Shattered Kingdoms

Okay, you're a newb, only know one language, someone is speaking a different language, and just because they're speaking a different language, you can't tell if they're like nodding, waving, walking around or whatever? This really makes no sense. I don't speak Japanese but if I meet a Japanese person I know what them nodding means.

This was done so "certain" people would not be inclined to do things like...

emote nods slowly then says, "I am abusing the power of emotes to talk to you...."

I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that.

The problem I have with this is say someone emotes waves to you, and you get XXX makes incromphensible gestures. so for all you know, they could've been stabbing you in the face.

They used to before Dulrik changed the emote code a few years back.

We had some dude in Exile once come and emote writing things in the sand. . . . .

. . . To which my lowbie character said, "How can this be!?!"

. . . which was replied to with, "It's possible to read a language without speaking it!"

. . . . "Well, why doesn't he write us a note?"

. . . . *silence* . . . .

You can still use the generic socials, such as nod, wink, wave, shake etc... If you want a dubious rp explanation, other things than these basic things may differ from culture to culture (Such as the V-sign with two fingers differs widely across the world)

I remember once, a teacher told us a thumbs-up was the equivalent of the middle finger in some countries, I thought that was funny.

emotes should be based on reading skills. Writings levels would skyrocket.

I actually agree with this, and it would benefit the MUD on the whole.