[RPG] Party communication across languages

dnd-5elanguages

I'm running the 5e starter set for the first time – remotely – with a bunch of friends. The party speaks a range of languages, and we'll be using Google Chat so each of us will have our computers handy. I'm considering allowing players who share a language to g-chat each other without the party (or me) "hearing." For example, 2 halflings whisper an escape plan or surprise attack plan as the rest of the party loudly distracts human guards in Common. I'd just ask that they notify me "We're having a hushed conversation in halfling."

I'm also considering, as DM, individually g-chatting characters overhearing a language no one else can understand (e.g. a bunch of orcs yell "Get the wizard first" to each other in Orc, and only the ranger hiding in the trees understands).

I'm not experienced, so I ask those who have done this: What are the drawbacks, and did you find them to overwhelm the immersion benefits?

Thanks!

Best Answer

There is nothing inherently wrong with sharing secret information; I have done it myself by either sharing notes or talking with individual players in private. I believe it is possible to offer some basic guidelines:

  • Share information quickly, a few words at most. Players may lose interest if you spend too much time in secret communication with any one of them.
  • For longer correspondences, share the information during a break in play.
  • Some information is too trivial to keep secret, particularly when the player will immediately share it with the group. Orcs shouting "Get the Wizard!" likely falls into this category.
  • Don't get too carried away with secret sharing. Most of the time its fine to rely on the players to maintain a separation between their knowledge and their character's knowledge.
  • If you expect the players to encounter secret information during the game, you can prepare the messages ahead of time. You can use this as a heuristic - if its worth writing out ahead of time, its worth sharing secretly.

Secret information can make the game more immersive and make role playing easier. Ultimately its up to you as the DM to decide what information is worth sharing secretly, and I encourage you to experiment in this area (or talk with your players) to see what feels right.

Related Topic