The Complete Newbie’s Non-Rulebook Glossary

Purpose of This Glossary Show

This is NOT the D&D Forum Glossary Show
How to Use This Glossary Show  

How This Glossary Gets Assembled: Please post any definitions you think would helpful for members of the Character Optimization community to know. Also, please speak up if you have an alternate definition. I will update and organize the first post (or posts) of this thread as often as I can to keep the list up-to-date. As you may notice, some of the definitions below are directly lifted from different posts (in this and other threads). Blatant plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery. Thanks to everyone posting!

THE GLOSSARY:

NONWORDS
| = Vertical Bar (usually located above "Enter/Return" on a keyboard, used in build names to denote hybrid)
/ = Forward Slash (usually located with the question mark on a keyboard, used in build names to denote MC as well as Paragon Path and Epic Destiny)
COLORS = frequently used in bolded format in various char op handbooks to indicate a recommended scale of value for various features, feats, powers, items, etc.: GOLD (most recommended); SKY BLUE (2nd most); DARK BLUE (3rd most); BLACK (4th most); PURPLE (5th most); RED (least recommended)

AEDU = At-will, Encounter, Daily, Utility (usually used to indicate the sum of all of a character's powers)
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
AIP = Arcane Implement Proficiency (feat)
AL = Average Level
AoE = Area of Effect (the area covered by a power, usually a burst or blast)
AoO = Attack of Opportunity (see OA)
AP = Action Point or Arcane Power (rulebook)
APL = Average Party Level

BA = Basic Attack (ranged or melee)
Bag of Rats = a metaphor used to describe taking a power that gives a benefit when you hit an enemy then using that power against creatures that are not a credible threat (such as a tiny rodent, or your ally) to get the benefit without risk.
Baladin = Paladin (class) emphasizing a balance between Strength and Charisma
Banish = to remove something from play, see RFP
BBEG = Big Bad Evil Guy (usually the toughest enemy in an encounter)
BG = Blackguard (class)
Blaster = a ranged implement build that values damage more than pure control
BM = Battlemind (class) or Bloodmage (a Wizard paragon path)
BraveLord = Warlord (class) with Bravura Presence (class feature)
BS = Bladesinger (class)
Buff = Make an ally more effective

CA = Combat Advantage (status effect)
Catch-22 = a situation in which an enemy faces a forced choice between two prohibitively negative outcomes - e.g. they take damage if they attack or if they do not attack (note: this is actually a "double bind" but "catch-22" is the CharOp lingo for such situations)
CB = Character Builder (online character generation tool available through DDI subscription)
Chaladin = Charisma Paladin (class) emphasizing Charisma
CharOp = Character Optimization
CO = Character Optimization
Conlock = Warlock (class) emphasizing Constitution
Control = determining, modifying, or denying the actions of enemies and/or allies
Convoker = Invoker (class) emphasizing Constitution
Crit-Fishing = trying to crit on anything less than a natural 20 on multiple attacks ("crit-fisher" = noun)
CS = Customer Service for WotC

DB = Dragonborn (race)
D-born = Dragonborn (race)
DC = Divine Challenge (Paladin class feature) or Difficulty Class (skill check requirement set by the DM)
Debuff = Make an enemy less effective
DDI = Dungeons & Dragons Insider (a current subscriber to WotC online content and CB)
DIS = Dual Implement Spellcaster (feat)
DMG = Dungeon Master's Guide (rulebook)
DP = Divine Power (rulebook)
DPE = Damage Per Encounter
DPR = Damage Per Round
DS = Divine Sanction (Paladin class feature) or Darksun (campaign setting rulebook)
Dumpstat = the ability score that is least important to a particular build

E-[Class] = Essentials version of a class, e.g. E-Cleric or E-Fighter (usually in juxtaposition to O-[Class], e.g. O-Cleric or O-Fighter meaning the original version of a class)
ED = Epic Destiny
Enable = allowing allies to do things they otherwise couldn't do (or would have a hard time doing)
EONT = End Of Next Turn
Essassin = Executioner Assassin (class), i.e. the Essentials version of Assassin, see also O-[class] and E-[class]

