Dungeons & Dragons Glossary

This page is intended as a repository for abbreviations used when discussing Dungeons & Dragons (or Pathfinder, generic d20 fantasy games etc.). Some originated on the RPG.net forum, others elsewhere, but this is meant to be a handy reference. It is not meant to be a glossary of game terms as presented in the rules.

Format

Entries should be in alphabetical order, with numbers preceding letters and symbols preceding numbers.

Each entry should be written like this:

;Term : Definition (context) - notes and/or explanation.

When formatted, it looks like this:

Term

Definition (context) - notes and/or explanation.

Term is the abbreviation being defined. Definition should be brief; in most cases, it will simply be the full term which the acronym or abbreviation replaces. Any further explanation or notes should go after the dash. Where possible, include a context for the abbreviation; is the term used to describe a particular edition of D&D (3E, 3.5, 4E etc.), Pathfinder, FantasyCraft or some other game?

Terms

4E

Dungeons & Dragons, Fourth Edition

AWED

At-Will, Encounter, Daily (4E) - short hand for the basic division of power usage in "standard" 4E classes.

MAD

Multiple Ability Dependency (4E) - a class etc. that relies on more than one Ability Score; seen as a deficiency since this requires splitting points between abilities, and thus lower possible maximum scores.

NAD

Non-Armor Class Defences (4E) - Shorthand for a character or monster's Fortitude, Reflex and Will defences.

PoLand

"Points of Light" land (4E) - the "implied setting" found in the core fourth edition books, which uses the "Points of Light" concept.