Understands, But Can't Speak

[Cheesegear]

A creature can understand Languages, but can't Speak.

Can they read?
Can they write?
Could a Drow Undead use Drow Sign Language?

My initial answer would be that they can't, depending on their Intelligence score. But RAW, they only can't speak, right?

[Unoriginal]

A creature can understand Languages, but can't Speak.

Can they read?
Can they write?
Could a Drow Undead use Drow Sign Language?

My initial answer would be that they can't, depending on their Intelligence score. But RAW, they only can't speak, right?

It's on a case by case basis.

Some of those creatures simply don't have the bits required for making the required sounds, but could do a form of sign language or write.

Some of those creatures can understand but don't have the parts of the psyche required to create an answer.

It's usually mentioned in the description which it is, ex:


Because of their literal interpretation of commands and unwavering obedience, skeletons adapt poorly to changing circumstances. They can't read, speak, emote, or communicate in any way except to nod, shake their heads, or point

[Zhorn]

Can they read?
Can they write?
Could a Drow Undead use Drow Sign Language?

With the intent of the rule being to prevent two-way communication, I think that's the limit to consider.

"Does this enable two-way communication without the need of additional features or spending resources?"
If the end result is you are getting around the limitation without needing to spend or invest in anything (for this discussion; the class levels you have count as investments) then the original limitation was pointless.
Like having languages at all when so many games just have everyone understand common.

[Psyren]

I would say reading is fine, unless the creature in question is animal intelligence or mindless.

[LibraryOgre]

Generally, I'd let them read and write, if they're physically capable of such; "cannot speak", IME, is usually a degree of physical limitation.

Take, for example, R2-D2. He cannot *speak* Basic; he is incapable of forming the sounds with his limited Vocabulator. But he can read it and write it (output on the X-wing's screen).

[MagneticKitty]

one good example may be kenku. they lack the creativity to speak on their own because they were cursed. they cannot create their own thoughts from scratch. So I'd say they don't write or talk but can read and mimic. maybe even read aloud cause it is not their thoughts.

[Psyren]

one good example may be kenku. they lack the creativity to speak on their own because they were cursed. they cannot create their own thoughts from scratch. So I'd say they don't write or talk but can read and mimic. maybe even read aloud cause it is not their thoughts.

FYI, they've been errata'ed to remove this limitation, so even if they couldn't write or talk on their own before they definitely can now.

[MagneticKitty]

FYI, they've been errata'ed to remove this limitation, so even if they couldn't write or talk on their own before they definitely can now.

yes I know. I suppose I more think of that as player specific to ease the problems of playing that race? but also I could see many old school DM's not doing that.

[tomandtish]

Generally, I'd let them read and write, if they're physically capable of such; "cannot speak", IME, is usually a degree of physical limitation.

Take, for example, R2-D2. He cannot *speak* Basic; he is incapable of forming the sounds with his limited Vocabulator. But he can read it and write it (output on the X-wing's screen).

Interesting question. Is he writing in Basic, or is the computer translating for him?

(He obviously understands it).