Shock wrote: ↑Fri Jan 11, 2019 2:58 am
Default for PCs or default for NPCs?
or, you know, everyone?
I'm talking about NPCs.
Specifically if you run into a town and decide you need to leave a note, and I hadn't statted out the NPC who found it, I would probably look at his job, social ranking or class to decide.
Of course things can be different in different towns. A former mage's apprentice might have gotten pregnant, gave up being a mage but started a school in a small town for the local children.
Towns/monasteries renowned for their libraries, or being places of learning might push literacy in an attempt to maintain a certain level of elite status (or snobbery)
Some member of religious organizations may be literate depending on their ranking and location. Some might just claim to know how to read their holy scriptures, and are largely winging it with good intentions.
As for the players, or locations the players have in their backstories, that's really up to you guys. I place no restrictions on that.
As a player I usually just assume I am literate in all the languages I speak. Why? Because I'm playing a Big Damn Hero, that's why!
Also I never really thought about it before... but mostly Big Damn Hero. ;~)
For those of you who are wondering how people will know where to find certain things if some people can't read, they will probably have a written sign (if they know how to write) and a symbol to indicate their business.
Hammer and Anvil - Blacksmith
Horseshoe - Farrier
Mug - Alehouse
Bed under a triangle - Inn
So on, so forth.
And remember kids, nothing says Big Damn Hero like literacy!