Fantasy Dictionaries

[Acid_crash]

I was wondering if anybody could help me with something. I want to write better and run better games, and part of my problem is that I don't really know the definitions of most fantasy terms, or even what is traditionally a fantasy term.

If anybody has access to a fantasy dictionary, either on the internet, or one that has been really published, could you post a link or whatever info you have? I would appreciate it.

I'm tired of describing scenes in the same ole boring way, and I want to put some real description into my games and stories.

 

[WayneLigon]

... and part of my problem is that I don't really know the definitions of most fantasy terms, or even what is traditionally a fantasy term.

Without knowing what you don't know, it's hard to help you Can you give an example of some fantasy terms you are having problems with?

Dictionary of Fantasy Terminology might get you started. Otherwise, check out the writer's section of your local large bookseller, and look for books on writing fantasy and SF; they might have something like what you're looking for.

 

[Acid_crash]

wow...what a response by a community of gamers who include some of the top writers in our industry, a plethora of game masters who give plenty of advice, but yet only one response. Talk about support. *golf clap at the effort*

To WayneLigon, thank you for the link, it does help a lot.

 

[Hand of Evil]

The best is to re-write -- place your thought down then go back over them. Also adjectives and voice keep things from getting boring, create note cards with other words to use to describe something.

Here is a link for a lot of different stuff...
http://www.hut.fi/~vesanto/world.build.html

 

[Samothdm]

I've found The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference to be pretty helpful.

 

[Torm]

Part of the problem might be that a lot of people here have been reading fantasy materials for so long and in so many different places (online, in fantasy novels, etc) that they don't really know HOW they know all the words and terms - they just kinda DO, now.

I know - that's not helpful at all. So here, you'll find this almost as completely useless : Sniglets. The books on Sniglets and also Douglas Adam's "The Meaning of Liff" and "The Deeper Meaning of Liff." To sound fantastical, words don't necessarily have to be FROM fantasy sources, they just need to sound weird and not too sci-fi-ey. Those books are filled with words that fit the bill, and if you can't use the actual words in them, thinking about them might just break your brain in the right way to let you help yourself.