AFGNCAAP
First Post
Hello,
The post discussing the naming of flails/morningstars has got me thinking. I know that I've had, on occasion, difficulty with how D&D uses particular terms vs. how they are actually used in real life. I've also had past experiences with players where terminolgy became an issue. I was wondering if anyone else has had issues with the way D&D defines certain words/terms in-game vs. how they are used in real life. A common problem area is weapons, but I think there are some other gray areas that create issues.
For example, I've heard "morningstar" be used to refer to both flails & spiked maces/clubs (specifically long-spiked varieties, not the small "stud"-spiked kind). However, there are other gray areas:
* The term "longsword," IIRC, actually refers to swords that are more like bastard swords or greatswords, though in D&D, "longsword" currently refers to the standard, 1-handed variety of straight-bladed sword (such as broadswords).
* For you AD&D players out there: "broadsword," IIRC, is a newer term, brought about when smallswords & rapiers gained promincence (since it had a broader blade than a rapier or smallsword)--the basket-hilted claymore is a type of broadsword. In AD&D, both "broadsword" and "longsword" pretty much covered one-handed slashing swords, though the former was probably wider but shorter than a longsword, and the latter was longer but thinner than a broadsword.
* "Falchions," IRL, are one-handed hacking/chopping weapons (for the most part, though a few two-handers do exist)--they're more like a kind of machete, in some cases, as opposed to the slashing-style curved blade of a scimitar or saber. However, 3.X D&D treats "falchions" as large scimitars, still used as a slashing weapon instead of a hacking weapon.
* AD&D vs. 3.X D&D: In AD&D, warhammers were depicted correctly, for the most part--smaller-headed weapons (more akin to a claw hammer than a mallet), frequently topped &/or backed with a spike. However, the 3.X D&D "warhammer" is now more of a weapon more akin to the one-handed mallet of the Mighty Thor.
Those are just a few examples, but it brings to light an issue that I feel is critical to understanding D&D (or most RPGs, for that matter): An RPG creates & uses its own unique terminology that, when used in game, refers to specific mechanics/components of the game only. Thus, a "morningstar" is a spiked club/mace only, & not any variety of flail/ball & chain weapon. A "chain shirt" is made of chain mail, but it is not "chain mail," which refers to a complete suit of the stuff.
Has anyone else had/experienced any of these problems/issues? Just curious to hear what y'all have to say.
The post discussing the naming of flails/morningstars has got me thinking. I know that I've had, on occasion, difficulty with how D&D uses particular terms vs. how they are actually used in real life. I've also had past experiences with players where terminolgy became an issue. I was wondering if anyone else has had issues with the way D&D defines certain words/terms in-game vs. how they are used in real life. A common problem area is weapons, but I think there are some other gray areas that create issues.
For example, I've heard "morningstar" be used to refer to both flails & spiked maces/clubs (specifically long-spiked varieties, not the small "stud"-spiked kind). However, there are other gray areas:
* The term "longsword," IIRC, actually refers to swords that are more like bastard swords or greatswords, though in D&D, "longsword" currently refers to the standard, 1-handed variety of straight-bladed sword (such as broadswords).
* For you AD&D players out there: "broadsword," IIRC, is a newer term, brought about when smallswords & rapiers gained promincence (since it had a broader blade than a rapier or smallsword)--the basket-hilted claymore is a type of broadsword. In AD&D, both "broadsword" and "longsword" pretty much covered one-handed slashing swords, though the former was probably wider but shorter than a longsword, and the latter was longer but thinner than a broadsword.
* "Falchions," IRL, are one-handed hacking/chopping weapons (for the most part, though a few two-handers do exist)--they're more like a kind of machete, in some cases, as opposed to the slashing-style curved blade of a scimitar or saber. However, 3.X D&D treats "falchions" as large scimitars, still used as a slashing weapon instead of a hacking weapon.
* AD&D vs. 3.X D&D: In AD&D, warhammers were depicted correctly, for the most part--smaller-headed weapons (more akin to a claw hammer than a mallet), frequently topped &/or backed with a spike. However, the 3.X D&D "warhammer" is now more of a weapon more akin to the one-handed mallet of the Mighty Thor.
Those are just a few examples, but it brings to light an issue that I feel is critical to understanding D&D (or most RPGs, for that matter): An RPG creates & uses its own unique terminology that, when used in game, refers to specific mechanics/components of the game only. Thus, a "morningstar" is a spiked club/mace only, & not any variety of flail/ball & chain weapon. A "chain shirt" is made of chain mail, but it is not "chain mail," which refers to a complete suit of the stuff.
Has anyone else had/experienced any of these problems/issues? Just curious to hear what y'all have to say.
Y'gotta figure they used "neat terms" as often as correct terminology.
