Registered Member #575
Joined: 12:37:43 am GMT 07/16/05
Posts: 284
I regard it as a sort of connection with the very emotions and thoughts of the animal. (Thus the title 'Empathy') It is almost like a supernatural ability in the way it has been used in not only other Campaigns I have played (Though that is totally up to the DMs there) but in the NWN game itself. This is not communication on a verbal level so much as reaching out with the emotions and thoughts.
As for whether the information is informative or not depends on the level of empathy with the animal (Your comprehension, clarity in communication, etc) and with how you phrase your questions. The worries of a wolf running around in the wild are a far cry from the worries of your Average Joe. So if this is kept in mind and questions are phrased properly then one can by all means gain much information from the animals around them.
As for my usage of Animal Empathy with Lomir... Often times it requires some kind of contact or link in my opinion. Be it verbal commands carrying the intent, silent commands given while touching the animal or looking into their eyes (Seeing their soul?), visual signals. Sometimes, if I wish to get ahold of someone IG and I know they are a Druid, I will give Erich a simple message to relay to them. As this is conveyed through a creature that veiws the world much differently, oftentimes I will try my best to convey that message in the way that I think the animal would. (Lomir wants is in trouble= Image of Lomir from the animals eyes/Feelings of companion + Scent of blood/feelings of aggression/Image of a Gnoll or other aggressive entity) I often accompany this with the outward actions of the animal. If it is an urgent message, this is shown in the outward composure of the companion; growling, hackles raised, stiff stance, etc. I do this with any sort of situation like that, or at least I try to.
As for the animals Lomir comes across, oftentimes I consider it much the same way. AE is not simply the ability to understand how an animal thinks and behaves, it is a much deeper connection. Anyone can study and figure out how to predict an animal's reactions but only one who does their best to become a part of nature and protect that nature can really learn to connect with the animals.
Anyways, that is my two cents. Seems to me like AE is kind of like Hide and Move Silently, a combination of things mashed together into a 'skill' to give the game engine a concrete point with which to let us enjoy our time here.
Registered Member #106
Joined: 10:55:46 am GMT 04/22/04
Posts: 528
Considering the builders of Thain implemented some intelligent discussions between mundane animals and PCs through quests scripts, I see no reasons why "speaking to animals" would be bad RP, on Thain and Thain only.
Strictly following DnD rules, that's another matter.
FEAR the Moorhen of Death (tm). Registered Member #26
Joined: 4:31:20 pm GMT 02/25/04
Posts: 3209
Pilininge wrote ... Considering the builders of Thain implemented some intelligent discussions between mundane animals and PCs through quests scripts, I see no reasons why "speaking to animals" would be bad RP, on Thain and Thain only.
Strictly following DnD rules, that's another matter.
Exactly. Just because something is the case according to the PHB or D&D rules does not mean it has to be the case in Thain.
FEAR the Moorhen of Death (tm). Registered Member #26
Joined: 4:31:20 pm GMT 02/25/04
Posts: 3209
Pilininge wrote ... Considering the builders of Thain implemented some intelligent discussions between mundane animals and PCs through quests scripts, I see no reasons why "speaking to animals" would be bad RP, on Thain and Thain only.
Strictly following DnD rules, that's another matter.
Exactly. Just because something is the case according to the PHB or D&D rules does not mean it has to be the case in Thain.
Registered Member #607
Joined: 9:20:02 am GMT 08/28/05
Posts: 36
On a related subject. What is the best way to handle coming across a druid in wild form? Talking to it would be a bit met-gamey imo. This isn't something I would normally think about before the fact, and now it's too late since it came up IG last visit. Hopefully I handled reasonably well, be interested to see some views on this.
Registered Member #5
Joined: 6:48:49 pm GMT 02/16/04
Posts: 4184
Well I guess it depends how much 'druid' you think remains in the wild form. I would think at first glance you'd just take it for a wild animal, maybe upon closer inspection (with a good search or spot skill and some wisdom) you might start noticing some hum/elf/whatever traits or habits. Best thing would be to check in tells with the player of the druid to see if they're willing to go along with it.
If the character has Animal Empathy, they should be able to understand basic communication by a shifted druid (reading body language etc). With some of the other druids/rangers on the server, Maggie's been using a simple wolf language, like this: (wolf) Hunt now?
[ The Island of Thain ]
Can druid talk to animals?
