Post by: darkstorme on July 14, 2010, 06:41:12 pm
The basic idea is that, like the calendars you can buy at mall kiosks, I'm going to offer up a word per day. These words are useful ones that are underused, misspelled, wrongfully employed, or otherwise abused - in a fantasy setting. I will attempt to disambiguate, enlighten, and expand upon their uses, for entertainment and (perhaps) their future use in Layonaran RP! :)
Or I'll get bored. We'll see.
Today, however, we're starting with a nice easy one:
Nock
Not to be confused with knock, or Knock (http://lore.layonara.com/Knock), a nock (or to nock) is of particular interest to all you archers out there.
Like knock, nock can be used as both a noun and a verb. The noun refers to the slit on the butt end of the arrow into which the bowstring fits. The verb, naturally, refers primarily to the action of fitting an arrow to that bowstring, slotting the string into the nock.
It can also refer to scoring or marking a surface, but that usage has fallen into near-deprecation.
Edit: I should also note that nock is a transitive verb - you cannot simply nock - you must nock something.
Usage:
- Settling comfortably into the crook of the tree, the Ranger nocked an arrow, her eyes on the path below.
- Nothing was in sight, but the scout was still quick to nock an arrow, warily peering into the misted darkness ahead.
- Nock | Define Nock at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nock)
- Lorem Ipsum: Words easily confused #5 (http://www.kith.org/journals/jed/2003/02/08/874.html)
Post by: Pseudonym on July 14, 2010, 06:53:12 pm
Please.
Post by: darkstorme on July 15, 2010, 07:16:59 pm
Rime
A homonym of "rhyme", rime has two meanings, one related to its brother-in-pronunciation, the other related to ice, storms, and weather. (Misties and spell-workers, take note!)
The first meaning is linguistic, and refers to the second sound of a syllable - the one that rhymes, neatly enough. So "at" out of "cat", "ay" out of "way", and so forth.
The second, and far cooler (no pun intended) meaning is ice accumulated on a surface either through deposition or rapid cooling. Something can be said to be "rimed with frost", or to have acquired a rime of ice.
This is often seen on the interior of old freezers, where ice deposits on the walls (and which occasionally need to be defrosted), or on seashores in the dead of winter, where spray from the still-liquid ocean freezes solid on contact with the frigid rocks of shore.
In Layonara - we have Cones of Cold, we have cold auras, and we have weapons that drip frost. Thus:
Usage:
- She drew her longsword, Frostbite, from its sheath. The blade acquired a rime almost instantly in the humid air, and she could feel the cold radiating from the blade, a welcome touch of chill in the jungle heat.
- As the giant lunged towards the wizard, the man simply smiled and held up his hand. Blue light flashed and icy cold howled out from his palm. The giant slowed, and stopped, his ugly features rimed with white frost. He stood, statue-still, for a moment, then the figure tipped slowly forward and smashed on the stone, no trace of heat left.
- The priestess stood on the wind-whipped cliff-face, the snowstorm swirling around her, the rocks around her rimed with ice.
- AMS Glossary (http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=hard-rime1)
- Weather Facts: Rime - Weather UK - weatheronline.co.uk (http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Rime.htm)
Post by: Marswipp on July 16, 2010, 10:35:47 pm
Post by: darkstorme on July 17, 2010, 02:13:09 am
Cauterize
This one sprang from yesterday's link twixt rime and icy weapons; I thought to myself, But Darkstorme, - I call myself by my forum name in my head. It's a problem. - we have flaming weapons too!
So, cauterization is a process that largely predates conventional antiseptic medicine. It was (and to a degree, remains today) a means of stopping excessive bleeding by trauma (usually heat) to the veins, arteries, and surrounding tissue, inducing clotting at the expense of tissue damage. It can also be inadvertent, rather than deliberate, as when someone is cut badly by a red-hot weapon. ;)
The term can also refer to the removal of an unwanted growth (a tumour, a wart, or some similar lesion), and in modern medicine, this is usually accomplished through the application of extreme cold, by the application of electricity (electrocautery) and caustic chemicals (chemocautery); it is unlikely, however, that these terms would be applicable in Layonara.
(One of the more common uses of the older form of cauterization - though often performed with a laser - in modern medicine is nasal cauterization as a way to stop chronic nose bleeds by removing the exposed blood vessel responsible for the bleeds. It is reportedly quite painful.)
Usage:
- The glowing blade swept through the dark elf's leg. The elf screamed and collapsed, clutching the stump, but there was no blood; the wound had been cauterized by the red-hot metal.
- The young dwarf, already white-faced from loss of blood, watched in trepidation as the medic approached with an iron hot from the fire. "This'll 'urt a bit, lad." said the medic, proffering a leather strap. The warrior bit hard into the strap and tears gathered at the corners of his eyes as the medic pressed the iron against the stump where once his hand had been, cauterizing the wound. The pain was excruciating... but the bleeding had stopped.
- cauterization - definition of cauterization in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cauterization)
- What is Cauterization? (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cauterization.htm)
Post by: Pseudonym on July 17, 2010, 05:50:51 am
Post by: Nehetsrev on July 17, 2010, 07:48:12 am
Quote from: Pseudonym
If you're going to start spelling like an American ('ize' instead of 'ise') I am going to have to start to question the legitimacy of this thread as an authoriative source!
Did you mean "authoritative"?
;)
Post by: Pseudonym on July 17, 2010, 09:51:28 am
Quote from: Nehetsrev
Did you mean "authoritative"?
;)
Post by: darkstorme on July 18, 2010, 01:10:17 am
Piety
Piety is (conventionally) sacred or spiritual devotion. It can also be used in a pejorative sense to describe someone giving lip service to devotion - ie. a person who goes through the motions of prayer and devotion without truly meaning it. This is often referred to as false piety.
A person who is possessed of piety is said to be pious. In real life, religions hold this to be a virtue, though an individual can be pious and still be insufferably sanctimonious (eg. Toranites. ;) )
Less commonly, the term can be used to describe a religious or sacred act - a piety - or devotion to one's family - filial piety.
The antonym, impiety, describes a host of actions ranging from disrespect or irreverence towards a god to outright blasphemy.
Usage:
- Daniella Stormhaven, in addition to her other virtues, was noted for her exceptional piety by the other clergy.
- The priest of Corath was fervently pious - every day, at the stroke of midnight, one could hear the screams from the altar chamber.
- Piety | Define Piety at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/piety)
- piety - definition, examples and meaning from Wordnik (http://www.wordnik.com/words/piety)
Post by: Masterjack on July 18, 2010, 08:18:17 am
Also if you keep this up you may be able to topple Dorg as the leader in being thanked on the forums :) http://forums.layonara.com/just-fun/118482-catching-up-dorg.html
Post by: darkstorme on July 18, 2010, 04:38:15 pm
Continuing with the Cleric series (not to be confused with this Cleric series (http://www.amazon.com/Cleric-Quintet-Collectors-R-Salvatore/dp/0786926902)):
Obeisance
Now, this particular word (pronounced oh-bay-sense) can be of use to religious types, but also to soldiers and people who are from suspiciously island-country-like locales (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0209.html).
To show obeisance to something or someone is to show them great respect and obedience. This makes perfect sense for a cleric/paladin/champion to their god or goddess, but it also works for a venerated or powerful figure. Interestingly, the salutes used by military organizations are also known as obeisances - which makes sense, as they're usually meant as a show of respect for a superior officer.
To be obeisant (similar derivation, naturally) is to be obedient and respectful.
Usage:
- The pilgrims made obeisances before the altar of Toran before seeking the aid of the head cleric.
- The priest of Sulterio showed his obeisance by making himself prostrate before the high priest.
- The supplicant to the lord of the realm made obeisance to the noble, bowing low with his eyes downcast.
- Google's Dictionary - Obeisance (http://www.google.com/dictionary?q=obeisance&langpair=en|en&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OV5DTMOTIo3SsAOJrPT9DA&ved=0CB4QmwMoAA)
- Online Etymology Dictionary (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=obeisance)
Post by: darkstorme on July 19, 2010, 10:59:39 pm
Apostasy
Apostasy is the abandonment (and sometimes active criticism of and action against) one's faith, either for another or for none at all. The term is seldom used by those practicing apostasy (apostates), as it is usually meant to be denigrating. It is occasionally employed neutrally by third parties.
Apostasy can also mean the abandonment of a political cause or other belief, but this use has fallen out of favour, and the word is almost never used except in a religious context.
Apostasy shouldn't be confused with heresy - heretics believe they are still members of the faith (some believe they are the only true members of a faith), and still practice a recognizable version of it, with certain interpretations or practices changed.
Usage:
- The apostate, still screaming defiance, was dragged away by the Prantzian guards. He was never seen again.
- Some Aeridinite clerics still shake their heads in sadness when reminded of the apostasy of Lex'or Gravedigger.
- Apostasy | Define Apostasy at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apostasy)
- Greenwood Publishing Group : The Politics of Religious Apostasy (http://www.greenwood.com/books/printFlyer.aspx?sku=C5508)
Post by: darkstorme on September 18, 2010, 02:11:00 am
Ecclesiastic
Now, in part, I like this word because of the lovely sounds involved in its pronunciation. (It's pronounced ih-klee-zee-as-tick, by the way.) But it also provides a welcome variation from "cleric", "clergyman", or "priest". Because that's what it means - a member of the clergy.
Slightly more familiar might be the word "ecclesiastical" - that is, something pertaining to the church or clergy. Certainly any particularly organized religion (or its PC adherents) could make good use of this adjective.
In our world, the word is derived from the ancient greek word for "assembly", which was eventually co-opted to mean "church".
Usage:
- Few folks who met Hal even thought he was an ecclesiastic - fewer still knew that the holy symbol that hung beneath his tunic was that of Corath.
- The priest groaned as yet another stack of parchment was placed before him. He hated having to deal with the temple budget, when he could be out righting wrongs! Even so, ecclesiastical responsibilities are important too, he reminded himself, and set to work with a will.
- Ecclesiastic | Define Ecclesiastic at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ecclesiastic)
- ecclesiastic - definition and meaning (http://www.wordnik.com/words/ecclesiastic)
Post by: darkstorme on September 19, 2010, 02:13:37 am
Today's word:
Profane
Another lovely multi-purpose word - in this case, the word "profane" can be used as an adjective, a verb, or a noun!
Born as an adjective, profane originally meant "not of the church" (from the Latin, literally, "outside the temple"). While this is still technically correct, that meaning has been more or less entirely eclipsed by its more modern meaning - that which actively flies in the face of a church or spirituality. So something that is unholy, blasphemous, sacrilegious, or that in some way violates the sanctity of a church can be said to be profane. Some religions (for example, the Church of Corath) would likely revel in profane acts as they apply to the Good religions (or belief systems) of the world.
As a verb, "to profane" is an o'erarching word that subsumes "to blaspheme", "to desecrate", "to violate" - effectively, to profane something holy or good is to violate it in some manner. To smear blood across the altar of a Good god. To slaughter innocents in Toran's name. To salt the earth in a druid's grove. To otherwise misuse, mistreat, or pervert the use of something.
Finally, as a noun, "the profane" refer to people or things that are profane. Tricky to use, but a blistering epithet when spat from the mouth of a righteous member of the clergy.
Profanity (cursing) derives from this because most of the really good curses, historically, have been blasphemous. For Christians (and a number of other religions), taking their god's name in vain is a common and varied curse that stretches back to well before Shakespeare, though the Bard immortalized any number of such profanities in his works. Speaking for myself, I know a few particularly vicious words in Quebecois french that are derived from the strong religious background of the region - which were easier to get away with in high school. *chuckles*
Usage:
- The priestess of Aeridin nudged open the door to the temple and gagged on the charnel house stench, her eyes widening in horror. The sight was profane, with bodies lying about - even draped over the altar - and the undead lurching through the carnage.
- The deep dwarven smith brought his hammer down - squarely on his own thumb. "Sulterio's blazing Forge!" he hissed through gritted teeth. A noise behind him spun him around, and he paled to see a Deep Smith who had just entered the smithy. "Ye dare profane His name?", the dwarf demanded, raising a very heavy adamantine warhammer. And then darkness reigned.
- Firwyl, priest of Pyrtechon, was disgusted. Everywhere, new construction, new building, and elves and men and dwarves breeding. The profane had no conception of the Destroyer's great work, the purity of a world wiped clean by fire. But he would show them. Oh yes.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profane
- profane - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/profane)
Post by: darkstorme on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
Asceticism
Asceticism is effectively self-denial as a spiritual discipline. The idea that to be closer to the divine, one must abstain from worldly indulgences. This can manifest as a complete denunciation of all worldly goods, subsistence on only the most basic foods, or abstention from other... ahem... physical activities.
This is an uncommon trait in Dungeons and Dragons characters in general, and in Layonara's patheon in particular - there are very few religions which explicitly encourage ascetics. That being said, if one were going to choose a class as an ascetic, the Monk is it. Few classes can do as well without equipment. Certainly one could see a Voraxite monk leading an ascetic life in an effort to experience the purity of battle. A Toranite monk could take a vow of poverty in her asceticism, donating all that she earns or finds to the poor. Even a Xeenite could be an ascetic, forswearing worldly pleasures as a means of pleasure through unending self-denial.
Usage:
- The monks who lived north of Gi practiced strictest asceticism ; none owned anything - their blankets and their robes belonged to the monastery and returned to it when they died. The only item of value was the sword that was kept in a place of reverence in the center chamber.
- All the children in the slums knew Gandelt, the ascetic and hermit, who would come to town every so often. He would tell the children stories or give them toys he'd fashioned from wood. He never asked for anything in exchange, claiming always that "Toran will provide." Nevertheless, if someone offered him a loaf of bread, as they always would, he would thank them graciously.
- Asceticism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asceticism)
- Asceticism - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asceticism)
Post by: darkstorme on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
Deity
A god or goddess. Pronounced dee-a-tee on both sides of the pond.
In a popular RL religion where the leader wears a funny white hat and is surrounded by men named after birds wearing funny red hats, deity can also mean the state or nature of the particular deity they worship, or the property that makes that deity divine.
The adjective, meaning divine or godlike, is deific.
Usage:
- Toran is a deity in Layonara. (What? You expected something more?)
- Surrounded by powerful magic auras and spellfire, the mage looked positively deific.
- deity - definition of deity by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/deity)
- WordNet Search - 3.1 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=deific)
- Mr. Deity Episode 1: Mr. Deity and the Evil - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzf8q9QHfhI)
Post by: Pseudonym on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
A food that is not quite diet, only diet-y. Pronounced die-a-tee on both sides of the pond.
In a popular fantasy game it is a word that is used waaa-aaay too much. Commonly used instead of deity, it is a word that yields 0 dictionary results and instead the suggestion 'did you mean deity?'. Yes, you did!
The adjective, meaning suitable for consumption with a weight-reduction diet, is dietic-y.
Usage:
- I said Toran is a diety in Layonara ... but I meant to say he is a deity.
- Do you want the full calorie beverage? No, I think i'll have the diety one.
- Diety - definition of Diety by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/diety)
Post by: Unknown User on September 22, 2010, 02:28:32 am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pseudonym  Diety |
Post by: darkstorme on September 22, 2010, 02:28:32 am
Hoard
Another word that serves as multiple parts of speech, hoard is both a verb and a noun. As a noun, it means a collection (often large) of items (often treasure).
As a verb, it means the process of collecting things (not necessarily treasure). A person can hoard any sort of item, though items of some utility are more usually the object of the verb.
The important thing for the adventurer on the go is to remember that this is not the same as a horde. A horde is a large group of something (usually something animate). A good rule of thumb for adventurers: You'd like a dragon's hoard, but you wouldn't like a horde of dragons.
Usage:
- The thief's eyes sparkled as the lock clicked and the door swung open upon the treasure room. The pirates' hoard was even bigger than she'd imagined!
- In preparation for his next adventure, Kell was hoarding healing potions. It's not like he meant to leap in front of bolts... they just always seemed to wind up through him.
- Out of breath, Andrew bolted through the jungle, leaping over fallen logs. He was sure the legend had spoken of a pygmy hoard on the island, but he just kept running into pygmies, and no treasure at all!
References:
- Hoarding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoarding)
- Staffordshire Hoard | The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found (http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/)
- hoard - definition of hoard by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hoard)
Post by: darkstorme on August 27, 2010, 01:29:00 am
Hiatus
A word that has several meanings, hiatus can be useful in general conversation, whether in-game or in real life. (And, frankly, I like how it sounds - but we'll come to that.)
The first and most common definition of hiatus is a pause or suspension, a break in the flow of something, be it a scheduled series of events, a conversation, or a continuous term. Another similar but distinct definition refers to a break in an object - an interruption in a carved pattern, perhaps, or a section of a manuscript lost to water damage.
The hiatus is also a linguistic term, referring to the pronunciation of two adjacent vowels as separate syllables. The word hiatus (high-ay-tus) itself contains a hiatus in the first and second syllables, and thus illustrates the phenomenon neatly.
Usage:
- In losing track of time, the GM turned aspiring educator caused a brief hiatus in his daily posts.
- The Folianite cleric took a hiatus from his travels with his adventuring colleagues to commune with his deity.
- hiatus - definition of hiatus by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hiatus)
- Hiatus (linguistics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiatus_%28linguistics%29)
Post by: darkstorme on August 28, 2010, 02:05:32 am
Hegemony
When you're talking politics on the level of nation-states, the word hegemony (heh-jem-oh-nee, emphasis on the second syllable) is likely to feature.
Hegemony is dominance by one nation, state, or culture over other (usually smaller) similar bodies, or an attempt to do the same. This can be antagonistic (as in a nation exerting martial power over its neighbours) or largely benign (as in a nation or organization taking the lead in a confederation.)
A similar term, cultural hegemony, is a Marxist political and philosophical term (are you listening, Farros?) to do with the dominance of one culture (for example, that of the ruling class) over all others in a society. This is accomplished by establishing the perception that the dominant culture's ideology is beneficial to all, when in fact it only benefits the members of that culture.
The term to describe things that pertain to a hegemony is "hegemonic".
Usage:
- Prantz, under Lord Rael, seeks absolute hegemony over Dregar.
- Milara's hegemony over most of Alindor was uncontested for many decades.
- Hegemony | Define Hegemony at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hegemony)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=hegemony)
- Cultural hegemony - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_hegemony)
Post by: darkstorme on August 30, 2010, 02:40:08 am
Iridescent
Often used interchangeably with opalescent or lustrous, an object described to be iridescent (ir-ih-des-scent) often appears superficially white or milky-white, but acquires a play of colours when seen at varying angles in light.
