Glossary

[Jim Kane]

From TFT:ITL, we use (as a short sampling) the following major terms:

• Humaniods
• Intelligent Monsters
• Magical Creatures
• Beasts
• Giant Insects
• Plants
• Nuisance Creatures

With many of these having sub-categories - and their associated terms - within the over-arching classifying term.

In looking over the master reference in this light, I am struck by the fact of how often that the words: Creature and Beast, are employed, as opposed to the generic word: Monster (a word which litters most D&D books); and also the sheer depth and variety of things to populate our worlds with... given in so few pages.

Like so many things which are superior with TFT, I think it would be a good thing if we continued to follow that detailed framework - with the high level of specificity of terms and categories - as described in TFT:ITL.

JK

[ak_aramis]

Originally Posted by JLV

Terquem raises a pretty good point here. Is the term "monster" even applicable if there aren't any restrictions on what the players can play?

Monster was commonly used in other games of the era for any target with ability to do or to take damage that wasn't a PC.

Originally Posted by AD&D [1e] PHB, page 40

MONSTER, THE TERM
It is necessary to stress that the usage of the term "monster" is generic for
any creature encountered during the course of adventuring. A monster can
be exactly what the name implies, or it can be a relatively harmless
animal, a friendly intelligent beast, a crazed human, a band of dwarves, a
thief - virtually anything or anyone potentially threatening or hostile.

When your referee indicates your character has encountered a monster,
that simply indicates a confrontation between your character and some
type of creature is about to take place. The results of such a meeting will
depend on many factors, including the nature of the monster and your
character's actions. All monsters are not bad ...

[JLV]

True, but part of the discussion earlier was about the desire to avoid D&D-ish terminology.

[Jim Kane]

Originally Posted by JLV

True, but part of the discussion earlier was about the desire to avoid D&D-ish terminology.

TFT:ITL does use the word: Monster, but it uses the word: Creature much, much more - and then goes on to break-down all manner of creatures (under Flora & Fauna) in a most masterful way - as partially outlined above.

When TFT:ITL uses the term: Monster, it does so usually with the implied qualifier as follows: "These races are classified as "monsters" simply because they do not make good IN THE LABYRINTH characters for players to become..." - See TFT:ITL, Intelligent Monsters, p. 52

I think that is a great guideline.

Hope that helps.

JK

[Rick_Smith]

I would suggest the following term:

ABILITY: An ability is either a Talent, a Spell or a Language. Abilities are earned with experience and the more abilities you have, the more expensive later abilities cost.

[ak_aramis]

Originally Posted by Steve Jackson

ask_aramis - Want to write an article explaining that that is how it would work if the metals on Cidri have the same general availability that they do on Earth?

My opinion is that silver would be advantaged over gold because silver has more uses than gold in a pre-industrial economy - especially a magic-using one.

Sent to editor's inbox with link to your request.

[Steve Jackson]

Thank you!

[Rick_Smith]

Another suggestion:

Subdual Damage: This represents the damage from bar fights or striking someone with the flat of the blade to take them prisoner. It can be used to knock someone unconscious without killing them.

[ak_aramis]

Originally Posted by Rick_Smith

Another suggestion:

Subdual Damage: This represents the damage from bar fights or striking someone with the flat of the blade to take them prisoner. It can be used to knock someone unconscious without killing them.

That's pretty cinematic... unless hits stopped by armor also do subdual.

[JLV]

I think we're supposed to be suggesting glossary terms from actual TFT, not from rules we are proposing or our house rules...