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  1. - Top - End - #61
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Morgan Wick View Post
    Forget Tarquin, why does Zzdtri know drow sign language? Or is drow sign language more than a crutch for deaf people?
    Short Answer: It's useful and it's a Drow military thing.
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    The Drow are aggressively militant, but at the same time, they're Elves, ergo with exceedingly low reproductive rates, compounded with an Almost Always Chaotic Evil society where members murder one another with a very frequent basis.

    Yet they have extremely long lifespans to acquire military skills, and the constant threat of being killed by another Drow means they're pretty much all very well ready for duplicity, treachery, ambush, betrayal, and brutal combat. This translates to adopting commando fighting tactics, and stalking up on enemies is pretty much the norm.

    Ergo, most Drow who can be equated to 'adventurers,' or have a combat background know Drow Sign Language, for the purposes of being able to communicate plans for betrayal in secret, or communicate in the pitch black of the Underdark where they can easily see using a purely visual medium. That way, Drow can plot in the dark to kill whatever prey has stumbled into the Underdark, without sounds that would give away their position.

    In practice, by the way, this concept is so useful that I've talked pretty much every gaming group in every gaming system into having a Sign Language communication method. It comes up more often than you think.


    EDIT: Ninja'd by Squark but I like my answer better =P
    Last edited by Brom; 2012-08-30 at 06:46 PM.

  2. - Top - End - #62
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    Gwynfrid's Avatar

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Too young to remember, I am not. That makes this update even more fantastic. Thanks, Rich !

  3. - Top - End - #63
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GreenSorcererElf

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by RaggedAngel View Post
    I'll just make a note for everyone questioning the decision to leave Malak behind; since Z doesn't have line of effect to him, he can't include him in the Teleport.
    He's not in line of effect, because they buggered off and didn't make any effort to get back in touch with him.
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  4. - Top - End - #64
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    HalflingPirate

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Morgan Wick View Post
    Forget Tarquin, why does Zzdtri know drow sign language? Or is drow sign language more than a crutch for deaf people?
    Curious, why wouldn't Zz'dtri the drow not know the sign language? Did I miss something?

  5. - Top - End - #65
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Not about the comic, but these threads are actually how I notice new comics

    Now for a comic related thing, so this feels like a worthy post. I must say, I don't think I'd mind Malack joining the Order.
    Avatar by Venetian Mask. It's of an NPC from a campaign I may yet run (possibly in PbP) who became a favorite of mine while planning.

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  6. - Top - End - #66
    Dwarf in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    More curiously, how does Roy know they're going to teleport?

    Sure, enemies gathering in a spot and regrouping means something, but wouldn't it be sweet if Roy actually has a passing knowledge of Drow sign language and read Tarquin correctly.
    "Those who accept their fate find happiness; those who defy it, glory." ~Princess Tutu

  7. - Top - End - #67
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Lizardfolk

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Fish View Post
    They can compare the axe to the one Tarquin carries, by having Elan cast Summon Plot Exposition.

    Of course, the real clue is that the Unknown Fighter took Nale with him, showing an untoward loyalty that the Linear guys aren't known for.
    On the other hand, they might just assume that he's really attached to the salary Nale's paying him.

  8. - Top - End - #68
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by dakameleon View Post
    Curious, why wouldn't Zz'dtri the drow not know the sign language? Did I miss something?
    If one doesn't know why he would be more likely to know drow sign language than any human on Earth would be to know Earthican sign language, it seems an understandable point of confusion.

  9. - Top - End - #69
    Orc in the Playground
     
    SamuraiGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    So, can anyone explain to me in detail the non-dirty variety of interpretation of Tarquin's joke?
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  10. - Top - End - #70
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Squark View Post
    It's used for the same reason the Military use hand signals; Silent communication. Which, given the paranoid Backstabbing Drow engage in, is very important. I believe it's one of the automatic languages for Drow.
    It's a bonus language, not automatic.
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  11. - Top - End - #71
    Orc in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    I don't think it matters if Tarquin knew Drow sign language or not. I think the drow could figure out what he wanted just from the context alone (Tarquin carrying an unconscious Nale and running away from the attackers, Sabine gone, the kobald paralyzed). It was clear that the fight was not going well for the Linear Guild. It wouldn't have been hard to figure out what Tarquin wanted even without Drow sign language.

  12. - Top - End - #72
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    DwarfClericGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Gwynfrid View Post
    Too young to remember, I am not. That makes this update even more fantastic. Thanks, Rich !
    I still have my first edition books. Drow were completely overpowered back then.

    Malack can do a Word of Recall if necessary. It would make sense for Tarquin to have a fall back position in place.
    FTDWIR

  13. - Top - End - #73
    Barbarian in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by BannedInSchool View Post
    If one doesn't know why he would be more likely to know drow sign language than any human on Earth would be to know Earthican sign language, it seems an understandable point of confusion.
    Which "Earthican sign language" were you talking about?