Objects in everyday life that can be said to be iridescent are things like the mother-of-pearl seen on the inside of seashells and clam shells, the thin film of a soap bubble, or the rainbow-like patterns seen in a slick of oil on water. (Unfortunately, the beauty is somewhat lost in BP-scale slicks.)
The property of being iridescent is known as iridescence.
Usage:
- The goblin clubbed the still-twitching adventurer once more, stilling his motions forever, then pried open the man's mailed hand. The huge pearl was iridescent in the morning sun, and the goblin crooned to it. "Now you are mine... my own...."
- The bard turned the heavy white dragon scale over and over in his hands wonderingly. Easily as hard as forged iron, the scale looked like some sort of rare gemstone, the light glinting off its surface in a spray of iridescence.
- Iridescence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridescence)
- Iridescent - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iridescent)
Post by: darkstorme on August 31, 2010, 02:42:18 am
Effervescence
Originally a chemist's term, effervescence (eff-er-vess-sense) is the term applied to gas escaping an aqueous solution. So carbonated water, or any acid/base neutralization reaction would be an excellent example of effervescence. A liquid that bubbles (through the approach of its boiling point or some other means of gas escaping a solution) is said to be "effervescing".
As with many such terms, it has been borrowed by other walks of life. An individual with a "bubbly" personality is said to be effervescent, and if a thinker's mind can be said to be "bubbling over with ideas", "effervescent" can be as readily applied.
Usage:
- The gnome carefully mixed the aqueous acid solution into the flask, and his eyes sparkled as it began to effervesce. At last, he'd got the recipe right! His eyes narrowed. Funny, the recipe didn't say the liquid should bubble THAT mu... seconds later, he awoke flat on his back, smoke rising from what remained of his eyebrows.
- It's said that the effervescent waters of some of the springs on the slopes of Firesteep are wonderfully invigorating. Which is fortunate, because any who partake in a bath therein will need their newfound vigour in escaping the mountain's other inhabitants.
- Online Etymology Dictionary (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=effervescence)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=effervesce)
- effervescence - definition of effervescence by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/effervescence)
Post by: Unknown User on August 31, 2010, 02:42:18 am
Quote:
Originally Posted by darkstorme Today's word is good for alchemists and people frequenting hot springs (come to it, Layo needs a good hot springs resort): |
Quote:
Zaj contains one of the most sought-after restorative towns on Dregar, Lakeside. It is not uncommon to find several dozens of influential people and their families relaxing in the saunas here or taking guarded hikes up the mountainside. |
Post by: Unknown User on August 31, 2010, 02:42:18 am
Post by: darkstorme on September 01, 2010, 04:03:23 am
Stygian
Literally "having to do with Styx" (the river, not the band), the word has its origins in Greek mythology. It's such a good word, however, that writers (and character submitters) employ it in realms where there was never a realm known as Greece. So why should Layonara be any exception?
Though originally confined to a certain stygian river (see what I did there?) the word has come to mean any hellish situation (though usually tied to underground confinement, rather than fiery pits). Also, in parallel to the word acheronian (based on the river Acheron, which happens to run parallel to the Styx) stygian has come to apply to any situation or locale which is dark, dismal, and seemingly devoid of all hope. So it's a word that could reasonably be applied to a great many dungeons.
Usage:
- Shiff peered into the stygian depths of the crevasse. And then twenty pairs of glowing eyes were looking back.
- Something blew out the torch, and the party was plunged into stygian darkness.
References:
- stygian - definition of stygian by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stygian)
- Stygian | Define Stygian at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Stygian)
Post by: darkstorme on September 02, 2010, 02:05:19 am
Conflagration
A conflagration (con-fla-gray-shun) is a firestorm - an intense, uncontrollable fire that extends over a relatively large area. It might include multiple buildings, acres of forest, or as little as a few rooms, depending on its context. The difference between a simple fire and a conflagration, however, lies in its intensity and the writer's perception of its destructive power.
It can also be employed to describe a large-scale military conflict in a metaphorical fashion - "the conflagration of war".
There's also a verb form of the word: conflagrate - to kindle or set fire to something. It's not often used, most likely because it doesn't really scan well in a sentence. "He lit the oily rag" reads better than "He conflagrated the oily rag."
The application of this word in conjunction with wizards and sorcerers should be fairly self-evident. ;)
Usage:
- The wizard strode away from the conflagration, his eyes hard. Behind him, something exploded as the fire breached another stockroom. As the former Corathite temple fell in on itself, spraying embers in the air, the wizard vanished into the woods.
- The cultists danced about the conflagration, their shouts of triumph and praise to Pyrtechon easily drowning out the screams of the people trapped inside.
- Conflagration - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflagration)
- A conflagration (http://www.judiciaryreport.com/images/universal-fire-6.jpg)
Post by: darkstorme on September 03, 2010, 02:36:54 am
Sibylline
A delightful word that a dear friend introduced me to, sibylline (sih-bill-een) means oracular or prophetic. It can also mean cryptic or mysterious - which often amounts to the same thing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostradamus).
The word derives, originally, from the Greek sibylla, or "prophetess", which referred primarily to the oracles at Delphi and Pessinos. The word "sibyl" still refers to seers or oracles, almost exclusively female.
The word is not in any way related to "sibilant", which derives from the Latin "to hiss or whistle".
Usage:
- After finishing the last word of the spell, the sorceress' eyes glazed over and she began mumbling sibylline utterances, which her fellow party members dutifully took down.
- The sibylline prophecy was worked into a song by the master bard and set free to sing on the wind - perhaps someone, somewhere, would know what it meant.
- Sibylline | Define Sibylline at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sibylline)
- sibylline - definition of sibylline by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sibylline)
Post by: darkstorme on September 04, 2010, 02:36:59 am
Ensorcell
This word (en-sore-sell)'s definition couldn't really be more straightforward. It literally means to enchant or bewitch someone. The way it sounds notwithstanding, it is not restricted to sorcerers - any spell that controls a person or thing can be said to ensorcell them.
In our world, the word derives from a word in Old French which means... more or less exactly the same thing. People have been coming up with words to describe "the magical control of another person or thing" for a long time. (I'm saving the best of them for Xeen week, though.)
So, with the definition behind us...
Usage:
- The final whispered words drifted past her lips and the stunned fighter stiffened. Ensorcelled, the man stood facing the sorceress, who smiled wickedly. 'Well, now, isn't this precious?' A red-painted fingernail tapped her chin thoughtfully. 'You know the friends you left in the camp to pursue me?' The man nodded unwillingly. 'Kill them.'
- The gnomish tinkerer scowled at his workbench. He'd ensorcelled a broom to help him clean up the lab - though that hadn't turned out all that well, in reflection - so why couldn't he make the model cart move without a horse?
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensorcell
- A Word for Today: Ensorcell (http://1word42day.blogspot.com/2009/07/ensorcell.html)
Post by: darkstorme on September 04, 2010, 02:36:59 am
Phantasmagoria
A series or collection of illusions, deceptions, phantasms and/or hallucinations. Despite what the name might sound like, the illusions needn't be bloody; the word derives from a old French term which meant, literally, "a collection of phantasms".
The term was borrowed to mean a pre-cinema show consisting of projected images or figures that would appear to shift from one form to another.
Usage:
- Jacob's dreams of late had been a phantasmagoria; always, he woke up unrested with the sense he was missing something important.
- The spell rushed towards him... and then a phantasmagoria burst from the night: sounds, colours, lights... he closed his eyes but it just... kept... coming!
Post by: darkstorme on September 06, 2010, 02:50:30 am
Obviate
To remove a need or difficulty, or to prevent or avoid a problem in the first place, this word (ob-vee-ate) is more or less the Abjurer's stock-in-trade.
Usage:
- Timulty's foresight in casting Mind Blank obviated the need for further caution when approaching the Myconid colony.
- By warding the fighter with every spell he knew, the abjurer sought to obviate any risk of sending him to talk with the dark elves.
- Obviate - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obviate)
- Obviate | Define Obviate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/obviate)
Post by: darkstorme on September 07, 2010, 02:45:30 am
Extirpate
In a general sense, this (ex-stir-pate) means to annihilate, or destroy completely. But it can also mean to eliminate a growth, a plant, or a species over a range. Local extinctions, extermination, and excision are all examples of extirpation.
Usage:
- Pressing the cloud of noxious gas ahead of her with magically-summoned gusts of wind, the magess extirpated the rat infestation, one by one.
- Grinning wickedly, the sorcerer let the fan of fire from his hand play up and down the trunk of the tree. The magical fire burned clean through the trunk and down into the ground, consuming the roots, extirpating the tree entirely. The druid was going to be furious. Perfect.
- Extirpate | Define Extirpate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/extirpate)
- Extirpate (Planar Chaos) (http://sales.starcitygames.com/carddisplay.php?product=44257) *grins*
Post by: darkstorme on September 07, 2010, 02:45:30 am
Transpire
As indicated in the setup, if something transpires (trans-pyre), it has occurred. This is not, however, the only definition attached to this particular verb. A secret or previously unknown fact can also transpire - that is, come to light.
Also, plants transpire - they emit vapour (primarily water vapour) from their leaves. This form of the verb is less likely to see use in a roleplaying scenario, however, unless you're a particularly technically-minded druid.
Usage:
- It was two bells past midnight when the events of that fateful evening transpired.
- It transpired that the party's rogue had been working for the Haven authorities all along.
- Transpire - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw4.m-w.com/dictionary/transpire)
- transpire - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/transpire)
Post by: darkstorme on September 09, 2010, 02:47:17 am
Guttural
Invariably a good word when looking for an adjective to describe a villain (or thug)'s mode of speech, a guttural (gut-ter-ral) tone of voice is one that is often compared to the croaking of frogs and crows, a hoarse, harsh, throaty noise.
It can also be used to describe the glottal sound in linguistics; any consonant sound made in the back of the throat can also be so described. The c in "cut", for example.
Usage:
- The man's common was almost indecipherable through his guttural accent, but eventually it was made clear that he had come to broker a truce.
- A guttural voice spoke from beyond the ring of wan light cast by the torches, and Mirrim felt the hairs on the back of her neck try to stand on end.
- guttural - definition of guttural by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/guttural)
- Guttural | Define Guttural at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/guttural)
Post by: darkstorme on September 09, 2010, 02:47:17 am
Incarnadine
A pretty word, incarnadine (in-car-nah-deen), and one that (as with many of my favourite words) can take on the roles of multiple parts of speech. Derived from the same root as incarnate, carnal, and similar words, the base meaning is that of a flesh or blood colour.
The word can be a noun, the colour itself, or an adjective, describing objects of that colour. It can even be used as a verb, to describe the process of rendering an object incarnadine. (Shakespeare was particularly fond of that last.)
Usage:
- The cleric put on a brave front, but the wound in his shoulder left his formerly dazzling white robe incarnadine, and he was swaying on his feet.
- The ruddy light of the blazing fires incarnadined the rainclouds, lending a hellish cast to the whole scene.
- Word of the Day | Definition, Word Origins, and Quotes at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2004/07/26.html)
- Merriam-Webster Online (http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwwodarch.pl?Mar.03.2009)
Post by: darkstorme on September 10, 2010, 02:39:53 am
Raucous
Best delivered in a harsh and loud tone of voice, raucous (raw-cuss) is a term to describe harsh, loud, unpleasant noises. It can also be used to describe any boisterous or rowdy group or location.
Usage:
- The raucous cries of the oncoming goblin horde grew louder, echoing through the cavern. The wizard glanced up with concern.
- The One-Eyed Harpy is known to be a raucous establishment.
- Raucous - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raucous)
- Raucous | Define Raucous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/raucous)
Post by: darkstorme on September 12, 2010, 02:54:49 am
Tenet
Now, a tenant is someone who occupies a location, rented, owned, or otherwise. A tenet (teh-net), on the other hand, is a belief, dogma, or idea central to a belief, religion, or organization. A common phrase in religious circles is "tenets of faith": the ideas or dogmas central to the religion, without which an individual cannot be said to be a member of that religion.
As a different example, a tenet of laissez-faire capitalism is that a market without interference best serves the public. Any tenet is an idea so central to whatever it is a tenet of that without accepting it an individual cannot be said to hold the belief/faith/stance of an organization.
Personal tenets are also possible - those things held to be true by an individual which, if shaken, would result in a radical change in the personality/worldview of the individual.
Usage:
- It is a tenet central to the Rofireinite faith that the public is best served by a well-structured and -enforced set of laws.
- One of the tenets of the Foundation and other charities is that those who have plenty have a responsibility to those in need.
- tenet - definition of tenet by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tenet)
- http://www.vancouversun.com/news/possession+fundamental+tenet+American+freedom+court/3213387/story.html
Post by: darkstorme on September 13, 2010, 02:21:51 am
Stalwart
Stalwart (stahl-wart) is almost always applied to individuals, rather than inanimate objects. It means hardy, strong, dependable, loyal, impervious to hardship... basically, Paladins. Particularly dwarven Paladins.
Usage:
- Waves of raiding giants have broken against the stalwart defenders of Ulgrid's Fortress.
- The stalwart paladin stood over the body of her fallen comrade, her glowing longsword holding the raging undead at bay.
- Stalwart - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw4.m-w.com/dictionary/stalwart)
- stalwart - definition of stalwart by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stalwart)
Post by: darkstorme on September 14, 2010, 02:42:48 am
Aglow
Literally glowing or radiant - often softly so, however, rather than the harsher light from incandescent heat or sunlight.
It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is so happy or contented as to be positively radiant.
Usage:
- Acacea's face was aglow in the light from the damped embers in the hearth, her voice rising and falling in the cadence of her story.
- When the local magistrate spoke of his newborn daughter, his face was aglow with pride.
- http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=aglow
- Aglow - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aglow)
Post by: darkstorme on September 14, 2010, 02:42:48 am
Vex
To worry, annoy, agitate, or perplex. This definition of the verb is the origin of the adjective "vexing" (this kind of adjective - one derived from the present tense of a verb - is called a participle adjective, by the way). The adjective simply describes an item or person which worries, annoys, agitates, or perplexes another person, usually the speaker.
The final meaning of the verb is to subject a topic to prolonged discussion, deliberation, or examination - to worry a topic to death, as it were. In a way, this is an extension of the previous definition, with the alteration that the target of all this vexing is the topic (or the audience, depending on how you wish to interpret it.)
The product of vexing an individual or group is vexation, in the same vein as aggravation, annoyance, agitation, etc.
Usage:
- The little Shadonite was most vexing, thought Lance as he returned to his tent. Most vexing indeed. He fought well enough, but when the party was at peace... and then his thoughts were interrupted by the realization that his tent had been filled with stink beetles. Most vexing indeed.
- Multiple adventurers have made it their lives' work to vex, bedevil and annoy Lord Rael.
- http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=vex
- Vex | Define Vex at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/vex)
Post by: darkstorme on September 16, 2010, 12:38:35 am
Pilfer
To steal, particularly small items, petty theft (pill-fur). Usually employed especially when the act is repeated again and again. So, yes, kleptomania. :)
Usage:
- Strolling through the crowd of stevedores by the docks, Kell pilfered a purse here, lifted a wallet there - not so much because he needed the money, but just to stay in practice.
- The fence had no end of pilfered goods for sale. Small, easily-pocketed items. He claimed he got them from "legitimate sources", of course.
- pilfer - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pilfer)
- Pilfer | Define Pilfer at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pilfer)
Post by: darkstorme on September 17, 2010, 02:08:38 am
Obfuscate
From the Latin "to darken", to obfuscate (ob-fuse-kate) means to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy, usually by making something more unclear. Disguising a fact by hiding it among a fusillade of trivial information would be a good example of this kind of obfuscation.
The word can also be employed when physically obfuscating something - by shrouding it, partially covering it, darkening the lights around it, or any other means.
Something that obfuscates is said to be obfuscatory. An object that obfuscates is an obfuscation (in the same way that something that distracts is a distraction).
In computer terms, code obfuscation refers to a practice of removing unnecessary whitespace from code (or adding random whitespace where it won't affect the output), changing variable names to random chains of letters, and other practices that ensure that code that by its nature will be visible to the end user (Java, Python, interpreted code) will still not be intelligible.
Usage:
- Sweating a bit as more questions were directed his way, the council's representative attempted to obfuscate the fact that the authorities hadn't _quite_ caught the man yet.
- The druid adjusted the branches, obfuscating the quicksand warning sign. There. No one could say they hadn't been warned. He smiled grimly to himself, and strode off into the woods.
- Obfuscate | Define Obfuscate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/obfuscate)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obfuscate
Post by: darkstorme on September 18, 2010, 02:11:00 am
Subterfuge
A lie, deception, or other artifice - usually used as a means of evading something - a consequence, a rule, discovery of something you wish to keep concealed...
Usage:
- The diplomat mopped his brow. There was no way that the king could know that the "bandit raids" in the east of the kingdom had just been a subterfuge to conceal troop movements... still, he'd be happier when this was all over.
- "Hey! What are you doing up there?" Tod winced, then forced a smile onto his face before turning around. Time for a little bit of subterfuge. "Exterminator, sir. Looks like you've got a nest of gutter weasels! Nasty ones, too."
- subterfuge: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/subterfuge)
- Subterfuge | Define Subterfuge at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/subterfuge)
Post by: darkstorme on September 19, 2010, 02:13:37 am
Abscond
To swiftly and silently vanish into the night, to steal away, to avoid authorities or capture, to hide. Also, to make off with or steal something. And usually scamper off with it. (Ab-skond)
Usage:
- The ratman had absconded with Hlint's tax records. Again!
- The wanted posters were up all over Rael. Discretion was the better part of valour; the party absconded into the forest.
- WordNet Search - 3.1 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=abscond)
- abscond - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/abscond)
Post by: darkstorme on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
Bolthole
Either a means of escape, or a refuge to which one can escape. In animal dens (or secret lairs) a bolthole is a second exit through which the animal (or individual) can escape if being invaded via the primary entrance.
The second meaning is equally applicable to rogues - a safe place, usually hidden and known only to the owner, where an individual can "hole up" and recover/recuperate/wait until pursuit has given up. Pursuit such as, for example, irate former owners of various jewelry or other expensive and salable possessions.
Usage:
- "Open up in there! This is the guard!" Verena leaped to her feet as the door in the other room was smashed in with a resounding crash and a splintering of wood. She rolled under the bed and lifted the concealed trap door to her bolthole, pulled the door to behind her and crawled quickly down the tunnel to the alley behind the house.
- Thomas relaxed in his bolthole, a small cabin deep in the Silkwoods. He could wait here until the heat was off - he had supplies for a month.
