Until you start using vocabulary, you never really know if you are using it correctly. I’ve been paying attention for a while now, making lists and picking up words here or there. It’s amazing how words that I thought I understood my whole life have taken on new meanings to me now. It’s a good thing I don’t need to learn to conjugate all over again!!!
It’s been a busy week here at Silver Gryphon Games, but that doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention. I pick up words from bits and pieces from the conversations I have on facebook, in our G+ community and on Twitter and make notes of things I don’t understand. One of the most popular posts I’ve done so far included my first vocab list. Today seems like a good time to share some more of those with you.
Here’s the 2nd edition of the “I’m going on an Adventure Translation Guide.”
Attributes: values that define physical and mental characteristics of your character.
Battlemat: a map, usually able to be marked on by dry-erase markers, that has the map or other important locations drawn on it.
Character sheet: A piece of paper on which you record information about your character, usually will include details, notes, game statistics, and background information
Dungeon Master: See previous description for GM The person who is directing the adventure, also referee as needed.
Experience/Experience Points: What you get as a reward for solving problems, defeating creatures, and being a good role-player, see also XP (below)
Fable: A genre. Also a story about legendary people and adventures.
Genre: Type or class (post to come soon about genres!)
Healing: How your character gets better after they get injured.
Interrupt: Sometimes you can interrupt another character’s actions as they move through initiative.
Jack of all trades: A character with a very wide range of abilities (usually skills) that are often low level, not highly skilled in any area. Can do some of everything, but may not do it very well.
Keeper: Another word for GM or DM.
LARP: Live Acton Role Play as opposed to Tabletop. Usually involves staying in character at all times, physical action and may or may not include costumes.
Minis/Miniatures: Small figures (painted or unpainted) used to represent characters or other game elements, often used when playing with a battlemat.
Natural: can refer to a raw, unmodified dice roll. In many systems rolling a natural 20 indicates success regardless of penalties and a natural 1 indicates failure regardless of bonuses.when rolling a D20 or 20-sided die.
OoC: Out of Character. Sometimes it can be very important to note when you say something vs. when your character says something. When you are YOU instead of your character.
Playtest: process by which new games are tested for bugs and improvements before releasing or sharing it with a wider audience.
Quip: Sometimes the night is made with a well-delivered one liner. Just be sure it’s done in game though, See OoC
Rules: The mechanics that are used to resolve what happens during gaming. Most RPG rules incorporate dice. Often used interchangeably with “System.”
Saving Throw: a check you make at certain times to avoid a major threat such as poison, some magical effects, or even death. If you pass, you might be fine or have a reduced effect. If you fail, you take the full-effect of whatever you were saving against.
Tabletop: a flat surface that everyone can sit around and use to hold their character sheets, dice, the battlemat (if used), books, and pencils, snacks. Also refers to the type of gaming. Tabletop RPG, sometimes referred to as pen and paper.
Unlucky: You’re going to be at some point. Be a good sport and just roll with it. Remember, it’s just a game!
Variety – try new characters, new tactics and new ideas! Spice it up and find your niche, you might surprise yourself!
Wait: You’re going to have to wait your turn, even if you have a great idea or action, things have to happen in the order of initiative. Sometimes that means you lose your chance to shine, but there will always be more opportunities.
XP: Short for experience points.