Demons have their own tongue, known colloquially as the Dragon’s Tongue. What are the origins of this strange language? Why is it for some a series of hisses and clicks, while for others it is a mad susurration of sibilant noises? Frankly, few know; some suggest it is a remnant language cobbled together from the Babel-speak of angels, of God, and of Adam and Eve. Others say it’s more a conceptual meta-language, a tongue that is as much meaning as it is sound. All demons know it, but the Possessed do not automatically have access to it: it seems that, for some, once the demon has taken possession it can- not always parse its understanding of the Dragon’s Tongue through the host’s plainly human mind. However, those Possessed who purchase this Merit at 1 dot find that their minds do understand it, and can move their mouths to speak it. Those Possessed who purchase this at 2 dots find that they can communicate with all demons (within and without) all the more completely: they gain +1 to Social rolls with demons outside their bodies, and they gain +1 to any Contest of Wills rolls made against the demon within their bodies.

In regard to dealing with demons, this Merit allows the character to speak and understand the language of demons, allowing her to summon and negotiate with them without using the usual rituals (found in the previous chapter). Demons aren’t necessarily impressed by this knowledge—some, in fact, consider it an affront. Likewise, this Merit does not allow the character to command demons; it simply removes many of the obstacles to talking to them. The game mechanics for using Dragon’s Tongue to call and interact with demons are explained on p. 83.

Dragon’s Tongue can be acquired at any point in a character’s life. Some characters (seventh son of a seventh son) have it from birth, others gain this dubious blessing later, perhaps as the result of a curse or a failed summoning ritual. Dragon’s Tongue can be purchased as part of a demonic pact, though the demon granting it generally works in a clause that prohibits the character from using the knowledge to control or take advantage of that particular demon.

Unlike the other Merits in this section, any character can purchase this Merit. In addition, characters with supernatural templates can purchase the Dragon’s Tongue Merit.