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As far as I know, Eberron deals more with Drow Elvish (but I'm not sure). If that's true, it would make sense the two langauges are not alike.

I found the article on ENWorld. It has some sort of lexicon and I found a gDoc somebody made out of the article and other sources. The problem is they're both too unsystematical, so I devised another very simple grammar (used some Arabic and Ancient Greek concepts for it, ) and stuff. Managed to shake Punjabi off, but need to see if my players like it.

I dunno about the translator, is it good?

Yeah, Goblins are more honorable in Eberron than the common cowardly sneak we are used to see in the "general" world.

Thanks a lot for your help, Ubbergeek! 

Feb 24, 2012 -- 10:54AM, mvincent wrote:

Apr 2, 2011 -- 2:51AM, Bumberbog wrote:

I, the DM, would like to read out warnings, curses, etc. to the players in languages like Goblin, Supernal, Abyssal when they don't understand them.

Do you don't feel comfortable shouting out random syllables? Since so much of communication is non-verbal, spouting off random syllables (with the appropriate character acting) will almost certainly seem more natural than reading pre-prepared (nonsense) words from a page. It's not like the players are going to know the difference.

I guess for some of us there's an extra feeling of accomplishment when doing some background job. Just randomly shouting "Ghaz-kruub-ashghar" in character, IMHO, sounds like a lazy improvised solution. Besides, how are the players going to tell any difference between languages? If you just utter random stuff players will never get the idea that there are various languages in the world. At least a minimum effort seems in order. Granted, you don't need to devise the whole grammar (like I do, but I'm an obsessor) but maybe write down a few randomly invented phrases and set them as "Draconic", "Goblin", and stuff.

I, for one, don't like to be shouting "VAX TARSH GUUM" for every attack or action my monsters make. It would be the same as a monster saying "DIE" everytime it attacks or searches for a character. It's plain and it's boring. It's better when they consistently say different phrases in different contexts. Maybe I'm warped by more interpretative RPGing (like The call of Cthulhu, for example), but I believe this kind of details are what make the atmosphere unique and different from, say, video game RPGs. D&D has a HUGE potential for creating unique moments and experiences beyond the simple hack-and-slash fighting you can find in a VG.

But then, in the end is a matter of DM style. Some people don't want their monsters saying anything at all. But I think a big part of the RPG experience is in that sort of details. And if the players enjoy it more than in-the-heat-of-the-moment randomness, then its always worth it.

Feb 24, 2012 -- 3:03PM, mvincent wrote:

Feb 24, 2012 -- 2:28PM, ForfexSceleris wrote:

I guess for some of us there's an extra feeling of accomplishment when doing some background job.

That's cool . Just sayin': there's a good chance that the players may not appreciate the effort... whereas they typically do appreciate inflection, spontaneity and body language*... things that could be missed if you are reading pre-prepared made-up language words.

* To repeat a worthy quote "I think a big part of the RPG experience is in that sort of details."

Well, yeah, I can't deny that sometimes players don't actually notice the effort one sometimes puts into this crazy language stuff. 

Also, I agree strongly that just reading or saying the words (randomized, previously made up, or anywise) don't have ANY effect if not spiced up with proper non-linguistic elements (body language, gestures, vocalization, etc.). It matters none if you follow proper invented grammar to say "Imma disembowel ya!" in Draconic if you say it perfectly still, with a blank stare and no emotion at all.

I think you addressed a crucial point with those body language matters. Those should never go unattended.

Thanks for your input!  

Feb 25, 2012 -- 12:35PM, Rustam1 wrote:

ORC/ORK  Orcish Phrasebook

           Elven Language


          Goblin/Goblinoid Language  

That Orcish phrasebook is actually built up from Tolkien's few creations on the subject. I thought about using that when I selected the languages I'd use, but orcs in D&D speak Giant, so I found it a little redundant. In any case, I actually know a DM that likes to use a separate language for orcs and uses some Tolkien-flavored language as well, so, again, I guess its personal style.

The Goblinoid article is the same I guess Ubbergeek was recommending. It's very nice. A little unsystematical for my taste, but then again, I'm an obsessor... 

It's the first time I see that Elvish stuff... I'll read it closely; thanks for the feedback.