Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 traversetravis Sep 06, 2007 12:47:52	I'd like to see a book called Languages of Dragonlance with a section for every Krynn-specific* language known (though lesser-used languages could be D&DI enhancements). For an idea of the book's contents, see the "Languages" page at the Dragonlance Nexus. Game Glossaries: Each Game Glossary would include that language's version of key D&D terms, such as class names (for example, Solamnic for "Fighter", "Warlord", "Rogue", etc.), race names, weapons and equipment, spell names, verbal spell components, and monster names. (If it wouldn't all fit in one book, the material could be added to D&DI.) Game Phrasebooks: Each Game Phrasebook would include a selection of phrases that are most likely to be used in 4E Social Challenge rules, or which might be used in 4E's 3-to-7 round-long combat, such as "Surrender or Die!". To this end Wizards would have staffers or freelancers gather all the linguistic material from the entire Dragonlance corpus: all the known words and names, plus all historical linguistic infomation (such as statements that such-and-such languages are related). Unless Wizards has a linguistics whiz on staff, Wizards would hire a linguist such as Mark Okrand (the inventor of Klingon) or David Salo (author of Gateway to Sindarin and consultant for the LotR movies) to provide solid linguistic mechanics for the invented languages, giving each a distinctive flavor, and plausible descent from various proto-languages. There would be a "tree of tongues" showing how all the languages of Krynn are related. There would be a clear explanation of the nature of the Common language of Krynn, either: 1) Common would be explained as being coincidentally similar to English, or, 2) Common would explained as a "translation" by Wizards of the Coast into English (or other language of translation), like how Tolkien "translated" the Common Speech of the Third Age into English. This seems better, since it would account for how some of the English-style names are different in foreign-language editions, such as Sturm de Lumlane in French Lancedragon. If the latter option is chosen, then etymological entries would make clear exactly which names are Anglicized (or Gallicized, etc.) "translations" of Krynn names, such as "Solace" and "Haven". Onomasticon: Also, each language would have an Onomasticon giving a big chart of PC name-forming elements. All personal and place names of Krynn would have an etymology, just like real world names. Game Alphabets: The book would also include Game Alphabets for all the known scripts of Krynn. Game Fonts: D&DI would include several Game Fonts as downloadable enhancements. This would include fonts for all the Game Alphabets, and would also ideally include all of the roman fonts used in the Dragonlance products over the years, so that DMs could type up professional-looking player handouts with a Dragonlance feel. Travis *This would be a companion to a Languages of D&D hardcover doing the same for all the languages mentioned in the 4E PHB, DMG, and MM, such as Dwarven, Auran, Draconic, and so on.
#2 Newanda Dec 05, 2007 9:15:33	an interesting idea, I'm not sure how useful it would be, to be honest. With the amount of effort that would go into the book, the cost would likely end up being fairly high. Most gamers and DMs are not likely to purchase it, I think. Very few times do I hear gamers attempting to say things in Elvish, Dwarven, Goblin, Draconic, etc., and most of the time, when they do, they make it up on the spot. Almost everything just tends to get translated into English (or whatever). But none the less, an interesting idea. Maybe the DLCS could have an expanded section on languages, as I will fully agree with you that there is a lot of tradition behind some of those languages.
#3 ranger_reg Dec 05, 2007 19:25:03	I'd like to see a book called Languages of Dragonlance with a section for every Krynn-specific* language known (though lesser-used languages could be D&DI enhancements). No offense to Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, but they never struck me as the folks to develop fictional linguistics as intense as J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Still, you can prove me wrong. Prove me wrong. Prove me wrong. :evillaugh