Feat Tax = any feat that all members of a class are obligated to take to function as expected (see Math Fix Feats)
Feylock = Warlock (class) with the Fey Pact (class feature)
FR = Forgotten Realms (campaign setting rulebook)
FRW - Fortitude, Reflex, Will (not very common, see NAD)
Friendly = usually an AoE that targets only enemies
Frostcheese = more critical way of referring to using a frost weapon/cold power with Wintertouched (feat) and Lasting Frost (feat) for permanent combat advantage and +5 damage, aka Permafrost
FWIW = For What It's Worth

Gish = a traditionally non-melee character that is built for melee actions 

Healic = Cleric (class) specializing in healing
Hellock = Warlock (class) with Infernal Pact (class feature)
HTH = Hope That Helps (most common) or Hurl Through Hell (level 29 Warlock power)

IAoP = Iron Armbands of Power (magic item)
IIRC = If I Recall Correctly
IMO/IMHO = In My Opinion / In My Humble Opinion
Imposer = Wizard (class) specializing in Orb of Imposition (class feature)
InspLord = Warlord (class) with Inspiring Presence (class feature)
Intvoker = Invoker (class) emphasizing Intelligence

KAM = Kulkor Arms Master (a Fighter paragon path)
Kicker = anything a power does other than damage, aka Rider (e.g. an extra effect based class feature, weapon, implement, or other conditions)
Kite = when a character uses flying powers to float above a combat (usually at a safer range than down on the ground)

Lazy-[Class] = Descriptor of any class that specializes in granting attacks to others without making attacks him/herself
LazyLord = Warlord (class) specializing in granting attacks to others without making attacks him/herself
'Lock = Warlock (class)
LSM = Low System Mastery (describes those who don't know the rules well, insist that they're right, and get belligerent when told why they're wrong)

MAD = Multiple Ability Dependency (when a character build relies on high numbers in three or more ability scores)
Malvoker = Invoker (class) with the Covenant of Malediction (class feature)
Math Fix Feats = collective name for feats that improve the overall numbers associated with attacks, defenses, etc. (see Feat Tax)
MBA = Melee Basic Attack
MC = Multiclass (see also "/" above)
MM = Monster Manual (rulebook) or Magic Missile (Wizard at-will attack)
MMO = Massively multiplayer online games
Mob = Mobile Object (anything a character targets in combat - usually an enemy)
Mook = Minion
MP = Martial Power (rulebook)

NAD = Non-AC Defense (i.e. Fortitude, Reflex, or Will - see FRW)
NADs = plural of NAD (see FRW)
Nerf = a change in a game mechanic or feature that reduces its power (frequently used by WotC and DMs)
Nerfbat = a metaphor for describing what WotC or DMs use to nerf a game mechanic or feature
Newbie = Someone new to D&D, the CharOp forum, or both
Noob = Variant of Newbie
Nova = Usually when a character unleashes an especially large amount of damage/powers/effects over one or two rounds. A round of unprecedented Wupp Ass.  The turn you set your sights on that nasty adversary and pull out all the stops.
Nova, Daily = Nova that utilizes whatever means possible, including daily attack and daily utility powers
Nova, Encounter = Nova that utilizes AP's, a Set up Round, and Encounter/At Will powers

O-[Class] = Original version of a class, e.g. O-Cleric or O-Fighter (usually in juxtaposition to E-[class], e.g. E-Cleric or E-Fighter meaning the Essentials version of a class)
OA = Opportunity Attack (sometimes OAttack) or Opportunity Action (sometimes OAction)
OoE = Oath of Enmity (Avenger class feature)
OP = Original Poster or Original Post (the first post in a message thread) or Over Powered (as in something needing to be nerfed) or Optimization/Optimize (see CharOp & CO)
OPR = Once Per Round
OPT = Once Per Turn
Orbizard = Wizard (class) emphasizing the orb implement
Ossassin = Original Assassin (class), see also Essassin
OTOH = On The Other Hand

PEACH = Please Examine And Critique Honestly (usually accompanies the description of a build that needs feedback)
Permafrost = less critical way of referring to using a frost weapon/cold power with Wintertouched (feat) and Lasting Frost (feat) for permanent combat advantage and +5 damage, aka Frostcheese
Ping-Pong = forcefully moving an enemy in a (semi-)perpetual manner between two or more sources of damage
PHB = Player's Handbook (rulebook)
Poach = gaining a power from another class through multiclassing, Hybriding and/or feats
PP = Paragon Path or Power Point (less common)
Primary Stat/Score = the most important ability score for a character

