Have you ever wished your D&D sessions felt more otherworldly or strange? Have you ever wanted to give your players a unique language to communicate with? Look no further than Auran language! By implementing this wacky and wonderful language in your game, you can take your sessions to the next level of weirdness.
What is Auran Language?
Auran language is a form of communication used by creatures that can fly or float, such as air elementals or gaseous creatures. It is a series of whistles, hisses, and gasps that can lend an eerie atmosphere to any encounter involving such creatures.
So why would you want to use this in your D&D game? Adding in Auran language can help set the tone for an air-based encounter, making the entire experience feel more realistic and immersive. It can also keep your players on their toes, giving them something unexpected to react to.
How to Use Auran Language in Your Game
If you’re sold on the idea of using Auran language in your game, you might be wondering how to actually implement it. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult! Here are some tips:
1. Introduce it Slowly
It can be overwhelming for players to suddenly have to deal with a whole new form of communication. Introduce Auran language gradually, perhaps by having them hear a few whistles in the background before fully immersing them in it.
2. Provide Translations
Unless you want your players to feel completely lost, it’s a good idea to provide translations for Auran language. You could do this by having a NPC who speaks both Common and Auran, or by providing players with a written guide to the language.
3. Use it Sparingly
While Auran language can add a lot to an encounter, too much of it can become grating. Use it sparingly, perhaps just during tense moments or as a way to set the mood.
4. Make it Part of the World
Rather than just using Auran language as a one-off gimmick, consider making it a consistent part of the world in which your game takes place. This could mean having multiple NPCs who speak it, or having it be a written language found in ancient ruins.
Examples of Auran Language in Action
So what might Auran language actually sound like in your game? Here are a few examples:
- A series of sharp whistles, followed by a hissing sound.
- A long, drawn-out inhale of air, followed by a brief exhale.
- A series of gasps and grunts that almost sound like laughter.
These sounds can be unsettling and eerie to hear, especially when they are unexpected.
Weird Encounters for Auran Language
Once you’ve got a handle on using Auran language in your game, it’s time to start considering how you can use it to create weird encounters. Here are a few ideas:
1. The Air Elemental Temple
Inside a temple dedicated to the air elementals, your players encounter a group of creatures communicating in Auran language. They must decipher the language in order to navigate the temple and avoid traps.
2. The Bubble Creature
A strange creature is floating in a bubble, communicating with the players in Auran language. They must figure out what it wants, without accidentally popping the bubble and causing it harm.
3. The Foggy Forest
In a forest covered in a dense fog, the players encounter creatures who speak Auran language. The players must navigate through the fog, decoding the language in order to find their way out.
Auran Language Translator Table
If you want to provide your players with a quick reference for Auran language, consider using this handy table:
| Auran Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Aaaaaaaaahhhh | Look out! |
| …… | I’m watching you. |
| Psssshhhhhhhht | Stop! |
| Hssssssss | Go! |
| Ooooooooohhhh | Help! |
Note that these translations are just a starting point, and you can get as creative as you want with your Auran language phrases!
Quotes from Players
Here are some actual quotes from players who have experienced Auran language in their D&D games:
- “It was so creepy hearing those weird whistling sounds coming from the air elemental. It really set the mood for the entire encounter.”
- “I wasn’t expecting to have to deal with a whole new language in the middle of a session, but it made things a lot more interesting!”
- “I loved trying to decipher the Auran language in the temple. It was like we were solving a puzzle within the game.”
As you can see, players can have a lot of fun with Auran language, even if it takes a little bit of getting used to.
Final Thoughts
While Auran language might not be for every game, it can be a great way to add some weirdness and immersion to your D&D sessions. Just remember to introduce it slowly, provide translations, and use it sparingly. With a little bit of creativity, you can use Auran language to create some truly unique encounters for your players to experience.
References
- “Auran Language.” Forgotten Realms Wiki, https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Auran_language.
- “Auran Language Translator.” D&D Beyond, https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/auran-language-translator.