Langauges outside racial/class restrictions

[Vendrin]

My character is becoming quite the linguist, but I'd like to start branching to some of the more exotic languages. I was wondering if it'd be possible to allow characters of a certain level access to the more rare languages or perhaps if you come across a book or tome, you can use that to allow you to take the language upon level up and investment of the skill points.

[hollyfant]

I would support this. Surely high-level characters have the renown to attract mentors in various skills? And since actually acting out the learning of a language would take up too much NPC time, it would be a lot easier for everyone to simply handwave it. Although I would advice that the characters would put out word of their academic desires and try to attract a PC as tutor.

But already characters can learn how to track animals, handle weapons and even listen better; with the how and why being left for the players to justify. So why not languages, when the PC has clear, in-character talent and motivation?

[dergon darkhelm]

I would support this. Surely high-level characters have the renown to attract mentors in various skills? And since actually acting out the learning of a language would take up too much NPC time, it would be a lot easier for everyone to simply handwave it. Although I would advice that the characters would put out word of their academic desires and try to attract a PC as tutor.

But already characters can learn how to track animals, handle weapons and even listen better; with the how and why being left for the players to justify. So why not languages, when the PC has clear, in-character talent and motivation?

+1

[johnlewismcleod]

perhaps if you come across a book or tome, you can use that to allow you to take the language upon level up and investment of the skill points.

I'm sure it's probably not what you meant...but while one could with effort learn to read a language from text, I think a speaker of that language would be required to teach how it is spoken.

Hollyfant makes some valid points, as usual, but I would think that RP of securing a tutor would definitely be required, and for some of the truly exotic languages, DM involvement might be appropriate.

[danielmn]

I toootally agree with Holly. I mean, what's the point of sitting there for hours IG actually studying a tome of X language....or being off in the woods alone atunning your listen skill, or practicing with another PC to get that two weapon fighting feet? Not what we're here for at all, we should be able to take what we want with as little justification at level as possible!

[johnlewismcleod]

But already characters can learn how to track animals, handle weapons and even listen better; with the how and why being left for the players to justify. So why not languages, when the PC has clear, in-character talent and motivation?

Not to be argumentative...but learning an exotic language is not on par with learning to fight, track, or listen better. These skills are very commonly used and one would imagine that teachers are so universally available, it is appropriate that training would also be.

Besides...Banite's must be opposed by any means possible...learning exotic languages should only be easy for Oghman's

[Magile]

Too much sarcasm, not enough constructive criticism.

[dergon darkhelm]

Seriously ......PCs can chooses Terran .....as if they had an earth elemental drop by to chat with on a regular basis.

Skill assignment at level (which is what taking a language is) is something that is done "behind the scenes" in ALFA.

For the same reason we don't have thrist scripts, weapon maintenence, need to urinate, and we don't mandate RPing learning every skillpoint of diplomacy or move silently, we shouldn't restrict languae selection.

Let the PCs figure out how they RP knowing it.

[danielmn]

okay, setting sarcasm aside....

I get pissed when I put skillpoints into skills I don't necessarily need or want, but that make sense for me to put skillpoints in because of game events.....

While others just put points willy nilly into whatever they feel like with little to no justification whatsoever. I have a 16 craft rank, making at least 20 if not more items during my pc's career...and know another PC with the same or higher rank in craft whose likely not made more than 3 things IG. He spends his time with dm's, I spend mine in the forge. And we both have the same rank.

I get ticked when people don't rp their advancement, and just expect it to be okay that they know this, that or the other at level up magically pooflike.

Fo the query, I think learning a really exotic language will be hard, dependant upon the language itself. I personally wish dms had control over what languages you could take...to prevent the I learned elven, dwarven and Mulhorondi in two weeks!!! syndrome.

Being a dm and hdm, I veiw learning a language as a slow process you should go through IG before you put the skillpoint into the language to learn it....as in, rp learning it before you level...preferably for more than a level. Now, exotic languages aren't going to be readily available textwise...and that is just learning to read the language. I agree that it would probably be necessary to find a person who actually speaks the language to tutor if you want to learn to SPEAK the language...the I learned to speak from a book just doesn't cut it with me.


I have to completely disagree with Dergon. Comparing skillpoints and feats to scripting weapon maintanence and urinating IS comparing apples and oranges. What you are in effect saying is that there is a seperation that exsists somewhere IG between what your character has and is doing, and your own OOG will for what you specifically want your character to be, no matter what happens IG. I just can't play as if my PC is static and the world around him doesn't affect him and that MY WILL alone determines the progression of my PC, no matter what he does or experiences IG. Part of the reason why I like playing here. Most will disagree with me in this, I know many ioncluding Magile and Ven have in the past when this discussion was had. Curious as to why Ven even asked, figured he'd just go ahead and proceed to take it.

[dergon darkhelm]

What you are in effect saying is that there is a seperation that exsists somewhere IG between what your character has and is doing, and your own OOG will for what you specifically want your character to be, no matter what happens IG.

No. That is not what I'm saying. What I am saying is that in ALFA some of the "mechanistic" processes are presumed to have been done while the PC is offline. A PC can let it be known that he is studying a language. He can RP studying very hard. But that does not mean that PC should be expected to spend all his logged time emoting *reads and mouths the words to himself* and not participate in DM events because it would OOC for him/her to leave the Vault of Sages.

[danielmn]

Then we see eye to eye, I don't think a PC should spend ALL their time emoting and learning future skills and feats either. I DO advocate the rping of the learning and progression of skills, as you have said something we don't mandate...but prolly should.

[johnlewismcleod]

While others just put points willy nilly into whatever they feel like with little to no justification whatsoever.

Occasionally guilty as charged (not being sarcastic)

[Vendrin]

Whatever, find a teacher, find a book whatever the dm says you need. I would just appreciate having the scripts set up so the stuff could be learned.

[johnlewismcleod]

Scripts are in courtesy of our Goddess of Script...you lot do the RP, and any DM can grant the language at will as long as the PC has the available points to spend.

[danielmn]

bingo. I'd make it known what language to any dm, they can check and see if that language is available to add to your PC. Without more specific info that's all I can really say, beyond book for reading, tutor for speaking....but the scripting is already in place to add languages to a PC.