| The Language of Flowers; A test of Bluff/Sense Motive | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 21 2005, 04:50 AM (493 Views) | |
| kismetrose | Aug 21 2005, 04:50 AM Post #1 |
 
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For most of history, flowers have been ascribed different meanings. At the very least, most folks know that red roses symbolize love, and white flowers symbolize purity. Yet flowers have also been used as a method of communication, especially between forbidden friends and lovers. "Both Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Aubrey de la Mottraie reported a language of flowers as a mode of communicating in Turkey, where an arrangement of flowers into a bouquet, known as a selam, conveyed various meanings depending on the type of flowers used and on their position in the arrangement" (from Flower Poetics in the Works of Gustave Flaubert by Paul Andrew Tipper; 35). So why not use this sort of communication within a game, as a test of a character's Bluff and Sense Motive abilities? There are plenty of people who might want to send messages to adventurers privately, and not everyone can afford expensive magic spells. Flower gifts are also a part of romantic and even friendly tradition. Characters might receive unexpected flower messages after a performance, at a funeral, a wedding, a party, and so on. They must then try to decipher what is being sent. If they know what flowers mean to the locals, they get a +2 to their check either to send or recieve a flower message. (Bardic knowledge can come in very handy here.) If they don't know the local meanings of flowers, then the character will get a -2 to send or receive a competent flower message. I got some ideas on possible messages by looking at Flowers and Their Meanings. Most of this list comes from the meanings of flowers given on that site. This list is by no means exhaustive, and characters could try to get creative in sending their messages. --Declarations of self-- I am sincere. l am faithful. I will never give you up. I have been maligned and unustly accused. I trust you. I am your slave. I have told you everything. I will give my life to your service. --Declaration of thanks-- Please accept my thanks for your token/service/company. --Declarations about others-- You fascinate me. Your company is delightful. I believe you to be false. You are very kind. You are not really in love. You are unreasonably jealous. You love no one better than yourself. You are always in my thoughts. Never will your memory fade. --Declarations of love-- I love only you. My heart bums with love for you. I worship you from afar, being too timid to approach. I love you. I am determined to win your love. You have conquered me. I might learn to love you. Despite your answer, I will strive to win your love. You are my first love. Do not despair; love will find a way. Even in death, our love is not ended. --Good wishes-- May sweet sleep attend you. I believe in you. I regard you as a brother/sister. I pay tribute to your brilliance and cleverness. You will be welcome. Better times are in store for us. Accept this as a peace offering. Congratualtions on your success. I would like us to be friends. --Questions-- Why have you forsaken me? Your message is unclear; what do you mean? When and where can we meet? --Directions-- Meet me tomorrow morning. I will give you an answer in a few days. At your wish I will go, though I will not forget. Think of me in my absence. Do not believe ill tales of me. I can explain everything. Take this flower as my pledge (to marry). --Warnings-- Be more moderate in your actions. We are being watched. Pray be more discreet. Youth should mate with youth. Beware; your lover is false. A false friend has betrayed our secret. Passion is often short-lived. --Declarations of regret-- I regret my impetuousness. Do not take me seriously. I abase myself and ask your forgiveness. I am sorry; let us forget our quarrel. --Lament-- Since you refuse me, life is empty. Put an end to my suspense, for pity's sake. --Bad News-- Your attentions are unwelcome. Your charms no longer appeal to me. I dislike you. I cannot accept your answer. Though I value your friendship, I cannot love you My heart belongs to another. Do not write or speak to me; I can never love you You have offended me. I do not care for you. Your words have wounded me. What you wish cannot be. You have a rival. I love another. We must part. [Yes, this whole idea comes about because I am doing a paper on the use of flowers in D. H. Lawrence. I just couldn't help myself.] |
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Kismet's dA - D&D - FB - WoD - SG-1 | |
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| Mordien | Aug 21 2005, 06:19 AM Post #2 |
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Flowers had been part of Communication for along time. The Romans had the custom of Sub Rosa (Under the Rose ) for things discussed that was not to leave the room. |
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All warfare is based on Deception MORDIEN | |
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| Valefor | Nov 6 2005, 11:35 AM Post #3 |
Ritual Partaker
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I like it. Any chance of using this in one of our games? It would fit well in our FG games, but since we'll still waiting for R & N to get their asses in gear we could encounter it on a world in the Stargate game. I think A would get a kick out of it. |
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| kismetrose | Nov 6 2005, 05:21 PM Post #4 |
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I had forgotten about it a little bit, but since you brought it up, yes we can use it in one of our games. I'll probably use it in several different games. You know, once for Stargate, then for D&D, maybe Planescape. |
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Kismet's dA - D&D - FB - WoD - SG-1 | |
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