Radiant Mafia = a radiant-damage-focussed party of characters with at least one Morninglord (paragon path) that inflicts vulnerable 10 radiant on all enemies
RAI = Rules as Intended (usually means what WotC supposedly meant with some particular RAW but the RAW may be ambiguous)
RAW = Rules as Written (usually means WotC rulebooks, magazines, and rules updates)
RBA = Ranged Basic Attack
RC = Rules Compendium (updated print version of all the rules - generally the most reliable reference for the basic rules of the game - not to be confused with the less reliable online DDI Compendium)
RecLord = Warlord (class) with Resourceful Presence (class feature)
RFP = Removed From Play, see Banish
Rider = anything a power does other than damage, aka Kicker (e.g. an extra effect based class feature, weapon, implement, or other conditions)
RoB = Rain of Blows (level 3 Fighter power, less common since its nerf)
RoS = Rain of Steel (level 5 Fighter power, less common)

SA = Sneak Attack (a Rogue class feature)
SAD = Single Ability Dependency (when a character build relies on a high number in only one ability score)
Secondary Stat/Score = the second most important ability score for a character
SM = Swordmage (class)
SoB = Storm of Blows (level 13 Fighter power) or Storm of Blades (level 13 Barbarian power) - neither use common
SONT = Start of Next Turn
Staffizard = Wizard (class) emphasizing the staff implement
Starlock = Warlock (class) with Star Pact (class feature)
Sticky = a quality of defenders when they keep enemies adjacent
Straladin = Paladin (class) emphasizing Strength
Stunlock = to keep an enemy stunned for multiple turns (traditionally while denying the enemy the chance to save against the stunned condition)
Stunlocker = a controller emphasizing stunlocking

TacLord = Warlord (class) with Tactical Presence (class feature)
TBH = To Be Honest
Team Monster = the collection of enemies in any given encounter
Tertiary Stat/Score = the third most important ability score for a character
TO = Theoretical Optimization (optimizing in ways that cannot see much actual game play because of limited or hyper-focussed rules finagling, juxtaposed with Practical Optimization)
Tomeizard = Wizard (class) emphasizing the tome implement
TS = Twin Strike (Ranger at-will attack)

Unfriendly = usually an AoE that targets indiscriminately allies and enemies

Vuln = Vulnerable

Wandizard = Wizard (class) emphasizing the wand implement
WotC = Wizards of the Coast
WrathVoker = Invoker (class) with Covenant of Wrath (class feature)

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

[constant edits to add/modify definitions and intro content, last edit July 20, 2011]

Reserved

Reserved.

Reserved. Go ahead and post your definitions. Thanks!

This is more forum-speak but YMMV=Your mileage may vary
Edit: more
'Lock=Warlock
SM=Swordmage
BM=Battlemind
BG=Blackguard
 

OPR - Once per round
EONT - end of next turn
SONT - start of next turn

AIP:  Arcane Implement Proficiency
DIS:  Dual Implement Spellcaster

I'm sure I'll think of more.

I've Seen BM also equalling bloodmage however, but this tends to be reserved for Wizards and the PP discusion. Which reminds me

PP=Paragon Path
ED=Epic Destiny
MAD=Multiple Attribute Dependency
SAD=Single Attribute Dependency
 

Thanks for the initial flurry of definitions! I'll update more tomorrow. Cheers!

MC : Multiclass.

The lock entry should also note the hellock, starlock, conlock etc prefixes. On that note, Straladin, Chaladin, Baladin for the Paladin stat focuses.

community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

LDB = LordDuskblade

Jul 16, 2011 -- 10:36PM, frothsof wrote:

community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

Awesome resource! I was not aware of it before now. Thanks! I'll edit the first post to reference that.

InspLord, TacLord, BraveLord, RecLord for the various Warlord builds from PHB and MP.  I haven't seen abbreviations for the Insightful and Skirmishing Warlords.

Similarly, Orbizard, Staffizard, Wandizard.

t~

Jul 17, 2011 -- 12:04AM, tiornys wrote:

InspLord, TacLord, BraveLord, RecLord for the various Warlord builds from PHB and MP.  I haven't seen abbreviations for the Insightful and Skirmishing Warlords.