- bolthole - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bolthole)
- bolthole - Definition of bolthole at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/bolthole)
Pillory
A wooden restraint device for prisoners, through which the head and hands protrude, with the device locked around the wrists and neck. Often confused with the stocks, which consists only of a pair of holes for the wrists or ankles. "To pillory", the verb form, can mean to place someone in this restraint.
It can also mean to subject someone to public ridicule or savagely criticize them in a public forum - much as those who were/are locked into pillories are taunted, humiliated or abused by the crowd.
Usage:
- Verena shifted uncomfortably, her back aching in the position forced onto her by the pillory. Apparently the guard had known about her bolthole.
- The new mayor was pilloried by his opponent after the dark elf attack, with claims that he hadn't done enough to prepare the town.
- Pillory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillory)
- Pillory | Define Pillory at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pillory)
Post by: Unknown User on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
Post by: darkstorme on September 22, 2010, 02:28:32 am
Clandestine
An adjective describing anything done in, with, or characterized by secrecy or concealment. Originally derived from the latin for "secret" - so kind of a no-brainer there. (Clan-dess-tin).
Usage:
- The planned transfer of bank funds was a clandestine operation, to be performed in the dead of night - and even then, three false caravans were to depart at other points in the day.
- The clandestine surveillance was proceeding exactly as planned; Tyra wasn't even aware she was being watched.
- Clandestine | Define Clandestine at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/clandestine)
- Clandestine - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clandestine)
Post by: darkstorme on September 23, 2010, 01:26:58 am
Egress
A simple word (ee-gress) with a variety of meanings.
As a verb, it can mean to issue forth or come out from, to become visible out of something, to exit or, in a celestial sense, to come out of eclipse.
As a noun, it can be the act of exiting, or the exit itself. This latter meaning was popularized by P.T. Barnum, who had signs in his museum which indicated "this way to the Egress!" over a stylized bird. Assuming that this was some sort of creature, visitors would let themselves be guided to the exit.
Usage:
- Tom desperately sought egress from the building - but alas, there were guards posted at every door.
- The egress from the maze was clearly marked on the map. The only trouble was, Shiff had no idea where _he_ was.
- egress - definition of egress by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/egress)
- Egress | Define Egress at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/egress)
Post by: darkstorme on August 26, 2010, 02:45:04 am
A word to do with posture (specifically the limbs), akimbo (ah-kim-bo) means to be bent outwards with the joint away from the body. To stand akimbo is to stand with your hands on your hips, elbows bent out.
Usage:
- She kicked in the door, strode in, and stood akimbo, surveying the room.
- He sat, legs akimbo, fiddling with a piece of cured leather.
- Akimbo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akimbo)
- Akimbo | Define Akimbo at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/akimbo)
Post by: darkstorme on August 27, 2010, 01:29:00 am
Quixotic
With its origin in Cervantes' character Don Quixote, (but pronounced very differently - the character is "kee-ho-tay", but the word is "kwiks-ah-tick"), the meaning of the word is styled after the character. To say that a person is quixotic is to say that they are romantic to the point of impracticality, that their idealism overcomes their common sense, or even their sense of reality. It can have redeeming features, however - a quixotic individual is often possessed of a certain romantic nobility, unrealistic expectations aside.
The character, Don Quixote, was a retired gentleman who imagined himself a knight, and imagined taverns as castles, innkeepers as kings, and windmills as rampaging giants for him to slay. Despite this, he acted with nobility and good intentions, so the word has a somewhat mixed tone to it.
It's also a killer Scrabble word, if you ever get the chance to play it.
Usage:
- The old man was quixotic, but harmless, and the children of the village always liked to listen to his tales.
- Despite it lengthening his own sentence, Garral quixotically refused to rat out his comrades.
- Quixotic | Define Quixotic at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/quixotic)
- Quixotic - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quixotic)
- Don Quixote - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote)
Post by: darkstorme on August 28, 2010, 02:05:32 am
Convalesce
To convalesce (con-val-ess) is to recover (sometimes gradually) from an illness or shock. The noun describing the period during which someone is convalescing is convalescence. The person doing the convalescing is the convalescent.
Usage:
- The cleric told the soldier to get plenty of bed rest while he was convalescing.
- Ella knew she was supposed to stay in bed during her convalescence, but she just couldn't lie still for that long!
- Pregnancy Glossary (http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/10146/1/Pregnancy-Glossary.html)
- convalesce - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/convalesce)
Post by: darkstorme on August 29, 2010, 02:38:06 am
Rapscallion
A rascal, usually of the mischievous or impish variety; alternately, a deceitful and untrustworthy individual, a scoundrel. (Rap-skal-ee-un)
Usage:
- Arkolio's a well-known figure, but watch yourself - he's a rapscallion.
- The cleric of Prunilla sighed, noting the empty windowsill. The children had made off with her fresh-baked pies again, the rapscallions.
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=rapscallion)
- rapscallion - definition of rapscallion by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rapscallion)
Post by: darkstorme on August 30, 2010, 02:40:08 am
Susurration
A whispering noise - indistinct voices or murmurs. Speech or sound that has whisper-like qualities can be said (albeit quietly) to be susurrant. (Sue-suh-ray-shun.)
Usage:
- "That man is a fraud!" As the shout echoed through the hall, a shocked susurration rippled through the crowd.
- The conversation between the wizards was susurrant - Tommy couldn't make out what they were saying.
References:
- Susurration | Define Susurration at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/susurration)
- http://www.thefreedictionary.com/susurration
Post by: darkstorme on August 31, 2010, 02:42:18 am
Syncopation
In music or rhythmic poetry, syncopation (sin-co-pay-shun) is emphasis or stress put on a normally weak beat or syllable. It often makes for interesting rhythmic variation.
A rhythm in which syncopation is employed is said to be syncopated.
Usage:
- The change in meter threw Therise for a second, but then she caught it - it was a syncopated passage, with the emphasis on the back beat.
- Rubato, syncopation, irregular meter - the maestro shook his head. He'd never understand this new music.
- American Popular Music: Glossary (http://www.america.gov/st/arts-english/2008/July/20080814214526eaifas0.2540247.html)
- Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra - glossary (http://www.laco.org/glossary/#s)
Post by: darkstorme on September 01, 2010, 02:31:49 am
Fugue
In music, a fugue (fewg) is a contrapuntal work that involves a central theme, built upon with counterthemes and repetition. For a description of how to write a fugue (though by no means an exhaustive article on the subject), Wikipedia has done a decent job (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugue). As a general rule, three or four-voice fugues are the norm, five-voice fugues are exceptional, and six or more voices is just showing off. (In our world, J.S. Bach was fond of writing six voice fugues.)
A fugue can also describe a state of altered consciousness, much like a dream (a fugue state) or a dissociative disorder wherein the affected individual forgets who they are and can perform acts, seemingly fully conscious of what they are doing, only to have no memory of their actions upon recovering from the state.
Usage:
- When Kell was concentrating, truly concentrating, on his exercises, it was as if he entered a fugue state, his feet and hands moving seemingly independent of his mind.
- Andrew listened approvingly. There was the return to the tonic, and... yes, it was a fugue. Wait - a third recapitulation of the countertheme? In a fifth voice? Smart-aleck composers and their egos...
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fugue
- YouTube - How to Write a Fugue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgDcC2LOJhQ) (Or, the gentrification of Britney Spears)
Post by: Unknown User on September 01, 2010, 04:03:23 am
Post by: darkstorme on September 02, 2010, 02:05:19 am
Not to be confused with cadenza (a virtuosic passage often left to the soloist's discretion in an accompanied work), cadence (kay-dense) can mean a number of things.
In music, a cadence is a series of chords (at least two) which ends a musical phrase. Chord, in this case, is used relatively loosely, since as little as two notes can imply a cadence.
In poetry, cadence is the emphasis in a metrical "foot" of verse.
In speech, cadence is the rhythm and inflection of a speaking voice.
And finally, cadence can refer to any rhythmic movement (for instance, marching, walking, dancing).
Usage:
- As the group sat around the fire, the easy cadence of Acacea's voice relaxed them all, letting them lose themselves in her words.
- The choir finished the hymn to Toran with a ringing cadence, their joyful voices reverberating in the hall.
- cadence - definition of cadence by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cadence)
- YouTube - #27 Cadences : How to play and recognize a Cadence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE9MJZbHYnY) (Also known as: individual with remarkable hair talks about musical concepts)
- I - Tonic
- II - Supertonic
- III - Mediant
- IV - Subdominant
- V - Dominant
- VI - Submediant
- VII - Leading (Note, or Tone)
Post by: darkstorme on September 03, 2010, 02:36:54 am
Declamatory
A useful word when describing vehement or bombastic oratory, a declamatory (deh-clam-a-tory) speech would be one packed with emotion, sincerity, and, above all, emphasis. It would also, likely, be well-practiced, right down to the hand gestures accompanying it.
Such a speech could also be called a declamation. And the individual presenting it would be declaiming.
Usage:
- "Rael's forces mobilized for war!", the town crier declaimed.
- The speeches presented in the Hempstead debating society were generally declamatory, with passion far beyond what one might have associated with the topic at hand. Still, the brandy was good.
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=declamation)
- declamatory - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/declamatory)
Post by: darkstorme on September 04, 2010, 02:36:59 am
Choral
Though it sounds the same as "coral", one's a sometimes-asexual aquatic polyp, and the other describes music written for a choir, chorus, or other group of singers.
This should also not be confused with a chorale, which is a specific type of hymn which, itself, is choral.
And now that you're thoroughly confused...
Usage:
- Daniella let the choir's voices flow over her. She'd always liked the choral works in praise of Toran.
- Choral music predominated in the shrines deep in the Forest of Fog - those who attended them were simple folk who often had no instruments.
- Choral - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/choral)
- Home - ChoralNet (http://www.choralnet.org/)
Post by: darkstorme on September 06, 2010, 02:50:30 am
To make up for it, double-time!
Dissonance
As with many terms, this one can have multiple meanings. First, its musical meaning (this is bard week, after all) - a dissonance (diss-oh-nance) is a set of notes that conflict, provide a discord, and don't neatly complement each other. Technically, a dissonance is caused by notes being played simultaneously which are not overtones of one of the notes. The opposite of a dissonance is an assonance, which are usually the sounds that people find pleasing. Notes that make up a dissonance are dissonant. Dissonance is often used in music to build tension (think the killer violins from Psycho), and their reduction to an assonance can be used to resolve it.
It's said, apocryphally, that Beethoven's maid would play a dissonant chord on the piano to wake him; he had to get up to provide the resolution or it would drive him nuts.
Dissonance can also mean a disagreement between individuals or groups to do with their actions, natures, or opinions. Assonance, again, is the opposite.
Usage:
- The enemies fell back, but still the bard advanced, the dissonant chords from his lute piercing their ears like knives.
- A dissonant shriek from above made the party look up just as the harpies dropped down from their perch.
- Consonance and dissonance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissonance_%28music%29)
- http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=dissonance
Modal
Modal (moe(as in "larry, curly, and")-dal) music is music written in one of several musical modes (there will be a subsequent post explaining this fairly interesting concept. If you don't want to read it, why are you reading this thread?)
In statistics, this word refers to the mode (the most common value in a distribution).
In grammar, a modal verb is one that expresses modality (that is, the nature of a subsequent verb). For example, "can", and "will" are both modal verbs, since they alter subsequent verbs: "I can swim."
Finally (and least useful in a Layonaran sense), in computer science, a modal dialogue in a graphical user interface is one that suspends the remainder of the interface until the dialogue is resolved.
Usage:
- The Goranites, technical in their music as in everything else, are famous for some of their modal compositions.
- The music was in a dour mode, properly representing the mood of the mourners.
- Musical mode - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_mode)
- Modal - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modal)
Post by: darkstorme on September 07, 2010, 02:45:30 am
Ardent
Ardent (arr-dent) is usually used to describe feelings - strong emotions, usually positive or to do with love or enthusiasm.
It can also mean burning, fiery, or glowing hot - which, in a way, is reflective of its other definition.
Usage:
- The ardent suitor stayed outside her bedroom window all night, serenading her with the latest Trelanian love songs.
- The ardent heart of the campfire threw golden light onto the faces of those gathered about it.
- Ardent | Define Ardent at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ardent)
- Ardent - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ardent)
Post by: darkstorme on September 09, 2010, 02:47:17 am
Chide
To censure severely or forcefully, to call to account for actions or behaviour - to scold or dress down. Basically, if your mother was lecturing you for setting fire to the neighbour's cat again, she was chiding you.
Usage:
- Sallaron found himself chiding Trouble more often than not whenever the boy lived up to his name.
- "You three have been chaste, abstained from alcohol, and stayed in your quarters reading for the last three nights!" The priestess of Xeen's tone was acerbic as she chided her acolytes.
- Chide - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chide)
- chide - definition of chide by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chide)
Gormless
A gormless individual is one lacking wit or intelligence. (It's pronounced pretty much exactly as it's spelled, with "gorm" sounding like "warm".)
Usage:
- The gormless half-ogre sat staring dully at nothing while the other party members finished their debate. "We go now?" he rumbled, when they finally stopped speaking.
- Grok stared at the Aragenite with a gormless expression on his face, taking time from his rapt if vacant stare to take a bite of manticore haunch.
- gormless - definition of gormless by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gormless)
- gormless - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gormless)
Post by: darkstorme on September 10, 2010, 02:39:53 am
Undulate
As a verb, undulate (un-due-late) means to ripple, or roll (either in the sense of rolling hills, or rolling waves) - or, for a sound, to rise and fall in volume or pitch.
As an adjective, an undulate (or undulated) object presents a rippled or wavy surface.
Usage:
- The snake undulated across the floor, sinuous and powerful. The party members trembled at his approach.
- Her voice undulated as it rose to that highest, ear-shattering peak.
- Undulate - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undulate?show=1&t=1284101215)
- Undulate | Define Undulate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/undulate)
Post by: darkstorme on September 12, 2010, 02:54:49 am
Paucity
Exclusively a noun, for a change, paucity (paw-city) means scarcity, limited numbers, insufficiency or fewness.
Usage:
- The noble looked about frantically, but there was a paucity of guardsmen this far down by the docks.
- It is often remarked upon that there is a paucity of honest politicians.
- Paucity | Define Paucity at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paucity)
- Paucity - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paucity)
Avarice
Extreme greed, desire, acquisitiveness. (Lots of adventurers might be afflicted with a mild form of this.) Someone displaying avarice would be said to be avaricious, and the extent to which they display it is avariciousness.
Usage:
- The avarice of dragons is legendary.
- Katherian is a city of gluttony, lust, and avarice. I've always liked that about it.
- Avarice | Define Avarice at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/avarice)
- avarice - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/avarice)
Post by: darkstorme on September 13, 2010, 02:21:51 am
Doggerel
An oft-derogatory word exclusively applied to verse
That indicates the form's absurd - simplistic, vile, or even worse.
The meter's junk, the foot unseen; a duffer at the poetry game
Would write this tripe. By this I mean it's just the ends that sound the same.
Simplistic rhyme, used all the time
Like Muffy Mouse of Today's Special - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Today%27s_Special)
As I have used here and abused
That's doggerel - and now you know.
Usage:
- Occasionally Therise would use complex rhymes, but most of the time, to satisfy her curse, she spoke in simple doggerel.
- The criticism of the new play at the Katherian playhouse was scathing. The costumes? Rags. The verse? Doggerel. And the plot? As transparent as a Xeenite's undergarments.
- Doggerel - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doggerel)
- doggerel (literature) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/167949/doggerel)
Post by: darkstorme on September 14, 2010, 02:42:48 am
Verdant
An abundance of nature, greenness, and vegetation. Fresh, unspoiled, and lush.
It can also mean inexperienced (or, if you will, 'green'.)
Usage:
- The verdant fields outside Port Hempstead seem to stretch out forever, a patchwork of greenery.
- Golden light speared down from the verdant foliage overhead. Birdsong rang through the trees, and a deer bent to drink from the crystal-clear stream.
- Verdant | Define Verdant at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/verdant)
- verdant - definition of verdant by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/verdant)
Post by: darkstorme on September 15, 2010, 02:43:08 am
Littoral
Not to be confused with literal, littoral (which sounds the same) is another of those lovely words that serves as both an adjective and a noun.
As an adjective, littoral describes something as growing on or having to do with things near or on the shore, particularly of a sea or ocean. This extends in both directions, so both those things inclined to stay in the shallow water near the shore and those things tending to inhabit coasts and beaches.
It can also be used in naval terms - "littoral warfare" would be things like troops coming ashore.
As a noun, it means a coastal region - especially that region between low and high tide points.
Usage:
- Pallena walked along the coastline, letting the chill wind off the water whip her cloak about her. Her steps were staggered, moving to avoid disturbing the littoral fauna as the tides rolled in.
- The fisherman laid his crab trap in the littoral, knowing that the crabs would crawl in as the water rose, and come low tide, he could retrieve them.
- Littoral | Define Littoral at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/littoral)
- littoral - definition of littoral by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/littoral)
Post by: darkstorme on September 16, 2010, 12:38:35 am
Arboreal
Something related to, describing, or resembling a tree. When referring to living creatures, this generally means that they live in trees.
Usage:
- The Wood Elves of the Ulam Forest are occasionally heard to claim that their arboreal houses bring them closer to the forests than their kin.
- Swinging easily from vine to vine, Shiff had time to think, 'Hey, arboreal locomotion isn't all that h-' before he hit the tree.
- Arboreal | Define Arboreal at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/arboreal)
- arboreal - definition of arboreal by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/arboreal)
Post by: darkstorme on September 17, 2010, 02:08:38 am
Vicariance
The division or separation of a group of organisms (plants or animals, both are valid) by a geographic barrier - a mountain range, for example, or a body of water - that leads to a differentiation between the separated groups resulting in variation or speciation. (Vie-care-ee-uns)
In real life, a prominent example of this would be Darwin's finches - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin%27s_finches). In Layo... well, see below.
Usage:
- The Cataclysm separated large animal populations abruptly and permanently. The resultant vicariance produced distinct variations between the continents' populations, despite a remarkable overlap of animal and plant types.
- An Aragenite scholar noted that the elven races were a prime example of a sort of social vicariance, where voluntary separation and segregation produced geological barriers.
- Vicariance - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vicariance)
- Vicariance | Define Vicariance at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/vicariance)
Post by: darkstorme on September 18, 2010, 02:11:00 am
Flora and Fauna
Technically two words, but they're so often paired that it's only fair to pair them here.
Flora (flow-rah) refers to one of two things. With a smaller case "f", flora describes the vegetation of a locale or region. With a capital "F", however, a Flora is a written treatise on the flora of a locale or region.
Fauna (fawn-ah) is exactly the same, but for the animal life of the region.
