Truespeak (Int; Trained Only
Use this skill to master the tortuous pronunciation of truenames, each of which involves a dozen syllables, precise timing, and vocalizations foreign even to the most multilingual character. If you're a truenamer, you use this skill event time you deliver an utterance or make a recitation. If you're a spellcaster with a truename spell at your disposal, you make a Truespeak check to cast the spell properly. Members of prestige classes such as the fiendbinder, acolyte of the ego, and brimstone speaker make Truespeak checks to activate their class features.
You can also make a Truespeak check as a free action to identify an utterance being spoken, even when it's not your turn. The DC of this check is equal to the DC to speak the utterance you wish to identify.
Of the standard classes, only the truenamer has Truespeak as a class skill. Other characters can avoid the high cost of cross-class skills by taking the Truename Training feat.
This skill does not represent your ability to learn and know truenames so much as it represents your ability to say them aloud. Each truename is complex and exacting enough that just overhearing a truename - even a personal truename - doesn't give you any particular facility for pronouncing it yourself. That takes continuous vocal exercises and endless study.
Check: You can pronounce the truename of a creature (such as "orc," "horse," or "red dragon") by succeeding on a Truespeak check with a DC of 15 + (2 X the creature's CR). For creatures that don't have Challenge Ratings, such as player characters, use a DC of 15 + (2 x the creature's HD). Speaking the truename of a magic item has a DC of 15 + (2 x item's caster level).
Speaking a creature's personal truename increases the DC of the Truespeak check by 2. You gain a +4 competence bonus on Truespeak checks for saying your own personal truename.
Because saying a truename is such an idiosyncratic, exacting task, you can't take 10 or take 20 on Truespeak checks.
Action: Speaking a truename is a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity.
Try Again: Yes.
Synergy: if you have 5 ranks in Truespeak, you gain a +2 bonus on any Knowledge checks made to conduct truename research.
Truename Lexicons:
Truename - Lexicon of the Evolving Mind
Truename - Lexicon of the Crafted Tool
Truename - Lexicon of the Perfected Map
Denouncements: Denouncements are feats that allow you to use a creature's truename against it. By understanding how the name defines the creature and subtly altering its inflections, you can bypass immunities and protections, take control of its actions, or even change its very nature. In order to use a denouncement you must possess the appropriate feat and know the truename of the target creature by succeeding on True speak check (DC 15 + [2 x target creature's CR]). All the rules regarding utterances (see Tome of Magic, page 232) also apply to denouncements. You may not use a denouncement on multiple foes at the same time, or in conjunction with abilities like speak unto the masses.
- Denouncement of Energy
- Denouncement of Focused Aggression
- Denouncement of Garbled Words
- Denouncement of the Stalwart Shield
- Denouncement of the Unleashed Spell
- Denouncement of the Untouchable Form
Truename Support: In addition to denouncements, truenamers have found other ways to alter and enhance their abilities.