"Flavor" (as in "flavor-text"), does it irk you?

[candidus_cogitens]

For some reason, it makes me cringe when people refer to the story element or roleplaying elements (as opposed to roll-playing) as "flavor." I can't stand the phrase "flavor text". I have even heard some people refer to sections of the player's handbook, such as parts of spell descriptions, as flavor text. Also, sometimes people say they choose certain skills for their characters for the sake of "flavor".

Is this just my pet peeve, or do others share my reaction?

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Geez, it looks like I'm the only one! I might have to have myself examined by a psychiatrist to find out what is behind this peculiar revulsion. Isn't there ANYONE out there who sympathizes with my point of view?

I'd like to know what the guys who checked sometimes were thinking.

 

[Orias]

Giving your character skills & feats specifically for flavor rules. Having character flaws for flavor rules. Having character advantages for flavor, instead of for making the game easier, rules. Flavor rules, no fisticuffs.

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Giving your character skills & feats specifically for flavor rules. Having character flaws for flavor rules. Having character advantages for flavor, instead of for making the game easier, rules. Flavor rules, no fisticuffs.

I agree with you absolutely. It's just that I would prefer a different word choice.

 

[icebreaker]

so is it the word flavor or text that bothers you? or is it just the combination of these two words that is causing you stress?

Ummm I suggest you book time with a psychiatrist at the soonest possible conveniance

 

[candidus_cogitens]

It's only the word flavor, as applied to stuff in gaming.

I don't mind the use of the word when it applies to food. That's normal. I just don't like it when people talk about gaming stuff as "flavor".

By the way, thank you to whoever the other guy was who voted YES. I'm glad at least someone understands how I feel!

 

[RSKennan]

I agree that that term belittles the story elements of a game, if that is what you're saying, but on neutral ground, when we are all discussing roleplaying from our disparate perspectives, it isn't so bad. I voted for sometimes. "Crunchy" is almost more bothersome to me.

 

[Rel]

How about "depth" as a substitute?

 

[Xeeker]

I don't see how the word flavor could possibly affect you in any way, actually what you should do is just say that the hand of god smites the player for 1 point of subduel damage every time that word is spoken: eg: "I'd like some flavorful meat ple..SMACK!"

 

[candidus_cogitens]

Thank you RSK!! Belittling the story is exactly what I am talking about.

And, yes Rel, depth would be better. Or just "roleplaying" or "story."