(Technically, flora can also refer to microorganisms inhabiting a region - for example, your intestinal tract - but I'm not certain how advanced microbiology is in Layonara.)
Usage:
- Freckled Owl was concerned. The flora and the fauna of the forest were suffering, and no cause was evident. He would have to call upon other druids to assist.
- The Aragenite naturalist settled down to sketch the unusually shaped flower he had come across. So intent on his work was he that he didn't hear the pad of tiger paws through the undergrowth behind him. Thus perish those who ignore the fauna in pursuit of a Flora.
- fauna - definition of fauna by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Fauna)
- flora: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/flora)
Post by: darkstorme on September 19, 2010, 02:13:37 am
Fecund
To describe something as fecund (feh-kund) is to call it particularly fruitful or fertile either in terms of offspring (if an animal) or rate of growth (in terms of plant life).
Fecundity is the degree to which something is fecund.
In a non-organic sense, a mind/intellect can also be described as fecund, in the same way that a particularly inventive person could be described as having a "fertile intellect".
Usage:
- The soil in which he'd planted the new assassin vines certainly was fecund. The druid imagined that the poachers were in for a terrible - and terminal - surprise.
- The fecundity of goblins is legendary. Were it not, the mortality rate from internecine warfare, murder, and spates of adventuring parties would be terminal for the race.
- fecund - definition of fecund by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fecund)
- fecund - definition and meaning (http://www.wordnik.com/words/fecund)
Post by: darkstorme on September 20, 2010, 02:34:36 am
Now, not all o' we pirate types be lawbreakers. Some o' us be...
Privateers
A privateer be a ship (or a swab aboard that ship) which be privately owned but workin' under a letter from a government - and, in time o' war, will plunder and loot merchant vessels o' the government's foes.
Usage:
- The scurvy dog Black Tom kept tellin' the hangman, all th' way up th' gallows, that he wasn't a pirate, but a privateer. He hung like a pirate, though.
- privateer - definition of privateer by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/privateer)
- What is a Privateer? (http://www.thepirateking.com/terminology/definition_privateer.htm)
Keelhaul
Now, folks be askin' me - "Cap'n", they say, "what be keelhaulin'?" Now, if I be in a good mood, I tell the swabs, rather'n showin' 'em.
To keelhaul a bilge rat, ye get a length o' rope, long enough t' loop under yer ship. Ye toss th' one end into th' briny, and drag it out after it's drifted under. Then ye get th' fun part. Ye tie the miserable swab's feet with th' rope, and haul hard on th' other end, tossin' him overboard. Then ye pull him clean under th' boat - under th' keel, hence "keelhaulin'".
Now, dependin' on yer cap'n, a keelhaul can go a few ways. First, th' swab can be pulled under th' length o' the ship - and if it be a big ship, he's almost sure to drown - or under th' width. And ye can haul him quicklike, or slow. Now, slow, he'll likely be bound for Davy Jones' locker, 'cause it be hard to hold yer breath that long. Fast, though, and th' unlucky swab gets dragged 'cross the barnacled bottom of the boat - and them barnacles be sharp.
So that, me hearties, is why ye don't want to be keelhauled. Savvy?
References:
- Keelhaul'n - Wikipedia, th' free "Gracious me!" encyclopedia (http://translate-pirate.com/cgi-bin/xlate.cgi?page=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKeelhauling&dourl=Translate+Web+Page)
- Keelhaul | Define Keelhaul at Dictionary.com (http://translate-pirate.com/cgi-bin/xlate.cgi?page=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2Fkeelhaul&dourl=Translate+Web+Page)
Post by: darkstorme on September 21, 2010, 02:31:18 am
Magnanimous
To be magnanimous (mag-nan-ih-muss) is to be generous, noble, big-hearted. To be liberal in gift-giving, understanding of others, and tolerant. To take the high road when others wrong you, and to return insult with kindness, bereft utterly of spite or vindictiveness. Basically, it's a good thing to be.
Except, of course, when it's false magnanimity. When the graciousness of a victor covers the smirking countenance of a bad winner. Such an individual might be called magnanimous, but the speaker's voice would be dripping with irony.
Usage:
- It's said that Moraken enjoys a challenging game of chess, and is both graceful in defeat and magnanimous in victory.
- It's a testament to the normally magnanimous nature of Hlint's populace that adventurers are allowed within the town gates at all.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnanimous
- magnanimous - definition of magnanimous by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/magnanimous)
Post by: darkstorme on September 22, 2010, 02:28:32 am
Hubris
Hubris (Hew-briss) is overwhelming pride, overconfidence, and arrogance with regards to one's own position and power - particularly in a literary sense leading to tragedy. In Greek theatre in particular, hubris often lead to the prideful mortals in question challenging the gods - most often with unfortunate results for the prideful.
In most literature, those characters who display hubris often are portrayed as getting "what was coming to them". The Bible used this trope, in Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction" (often paraphrased as "Pride goeth before a fall.")
A final literary example before we get to my own creations:
I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
-Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.
-Ozymandias, Percy Bysshe Shelley
Usage:
- The hubris of the gnomish inventor who claimed the lock he had created could not be picked was repaid in full when he awoke to find his house picked bare.
- Johnny the bard ought to have known what would result from his hubris. With a claim like 'No being from this world or any other can outplay me.', it's no surprise that a cowled stranger might appear with a fiddle case in one hand and the smell of brimstone in the air.
- Hubris | Define Hubris at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hubris)
- hubris - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hubris)
Post by: darkstorme on September 23, 2010, 01:26:58 am
Stoke
To stoke (rhymes with "oak") a fire is to feed or stir it in such a way as to make it burn hotter and/or more brightly. This is always with a reasonably large fire - one cannot stoke a candle or a torch, for instance.
Usage:
- Sallaron leaned forward to stoke the campfire, watching the flames flare up in the night, smoke curling towards the stars. Idly, he wondered when Tegan would let him back in the house, checked the dressings on his burns, and reached for another log.
- Gilshem stoked the fire in the forge, the leaping flames painting his face with ruddy light. Muttering a brief prayer to Dorand, he set to work.
References:
- stoke - definition of stoke by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stoke)
- Stoke | Define Stoke at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stoke)
Post by: Pseudonym on September 23, 2010, 05:24:33 am
Post by: darkstorme on October 03, 2010, 07:02:35 pm
Here, then, are the missing three:
This one's good for characters originally from deserts, characters venturing through deserts... basically, anything to do with deserts. And Abi-Hazim's Horrid Wilting, too. ;)
Desiccate
Note the spelling - the most common confusion with this word is which letter is doubled. Despite the pronunciation (Des-sih-kate), single s, double c.
To desiccate is to dehydrate, to remove all water from an object. Aged and brittle parchment could be said to be desiccated; likewise sun-bleached wood. Also, long-dead corpses - undead hunters take note!
The past tense (desiccated) is often used (as it was above!) as an adjective. More commonly, in fact, than its parent noun. It can also be used to describe someone's mode of speech if they're being... ahem... particularly dry.
Usage:
- With a groan, the desiccated body rose from its niche and lunged at the fighter, who jerked back in surprise.
- The Black Wizard cackled as clouds erupted from his fingertips, their touch as dry as a desert wind, desiccating everything they touched.
- desiccate - definition of desiccate by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/desiccate)
- Desiccate definition - Medical Dictionary definitions of popular medical terms easily defined on MedTerms (http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=12515)
*-*-*
For all you crafters out there...
Manufacture
This is a word that most people know, but which is often limited to a more modern definition, rather than its original meaning. Rather than being purely the domain of modern industrial processes, manufacture derives from the Latin for "hand" (manu) and "a working" (factura), and can be used for any item that has been created by someone or something.
It can also be used to describe the construction of an idea - almost always a falsehood or fabrication.
Finally, it can be used to describe the nature of the makers of an item.
Usage:
- The gnome set to work, and in no time at all had manufactured a functional cart from the ruins of the birdbath. His fellow party members gaped in astonishment.
- Off the top of his head, the bard manufactured a story about how a passing maniac had slapped something on the back of his cloak, and clearly that was where the symbol of Ilsare had come from. The Prantzian guard considered this, and then hit him in the stomach with a mailed fist. Clearly, he hadn't bought it.
- The formal throwing axe was clearly of dwarven manufacture.
- manufacture definition (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/manufacture.html)
- Manufacturing: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/manufacturing)
*-*-*
Quibble
To quibble (kwih-bul) is to argue over petty things, or to evade the truth (or ignore a point being made) by raising irrelevant or petty objections.
It can also be a literary device, wherein a character lives up to the letter of an agreement, while avoiding the spirit of the same. (Think of the Merchant of Venice, where a pound of flesh is owed but blood cannot be shed. Alternately, think of every malevolent genie in literature.)
Usage:
- Angela sighed. The meeting of the Diet would've been over hours ago if the members weren't inclined to quibble over details of implementation.
- "We didn't say anything about scales, or claws - it's important to know whether they count!" "You're
[/list]
References:
- Quibble | Define Quibble at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/quibble)
- Quibble (plot device) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quibble_%28plot_device%29)
Post by: darkstorme on October 05, 2010, 02:38:59 am
Ghastly
Pronounced "gast-lee", this word signifies something that is shockingly horrific, repellent, or terrible. If it's something that only a Corathite would really enjoy, it's almost certainly ghastly.
It can also mean something of great magnitude, but usually only if that thing is powerfully negative - a mistake, for example, leading to horrible consequences.
Usage:
- The paladin open the door, and stumbled back, his arm across his mouth in shock. The ghastly scene before them had clearly once been a family sitting down to dinner... rendered incarnadine (http://forums.layonara.com/1701408-post41.html) by a painter using a knife for a brush.
- The ghastly noise from the next room only confirmed Tod's suspicions... zombies. He hated zombies.
- Ghastly - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghastly)
- ghastly - definition of ghastly by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ghastly)
Post by: darkstorme on October 06, 2010, 02:54:56 am
Malevolent
Someone (or something!) that actively wishes or inflicts evil or harm on others is described as malevolent (mah-lev-oh-lent). A malevolent thought or action can arise from hatred, ill will, spite, or simple evil. It's often scarier than simple evil, however, because if something is malevolent, the implication is that it is actively evil, rather than being in any way passive or reactive.
A quantity or intensity of malevolent thoughts or actions is malevolence.
Usage:
- Kylie looked up at the darkened windows of the black tower and shuddered. It felt as though a malevolent presence squatted within those rough stone walls, daring them to enter.
- The sheer malevolence the light of the flame revealed on the vampire's face was horrifying.
- Malevolent - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malevolent)
- malevolent - definition of malevolent by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/malevolent)
Post by: darkstorme on October 07, 2010, 02:57:29 am
It's not a magician's magic word - well... maybe a necromancer's. Cadaverous (ka-da-verr-us) refers to things that are similar to or related to a cadaver (a dead body), things that are ghastly and pale (or, in other words, similar to a cadaver), or creatures or people who are dreadfully emaciated and thin, almost skeletal (see also: like a cadaver).
Usage:
- Alatriel put a flaming arrow through the oncoming zombie's leg, only to regret it as the room filled with the stench of burning, rotten meat. The cadaverous juggernaut showed no sign that it had felt or even noticed the projectile, continuing to stagger towards her.
- Ragrian saw the cadaverous figure coming out of the fog and reached for her sling - only to relax as she made out its face. "Oh, it's only you, Erag."
- Cadaverous | Define Cadaverous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cadaverous)
- Cadaverous - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadaverous)
Post by: Chazzler on October 07, 2010, 10:58:07 am
Post by: Alatriel on October 07, 2010, 11:05:56 am
Quote from: Chazzler
Do the word "Weird", especially it's olden meaning, so people can learn why the 9th circle phantasm is called Weird :)
Well... there's weird... and there's wyrrd (sp?)
Post by: darkstorme on October 08, 2010, 02:49:43 am
Inexorable
Grimly relentless, unstoppable, inevitable. Unswerving, unmoved, and unyielding. Inexorable (inn-ex-ore-uh-bull) means all these things, and usually puts a somewhat fatalistic or terrifying spin on whatever is so described.
The word can be changed to an adverb with inexorably, which is likely the most common use of the word. There is also inexorableness, the quality of being inexorable, but that may be stretching things a bit too far.
Usage:
- The ceiling ground down towards them inexorably. Finn's throat was dry, but he swallowed anyway as he watched the oaken quarterstaves used as last-ditch props splinter and snap.
- The inexorable march of the golems lent a terror to them almost greater than any they could have had if they were able to move quickly. The sense here was of something unstoppable - something that could not be held at bay, only fled.
- Inexorable | Define Inexorable at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inexorable)
- inexorable - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/inexorable)
Post by: Pseudonym on October 08, 2010, 03:13:53 am
Quote from: darkstorme
Hmm... it's like I'm...
Inexorable
Grimly relentless, unstoppable, inevitable. Unswerving, unmoved, and unyielding. Inexorable (inn-ex-ore-uh-bull) means all these things, and usually puts a somewhat fatalistic or terrifying spin on whatever is so described.
Yes, you did just put a terrifying spin on yourself *shivers*. From hereon, I will stop assigning the adjectives to you I had been using that are so obviously no longer applicable (such as this (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/goofy), or this (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/geeky), or even this (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pedantic), or my fave (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chubby)) and describe you as inexorable (http://forums.layonara.com/1706273-post83.html).
Post by: darkstorme on October 09, 2010, 02:53:16 am
A sense that something terrible or evil is about to occur, or an omen of same. In literary terms, foreshadowing can give characters a sense of foreboding (four-bo-ding).
Usage:
- A flight of ravens was disturbed in the otherwise still woods, flying above the party, away from their destination. The cleric felt a chill sense of foreboding drop over her like an icy cloud.
- A dark feeling of foreboding closed over the youthful fighter as they entered the tomb. He had the uneasy feeling that the tomb was likely to be their own.
- Foreboding - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreboding)
- foreboding - definition of foreboding by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/foreboding)
Post by: darkstorme on October 10, 2010, 02:46:03 am
Chthonic
All things that live beneath the surface of the earth are chthonic (thaw-nick), as are the areas in which they dwell.
In real life, the word derived from the greek, and was usually used to refer to the gods and spirits of the underworld. The word chthonian can be used interchangeably with chthonic.
(It's also a safe bet that Lovecraft borrowed some spelling from this word.)
Usage:
- The chthonic depths of the Deep are not for the unwary... or for any but the foolhardy. Happily, adventurers who fit the latter description aren't precisely rare.
- Vast chthonian worms burrow sightlessly through the earth... until that is, something on the surface attracts their mindless, destructive attention.
- Chthonic - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chthonic)
- Chthonian | Define Chthonian at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chthonian)
Post by: darkstorme on October 12, 2010, 01:14:15 am
Morbid
A useful little word, morbid (more-bid) can mean one of several things:
- Most commonly, it can be used to refer to someone who has an unhealthy fascination with death, disease, and other unpleasant circumstances. Most Corathites could probably be described as morbid, as would many vampire fans before the advent of Twilight. (When vampires became no longer animate corpses with an unholy hunger for blood, but rather sparkly conflicted people.)
- Anything that itself relates to death and disease can also be described as morbid. Derived from this, morbidity is the instance of disease in a population. (It has since been borrowed as a term for the state of mind a morbid individual often occupies.)
- Things that are gruesome or ghastly can also be described as morbid.
- Stygian watched with morbid fascination as the fungus ate its way up through the farmer's legs with unnatural speed.
- With the emphasis on black paint, and with coffins and other accoutrement of death everywhere, the undertaker's shopfront was a morbid place for a cup of tea.
- morbid - definition of morbid by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/morbid)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=morbid)
Putrefaction
Putrefaction (pew-truh-fack-shun) is the process by which something putrefies, or rots. Putrefaction differs from decomposition or rotting in that it usually implies unpleasantness - the word is most commonly associated with the decomposition of animal flesh, with the resultant unpleasant odours that accompany the breakdown of the proteins therein.
The smell of putrefaction is strongly repulsive to most animals (with the exception of carrion-eaters), because of its linkage with disease and death.
Gangrene is an instance of putrefaction before death - and all the more horrible because of it.
Usage:
- Argos opened the door and gagged. The charnel stench of putrefaction hit him like a mace, nearly visible in the clear air outside. This was definitely the house.
- Panting, the rangers drew to a halt, gathering by the stream. They took inventory, their quivers nearly empty, and looked to their leader. He held up a hand and sniffed at the air, then shook his head. The others could smell it now too: the hint of putrefaction. They hadn't lost the zombies yet.
- putrefaction - definition of putrefaction by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/putrefaction)
- putrefaction: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/putrefaction)
Post by: Pseudonym on October 12, 2010, 01:47:01 am
I have always used 'putrification' - is it interchangeable with putrefaction or have I been, brace for it, misinformed?
Post by: darkstorme on October 13, 2010, 01:43:41 am
To continue in this diseased vein:
Pestilence
A pestilence (pess-till-ence) is a particularly virulent plague or disease, causing death or devastation. It can also be a term for anything else that's particularly destructive or injurious - and difficult to overcome.
In Christian mythology (and pop culture), Pestilence is also held to be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Usage:
- The pestilence that settled over Hurm as evidence of the Black Plague's displeasure was horrible to behold, with victims lying dead in the streets.
- After the betrayal by one of their own, suspicion was a pestilence in the hearts of the party.
- Pestilence - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pestilence)
- pestilence - definition of pestilence by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pestilence)
Post by: darkstorme on October 14, 2010, 02:48:24 am
If something is pernicious (per-nish-us), it is harmful, hurtful, injurious, or lethal. It is also often (but not always) subtle in its workings, doing quiet harm that is far more difficult to pin down and stop.
If a person is described as pernicious, this often means that they are wicked and evil - as might be implied by the above meaning.
Usage:
- The party continued on, but the pernicious lie continued to echo in their heads. Obviously the monster hadn't been telling the truth, but... - and there it was: "but...".
- The disease was pernicious; highly contagious before any symptoms started to show, and then sufferers broke out in sores all over their bodies, their joints began to swell and soon they were unable to breathe without a hacking cough.
- Pernicious | Define Pernicious at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pernicious)
- pernicious - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pernicious)
Post by: darkstorme on October 15, 2010, 02:56:51 am
Insidious
Something insidious (in-sid-ee-us) is usually either subtle or enticing, yet ultimately harmful or fatal; usually, by the time the harmful effect has been realized, whatever the described item is has so firm a hold over the person or thing being harmed that it's difficult to get away from it.
Usage:
- The curse was insidious - most people didn't even notice when they started sleeping a few minutes more each night, or even an hour or two. When their sleeping hours eclipsed their waking hours, most noticed, but by then it was often too late.
