Forums » General Pantheon Discussion

• Syrif

  

  • 1247 posts
   

  November 20, 2018 7:53 AM PST

  Yes absolutely. Languages should play an important role in Pantheon.
• Counterfleche

  

  • 888 posts
   

  November 21, 2018 2:09 PM PST

  Language can be a very fun addition to the flavor of the game, but only if it isn't a barrier to core content. If we need to know specific languages to unlock key content, then it becomes a chore.
  
  Fun uses of language:
  • NPC flavor dialogue (especially mobs in combat)
  • Small vendor discount or access to extra 'cultural' items
  • Easter eggs
  • Lore information
  • Signs in town
  
  Bad uses of language:
  • Requirement to complete core quests or get key equipment or unlocks.
  • Using a replacement font, making it possible to manually decrypt by googling the cipher. Untranslated text should be randomly generated.
  
  Suggestions:
  • Allow players to type /speaklanguage to have their typed test appear as untranslated text to every player whose character isn't proficient.
  • Players slowly earn a language proficiency by logging out in a race's home city, by teaming with speakers of that language, by finding loot with that language, or by fighting speakers of that language.
  • Make language proficiency non-binary, where the more you know, the more that gets translated. All or nothing isn't realistic and it can be fun trying to figure out the untranslated parts.
  • One class (bards?) should have a temporary language buff.
  • Potion or scroll that gives a temporary language buff.
  • Have language groups, where knowing one in the group means you learn the others faster and will already understand a few words.
  • Some groups should mix two languages together (border towns, mixed factions, etc). Recently conquered towns could have the signs and architecture of the former inhabitants but be populated by the new race.
• Vandraad

  

  • 2419 posts
   

  November 21, 2018 3:02 PM PST

  Counterfleche said: Language can be a very fun addition to the flavor of the game, but only if it isn't a barrier to core content. If we need to know specific languages to unlock key content, then it becomes a chore. Fun uses of language:Signs in town

  While I'm not supporting splitting up server per the OP, your post about languages and signs in town got me thinking.  If the text on signs and even the text you see over NPCs within racial cities was dynamically written in the language of that race such that if you did not know the language the wording would be unrecognizable.  Just giberrish text.  So that Human that did not know Dwarvish happen to be trying to shop in the Dwarven city would have a difficult time finding the right vendors, class trainers, etc because of the language barrier.  Once he at least had a passing knowledge of the language (say 50 out of 100 if language skills went on that scale) he could somewhat reliably read any signs, recognize the vendors/merchants/class trainers, etc for what they are.  This would promote learning languages through player-player interactions.