Similarly, Orbizard, Staffizard, Wandizard.

t~

Great! I know TacLord, Orbizard, Staffizard, Wandizard. But could anyone provide brief definitions for InspLord, BraveLord, and RecLord? Thanks!

Jul 17, 2011 -- 12:07AM, Valenkosh wrote:

Jul 17, 2011 -- 12:04AM, tiornys wrote:

InspLord, TacLord, BraveLord, RecLord for the various Warlord builds from PHB and MP.  I haven't seen abbreviations for the Insightful and Skirmishing Warlords.

Similarly, Orbizard, Staffizard, Wandizard.

t~

Great! I know TacLord, Orbizard, Staffizard, Wandizard. But could anyone provide brief definitions for InspLord, BraveLord, and RecLord? Thanks!

Sorry, I should have included that.  Inspiring Warlord, Bravura Warlord, and Resourceful Warlord.

t~

You forgot LazyLord, t. :P (A Warlord specialised in, or built completely with, powers that allow others to attack without having to attack herself.)

On that, you should also include Lazy - there are other builds capable of the same idea, the Warlord is just the best at it, and most common.

Also: Healic - Healing specialised Cleric.

This list is coming along smashingly. I've even learned a few things myself tonight, so already I know this list is helping me! Please keep posting. But I am really going to bed now. I'll update more tomorrow. Cheers!

LSM - The average skill level in class and power design for a member of the current D&D R&D team.

... community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...

Lady_Auralla, we get the joke, but please keep such a comment out of what is actually a very useful thread and a very good idea.

My compliments, Valenkosh, for starting it.

Good idea for a thread.

I think MAD and SAD need a few words of explanation beyond just spelling out what the acronym means. Also, Dazing Rebuke Syndrome is a term that often comes up (albeit not abbreviated) that could be explained here. Also, I think the acronym is NAD (with NADs as a plural), not NADS.

Suggested additions: RBA, BA, Tomeizard, RAI, CS, DPE, IAoP, OPT, LSM, HTH, PEACH.

(if you don't know what any of these mean, then I'm probably wrong about suggesting them in the first place )

I have some of them in my wizard handbook, here's the list (probably you'll have to adapt some of them):

AoE: area of effect, a spell that covers more than one square, usually a burst or a blast
BA: Basic Attack (ranged or melee)
Banish: an effect that removes the target from the game
BBEG: big bad evil guy, the "boss"
Blaster: a build that values damage more than pure control
Buff/Debuff: empower an ally/weaken an enemy
CA: combat advantage
DIS: dual implement spellcaster feat
DPR: damage per round, valuable for blaster builds
Dumpstat: a stat that is not important for the build
ED: Epic Destiny
Friendly:  usually an area effect that targets only enemies. Very valuable, in my  opinion generally this raises the rating of a power by one colour.
Gish: a mix between a pure caster and a melee warrior
Kicker:  an extra effect based on your implement specialization, written in the  inferior part of the spell. Only few powers, expecially from Arcane  Power, actually possess a kicker.
Imposer: orb of imposition user.
MAD: Multiple Attribute Dependency (no, not the case of the wizard, generally)
MBA: Melee Basic Attack (useful for enchanter and gish builds)
MC: multiclass, often shortened with a slash ( "/" )
Nerf: a change in the feature that reduces its power
Nova: when you unleash a great number of powers/damage in a little time
OA: opportunity action
PP: paragon path
Unfriendly: an area effect that targets indiscriminately friends and enemies  (creatures). Contrary to common knowledge of the class, this kind of  power is the minority of the Wizard power list.

I think one thing to watch out for is that some definitions are not common. When someone uses BM, they're often doing it in a thread where they keep saying Battlemind a lot. If someone says BM out of the blue, it doesn't mean a whole lot(and honestly, shouldn't mean much)

This is the context that some Newbie could look at this list, decide that they have to say something like this. "I'm planning on playing a BM. My DM throws a lot of Mooks and Mobs at us. I'm thinking KAM? Does that make sense in that context?"

A few more:
/ = multiclass
| = hybrid
RAI = Rules as Intended
CB = Character Builder
(and possibly my abbreviation - it doesn't get tossed off as much as LDB, though) 

RC for Rules Compendium, which is generally a better rules reference than the PHB these days.  While it's a far less common use, a note that PP can mean Power Points would probably be good.  OA is sometimes used as Opportunity Action in addition to Opportunity Attack; OAction and OAttack can be used to differentiate between them.