- Sophia scowled. That little twit was insidious. Sophia had only been away for no more than a few weeks, and already the girl had wormed her way into his good graces.
- Insidious - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insidious?show=0&t=1287125566)
- insidious - definition of insidious by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/insidious)
Post by: darkstorme on October 16, 2010, 03:00:02 am
Iniquity
Iniquity (in-ick-wit-tea) is sin, wickedness, immorality, and evil. Straight-up nastiness across the board, with a lot of nice consonants.
Usage:
- There were bars in Arnax that were nothing but venal pits of iniquity. And then there were the bad bars.
- Iniquity, in a goblin cave, is just business as usual.
- Iniquity | Define Iniquity at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/iniquity)
- Iniquity - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iniquity)
Post by: darkstorme on October 17, 2010, 02:48:29 am
Baleful
If something is baleful (bail-full), it's either ominous and portentous of some upcoming and sinister event, or actively harmful and malevolent in its own right.
Usage:
- The witch fixed a baleful glare on the party, her eyes fixing on the sorceress. 'Very well. I'll bide my time. And as for you, just try to stay out of my way! I'll get you, my pretty, and your familiar too!'
- The baleful spell took effect, and Haley gasped as she felt her life energy draining away.
- baleful - definition of baleful by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/baleful)
- Baleful | Define Baleful at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/baleful)
Post by: darkstorme on October 18, 2010, 01:21:11 am
Miasma
A miasma (my-az-ma) is a heavy vapour or atmosphere believed to be harmful, usually emanating from a swamp, some sort of unpleasant fire, garbage, etc.
It can be (but needn't be) vision-obscuring, and it can be immediately noxious, or only gradually perceptible. The word can also be employed to describe a situation, rather than an actual physical emanation.
Usage:
- As the sewer grate came open, the stench was like a physical thing. The miasma billowed out of the hole in visible waves - and they were expected to go in there?
- The fireball went awry and struck the moss-laden trees, setting them afire. A miasma of choking smoke descended over the area, setting eyes to tearing and leaving the party coughing, barely able to see.
- Miasma - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miasma)
- Miasma | Define Miasma at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/miasma)
Post by: darkstorme on October 19, 2010, 02:45:45 am
Spectre
A ghost or ghostly apparition, or a mental image approximating the same thing, a spectre (speck-ter) is generally a frightening figure.
(It's also a D&D creature (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Spectre).)
Usage:
- As he dug up the body for that student in Vehl, a spectre rose from the grave before him. Startled, he dropped his shovel; the apparition hissed and advanced.
- Zardoc tossed and turned on the hard pallet, the spectre of his past keeping sleep at arm's length.
- spectre - definition of spectre by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/spectre)
- Spectre - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectre)
Post by: darkstorme on October 20, 2010, 02:19:01 am
Macabre
Meaning ghastly, horrible, gruesome; representative of or referring to death - sometimes, specifically, the dance of the dead, the last frenzied jerking before life leaves the body - in any or all of its definitions, macabre (muh-kaw-bruh, or simply muh-kawb) is a grim word indeed.
It is also used to refer to certain works of art and literature (for example, the works of E.A. Poe or Munch's Scream (http://sexualityinart.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/scream.jpg)) - mostly those works that leave the audience unsettled, unnerved, or disquieted.
An example from... ahem... literature:
A hatch opened up and the aliens said,
"We're sorry to learn that you soon will be dead.
"But though you may find this slightly macabre,
"We prefer your extinction to the loss of our job."
-Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eGwX72zgUYg/SeLVLvFVbCI/AAAAAAAAAD0/t_hKv3jYT2c/s1600-h/jon2.GIF)
"We're sorry to learn that you soon will be dead.
"But though you may find this slightly macabre,
"We prefer your extinction to the loss of our job."
-Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eGwX72zgUYg/SeLVLvFVbCI/AAAAAAAAAD0/t_hKv3jYT2c/s1600-h/jon2.GIF)
Usage:
- Fr. Logan glanced at the necromancer's retreating back and grimaced. He knew that his Lady rejoiced in all uses of magic, but he still found the man's macabre practices deeply disturbing.
- The unusual, the bizarre, the macabre... all were available at the Carnival.
- Macabre | Define Macabre at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/macabre)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=macabre)
Post by: darkstorme on October 21, 2010, 02:45:16 am
Unnerving
To be unnerved is to become nervous, to lose one's courage, impetus, or strength. To "lose one's nerve", in fact. So to describe something as unnerving (un-ner-ving) is to attribute to it the ability to unnerve either yourself or others.
Usage:
- The two holy warriors stood back to back in the suddenly-silent tomb. Beyond the light of their glowing blades, nothing seemed to move. The stillness was unnerving.
- There was something vaguely unnerving about the child's stare - it seemed to bore straight through your eyes and into your soul.
- Unnerving - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unnerving)
- unnerving - definition of unnerving by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unnerving)
Post by: darkstorme on October 22, 2010, 01:54:18 am
If something is grisly (griz-lee), it is gruesome, disgusting, horrifying or frightening.
It is not, however, a bear. The bear is spelled "grizzly". To remember: "The grizzly bear made a grisly mess of the unwary adventurer."
Usage:
- The painting was grisly, the woman's ruined face picked out in lurid red and white.
- Mirrim had to turn away at the grisly sight before her.
- Grisly - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grisly)
- grisly - definition of grisly by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/grisly)
Post by: darkstorme on October 24, 2010, 01:46:56 am
Pallor
A pallor (pahl-lur) is a deficiency of colour in the skin, the face in particular. Usually when an individual goes pale, from illness, fright, or shock, they have a pallor. An individual who has a pallor can be described as pallid.
Usage:
- The deathly pallor of the boy's face terrified his parents. Something was draining the life from their child, and they couldn't stop it.
- A figure stepped from the shadows, and the ghastly pallor of her skin and the elongated canines in her smile revealed what she was.
- Pallor - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pallor)
- Pallor | Define Pallor at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pallor)
Also known as a charnel house, a charnel (char-nell) is (or was) a building where dead bodies or bones are deposited and stored. Unlike a mortuary or morgue, preservation is seldom a goal of a charnel; so the sight and smell of decomposition often accompanies them, and their interiors tend to the horrific.
This is not always the case - some charnel houses IRL were/are used to store the bones of previous tenants of a cemetery that has limited space. In such places, there is no smell, but the presence of so many bones on display usually provides a somewhat morbid atmosphere.
Usage:
- Steeling himself, Argos stepped into the charnel. The evidence had to be here somewhere. The search... was not going to be pleasant.
- As the door to the basement opened, a charnel smell spilled out. Daniella descended the stairs, already grimly certain what she would see.
- Charnel - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charnel)
- What is a Charnel House? (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-charnel-house.htm)
Post by: darkstorme on October 25, 2010, 01:49:37 am
Vile
Vile things are contemptible, disgusting, wretched, degrading, repulsive, despicable, abhorrent, and... well, bad. Not all evil things are vile, though many vile things are evil.
A quick note, however -a vile cannot contain things. A vial contains things. Presumably, then, a vile vial would contain disgusting things. A vile vial of unholy water. A vile vial of mucous.
Usage:
- Tim clenched his fist in realization. Of course! Professor Maynard! That vile fiend, up to his usual machinations!
- Alazira climbed out of the swamp, and looked down in dismay at her traveling leathers. The muck and ooze was vile - she'd never get all of it out!
- vile - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/vile)
- Vile - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vile?show=0&t=1287989442)
Post by: darkstorme on October 26, 2010, 01:24:14 am
Psychopath vs. Sociopath
This is less for RP interest than for general interest, as the two terms could likely be used in-game interchangeably - it's a fine distinction, and it's unlikely that psychological distinctions of this degree exist in-game. It's important, too, to understand that even among professionals the definitions are rough - only in certain fields of research psychology are very clear lines drawn between the two.
A psychopath (sigh-koh-path) is defined as an individual without any empathy or anxiety. A person who feels no guilt, no shame, and no obligation to adhere to social mores. They are otherwise completely functional mentally, and are generally adept at mimicry - appearing to follow social mores, to have the emotions other do - as a means of "blending in". If a psychopath commits a crime, it will likely be well-planned and carefully executed. Along these same lines, they tend to be fastidious in their daily life.
The sociopath (soh-she-oh-path or soh-see-oh-path), on the other hand, is an individual who has a social connection to some group (family, friends, etc.) and has the ability to feel empathy and care for members of that group, but not for society at large. They tend to be more erratic in a wider society and don't demonstrate the same ability to mask their disorder or plan ahead. (Some adventurers seem to display sociopathic traits.)
It is theorized that psychopathy is a hereditary condition, something an individual is born with, while sociopathy is environmental, but given the spectrum of disorders covered under Antisocial Personality Disorder, these are mostly speculative.
Usage:
- Dillon was a sociopath. When the mugger threatened his sister, Dillon killed him. He didn't hesitate, or try to disarm the man - he just killed him.
- Penny woke up and found herself bound and gagged, on an altar in a torch-lit room. A figure stirred in a chair by the wall. "Oh, good. You're awake." The baritone voice was light and easy. As he strode towards her, the man picked up a razor-edged dagger, turning it over and over in his hands. "The Lord Corath does so prefer it when his tribute is conscious, and I feared I'd struck you too hard. Now, let's be about it, shall we?" Penny looked up past the dagger, and saw the glittering eyes of a psychopath.
- Sociopath | Define Sociopath at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sociopath)
- Psychopathy | Define Psychopathy at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/psychopathy)
- In Cold Blog: Psychopath vs. Sociopath (http://incoldblogger.blogspot.com/2007/06/psychopath-vs-sociopath.html)
Post by: Pseudonym on October 26, 2010, 04:48:16 am
Quote from: darkstorme
A quick note, however -a vile cannot contain things. A vial contains things. Presumably, then, a vile vial would contain disgusting things. A vile vial of unholy water. A vile vial of mucous.
Did you mean, 'A vile vial of mucus'?
Oh, how I have waited for this day! :)
Post by: darkstorme on October 26, 2010, 10:55:49 am
Post by: darkstorme on October 27, 2010, 01:50:56 am
Lament (lah-ment) is one of those delightful multipurpose words that is a variety of nouns, and a verb, as well. As a noun, a lament can be:
- A feeling or expression of grief
- A poem (sometimes called an elegy) grieving for the dead
- A song, likewise written for someone who has died
As a verb, to lament is to grieve or regret, either silently or through an expression of grief - words, or a wordless moan of grief.
The act of lamenting is known as lamentation.
Usage:
- Though the man lamented his past deeds, it was too late - the girl was dead, and nothing could bring her back.
- The wordless lament ripped forth from the mother's throat, her chest heaving as the coffin was lowered into the earth.
- lament - definition of lament by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lament)
- Lament | Define Lament at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lament)
Post by: Chazzler on October 27, 2010, 12:36:46 pm
Post by: darkstorme on October 28, 2010, 01:08:44 am
Vivisect
To vivisect (vih-vih-seckt) something (or someone) is to cut into them when they're still alive - usually, but not always, for experimentation. Surgery does not, generally speaking, have the term vivisection applied to it because the eventual condition of the person or animal being vivisected is not usually the concern of the practitioner.
Though the term is usually used to describe certain particularly invasive animal testing in our world, there's no reason at all it can't be extended to... other subjects.
The act of vivisecting a creature is known as vivisection.
Usage:
- Mirrim caught her breath. The creature had been vivisected and left to die, but wasn't yet dead. She laid her hands on the gaping, ghastly hole in the dog's abdomen and hoped her Lord could intervene in time.
- The young doctor in Vehl had learned quite a lot from dissecting cadavers. But vivisection - ah, that's where the learning truly began. He whistled a cheerful tune as he picked up his scalpel and turned back to the unconscious figure on his operating table.
- vivisect - definition of vivisect by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vivisect)
- Vivisection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivisection) (caution - the section of this article to do with human vivisection is not for the faint of heart)
Post by: darkstorme on October 29, 2010, 01:53:19 am
Eviscerate
To eviscerate (ee-viss-sir-rate) something or someone, you slice open their stomach to let their internal organs (or viscera (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscus)) spill out.
You can also eviscerate someone verbally, by refuting their side of an argument in such a fashion as to deprive it of any force or validity; likewise, someone who has been criticized harshly and accurately can be said to have been eviscerated by their opponent. But that's hardly in keeping with the month's theme. ;)
Finally, removing the contents of an organ surgically is also described as evisceration.
Usage:
- Pallena dropped into a sideways slide between the giant's legs, and her scimitar flashed up as she did so, eviscerating the monster.
- He moved too fast - there was no way to stop him, and Jason felt the sickening parting of flesh as the razor sharp dagger sliced through muscle and gut, opening his stomach. He collapsed, clutching futilely at the mortal wound, and the man laughed. "Well, well, Jason, looks like I was wrong. You do have the guts for the job after all." There was a pause. "I'm sorry, that was terrible. I'll leave you to die." The door closed, leaving the eviscerated Jason alone in the room.
- Eviscerate - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eviscerate?show=0&t=1288334991)
- eviscerate - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eviscerate)
Post by: darkstorme on October 30, 2010, 01:50:29 am
Wrack
Wrack (rack) is a word with many meanings.
As a noun, it means a wreck or ruin (particularly a shipwreck), or the process of creating a wreck or ruin, causing destruction. (The Pyrtechonites are fond of wrack and ruin.)
It can also mean dried seaweed - or live seaweed which has been washed ashore.
As a verb, to wrack is to cause the ruin of something, to destroy something. To be wracked is to be destroyed - a ship, for example, can be wracked by a storm and smashed on the rocks.
Usage:
- Lightning crackled forth from the mage's hands and wracked the monument. Rael's head cracked from its shoulders and crashed to the ground.
- The ancient, wracked tower still stood - as much as it could be said to stand - on the hill overlooking the fort. It was said that the ghost of the soldiers who died in the conflagration still haunted the place.
- wrack - definition of wrack by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/wrack)
- Wrack - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/wrack)
Post by: darkstorme on November 01, 2010, 01:48:29 am
Sepulchral
The word sepulchral (sep-uhl-crull) is useful to those in the funeral business, or those in the business of making it necessary for others to have funerals, or those in the business of looting the places where people's remains are interred after their funerals. In a word, adventurers.
The word is an adjective meaning of or pertaining to burial or tombs - it can also mean a deep or hollow tone (whether of voice or of pitch).
Usage:
- As the group traveled deeper into the Krandor Crypts, the sepulchral surroundings seemed to close in on them, the lights of their torches driving away fewer and fewer shadows.
- "Woe unto those who pass these gates," the figure intoned in sepulchral tones.
- Sepulchral | Define Sepulchral at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sepulchral)
- sepulchral: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/sepulchre)
And, to round off the month:
Malefic
Something that is evil, or exerts a ill, malign influence, is malefic (mah-leff-ick).
Usage:
- Two red, malefic eyes glared balefully back out at them.
- The mage finished his incantation, and the malefic spell screamed towards the helpless woman, its ghostly arms raised.
- Malefic - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw2.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malefic)
- Malefic | Define Malefic at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malefic)
Post by: darkstorme on November 02, 2010, 01:53:16 am
Elicit
To elicit (ee-liss-it or ih-liss-it) something is to either draw it out or call it forth (when seeking information or a particular response) or draw it forth and bring it out (if it is something latent in the subject).
Note that despite the similar pronunciation, this should not be confused with illicit (forbidden by law, rules, or custom).
Usage:
- The expectant pause elicited a response from the audience, who obliged with gasps of shock and outrage.
- The Hempstead Charitable Foundation sought to elicit donations from adventurers by means of a leaflet campaign with woodcuts of those suffering from the war with the Cult.
- Elicit - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elicit)
- definition of elicit from Oxford Dictionaries Online (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/elicit)
Post by: darkstorme on November 03, 2010, 01:52:41 am
Slink
To slink, as a verb, is to move stealthily, as if afraid or ashamed - or to move sinuously, provocatively, and seductively. It is also, apparently, to give birth prematurely, if one is a cow.
As a noun, a slink is a prematurely calved calf.
The conjugation of the verb "to slink" is a bit odd (http://conjugator.reverso.net/conjugation-english-verb-slink.html). Most notably, the past perfect tense of "slink" is "slunk".
Usage:
- After his miserable performance at open-stage night in the Mug, the bard slunk along the docks.
- The woman was slinking towards them, her hips swaying - Sallaron couldn't believe his eyes. He looked around, but Tegan was not yet back from the privy.
- Slink | Define Slink at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/slink)
- slink - definition of slink by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/slink)
Post by: darkstorme on November 04, 2010, 01:03:02 am
Irascible
Someone who is irascible (ih-ra-sih-bull) is quick to anger, cantankerous, or hot-tempered.
Usage:
- "Why, you whippersnappers," grumbled the irascible old man. "When I was your age, we didn't have any fancy computers, we used dice and paper!" "Uh-oh", one of the other players whispered. "Looks like Pseudo woke up."
- The dwarf was irascible, rude, and possibly bigoted. But he was the best smith in the city.
- Irascible - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw2.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irascible?show=0&t=1288850443)
- Irascible | Define Irascible at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/irascible)
Post by: darkstorme on November 06, 2010, 01:45:37 am
Incensed
Incensed (in-sensed) is a word with two rather disparate meanings:
[list=1]
- The first, as one might almost expect, is the past tense of the verb "to incense", that is, to perfume with incense. This can also be used as an adjective, describing something to which incense has been applied.
- The second can also be the past tense of the verb "to incense", but in this case, the word means to anger someone, or rouse them to intense indignation. Again, the adjective incensed can be applied to someone who is angry beyond reason.
- As the blessing was delivered by the cleric, the pilgrims breathed in the heavily incensed air of the temple.
- Wren was incensed. Before he knew it, his sword was in his hand and he was striding towards the little rat. He'd show him what cowardice truly was!
- Incensed - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incensed)
- incensed - definition of incensed by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/incensed)
---
The second word was suggested by Carillon, who said that I like "pretentious" words for my WotD. Pretentious? Moi? ;)
Mellifluous
The word mellifluous (muh-liff-loo-us), in addition to rolling delightfully off the tongue, means... well, a sweet-sounding and smoothly-flowing voice. It also can mean sweetened with honey, which is where the first meaning came from - a sweet, smooth voice was (and can be) said to be "honeyed".
Usage:
- Andrew was walking down the street when the dulcet tones of a mellifluous soprano voice drew him to an alley window.
- The mayor's rich, mellifluous voice spread out over the mob like a soothing balm, calming frayed nerves.