  14. - Top - End - #74
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    blackspeeker's Avatar

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by M.A.D View Post
    So, can anyone explain to me in detail the non-dirty variety of interpretation of Tarquin's joke?
    If drow sign language is anything like American sign language then the sign for drinking fountain (link below) looks very similar to an illegal drug and a pipe that goes along with it.


    http://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/FOUNTAIN/5628/1
    http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/w/water.htm
    http://www.signingsavvy.com/sign/PIPE

    Or the signs he could be talking about are pipe and drink, which are similar, unlike drinking fountain, which I cant think of a similar sign for, unless we're using slang sign language, if that's a thing.
    Last edited by blackspeeker; 2012-08-30 at 07:33 PM.

  15. - Top - End - #75
    Dwarf in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    It took me too long to realize that "Bring my accountant" meant "Bring Kilkil".
    *facepalm* Clearly I'm a fool.

  16. - Top - End - #76
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    with an e's Avatar

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    I don't see why we need to dwell on the believability or lack thereof of Tarquin knowing Drow sign language. It is not a necessary component of LG escaping this time.

  17. - Top - End - #77
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    SwashbucklerGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Looks like Pop is going to have to add Nondetection to his list of Batman prep if he didn't already have it. -4 to -9 vs. Scrying thanks to sudden OtS custody of that neato axe.

  18. - Top - End - #78
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    10 gp says the axe has the Calling Enchantment.
    ^~Cody T.~^

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  19. - Top - End - #79
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Ha! Oh, Tarquin, you crazy ol' campaigner!

    Quote Originally Posted by Tarquin
    This one time I thought I was using the hand sign for "drinking fountain," but it turned out I was actually asking if I could – well, suffice to say that it ened up as a fine evening for everyone.
    Thanks for the new favorite non sequitur!
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  20. - Top - End - #80
    Barbarian in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyCancer View Post
    Looks like Pop is going to have to add Nondetection to his list of Batman prep if he didn't already have it. -4 to -9 vs. Scrying thanks to sudden OtS custody of that neato axe.
    There is no way someone as savvy as T doesn't have something as elementary as Nondetection.

    'Course that won't stop some people from complaining that he has it...
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    Also: Your/You're, Its/It's, Then/Than.


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  21. - Top - End - #81
    Troll in the Playground
     
    Bulldog Psion's Avatar

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Though the drug theory is inventive, given Tarquin's discourse about curvy female drow, his personality, and the fact that it's a lot easier to see our sign for "drinking fountain" as "oral sex" than "smoking", I'd vote for Tarquin having shown his sly linguistic skills to the lady, rather than the other.
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  22. - Top - End - #82
    Halfling in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by Lord Loss View Post
    Ten bucks says Malack defects to the order's side.
    Five more says it's part of Tarquin's plan!

  23. - Top - End - #83
    Pixie in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by JCAll View Post
    It took me too long to realize that "Bring my accountant" meant "Bring Kilkil".
    *facepalm* Clearly I'm a fool.
    Yeah, I did the same thing. I thought it was making fun of Tarquin for not knowing what he was saying, and then I realized it actually did make sense.

  24. - Top - End - #84
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    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by with an e View Post
    I don't see why we need to dwell on the believability or lack thereof of Tarquin knowing Drow sign language. It is not a necessary component of LG escaping this time.
    Being able to communicate with the only LG member capable of a fast and easy escape is totally a necessary component of said LG escaping.

  25. - Top - End - #85
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    MindFlayer

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    At least we are now sure that Suggestion has worn off.

    Otherwise, Belkar may have run off looking for mansion whores. (And yes, the lack of swirly eyes)
    Last edited by Smolder; 2012-08-30 at 09:28 PM.

  26. - Top - End - #86
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Boy, that would have been a really good time to have a spell-disrupting sword move...

    I wonder if that gives us some (weak) information about how many times Roy has levelled since being raised.

  27. - Top - End - #87
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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    You guys remember Tarquin also mentioning knowing the elf-ambasador-in-disquise was a drow and was sending them gift baskets? Yeah... it seems Tarquin has more relations to them than we might think... heck, I wonder if he really DOES have a true neutral half-drow son somewhere called lean or anel?

  28. - Top - End - #88
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    ClericGuy

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Quote Originally Posted by dakameleon View Post
    Curious, why wouldn't Zz'dtri the drow not know the sign language? Did I miss something?
    Quote Originally Posted by BannedInSchool View Post
    If one doesn't know why he would be more likely to know drow sign language than any human on Earth would be to know Earthican sign language, it seems an understandable point of confusion.
    Tarquin's still talking to Nale, not Zz'dtri. He never actually says anything to Zz'dtri orally.
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  29. - Top - End - #89
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    RedKnightGirl

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    I love it when the enemy leaves tribute (the axe)
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  30. - Top - End - #90
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    Edea's Avatar

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    Default Re: OOTS #862 - The Discussion Thread

    Hmm, might the axe have an enchantment on it that would give Tarquin a latent advantage over the Order, even though he's no longer present?

    All the runes along the blade made me think of spells like Instant Summons, though that's just an example and not really applicable here (as the runes would appear on the sapphire component of the spell, and it would just call the weapon back).
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