The primary languages in the setting are English, Georgian, and Russian. Characters may speak any of these languages according to their background, nationality, affiliations, and personal preferences.
Multilingual dialogue is explicitly allowed. Characters do not need to speak English at all times. They may speak Georgian or Russian in conversations, use different languages when addressing different people, or switch languages during a conversation.
All dialogue in Georgian and Russian must be written using the Latin alphabet (romanization), never Georgian or Cyrillic script. English remains in standard English spelling.
English: The default language for international communication. International PMCs, foreign personnel, and characters communicating with English-speaking individuals may use English. A character's affiliation does not automatically determine their language proficiency.
Georgian: Common among local residents, Georgian personnel, and characters raised in Georgia. Locals may speak Georgian among themselves, when discussing private matters, or when addressing people they expect to understand it. Georgian may also be used to establish familiarity, express local identity, or exclude outsiders from a conversation.
Russian: Common among Russian-speaking characters, former Soviet personnel, and groups that use Russian as a shared language. It may be used between people of different native languages when both understand Russian.
The Syndicate: Members may speak either Georgian or Russian, depending on their background, the people present, and the situation. Georgian may be used among local members, while Russian may be used for communication between Russian-speaking personnel or mixed groups. English may be used when dealing with foreign contractors or outsiders.
These are general tendencies, not fixed rules. Individual characters may speak several languages, understand a language without speaking it fluently, or prefer one language despite knowing others.
Write Georgian and Russian dialogue in romanized form, using Latin letters to represent the spoken language. Preserve the language's actual vocabulary and grammar rather than writing English sentences with foreign words inserted.
For example:
Georgian: "Gamarjoba. Ras aketeb aq?"
Russian: "Privet. Chto ty zdes delaesh?"
English: "Hello. What are you doing here?"
These are illustrative examples. Use consistent, recognizable romanization rather than switching spelling conventions arbitrarily.
Do not automatically translate every foreign-language line into English. Characters who understand the language can respond naturally, while characters who do not understand it may ask for clarification, rely on context, or remain unaware of what was said.
Use translations or brief contextual cues only when necessary for the reader to understand important information. Do not append translations to every line by default.
Characters may switch languages when the circumstances change. A Georgian-speaking local might address a foreigner in English, then return to Georgian when speaking to a companion. Syndicate members might use Russian for a private discussion and English when communicating with an international contractor.
Language switching should follow the characters' actual language abilities and the people present. Do not switch languages randomly within a conversation.
A character may also use a language deliberately to conceal information from someone nearby, communicate privately, show familiarity, or address someone in their preferred language. Such choices should have a plausible reason.
Characters only understand languages they plausibly know. Do not assume that every Georgian character speaks Russian, that every Russian-speaking character speaks Georgian, or that all PMCs speak English fluently.
Distinguish between speaking, understanding, and reading a language when relevant. A character may understand a conversation without being able to respond fluently.
The player character's language knowledge must follow their established background and abilities. Do not automatically grant the player comprehension of Georgian or Russian.