- Mellifluous | Define Mellifluous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mellifluous)
- mellifluous - definition of mellifluous by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mellifluous)
Post by: Pseudonym on November 06, 2010, 02:10:34 am
Post by: Pseudonym on November 06, 2010, 02:15:39 am
A GM and a teacher in RL no less.
DS, you can lead a horse to water ...
Post by: Frances on November 06, 2010, 09:56:01 am
Did you originally intend to post those links in the reverse order?
Post by: Pseudonym on November 06, 2010, 01:19:30 pm
Post by: darkstorme on November 07, 2010, 01:49:36 am
Bawl
Though it sounds like ball, to bawl is to cry out at the top of one's voice, and a bawl is the cry that results. This is why bawling someone out usually implies that the person doing it is shouting.
Usage:
- The child looked down at the ruins of his toy horse, then at Trax's heavy boots, then back at the horse. Then his eyes welled up with tears, and he bawled.
- Anyone within two city blocks could hear the Silverguard drill instructor bawling out the recruit who arrived late.
- bawl: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/bawl)
- Bawl - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw1.meriam-webster.com/dictionary/bawl)
Post by: darkstorme on November 08, 2010, 01:57:29 am
Rite
A rite (sounds like "right", but isn't!) is a ritual, often associated with a religion. Burial rites, funeral rites, wedding rites.
This is often confused with "right", particularly in phrases like "rite of passage". "Right of passage" is a geographical term associated with shipping - the right (as in privilege) to travel through some route. A "rite of passage", on the other hand, is a ritual reserved for the transition from one part of life to another (or a metaphorical, but similar, non-religious activity).
Usage:
- The Giants of the Brech Mountains were a sort of rite of passage for Voraxite battle priests. Once a priest had notched his axe on the skull of a giant, he could begin to say that he truly knew battle.
- Bree went through the rites of preparation before the fest. Lipstick, perfume, just the right amount of silk... she was ready.
- Rite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rite)
- Rite - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rite)
Post by: darkstorme on November 09, 2010, 01:51:24 am
Corps
Not to be confused with corpse (a dead body), corps (pronounced "core") refers to a collection of individuals.
Often, this refers to a military organization. It can be a specialized military division (for example, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Medical Corps). In real life, a corps is a military organization between a division and an army in size - I'm not sure whether we have an equivalent unit in Layonaran militaries.
It can also refer to another group of people acting together under common orders - groups like the Peace Corps, press corps, etc.
Usage:
- The corps of gnomish engineers set to work immediately. The townsfolk watched on in mingled interest and trepidation.
- The guard corps arrived at the scene of the disturbance, weapons drawn.
- corps: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/corps)
- corps - definition of corps by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/corps)
Post by: Chazzler on November 09, 2010, 06:49:00 am
Post by: darkstorme on November 10, 2010, 01:42:00 am
Perspicacious
If an individual is perspicacious (purse-pih-kay-shus), it means they are possessed of particularly keen mental perception and understanding, or are a particularly discerning individual. (As someone who uses these words to good effect would be!)
The quality of being perspicacious is called perspicacity.
Usage:
- The perspicacious youth quickly took in all the master taught him - he was able to cast his first cantrip barely two months into his training!
- The young wemic's eyes lit with perspicacity and understanding.
- Perspicacious | Define Perspicacious at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/perspicacious)
- perspicacious - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/perspicacious)
Post by: darkstorme on November 11, 2010, 01:18:16 am
Welter
An interesting word, welter (well-ter) has to do with disorder, mess, and what one can do in it.
As a noun, a welter is a disorganized mass, a jumble of items, or effort without a goal.
As a verb, to welter is to soak, sink, or get deeply involved in something, to writhe and toss in something, or to be in turmoil (that is, to become an instance of the noun form of the word).
Usage:
- Following the rope had been easy until this point, but now the rope disappeared into a welter of rope, twine, cord, and string. Teasing it out could take years.
- The cleric lay weltering in her own blood, as it spread in a pool around her fallen body.
- Welter - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welter)
- welter - definition of welter by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/welter)
Post by: darkstorme on November 13, 2010, 01:15:52 am
Pusillanimous
Calling someone pusillanimous (pew-sil-lan-ih-muss) is not a compliment. It means cowardly, timid, lacking utterly in courage.
Usage:
- "You pathetic, pedantic, pusillanimous pencil-pusher!" Timulty spat alliteratively.
- The pusillanimous mayor shook behind his desk as the bloodstained adventurers filed into his office, venom in their eyes.
- Pusillanimous - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw2.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pusillanimous)
- pusillanimous - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pusillanimous)
- - - - -
Noxious
If something is noxious (nock-shuss), it is harmful, unpleasant, or injurious, either to one's physical or mental well-being.
Usage:
- The noxious rumour started by the Corathites was spreading dissent and corruption throughout the town's militia.
- A noxious smell spread through the inn. "Has Vrebel taken his boots off again?"
- Noxious | Define Noxious at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/noxious)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=noxious)
Post by: Aerimor on November 13, 2010, 10:44:55 am
Post by: willhoff on November 13, 2010, 12:50:08 pm
Post by: Alatriel on November 13, 2010, 12:58:02 pm
Post by: Aerimor on November 13, 2010, 12:58:13 pm
Post by: willhoff on November 13, 2010, 01:16:21 pm
Post by: darkstorme on November 14, 2010, 01:44:44 am
To acquiesce (ah-kwee-ess) to something or someone is to agree, to submit to the authority of others, or to accept something without protest (though there may have been protest before that point).
The act of acquiescing is known as acquiescence.
Usage:
- The people of Alindor acquiesced to Milara`s demands. They didn`t have much of a choice in the matter.
- Sophia savoured the man`s acquiescence.
- Acquiesce | Define Acquiesce at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/acquiesce)
- Acquiesce - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquiesce?show=0&t=1289721233)
Post by: darkstorme on November 15, 2010, 01:31:34 am
Eldritch
A term that's useful when dealing with anything magically strange or eerie - and a particular favourite of those authors who follow in H.P. Lovecraft's footsteps - the word eldritch (Ell-dritch) is usually followed by "horror". The word means, variously, weird, eerie, unearthly, spooky, alien, or unnatural.
Usage:
- There was an eldritch feel to the air as Argali entered the cave. She doubled up her grip on her axe, and pressed on.
- "It's at times like these," Arkolio said, as the party watched the massive eldritch abomination rise from the murky water, "that I am reminded of something a wise man once said." "R-really? What's that?" "Run!" came the rapidly fading reply.
- Word of the Day | Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2001/10/31.html)
- eldritch - definition of eldritch by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/eldritch)
Post by: darkstorme on November 16, 2010, 01:47:40 am
Jubilant
If you feel jubilant (joo-bih-lant), you feel joyous, satisfied - you're rejoicing or triumphant.
The activity of jubilant people, or the feeling they experience, is jubilation.
Usage:
- The jubilant celebration following the return of the party, lost children in tow, was something to remember.
- It's always strange to see Prunillan festivals - normally somewhat restrained halflings left bubbly and jubilant.
- Jubilant | Define Jubilant at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/jubilant)
- Jubilant - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jubilant)
Post by: darkstorme on November 17, 2010, 01:41:54 am
Catharsis
Originally from the Greek for "cleansing", catharsis (ka-thar-siss) is a purging of emotion or relieving of emotional tension - Ilsarans take note! - particularly through music or art.
It can also be a discharge of emotions through some activity (for example, beating up giants) to relieve stress or resolve another psychological condition.
In medicine, a catharsis is a... purging. The less said about it, the better.
Something that induces or aids in a catharsis is called cathartic.
Usage:
- Few people know this, but there is an unofficial holiday for Aeridinites where they take old pottery, set it up on stands throughout the temple, and smash it to bits with staves. It's apparently very cathartic, and helps relieve tensions.
- "One has a wonderful sense of catharsis after a truly righteous fireball", the mage mused.
- Catharsis | Define Catharsis at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/catharsis)
- Catharsis - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catharsis)
Post by: darkstorme on November 18, 2010, 01:43:17 am
Comely
Comely (kum-lee) means beautiful, attractive, or pleasant to look at, particularly when the subject is female. It is almost exclusively applied to humanoids - or, occasionally, animals - rather than inanimate objects.
Usage:
- Freldo was sure that the comely barwench was giving him the eye. Mind you, he was also sure that there were dancing teakettles on the ceiling. The dwarves are brewing exceptional ale these days, aren't they?
- Arynne was lithe, clever, and comely in her skintight green leathers. Oh, and she carried a sword strapped to each hip. That's rangers for you.
- Comely | Define Comely at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/comely)
- comely - definition of comely by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/comely)
Post by: gilshem ironstone on November 18, 2010, 08:32:21 am
Post by: darkstorme on November 19, 2010, 12:45:50 am
An eponym (eh-pon-nim) is a person (real or fictitious) from whose name the name of an object, group, place, or concept is derived, or the word thus derived.
The person whose name is used as an eponym is eponymous.
Usage:
- Remarkably, Milara settled for the similar-sounding nomenclature of Rilara for the conquered continent of Alindor, rather than becoming a straightforward eponym.
- Lord Rael is the eponymous ruler of the Rael Kingdom.
- Eponym | Define Eponym at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eponym)
- List of eponyms - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_eponyms)
Post by: darkstorme on November 20, 2010, 01:51:10 am
Gnaw
To gnaw (nawh) something is to bite or nibble at it with one's teeth. It can also be a description of the activity that went into making something by biting - rats can gnaw a hole, for instance.
The word can also describe any source of irritation or vexation - something can be described as gnawing at you (or your thoughts) without actual nibbling taking place.
Usage:
- "All of you laughed at me for having a badger as my animal companion!" cried the ranger as the badger gnawed through the ropes binding the party together. "Who's laughing now?!?"
- The halfling's promise of retribution gnawed on Raz. He found himself looking over his shoulder, shying away from doorframes that could be trapped. When would the prank come?
- Gnaw - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnaw?show=0&t=1290239354)
- gnaw - definition of gnaw by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gnaw)
Post by: darkstorme on November 21, 2010, 01:44:27 am
Glacial
Glacial (glay-shul) is a multipurpose adjective. All of its meanings have something to do with massive, multi-million-ton slabs of ice, but different aspects of said slabs.
One meaning has to do with ice - things that are devoid of warmth, extremely cold, unaffected by heat or emotion.
Another use has to do with the pace at which glaciers move - anything that moves extremely slowly could be described as glacial as well.
Finally, due to the profound effect of millions of tons of ice grinding along a landscape, certain geographical features have the word "glacial" preceding them (valleys, plains, etc.).
(It can also be used to refer to a period of Earth's geologic past, but I don't know if that applies particularly well to Layonara.)
Usage:
- The glacial winds howling through the mountains chilled Caighd to the marrow.
- Compared to the wildfire racing towards them through the woods, the wagon seemed to be moving at a glacial pace.
- Glacial - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glacial)
- glacial - definition of glacial by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/glacial)
Post by: darkstorme on November 25, 2010, 03:42:48 am
Recount
What with the recent voting shenanigans in the U.S., this verb (and occasionally noun) has been attached to the enumeration of items for a second time.
That notwithstanding, far more likely to be employed in Layonara is the other meaning of recount (ree-count) - to tell the story of an event.
Usage:
- Breathlessly, Lana recounted what they had seen.
- The citizens recounted the events that had transpired to the captain of the guard.
- recount - definition of recount by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/recount)
- Recount - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recount)
- * - * - * -
Recant
To recant (ree-kant) something is to formally retract or disavow a previously-held belief or statement. It isn't necessarily (but is often) in public.
It can also be to revoke something granted by a preceding statement.
Usage:
- The prisoner had been a Corathite cultist, but the warden reported that the man had recanted his former allegiances and devoted himself to good.
- "Any time I told you that I was your friend?" The Aeridinite turned away, tears in her eyes. "I recant those words. I never wish to see you again."
- recant - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/recant)
- recant - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/recant)
- * - * - * -
Regale
Not to be confused with a royal adjective, to regale (ree-gayle) someone (or multiple someones) is to entertain them (bards, take note!) or to provide a feast for them (which would also be entertaining, in another sense of the word).
As a noun, a regale is a feast or other refreshments.
Usage:
- Rudigore regaled the party with tales of his ancestors. He barely noticed when the party left, in fact.
- The opening of the Leringard Arms was accompanied by a rare regale.
- regale - definition of regale by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/regale)
- regale - Definition of regale at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/regale)
- * - * - * -
Revile
To revile (ree-vile) someone is to subject them to verbal abuse. To revile in general is to engage in verbal abuse.
Usage:
- The party reviled the sorcerer at length after he tortured the farmer for information.
- Eruanna would revile at the drop of a hat - for the education of those listening, of course.
- Revile | Define Revile at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/revile)
- revile - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/revile)
Post by: darkstorme on November 26, 2010, 02:56:50 am
Relish
Most people have doubtless enjoyed relish as a condiment. But that's just one of the many applications of this versatile word!
As a noun, it can mean several things. A sauce made from pickles or some other zesty ingredient is one of them - but that is only the most recent of its meanings. Before that, it meant the characteristic flavour of a dish (a dish's relish), particularly if that flavour was zesty or pleasing in some other manner, and it retains that meaning as well.
Beyond that, a relish can be just enough of something edible to allow the imbiber to sample the taste of the foodstuff. This can be expanded to experiences as well - just enough of an experience to characterize it is its relish.
Finally, enjoyment, delight, satisfaction, or some other strong liking for an activity is said to be a relish for that action.
The verb form of the word is associated with this last definition - to relish something is to be pleased or gratified by it.
Etymologically speaking, the second and third definitions of the noun came first, since the word derives from the old French for "taste". Enjoyment of that taste followed, expanded (as a verb and a noun) to mean general enjoyment. And finally, someone decided that they enjoyed a new type of condiment so much, they relished it.
Usage:
- Angela took a moment to relish her victory before she extended a hand to help her erstwhile opponent up.
- With great relish, Graccus informed the struggling pickpocket that, having been caught in the act, he was subject to immediate imprisonment.
- Relish | Define Relish at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relish)
- Relish - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relish?show=1&t=1290757178)
Post by: darkstorme on November 28, 2010, 02:45:07 am
Leery
No, it's not what Raz looks like around beautiful women - leery (leer-ee) means suspicious and wary. It's usually used with a qualifier - that is, someone is leery of something or someone.
Usage:
- Tim was fairly certain he could get the drop on the kobolds with a spell, but he was leery of using anything too destructive near the storage tanks.
- The forest gnomes were leery of any newcomers to their village.
- Leery - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leery)
- leery: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/leery)
Post by: darkstorme on November 30, 2010, 02:54:09 am
Vacuous
In a general sense, vacuous (vack-yoo-us) means empty. It can also mean someone who displays a lack of intelligence or wit (and thus, empty-headed), something that displays a lack of ideas, or inanity, or something without purpose.
Usage:
- Hayley ignored the cheaply scribed sheets available just inside the entrance to Deliar's temple. The things were just vacuous boilerplate written up by the Merchants Guild.
- The three words that best described Grok were "disgusting", "good-natured", and "vacuous".
- Vacuous | Define Vacuous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/vacuous)
- Vacuous - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vacuous)
* - * - * - *
Curtail
To curtail (kur-tail) something is to cut it short, or reduce it.
Usage:
- The joyous reunion was curtailed by the need to escape the ravening zombie hordes quickly gaining on the party.
- Piotr, a common thief in Vehl, found his getaway curtailed by the pitter-patter of small, very fast feet, and a blow to the back of the head. Halfling monks of Rofirein just aren't fair.
- curtail - definition of curtail by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/curtail)
- curtail - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/curtail)
Post by: Stephen_Zuckerman on November 30, 2010, 06:31:31 am
Grok can't count.
Post by: darkstorme on December 01, 2010, 03:14:47 am
Scourge
... but fighters first and foremost, with Xeenites close behind, because among its other meanings, a scourge (skurj) is a weapon (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EcSPeNpp7O0/Swwx1smKvdI/AAAAAAAAAHA/_yINNLjimnQ/s1600/roman-scourge-1.jpg). In the British navy, they were known as the cat-'o-nine-tails, and were used primarily for punishment.
A scourge can also be a widespread devastation, the kind left by wildfires or war; or the means to inflict that devastation; or a means to inflict punishment or vengeance - much like the weapon.
To scourge, on the other hand, is to punish, to ravage, to chastise... or to whip with a scourge. (Xeenites, take note!)
Usage:
- One-eye, the goblin pirate, was (in his own opinion) the scourge of the seas.
- Storold Doesscha, scourge of all those who seek to harm the Al'Noth. Or dance.
- scourge - definition of scourge by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/scourge)
- Scourge - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://dictionary.weather.net/dictionary/scourge)
Post by: darkstorme on December 02, 2010, 03:11:20 am
In Layonara, Tang isn't an ancient Chinese dynasty, nor is it a crystallized drink for astronauts. It does, however, have a number of other uses.
First, weaponsmiths, take note! The tang of a blade is the non-edged part of the forged blade hidden inside the hilt; blades and their hilts are generally forged as two pieces which are then joined - the tang runs through the hilt, adding balance and stability, as well as increasing the sword's integrity.
A tang can also be a strong or distinctive flavour or odour, either unique to an object, or not.
It can also mean just a hint of a flavour or odour.
Finally, to tang something (almost always a blade, whether that of a knife or a sword) is to add its tang.
Usage:
- Vrebel eased the tang into the pommel, and then locked the two together with one expert blow of the hammer. He quenched the sword in the nearby water and drew it out, examining the edge.
- The ogre struck Highshee a blow to the face. The gnome shook his head to clear the stars from his vision, and the tang of blood was in his mouth.
- Tang | Define Tang at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tang)
- tang: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/tang)
Post by: Alatriel on December 02, 2010, 08:16:20 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tang_(drink)
Post by: Frances on December 02, 2010, 09:29:48 am
Quote from: darkstorme
... nor is it a crystallized drink for astronauts.
No, he didn't.
Post by: Alatriel on December 02, 2010, 09:46:17 am
Post by: darkstorme on December 03, 2010, 03:13:09 am
Decadent
If something is decadent (deh-ka-dent), it can mean one of a couple of things. The word shares the same root as "decay" (rather than "decade"), and can mean that the described object is in a state of decline, disrepair, or decay.
It can also mean (and is used to mean, more often than not) something that is marked by excessive gratification or which is remarkably self-indulgent. The root of the word remains the same - to describe something as decadent in this sense was originally to imply moral decay or decline, but the word was coopted by those who wanted it to signify quality - something so luscious, so sinfully indulgent that it was a luxury.
When the adjective decadent can be applied to most everything in an area, the area can be described to be in a state of "decadence".
(N.B. - decadent is also a term given to a group of french artists during the 19th century, but that's not terribly applicable to Layonaran roleplaying.)
