[Sundraoi]

I'd like to expand a touch on these:

Make sure to choose languages at first level, if you get any bonus languages. Don’t pick common, already have it.

It should also be known that common may not be the only language your PC starts with. For example, some classes will have a secondary starting language; magic for mages and cant for rogues. PCs also start with a racial language if they are not human; elven, orcish, etc.

You can use Slave Shackles to capture virtually any humanoid creature that was originally hostile to you. Once shackled and enslaved, you can then direct them just like a summoned creature, familiar, or animal companion - they can even fight for you

The hostile creature must be subdued first. The creature will fall and their pack will appear by their head. At that point you use your shackles on them.