AoO Attack of Opportunity; see: OA.

WrathVoker: Wrathful Invoker

Nova, Nova'ing: using many resources to deliberately finishing an enemy in 1 round.

MwaO: Mommy was an Orc, a CharOp forum handbook writer.

CO: Character Optimization

Updated the first post to include suggested material.

Jul 17, 2011 -- 4:47AM, RuinsFate wrote:

My compliments, Valenkosh, for starting it.

Thanks, RuinsFate. That means a lot coming from the author of the Beginner's Primer to CharOp.

Jul 17, 2011 -- 5:22AM, Kurald_Galain wrote:

Good idea for a thread. I think MAD and SAD need a few words of explanation beyond just spelling out what the acronym means. Also, Dazing Rebuke Syndrome is a term that often comes up (albeit not abbreviated) that could be explained here. Also, I think the acronym is NAD (with NADs as a plural), not NADS. Suggested additions: RBA, BA, Tomeizard, RAI, CS, DPE, IAoP, OPT, LSM, HTH, PEACH. (if you don't know what any of these mean, then I'm probably wrong about suggesting them in the first place )

Thanks, Kurald_Galain. The only one of your terms I did not know for sure was OPT (OPT = optimization?).

Jul 17, 2011 -- 5:27AM, Nausicaa wrote:

I have some of them in my wizard handbook, here's the list (probably you'll have to adapt some of them):

You rock, Nausicaa!

Jul 17, 2011 -- 6:42AM, Mommy_was_an_Orc wrote:

I think one thing to watch out for is that some definitions are not common. When someone uses BM, they're often doing it in a thread where they keep saying Battlemind a lot. If someone says BM out of the blue, it doesn't mean a whole lot(and honestly, shouldn't mean much). This is the context that some Newbie could look at this list, decide that they have to say something like this. "I'm planning on playing a BM. My DM throws a lot of Mooks and Mobs at us. I'm thinking KAM? Does that make sense in that context?"

Thanks, MwaO! I added a section on "how to use this glossary" in the first post to address your concern. What do you think?

Anyone else, please let me know how the definitions look. Any changes or suggestions for the definitions or the intro material in the first post?

I've usually used "kicker" to refer to anything the power does other than damage, not just a build-specific change.

Good work!

I would add:

OoE for Oath of Enmity
O-assassin for the original assassin (opposed to the Executioner)
Crit-fisher for a character designed to have high chances to score a critical hit

And following Kiltpads remark here above, somebody uses "rider" instead of "Kicker".

Jul 17, 2011 -- 1:21PM, Valenkosh wrote:

Thanks, MwaO! I added a section on "how to use this glossary" in the first post to address your concern. What do you think?

Make sense to me!

A few more:
Primary/Secondary/Tertiary scores
Nerfbat
The various colors(Gold, Sky Blue, Dark Blue, Black, Purple, Red)
Enable
Team Monster
Catch-22 

Been hanging aroudn CharOp since not long after 4e came out and I finally know what PEACH means!  Thanks!

I use RFP at my table to imply removed from play.

I think taking some props from MC-Drowbanes Nova handbook on the definition of Nova and the differences between Encounter and Daily nova would be useful, as many of the top tier builds calculate one or both of these novas.

As an aside, I too support this effort Valenkosh. Props! 

It nice to have all these in 1 place. Good thinking.

Jul 17, 2011 -- 1:21PM, Valenkosh wrote:

 The only one of your terms I did not know for sure was OPT (OPT = optimization?).

OPT = Once Per Turn.

In the entry for RC, you have it as DDI's online compendium, which is incorrect.  The Rules Compendium was the updated rules collection printed with Essentials, containing the up to date version of all the rules.  In that WoTC has avoided errataing anything in the RC, it's generally the most reliable reference for the basic rules of the game.  The DDI compendium, while more useful for looking many things up quickly, is often inaccurate.

I just had a forum discussion with someone who didn't know what ping-pong meant, so I suppose that would be a good addition. Possibly also BS for BladeSinger, and TO for theoretical optimization.

