Harpy Language

Under construction

Most harpies have the curious habit of punctuating their sentences with threats and insults. The curious part is that they normally don't mean it at all, it's just traditional for them to use insults, and it would seem odd or even impolite if they didn't. The only time they skip this custom is if they are in a hurry or if they have something very important to say.

For example, if a harpy wanted to say: "I wish to speak to your sister", she would add a threat, like: "Let me see your sister or face my wrath!" If the other harpy wanted to reply: "She's not here." then she might actually say: "Insolent fool! My sister has more important matters to deal with than speaking to the likes of you!"

Upon hearing that exchange you might conclude that the two harpies are on the verge of killing each other, but that's not the case at all. The tone of the sentence gives subtle information about its real meaning. Some harpies are known to use extremely sophisticated insults with almost all the real information being in the tone of the insult rather than the actual words. Needless to say this habit contributes a lot to their reputation as being very rude in the eyes of other races. Aul Ne'kmu'm is a well know Harpiologist who dedicated years to decipher this language and its true meaning. Here are some of his observations.

Nice english

Harpy language

"I wish to speak to your sister."

"Let me see your sister or face my wrath!"

"She's not here."

"Insolent fool! My sister has more important matters to deal with than speaking to the likes of you!"

"Hey you!"

"Oi slimeball!"

Note : "Slimeball" is an affectionate term here. If the harpy was talking to a stranger she would use the variation "Hairbrained dimwit".

"Happy to see me?"

"Wet yourself? You should! 'Cause I'm going to rip yer sissy head off and spit down ya neck!"

"I'm happy to see you too."

"Then... yeah! I'm gonna pull your @!#& tongue out and use it as a zipper!"

"Have a nice day."

"Have a nice day and don't let the door hit you on teh way out, you sorry waste of space!"

"I have a favor to ask, can you lend me some help?"

"Move your lazy, good-for-nothing wings over here and do something useful."

"Sure, I'd be glad to help you."

"You can't do anything yourself perma-chick. I lend you my assistance out of pity!"

"I have leftovers, do you want some?"

"Eat this weakling, maybe someday you'll be as great a hunter as I."

"Thank you, that was delicious."

"I expected a more filling offering. Bring me more next time."

• Credits to Oldman40k2003 for coming up with the Phrasebook idea, and to Fish for some additions ^_^