Hopefully, these answers clarify what seems to be an over-complication of an in-game mechanic meant to make characters lives easier.

○ If one person isn't actually speaking with words, how would it come across to the other person?

○ You mentioned sign language.

○ Would they hear words?

○ Again, this is strictly for sign language.

○ Would what is being 'said' with the hands just suddenly come into their head as if the character viewing the signs (not the one 'speaking') were saying what what was being said, since there is likely no voice to be heard?

○ If it is language, then it is translatable. Characters do not suddenly know language (sign or otherwise) they did not know before.

○ Does the above change if the character then speaks (because they can, because of a temporary injury, or with a deaf accent)?

○ We're unsure what you're asking. If the character speaks, the language they are speaking then becomes translatable. As there is no such thing as a deaf accent, this does not apply.

○ Or vice versa, if a character is voiceless and needed to speak, would they be able to automatically sign even if they'd never learned?

○ Characters do not suddenly learn how to sign. If they attempt to mime, they may or may not be understood by their general fluency in mime.

○ Would they suddenly gain the knowledge if they saw someone else signing?

○ No

○ Would they then lose the knowledge when they weren't interacting with someone who knew sign language?

○ This question does not apply.

○ Is any of this different if the voicelessness is because of a temporary injury? (I.e., would they truly 'lose their voice' or would there always be a way to communicate in a way that isn't written?)

○ No.

Might we suggest that a character who wishes to communicate with someone who is unable to speak invest in a whiteboard and marker for their friend.