AFAIK Blaster is not just a damage build, but a ranged and implement-using damage build. I think defining "debuff" as "weaken" is confusing, because "weaken" has an explicit in-game meaning. I thought HTH means "hope that helps"? I've never heard people use it to refer to that warlock power.

TBH I've never heard of the terms Baladin, Banish, Imposer, OAction, OAttack, or Kicker before. Are you sure they're common enough to list here? Most threads I've seen use "rider" for what is listed as "kicker" here, whereas "kicker" is a MtG term.

Feylock
whatever the short form for vestige is

AL (aka APL) = Average Level (Average Party Level).

Awesome feedback, everyone! I need to leave now to drive a 12-hr road trip, but I will update this later tonight (central time) to incorporate the suggestions and corrections mentioned in the last several posts. Thanks!

I've seen OP used for Over Powered; ie, that power is OP, it should be nerfed

OP can either be Overpowered or Original Post(er).

Umber Hulk - short for Umber Shadow Hulk, not the weenie version. Most difficult CORE monster to beat at paragon levels, without the DM (fiat) making it really stupid.



aDMg - short for awaken_D_M_golem; short for awaken_Dungeon_Master_golem; short for wtf was that ?!



T.O. - short for Theoretical Optimization; short for run kiddies, run !!

SM = Swordmage
BM = Battlemind
BS = Bladesinger
DB = dragonborn
Ossassin = original assassin
Essassin = executioner assassin

D-Born as well.

E- and O-(class) for example E-Cleric and O-Cleric - falling out of favour now that the Templar, Arcanist, Marshall etc names are in use, but will show up in old posts. or people who dislike the names for thematic reasons. Means Essentials and Original variants of the class in question.

I have now added a link to this in the Primer, as I feel it is of use to everyone in the forums. I'll add it to the collection sticky soon as well, if someone hasn't already.

-edit- Done.

"Control" and "enable" should probably be added, since they have different meanings in the context of 4e than they do in normal usage. "TO" should probably have more explanation, since a true newbie won't understand the difference between theoretical and practical optimization.

@RuinsFate: Thanks! I really appreciate it.

Some notes:

I removed Banish and Kicker because I hadn't really heard of them outside Nausicaa's wizard handbook.

I also removed OAction and OAttack because I haven't seem them much either.

I've left in Baladin and Imposer because I do recall seeing them outside their respective CharOp handbooks.

But I can be talked out of those decisions. Thoughts?

Also, I'm on the fence about including abbreviations for forum members (like LDB, MwaO, aDMg, Mello, etc.). On one hand, you sometimes see abbreviations of these guys' user names in discussion threads. But on the other hand, where do we draw the line as to who to reference in the Glossary and who not to?

Also, any other votes on Umber Hulk?

I'm personally of the opinion we either include all the regulars or none - even the mighty LDB. Preferably none, or it leads to debate on where to draw the line and is really more about promoting a person than being a useful term.

OAction and OAttack could be put in as a subnote of the OA entry.

I've seen Kilpatds use Kicker as well. Kicker/Rider are usually referring to the same thing

I don't use kicker a lot, for instance, but i've seen LDB using it.

Banish is used basically in 3 handbooks: cleric, wizard and warlock. These are the only class (IIRC) that have "removed from play" powers.

DC - Divine Challenge / Difficulty Class
DS - Divine Sanction / Darksun
FR - Forgotten Realms
AEDU - At-will, Encounter, Daily, Utility
FRW - Fortitude, Reflex, Will
RoB - Rain of Blows
SoB - Storm of Blows/Blades
RoS - Rain of Steel
TS - Twin Strike
MM - Monster Manual / Magic Missile
MMO - Massively multiplayer online games
Sticky - defender mark keeping target close
Math fix feats - collective name for expertise, superior defense feats, and/or improved defenses

Jul 18, 2011 -- 11:44PM, Mengu74 wrote:

Math fix feats - collective name for expertise, superior defense feats, and/or improved defenses

"Feat Tax" should also be mentioned as an alternate way to refer to those feats, or any feat that all members of a class are obligated to take to function as expected.

"Intvoker", "Malvoker" and "Convoker", in addition to "Wrathvoker", which you already have, are used to refer to invokers with Int as a secondary, with the covenant of Malediction, and with Con as a secondary, respectively. (As with -lord, -voker is a reasonably productive suffix.) They might be contextually obvious enough (the shorthand is rarely used outside of discussions of invokers in particular) that they may not really need to be included, but they're around in invoker guides.

