Subtlety - The art of the verbal backstab

Started by greasygemo, May 25, 2013, 12:58:48 AM

May 27, 2013, 05:20:23 PM #25 Last Edit: May 27, 2013, 05:24:05 PM by Morrolan
Quote from: Lutagar on May 25, 2013, 12:51:48 PM
I'd like to think, the reason Allanak isn't known for subtly, is because when 'nakkis do use it, it's so subtle, it goes unnoticed. The grit is just a cover up.

+1

If you know I'm being subtle, I'm doing it wrong.

If I get a rep for being subtle, that's even worse.

Oh, back on topic:

"Please, go ahead. Making one's own decisions, and accepting the consequences, is the first step in growth."
"I have seen him show most of the attributes one expects of a noble: courtesy, kindness, and honor.  I would also say he is one of the most bloodthirsty bastards I have ever met."

Hmm?  Subtlety is the art of realizing there is a point where others are right and correct to kill you.  So you step up to that point, peer over the edge, and then take a step back.  Just because you can.

And because it reminds the other of how they are restrained.

Subtlety is the art of performing an insignificant act that is significant in your mind and the minds of others.
Any questions, comments, or condemnations to an eternity of fiery torment?

Waving a hammer, the irate, seething crafter says, in rage-accented sirihish :
"Be impressed.  Now!"

Yeah, what Dalmeth said.

If you want to insult someone subtly: It's about doing or saying innocuous things while everyone else knows there is deeper meaning. This way no one can call you on it. What was said or done was not directly offensive.
Alea iacta est

Quote from: racurtne on May 27, 2013, 05:47:16 PM
If you want to insult someone subtly: It's about doing or saying innocuous things while everyone else knows there is deeper meaning. This way no one can call you on it. What was said or done was not directly offensive.

Yah.  I think a good way of putting it would be playing a rough game strictly within the rules.  Or maybe a nice game. 

You can be extremely subtle and extremely nice.  It's not exclusive.
Any questions, comments, or condemnations to an eternity of fiery torment?

Waving a hammer, the irate, seething crafter says, in rage-accented sirihish :
"Be impressed.  Now!"

I just realized why so many beautiful girls are in Tuluk: you need to talk and act like one in order to fit in.
Quote from: Agameth
Goat porn is not prohibited in the Highlord's city.

So all beautiful women have a certain way they talk rather than being individuals?

Hmm ... maybe sexism is why they don't play in Allanak.  :P
Quote from: Marauder Moe
Oh my god he's still rocking the sandwich.

No, it's because they're all catty bitches.
Quote from: Agameth
Goat porn is not prohibited in the Highlord's city.

I must agree with Zoan. Feeling one's manhood erringly threatened in exchange for social vantage, is a barter few have the stomach for.
Quote from: Nyr on September 30, 2013, 11:33:28 AMYes, killing them is possible, but leaving someone alive can create interesting roleplay.

Less derailing, folks. As Mother Gith always tells the githgrubs: If you cannot stay on topic, stay out of the thread.

There is more to subtle verbal backstabbing than insults. Think of a well-timed, witty and ever-so-subtle gossip placed in the ears of another. The doubt, the drama, the espionage of political reputation. Oh noooo.
Nyr: lifesaver hishn to the rishncue

"To tell the truth, I can't be sure that he's got elf blood. But you know all those little things that make halfbreeds weird? Well, he's a little like that."

"Maybe more than a little."

"I can totally understand why, if his great-grandmother was a half-neck, he'd keep it quiet. We should probably keep it quiet, too."

Heck, I think this one was actually used on one of my characters.
"I have seen him show most of the attributes one expects of a noble: courtesy, kindness, and honor.  I would also say he is one of the most bloodthirsty bastards I have ever met."

Insults need to be understood if they are going to impact properly. That's why subtlety will never work in Allanak.
At your table, the XXXXXXXX templar says in sirihish, echoing:
     "Everyone is SAFE in His Walls."

Quote from: Norcal on May 31, 2013, 11:35:44 AM
Insults need to be understood if they are going to impact properly. That's why subtlety will never work in Allanak.

Burn  :o
Alea iacta est

May 31, 2013, 01:59:41 PM #37 Last Edit: May 31, 2013, 02:03:14 PM by Morrolan
Quote from: racurtne on May 31, 2013, 01:21:12 PM
Quote from: Norcal on May 31, 2013, 11:35:44 AM
Insults need to be understood if they are going to impact properly. That's why subtlety will never work in Allanak.

Burn  :o

I don't get it?  :P

And remember, weapons don't need to be understood if they're gonna impact properly.

P.S. Which reminds me. All verbal attacks are predicated on the assumption that, for some reason, the other person can't or won't cleave your head in. They require social rules, and/or the rule of law.

Otherwise, when you cleverly insult Trooper Malik the scarred, broad-thewed man, he's just gonna stretch your neck and wear your ears for decorations.
"I have seen him show most of the attributes one expects of a noble: courtesy, kindness, and honor.  I would also say he is one of the most bloodthirsty bastards I have ever met."

Subtlety -  the art of never getting to a point. That's what it felt like at one time.

Quote from: Mark Twain
I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying that I approved of it.
Quote from: Nyr
Dead elves can ride wheeled ladders just fine.
Quote from: bcw81
"You can never have your mountainhome because you can't grow a beard."
~Tektolnes to Thrain Ironsword