN? Not ever using two skill points? A minimum INT amount? Using a bonus language for it?

Also, what's proper usage of spells not in NWN for RP? I imagine that if my character sees a spell being needed ahead of time, I would leave a slot blank, and make sure if there's a DM around if one is needed for the effect. Also, how would these spells be handled for wizards and sorcerors? A spellcraft check, or a negotiated amount of money spent for "buying" the scroll?

Thanks in advance!

[DM the Usurper]

I don't have much input on the spells, but as far as intelligence is concerned I do believe a INT score of 8 or below is considered having troubles with the basic language and I would assume illiteracy. Anything above that I would say would be implied, on average, that they had picked up the skill to read, at least to some degree.

[Munroe]

He's asking about barbarians in particular because, according to the PHB, barbarians (unlike other classes) do not automatically gain literacy in the languages they can speak.

The short answer is we don't have a rule on this. I think having a barbarian that can't read is cool, but we don't require that barbarians be illiterate.

RP'd spells is something that has been discussed before but I don't know the answer off the top of my head. Basically, things that allow telepathy or divination aren't allowed if I remember correctly.