Usage:
- The city hall in Katherian was decadent, with gold-filigreed marble highlighting every architectural feature.
- The double-chocolate lava cake from the Arm's new chef is downright decadent.
- decadent - definition of decadent by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/decadent)
- decadent - Definition of decadent at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/decadent)
Post by: darkstorme on December 04, 2010, 02:55:14 am
Opulent
Something (or someone) that can be described as opulent (ahp-pew-lunt) is either very wealthy, or fashioned/furnished in a generous, almost ostentatious fashion, implying great wealth.
A display of opulent behaviour, furnishing, or fashioning is called opulence.
Usage:
- The sheer opulence of the Temple of Xeen in Katherian often takes first-time visitors by surprise.
- The finest rooms at the Silver Buckle are downright opulent, with down-stuffed duvets and mattresses with feathers, not hay, inside them.
- Opulent - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opulent)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=opulence)
Post by: darkstorme on December 05, 2010, 01:43:52 am
Thews
A staple of dime-store romance novels everywhere, a thew (thyoo), or more often, thews, is/are (a) well-developed muscle(s) or sinew(s), the kind one might expect on someone who swings a sword around a lot. For an example, the Austrian archetype (http://snarkerati.com/movie-news/files/2007/12/conan-the-barbarian.jpg).
It can also mean muscular power or strength, though this is a largely deprecated usage.
Usage:
- Finn's mighty thews stood out on his arms as his sword cut through the thick hide of the lizardman.
- After years of swinging the greatsword, Shiff's thews had begun to impede his ability to walk delicately through a room without breaking anything.
- thew - definition of thew by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/thew)
- thews definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta (http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/thews.html)
Post by: darkstorme on December 06, 2010, 03:10:54 am
Hew
Not to be confused with "hue" (colour or outcry), to hew (hyoo) is to strike something with a sharp object in one fashion or another, or, alternately, to use a sharp object in a chopping fashion.
One can hew parts of a larger item from it (chopping limbs from a ... tree, say), hew something from a larger item (cutting a statue from a block of marble), cut something down, or simply hit it repeatedly with a blade.
So, one can readily say "Barbarians use their thews to hew, can you?"
Usage:
- With a mighty swing, Argali hewed the manticore's tail from its body - the beast screamed and flailed the stump in vain.
- Halrath's axe hewed down the goblins who stood against him.
- Hew | Define Hew at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hew)
- Hew - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hew)
Post by: darkstorme on December 08, 2010, 03:10:45 am
Boorish
Boorish (boor-ish) means uncivilized, rude, unmannered - basically, everything you'd expect from someone who devotes their time to learning how to remove an enemy's head from their shoulders through sheer force of rage, and in so doing entirely forgets etiquette training.
Someone who is boorish could be called a boor. Or you could just call him Wren and save time. (Seriously, CHA 8?)
Usage:
- The orcs were boorish and insulting, but at least they hadn't killed anyone. Yet.
- Lord Foterton was rich, no question - but such a boor. Clearly, he was one of those who believed that wealth and a title were all that was necessary to be a noble.
- Boorish - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://dictionary.weather.net/dictionary/boorish)
- boorish - Definition of boorish at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/boorish)
- * - * -
And what does the barbarian do to the head of the person who called him boorish? (Assuming he has the INT to comprehend it, that is.)
Sunder
If something is sundered (sun-derd), it is split into two or more pieces, usually violently. In PnP, Sunder (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/specialAttacks.htm#sunder) is a special attack, used to break weapons (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0017.html) or shields.
A sunder is a division or separation.
Usage:
- Azk'a sundered the ancient stone seal with one blow from his axe.
- Finn's sword shone as it arced through the air, sundering the giant's skull on impact.
- sunder - definition of sunder by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sunder)
- Sunder | Define Sunder at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sunder)
Post by: darkstorme on December 09, 2010, 02:54:49 am
Right then!
Pummel
To pummel (pum-mell) something is to beat it repeatedly or viciously, with fists or with an attack similar to repeated blows from fists. (One could pummel someone with hammers, for example.)
Edit: Script Wrecked pointed out (and I should emphasize) that to pummel something/one isn't necessarily a violent act, it can simply mean beating repeatedly, as one could pummel someone's back to clear their lungs.
Usage:
- As Tak's fists smashed down on him, pummeling him into unconsciousness, the dwarf's last coherent thought was "So that's why my father told me not to get into a bar fight with a rage-warrior."
- The blows seemed to come out of nowhere, and Jake grunted as the heavy oak pummeled him, battering down his defenses and leaving him lying moaning and bruised. Sara stood over him and snorted. "'Silly stick', eh?"
- pummel - definition of pummel by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pummel)
- pummel - Definition of pummel at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/pummel)
Post by: darkstorme on December 11, 2010, 03:37:42 am
Rend
To rend is to rip, tear or split something into pieces violently. It can also mean to divide one thing from another, or to rip and tear at one's own clothes in anguish.
It also follows the verb pattern of "send" (and sounds like it!) in that its past tense is "rent".
Usage:
- A harsh battle-cry rent the night air.
- Struggling in the sticky webbing, Klass roared with fury, and the muscles on his arms stood out as he strained against the strands. With a strange tearing, popping noise, the tough webs rent.
- rend - definition of rend by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/rend)
- http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rend
- * - * - * - * -
Often adventurers are hired to take things. When barbarians take things, they don't simply take them...
Wrest
If you wrest (rest) something from someone, you take it from them, often violently. You can also wrest free of someone by twisting or pulling out of their grasp. Finally, to wrest the meaning or use of something is to twist or pervert it.
Usage:
- "I shall slay the blackguard, and wrest the maiden from his captivity!"
- She wrested herself from his grip.
- wrest - Definition of wrest at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/wrest)
- http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrest
Post by: darkstorme on December 12, 2010, 03:03:25 am
Salve
An ointment, possibly with analgesic (pain-killing) properties, that is meant to soothe pain or discomfort on application. A salve (salv) can also actively promote healing, rather than simply easing pain, and can have curative properties.
To salve, as a verb, can mean to soothe (as one would in the application of salve) either literally or figuratively - one could salve an emotional wound with calming words, for instance.
Usage:
- The priestess spread a sweet-smelling healing salve on the fighter's burn.
- The rogue tossed a small bag of gold into the orphanage donations bin, to salve his conscience.
- salve - definition of salve by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/salve)
- salve - Definition of salve at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/salve)
Post by: darkstorme on December 13, 2010, 03:09:35 am
Poultice
A poultice (pole-tiss) is a soft substance (bread, clay, or meal, usually) spread on a cloth bandage and pressed against an injury when the bandage is wrapped, meant to provide gentle heat and assuage irritation. This is often combined with herbs intended to speed the healing process and "draw out" infection, such as garlic, comfrey, and aloe.
A mustard plaster is another kind of poultice, but one that only the severely sadistic would apply to an open wound. The chemical heat provided by ground mustard seeds could, however, speed the recovery of strained muscles in much the way a heating pack does, albeit with more locally-generated heat.
(I should add that like cupping and bloodletting, the efficacy of poultices in real life is debatable or nonexistent, and some - like mustard plasters or ash poultices - can be actively dangerous to the recipient.)
Usage:
- The cleric murmured soothing words as she gently applied a poultice to the burns from the lightning bolt.
- Xanya gritted her teeth as she wrapped a poultice around the broken bone.
- poultices - definition of poultices in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/poultices)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poultice
Post by: darkstorme on December 14, 2010, 03:12:35 am
Unguent
Remember salves from a couple of days ago? An unguent (ung-gwent) is a healing salve or ointment, meant for application to wounds, burns, or similar injuries.
Usage:
- The druid spread a strong-smelling green unguent over the burn, cooling it immediately.
- The priestess smeared unguent from a jar on the wound before binding it securely with clean linens.
- unguent - definition of unguent by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unguent)
- unguent (http://dictionary.die.net/unguent)
Post by: darkstorme on December 16, 2010, 03:01:37 am
Panacea
A panacea (pan-ah-see-ah) is a cure-all; it is some sort of medicine that cures all (or all of a subset of) diseases or ailments.
It can also be a term for something that cures all problems in a non-medical sense.
Usage:
- Clerics treat Heal as a panacea - rather appropriately, really.
- Some folk believe that laughter is a panacea.
- panacea: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/panacea)
- panacea - definition of panacea by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/panacea)
- * - * - * -
Palliate
To palliate (pah-lee-ate) is to mitigate or reduce the intensity of something. In medical terms, to palliate is to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of a disease without curing it.
The adjective is palliative, and palliative care is usually offered to patients who cannot be saved, in order to make their remaining time more pleasant.
Usage:
- City officials in Hempstead sought to palliate the worst of the heat wave by setting up public buildings chilled by magic.
- The hospice offered palliative care for those too sick or injured for the healers to save.
- Palliate - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palliate)
- palliate - Definition of palliate at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/palliate)
Post by: darkstorme on December 17, 2010, 03:16:09 am
Remedy
Both a noun and a verb, remedy (reh-meh-dee) is a word that would often find itself on an Aeridinite's tongue. (And possibly a Rofirenite's as well, but we'll get to that shortly.)
A remedy can be a cure or treatment for disease, poison, or other ills. It can also be a cure for non-medical issues - a solution.
To remedy is to solve, correct, or cure something - and if the individual responsible for that situation is caught by the Rofirenites, you can bet that they'll want her to remedy the situation at once.
Usage:
- With extract of black and purple mushrooms and a pinch of sapphire dust, a common remedy to most toxins can be synthesized.
- The Silverguard sought to remedy the uptick in pickpockets by the docks by doubling their patrols.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remedy
- Definition of Remedy (http://www.brainyquote.com/words/re/remedy211882.html)
Post by: darkstorme on December 18, 2010, 02:56:33 am
Salutary
Something that is salutary (sal-you-tear-ee) is something that improves (or is intended to improve) something, particularly health or well-being.
Usage:
- The salutary effects of jogging are often remarked on by adventurers - particularly those with a small army of bugbears in pursuit.
- The tonic that the clerics had recommended was particularly salutary - she was feeling practically well already!
- salutary - definition of salutary by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/salutary)
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=salutary)
Post by: darkstorme on December 19, 2010, 02:35:10 am
Merriment
Fun and enjoyment, celebration, laughter - that's merriment (mare-rih-ment).
Usage:
- During the winter festival, the merriment of the children was infectious.
- The Silver Buckle is a grand place to visit - filled with warmth and merriment.
- merriment - definition of merriment by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/merriment)
- merriment: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/merriment)
Post by: darkstorme on December 20, 2010, 01:04:47 am
Tidings
Tidings (ty-dings) are information, stories, or news.
Usage:
- "Hail!", the halfling cried. "I bear tidings from North Fort!"
- "It was good to see you again," the bard said, clasping his hand. "I'll spread the tidings of your survival in my travels!"
- tidings - definition of tidings by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tidings)
- tidings - Definition of tidings at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/tidings)
Post by: darkstorme on December 22, 2010, 01:02:27 am
Bough
Druids (and others), take note! A bough (rhymes with "cow") is a branch of a tree, particularly a large or main branch. A bough, laden with snow, is often the subject of bards' songs extolling the virtues of winter.
Usage:
- The bough twisted and snapped in the high wind, tumbling down and narrowly missing Ygraine as she walked through the forest.
- The ranger quickly assembled a small shelter, with evergreen boughs providing cover from the blowing snow.
- bough - definition of bough by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bough)
- bough - Definition of bough at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/bough)
- * - * - * -
Over the ground lies a carpet of... no,not carpet... ah!
Mantle
The word mantle (man-tull) is employed for a number of specialized meanings, but they all come back to its primary meaning - something that covers, envelops, or hides something.
Most pertinent to adventurers, particularly those inclined to travel in cold or wet climates, is the article of clothing. A mantle is an all-covering cloak worn over outer garments, either to provide additional warmth or protection, or to conceal the clothing underneath.
It can also be the outer covering of a wall (usually decorative and meant to conceal rougher work), or a special facing around a fireplace.
In an oil or gas lamp, the mantle is a durable metal mesh surrounding the flame which augments the light given off by the lamp by glowing brilliantly when heated.
In the animal kingdom, a mantle can be the soft wall lining the shell of molluscs and brachiopods, or the place where the tentacles join on cephalopods. It can also be the feathers that make up a bird's wings and back, if they're differently coloured/patterned from the rest of the bird.
In geology, of course, the mantle is the liquid layer of rock between the crust of a rocky planet and its core.
Usage:
- The party brushed snow from the entrance to their tent and gazed out on the clearing before them. A mantle of new-fallen snow lent a certain pure stillness to the scene.
- Hearing the wind howling outside, Mirrim draped a woolen mantle over her traveling robes.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantle
- Mantle | Define Mantle at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mantle)
Post by: darkstorme on January 06, 2011, 03:05:34 am
Contrition
Contrition (con-trih-shin or con-trih-shun) is a feeling of (or expression of) severe remorse for one's wrongdoings. It can also be penitence for those wrongdoings.
Someone who is feeling or expressing contrition is said to be contrite.
Usage:
- The GM, having surrendered to lassitude while on vacation in Hawaii, was filled with contrition, and vowed to return to his duties with renewed vigour.
- The fighter was surprisingly contrite repeatedly assuring the farmer that he hadn't known it was a cow, not a manticore, he hadn't meant to pillage the barn, and he was terribly sorry for befouling the well.
- contrition - definition of contrition by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/contrition)
- Contrition - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrition)
Post by: darkstorme on January 07, 2011, 03:11:27 am
Belligerent
Another word that works hard at being multiple parts of speech, belligerent (bell-ih-jer-ent), serves as both an adjective or a noun.
As an adjective, it describes a person, nation, organization or creature as being aggressive, hostile, inclined to fight, or actually fighting.
As a noun, it is a participant in a fight, or, more rarely, simply someone who can be described as belligerent.
The quality of being belligerent is belligerence.
Usage:
- The goblin danced back, blood welling from the rapier-cut, but the belligerence in its eyes undimmed.
- The battlerager was cantankerous, loud, and belligerent, insulting the parentage and hygiene of everyone in the bar, in the hopes of starting a fight.
- belligerent - definition of belligerent by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/belligerent)
- Belligerent | Define Belligerent at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/belligerent)
Post by: darkstorme on January 08, 2011, 03:14:08 am
This is an interesting word. One of its meanings derives from the point in human medical history where proto-physicians believed that the body's temperament was controlled by the four humours. (Blood, black bile, yellow bile, and pus. Aren't you glad you asked?) I'm not sure what state-of-the-craft Aeridinite healers know in our world, however, so its applicability is questionable.
That said, sanguine (sang-gwine or sang-gwinn), as an adjective, can mean several things. It can mean the colour of arterial blood. It can describe a ruddy or reddened complexion. It can also mean that something is related to or pertaining to blood, and therein lies the origin of the fourth definition of the word.
The fourth definition of the adjective sanguine describes a person's manner, and means cheerful, confident, and/or optimistic. This, again, derives from the idea that people whose makeup (in terms of the four humours) was dominated by blood would display these characteristics.
As a noun, sanguine simply means the colour blood red.
Usage:
- For someone almost certainly facing the hangman's noose, the man seemed remarkably sanguine.
- "I'm quite sanguine about our chances here," he commented cheerfully as the quivering kobolds dropped their weapons and fled.
- Sanguine - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanguine?show=0&t=1294473841)
- Sanguine | Define Sanguine at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sanguine)
Post by: Gulnyr on January 08, 2011, 01:33:40 pm
Quote from: darkstorme
In geology, of course, the mantle is the liquid layer of rock between the crust of a rocky planet and its core.
The mantle is actually solid, mostly, though in a pliable state. The outer mantle has spots where melting occurs (aka magma forms) that give the impression it's all molten rock down there. Going deeper, the temperature rises but so does the pressure, so the inner mantle is actually more rigid than the outer mantle, though still pliable enough to convect. Slowly.
The outer core is liquid, and its dynamo action generates our magnetic field. The outer core is liquid despite the pressure because the iron and nickel have much lower melting points than the compounds that comprise the mantle. The inner core is solid despite the tremendous heat because of the tremendous pressure.
Science lesson over. Sorry for the delay. Carry on.
Post by: darkstorme on January 09, 2011, 01:55:21 am
Bemused
To be bemused (be-mewsed) is to be preoccupied or lost in thought, often engendered by something or someone.
It's also the past tense of the verb bemuse, which is to cause someone to be confused, bewildered, or preoccupied in thought.
To do something while bemused is to do it bemusedly.
Usage:
- Bemusedly, the mage gestured at the giants and columns of flame roared down, incinerating them all. He turned to the gaping fighter. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
- The halfling stopped, bemused by the activity in the bustling square.
- bemused - definition of bemused by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bemused)
- bemused - WordReference.com Dictionary of English (http://www.wordreference.com/definition/bemused)
Post by: darkstorme on January 10, 2011, 02:54:09 am
Desultory
Something that is desultory (dess-sull-tore-ee or dess-sull-ter-ee) is haphazard, random, occurring without any sort of plan. It can also mean that it jumps from one thing to another, in a disconnected fashion.
Usage:
- The halfling's speech was desultory, ranging from the state of Hempstead's economy to the recent prevalence of ball-playing in the streets.
- Hearing Alatriel's cries, Aerimor gave the room no more than a desultory glance as he charged through it.
- desultory - definition of desultory by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/desultory)
- Desultory | Define Desultory at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/desultory)
Post by: darkstorme on January 11, 2011, 03:07:43 am
Repository
A repository (ree-paws-ih-tore-ee) is somewhere things are kept safe - a museum, a warehouse, a library. Aragen's temples ARE repositories - of knowledge, speaking generally, but of artworks, diagrams, scrolls, and tomes in particular.
But it gets better, because a repository can also be an individual entrusted with secrets or confidential information. So His clerics are also repositories.
Usage:
- "And this," she said, sliding open the heavy door, "Is the repository for all the particularly... active items that adventurers bring to the temple."
- It was rumoured that the crossbow bolt that nearly hit Lord Rael on his tour of the city was fired from the Prantz Scroll Repository.
- repository - Definition of repository at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/repository)
- repository - definition of repository by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/repository)
Post by: darkstorme on January 12, 2011, 03:10:16 am
Savant
A savant (sah-vahnt) is a learned individual, a specialist in a particular field of knowledge.
It can also be a short term for an idiot savant - these are individuals who suffer from a mental disability but show brilliance in one, highly specialized field. (Commonly, these would be things like math or music.)
Usage:
- "I'll take you to our savant," the priest said. "He knows all there is to know about that mountain range."