In my mind, LDB stands out as an acronym not just because of the status of the referent, but because he's genuinely referred to that way a lot. Random acronym'd versions of other prominant posters' names don't make as much sense because they just aren't as globally used.

IMO (IMHO) = in my opinion (in my humble opinion).

IIRC = if I remember correctly

OK. Banish and Kicker are back. OAction and OAttack folded into the entry for OA. Added suggestions from the last few posts.

@tylara67: Good ideas. Check out the new entries for Control and Enable and TO. Would you add/subtract anything? Would anyone else suggest anything for those three entries?

Also, how would someone define "bag of rats"? Or is "bag of rats" even applicable anymore? 

So, one vote for no names of forum members. One vote for keeping LDB in. Other votes?

Edit: didn't mean to do a full quote. 

Frost cheese - using a frost weapon with wintertouched and lasting frost for permanent combat advantage and +5 damage.

Radiant mafia - a party of characters doing radiant damage with a morninglord giving all enemies vuln 10 radiant.

Permafrost - the nice name for frostcheese.

Healerdin - a cha-based paladin specialising more in healing than in defendering.

Jul 19, 2011 -- 2:45AM, Fardiz wrote:

Healerdin - a cha-based paladin specialising more in healing than in defendering.

I've never seen it here. Only in wow.

Ah, I have never played WoW. Must just be the MT comunity and my flgs.

Stunlock - a controller that can effectively lock down a monster for several turns (e.g. stun on a hit or miss and then prevent them from saving).

Poach - to gain a power from another class through multiclassing, Hybriding and/or feats

Just a remark: Oath of Enmity is an avenger's class feature (not an invoker's).

I don't think that anything involving "Umber Hulk" is a common forum phrase. I've not seen FRW used a lot, nor RoB (since its nerf), SoB, RoS, or Healerdin.

Regarding math fix feats (or feat taxes), I don't think there's a universally-agreed definition about which feats, exactly, qualify as such. Some people think it's just Expertise, some people think it also includes Improved Defenses, and some people include e.g. Improved Initiative and Melee Training in there. Point is, you probably should define the term without explicitly listing which feats are (supposedly) meant.

Bag of rats should really be in here, yes. I think forum usernames should not be.

Definition of bag of rats? Taking a power that gives a benefit when you hit an enemy, and using that against creatures that are not a credible threat (such as a tiny rodent, or your ally) to get the benefit without risk.

FWIW = for what it's worth

OTOH = on the other hand

I'll update the glossary to account for the last few posts when I finish my morale-destroying road trip late tonight. Thanks again for all the participation!

can we get this resource stickied?

K_G's got it, on bag-o-rats. Boo about the ego alert forum poster names (wink).



Bag-Of-Rats ... literally the case in 3e.  Bag full of tied up rats. Free Action Draw one. Free Action drop it. Action X stab the Rat. Action Y gained from the exchange. Repeat for more cheese. Banned in 4e by the legit target rule, early in the DMG.
... You put a Troll or similar regenerator, on a Tensers all tied up. Probably stick a sock in it's mouth, so it doesn't make quite so much noise. Still you can't surprise monsters, and the Troll gives away your position. Hidden BBEG "could" (wink,wink) buff the Troll to jump up from the Tensers to stab you. See it's a legit target with real costs. So you stab the Troll over and over. Don't forget to stab the Troll. It's fun. And that's the primary rule isn't it ?!

Updated. Added suggested terms from last few posts. User names are out. Some other lesser-used terms I've just noted with "less common."

No glossary is ever totally complete, but this one looks like it contains enough terms to be helpful to new forum members (and those who have been around a few years, e.g. me).

Please keep posting terms if you think of them, but I'm fine if we let this glossary simmer for a while. In a few months, we can revisit it and take out unnecessary terms and add yet others.

 @yargon: RuinsFate was kind enough to link this glossary to his "Beginner's Primer to CharOp" and to the "Complete Collection of Character Build Links" - both of which are stickied. That's good enough for me.

Thanks again to everyone who posted!

Cheers, VK 

HBO = Heavy Blade Opportunist feat

MV: Monster Vault

PMC: Paragon multiclassing (as)