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. It can be omitted for terms which are not abbreviations. 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

A-shaped class 

(4E) a class for which all builds share the same primary ability score, but have differing secondary ability scores. The Wizard is a good example: Intelligence is always primary, but Charisma, Constitution or Wisdom could be a good secondary score depending on what kind of spells you want to cast.

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.

primary ability score 

(4E) the ability score upon which all or most of a class's attack powers are based. A character should have a high score in their class's primary ability.

V-shaped class 

(4E) a class which offers a choice of primary ability score, depending on build, but always uses the same secondary ability score. The Warlock is a good example; they might choose Constitution or Charisma as a primary ability score depending on their build and pact, but Intelligence is always a good choice for a secondary score.