- After the accident, the wizard started showing a savant-like brilliance with his spellcasting, but had withdrawn and become taciturn.
- Savant - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savant?show=0&t=1294818542)
- savant: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/savant)
Post by: darkstorme on January 13, 2011, 02:36:44 am
Archive
A location (or repository) containing records, documents, or other items of historical interest. It can also be used in the plural - archives.
An archive (arr-kive) can also simply mean a place to store information (which means that it can be intangible, or, in the case of computer science, a file).
As a verb, to archive is to store something in an archive.
Usage:
- The town archives held the tax records for centuries of townspeople - well, except for the ones the rat man of the sewers had stolen.
- Any time a new scroll was brought before the high priest, it was archived for posterity.
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=archive)
- http://dictionary.weather.net/dictionary/archive
Post by: darkstorme on January 14, 2011, 02:58:59 am
Tome
Now, first and foremost, it's tome, not "tomb". A tome is a book (like the Wizards' Tomes of Teleportation). A "tomb" is a place where skeletons hang out until some adventurer comes along to stop them from hanging out.
As indicated above, a tome is a book - usually a heavy, expensive, scholarly one. It can also be one of a series of volumes that make up a larger work.
Usage:
- Carefully, the wizard leafed through the heavy tome, turning pages brittle with age.
- The walls were covered with bookshelves, each groaning with tomes of collected knowledge.
- tome - definition of tome by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tome)
- tome - Definition of tome at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/tome)
Post by: darkstorme on January 15, 2011, 03:06:25 am
Learned
Now, learned can be the past tense of the verb "to learn", but in this case, I'm referring to the adjectival form.
As an adjective, learned is pronounced "learn-ed" (two syllables), rather than "learn'd" - unless referring to something that was acquired through learning - eg. "A learned response", in which case the latter pronunciation is used.
A learned individual is one who possesses (and displays) profound knowledge, either on a particular subject or in general. The word can also describe something geared towards individuals of this sort - a learned facility, for instance.
Usage:
- The learned priest was considered the authority on Pit creatures.
- Reus' tome, On Law, is considered a learned publication.
- WordNet Search - 3.0 (http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=learned)
- learned - definition of learned by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/learned)
Post by: Frances on January 15, 2011, 11:20:38 am
Post by: darkstorme on January 17, 2011, 02:52:08 am
Sagacious
Someone who is sagacious (seh-gay-shus) is wise, keen of mind, or possessed of particularly sound judgment.
Someone who is particularly sagacious is possessed of sagacity.
Usage:
- Despite not being terribly scholarly, people have remarked on Pallena's sagacity.
- It's practically a given that Aragenites require that their devout followers to be sagacious.
- sagacious - definition of sagacious by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sagacious)
- sagacious - Definition of sagacious at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/sagacious)
Erudite
An erudite (air-rew-dyte) individual is one who speaks with the precision and expertise born of learning.
Someone who is erudite is said to be possessed of erudition. So, for example, if someone were to start employing all of Darkstorme's Words of the Day, they would speak with greater erudition. ;)
Usage:
- There are many terms one could use to describe Emwonk, but erudite isn't among them.
- Half-giants aren't exactly known for their erudition.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erudite
- Erudite | Define Erudite at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/erudite)
Post by: darkstorme on January 18, 2011, 03:15:50 am
Atonement
Atonement is amends, or reparations made for an injury or wrong done to another individual, organization, or idea.
To atone is to make atonement.
It's also a spell in D&D (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/atonement.htm).
Usage:
- After the "Pie Incident", the children were forced to clean the temple in Castle Mask for three weeks as atonement.
- "I seek to atone," Lance told the priest. "But why?" "I broke bread with a Lucindite!"
- atonement - definition of atonement by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/atonement)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atonement
Post by: darkstorme on January 19, 2011, 03:14:38 am
Penitent
A penitent (penn-ih-tent) individual feels and expresses remorse or regret for previous misdeeds. They are often willing to atone.
As a noun, a penitent can refer to a penitent individual.
A person who is penitent is possessed of penitence.
Usage:
- The Fighter/Rogue consulted his father's notebook as he walked down the hall. "Only the penitent man will pass..."
- After Khuren's stint in prison, it was anyone's guess whether the Druid was truly penitent.
- penitent - definition of penitent by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/penitent)
- penitent - Definition of penitent at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/penitent)
Post by: Aerimor on January 19, 2011, 05:59:03 am
Post by: darkstorme on January 20, 2011, 03:06:22 am
Absolution
Absolution (ab-sole-lou-shun) is neither the sole province of Catholicism, nor of religion in general. It is the act or state of being forgiven for a wrongdoing or action of any sort, to be cleared of blame, or to have a responsibility or obligation lifted.
Someone who grants another absolution absolves them. One can absolve another, or be absolved themselves.
Usage:
- After some time, Argos was absolved of his duties in North Fort.
- The Az'attans have open arms for all seeking redemption. But it must be truly sought, for without repentance there is no absolution.
- Absolution | Define Absolution at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/absolution)
- absolve - Definition of absolve at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/absolve)
Post by: darkstorme on January 21, 2011, 02:05:27 am
To repent (ree-pent) is to regret, feel remorse or contrition for something one has done or failed to do. It can also mean to change one's behaviour as a result of those feelings.
In a subtly distinct alternate usage, it can mean to feel remorse or regret for something in particular.
Usage:
- "Er... repent, evildoers!" Rit quavered, as the circle of Corathites closed around him, knives drawn. "Accept Toran and you may *gulp* yet be spared!"
- The dark elven sorceress looked up at the sun. It had been years since she had been rescued by the Az'attans. Her hands had been stained with blood time and time again - but she had repented of that past life. No more would she kill in anyone's name.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repent
- Repent | Define Repent at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/repent)
Post by: darkstorme on January 23, 2011, 02:22:31 am
Pacifism
Not to be confused with passivity, those who adhere to pacifism (pah-sih-fizz-zim) - also known as pacifists - can be very active. They simply disagree with war or violence as a means to solve disputes, and will often refuse to bear arms for that reason.
While pacifistic resistance can work when your opponent isn't ready to kill helpless victims in job lots, it does very little when they are.
Usage:
- It's hard, being a pacifist, when everything in the world seems to be trying to kill you.
- The Az'attan vow of pacifism leads them usually to abandon captured colleagues, rather than fight to retrieve them.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacifism
- pacifism: West's Encyclopedia of American Law (Full Article) from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/pacifism)
- - -
Restitution
One way to atone is to attempt restitution (reh-stih-too-shun). This can mean the return of something that was lost, stolen, or damaged to its owner. It can also mean the repayment for damages done, or some attempt to otherwise make good for past wrongs.
Usage:
- While he lived, Sallaron often engaged in preemptive restitution. He wasn't sure what he was making up for, but he knew that Tegan would tell him eventually.
- The gods often seek restitution during the atonement of a worshiper who has lost the path - usually in the form of additional piety.
- restitution - definition of restitution by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/restitution)
- restitution - Definition of restitution at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/restitution)
Post by: darkstorme on January 24, 2011, 02:17:18 am
Solace
As a noun, solace (saw-less or soh-less) is comfort in misery or grief, or a general sense of relief or consolation.
As a verb, it means to give either to another.
Usage:
- In the ruins following a Cultist attack, villagers found solace in the fact that they still had each other.
- Alantha can find it hard to offer solace to those who distrust her because of the evil deeds her kin have committed.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solace
- Solace | Define Solace at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/solace)
Post by: darkstorme on January 25, 2011, 02:30:01 am
Retribution
Retribution (reh-trih-bew-shun) is someone receiving what they deserve - most often, punishment. Bear in mind, different people can have different ideas as to what someone "deserves".
It can also be the act of delivering those just desserts to the deserving individual.
Something that exacts or has to do with retribution is described as retributive.
Usage:
- The little girl's eyes were hard and cold as she watched the man climb the gallows steps. At last, retribution for her mother's murder.
- "Wha-what's this about?" The man struggled against the bonds in his chair, but stopped at a word hissed from the darkness. "Retribution. You ruined my plans. Now, you pay for that."
- retribution - definition of retribution by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/retribution)
- retribution - WordReference.com Dictionary of English (http://www.wordreference.com/definition/retribution)
Post by: darkstorme on January 26, 2011, 02:58:56 am
Chitin
Chitin (ky-tin) is the tough material that makes up the exoskeleton (outer shell) of most arthropods (invertebrates which have a segmented body, so arachnids, insects, and lobsters, among others).
And if you need a word to describe the armour of the minions of the Prince of Hate as they scuttle towards you? Chitinous.
Usage:
- Laz's sword punched through the tough chitin protecting the scorpion's abdomen, and recoiled as viscous ichor sprayed from the wound.
- The hard, chitinous legs of the spider drove down towards the halfling's face, and she raised an arm to ward them off.
- chitin: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/chitin)
- Chitin - definition from Biology-Online.org (http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Chitin)
Post by: darkstorme on January 28, 2011, 02:07:26 am
Xenophobia
Xenophobia (zee-no-foe-bee-ah) is an unreasonable fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners, or anything that is strange or foreign. Dark Elves' racial superiority often verges on this.
Someone who is xenophobic is a xenophobe.
Usage:
- The most tolerant of the dark elves merely felt distaste and disgust, seeing the human mercenaries near their camp. The real xenophobes didn't even look.
- After the adventurers brought peril to their small town, a certain xenophobia developed among the townsfolk.
- Xenophobia - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xenophobia?show=0&t=1296197278)
- xenophobia - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/xenophobia)
---
Carapace
Again, describing a component of Baraeon's eight-legged minions, a carapace (care-ah-pace) is a hard shell of bone or chitin covering the upper part of a creature - such as a spider, a beetle, or a lobster.
Humans, (and elves and dwarves) in emulating the devices of nature, have also equipped armored vehicles with carapaces; the term can also, as with many objects, be used metaphorically to represent any sort of protective barrier.
Usage:
- The archers had clear shots from above, but their arrows skittered off the armoured carapace of the monstrous spider.
- Vrebel thought about taking the giant scorpion carapace home as a trophy, but decided that while three was alright, four would be ostentatious.
- Carapace | Define Carapace at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/carapace)
- carapace - definition of carapace by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/carapace)
Post by: darkstorme on January 30, 2011, 03:18:05 am
Vengeance
Vengeance (ven-jance) is the infliction of punishment on another in return for a wrong committed - though not necessarily against the person seeking vengeance.
Not necessarily evil, but as with retribution, above, a villain can seek vengeance against those who interrupted his dark sacrificial ritual as readily as a paladin can wreak vengeance on evildoers.
Someone who's actively out to seek vengeance can be described as vengeful.
Usage:
- "Vengeance will be mine!" the Kobold shaman squeaked as he fled the adventuring party.
- The mage was already plotting a horrible vengeance to bestow upon the witless fighter who'd smashed up his ritual circle.
- vengeance - definition of vengeance by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vengeance)
- Definition of Vengeance - BrainyQuote (http://www.brainyquote.com/words/ve/vengeance236888.html)
- - -
Spite
As a noun, this word means a malicious feeling, often paired with the urge to hurt or humiliate the target of one's spite (rhymes with "bright").
As a verb, it means to show spite towards someone, or to fill someone with spite.
Usage:
- Arkolio knew the woman's husband was suspicious - so he took the man's shaving brush, just to spite him.
- The red-glowing narrowed slits of eyes were full of spite.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spite
- spite - Definition of spite at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/spite)
Post by: darkstorme on January 31, 2011, 03:42:20 am
A depraved (dee-prayv'd) individual is morally corrupt, perverted, or otherwise inclined towards actions that display a shocking lack of perception (or caring) regarding others' rights.
The degree to which one is depraved is their depravity - that's also any depraved act that's committed.
Usage:
- Rumour had it that any surface elf unfortunate enough to be dragged down to the Deep would suffer any number of depraved acts at the hands of their Dark Elf captors.
- "Hey, I'm depraved on account've I'm deprived!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq28qCklEHc)
- depraved - definition of depraved by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/depraved)
- depraved - Definition of depraved at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/depraved)
Post by: darkstorme on February 02, 2011, 03:25:29 am
Facet
The obvious application of facet (faa-set), for Beryl, is that of a gem or crystal - a flat surface that results from cutting the gem. The term can be applied to hard, flat surfaces at clearly defined angles from other surfaces as well, however - particularly in the animal kingdom. Insects regularly have multifaceted eyes (http://www.phy.duke.edu/~hsg/54/table-images/dragonfly-eye.jpg).
It can also be used to describe different, distinct aspects of a situation, object, or concept.
Usage:
- Shiff gently blew the dust away from the last cut he had made and held the sapphire up to the light. The lantern's light glinted off the facets perfectly.
- There are many facets to most Shadonites' personalities. Almost all of them have to do with pranks, but there are subtle gradations!
- facet - definition of facet by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/facet)
- Facet | Define Facet at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/facet)
- - -
Filigree
Filigree (fill-ih-gree) is fancy ornamental work done with wire of gold, silver, copper, or some other precious metal (electrum, platinum, etc.). It's commonly employed as decorative work in jewelry (http://www.canadian-diamonds-wholesale.com/images/headrings/Filigree.jpg), or as decoration on formal armour (http://www.coolminiornot.com/articlesimg/695/armour%20filigree%202.jpg). The filigree can also make up jewelry without backing, looking something like metallic lace (http://www.jeannius.com/images/folkmootwinner3a.jpg).
It can also be used to describe natural or artificial formations that resemble the metalwork - a filigree of frost on glass, for instance.
To filigree something is to apply a filigree to it.
Usage:
- Griff swung his new axe experimentally, and nodded, satisfied with the heft and balance. The blade was a work of art in itself, with alloyed gold filigree on the flat of the blade.
- The necklace was comprised of delicate gold and silver filigree, supporting a tasteful emerald pendant.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filigree
- filigree - Definition of filigree at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/filigree)
Post by: darkstorme on February 05, 2011, 09:41:33 pm
First, if you're going to deal with the goddess of gems, facets aren't all there is:
Cabochon
A cabochon (cah-beh-shon) is a gemstone cut in a rounded, convex shape (rather than faceted). This is often the preferred cut for opaque gems like moonstone or opal, as well as any gem with a Mohs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohs_scale_of_mineral_hardness) rating of less than 7, because faceted gems show scratches more than cabochons.
Usage:
- Razeriem painstakingly gave the greenstone a cabochon cut before setting it in the platinum.
- The noblewoman's amulet was a cabochon-cut malachite set in gold, completely heedless of the fact that it could bear no magical properties.
- Gemstone Glossary (http://www.gemselect.com/gem-info/glossary.php)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabochon
The following gems in Layo have a Mohs hardness of < 7, meaning that they wouldn't take to a faceted cut well:
- Greenstone
- Malachite
- possibly Phenalope (since it doesn't exist outside of the setting)
- Agate (sometimes)
- Opal
- Aventurine
- Feldspar
- Note - if an in-game gem doesn't appear on this list, it doesn't mean it cannot be cut as a cabochon - simply that it would be more work to do so, and likely not worth the effort. For a diamond, with Layonaran technologies short of magic, it might well be impossible, since diamond-tipped tools would be employed to cut the others.
Post by: darkstorme on February 07, 2011, 01:01:56 am
Gilded
No, Virginia, it's not what happens when you become a member of the Angels. If something is gilded (gill-dead), it is coated with (or appears to be coated with) a thin layer of gold. If someone is painting a layer of gold onto something, they are gilding it.
The idiom "gilding the lily" means to add unnecessarily to something that is already complete, or to add adornment to something that's already beautiful and doesn't require improvement. (As would be the case if you were applying gold paint to a lily blossom.)
In the interests of full disclosure, "gild" used to be used interchangeably with "guild", but that usage has been deprecated.
The past tense can also be gilt, which also finds use as a noun, meaning the thin layer of gold or seeming-gold with which a gilded object is coated.
Usage:
- The halfling thief, caught by a wizard, had a curse laid upon him. Anything he touched would be coated with a thin layer of gold paint. Thus, the halfling's colleagues were readily evident to the local authorities. The wizard called it "gilt by association".
- Zarianna paused a moment, while gilding the frame of the mirror she was working on. Personally, she thought it was ostentatious. But the customer was willing to pay for it...
- Gilded | Define Gilded at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gilded)
- Definition of gilded (http://www.allwords.com/word-gilded.html)
Post by: darkstorme on February 10, 2011, 04:11:56 am
Lustre
Often misspelled (by Americans, for example - even their dictionaries!) as "luster", lustre (luss-stir) is the measure of how a gem appears to shine in the light.
It can also be the brilliance of a light source itself, a substance (usually a glaze) used to make porcelain or ceramic shiny, a description of beauty, a chandelier or other hanging decoration with dangling cut glass or the dangling bits of cut glass themselves.
As a verb, it means to give something (or oneself) greater lustre. Something that has lustre can be described as lustrous.
Usage:
- Kylie rubbed a bit more polishing oil into the gem with the rough finishing cloth. She examined its lustre critically in the light of the braziers.
- The young ingenue drew away from Hal, her eyes wide and lustrous in the candlelight. Hal smiled disarmingly, the dagger a comforting pressure at the small of his back.
- lustre - definition of lustre by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lustre)
- Lustre | Define Lustre at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lustre)
Post by: darkstorme on February 12, 2011, 04:55:14 am
Casting
I'll probably regret this when it comes time to do Dorand, but it's the only way we make jewelry in game!
As a verb, with regards to jewelry and other small metallic items, casting is pouring liquid metal into clay molds, letting it cool, then removing the clay from the hardened metal. Casting can also mean projecting something - as in a fishing line, one's gaze, or a spell. A bard could also engage in casting when looking for performers for a new play he wrote.
A casting is the process of transferring metal to a mold, the resultant metal product, the act of throwing a spell or fishing line, or the act of choosing actors.
Usage:
- Vladmir's face was lit from below with the brilliant light of molten gold as he cast the ring.
- Sehky cast a spell to ensure that the casting of his new amulet would go well. Unfortunately, when he cast his gaze about the tradehall, he neglected to notice a dropped ball bearing, and now his leg is in a cast.
- casting - definition of casting by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/casting)
- Definition of Casting (http://metals.about.com/library/bldef-Casting.htm)
- - -
Inlay
To inlay (inn-lay) something is to set it in a depression on a surface so that it is flush with the surface. This is a technique seen both in jewelry (for example, a ring with a greenstone inlay (http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.119620134.jpg)) and in decorated surfaces (eg. walls, floors, furniture, decorative boxes).
An inlay is something that has been inlaid. It is also a term used to describe tooth fillings in dentistry - but I don't think Layonara's oral surgery has developed to that point.
Usage
- The floor of the entrance to the opulent guild hall was marble inlaid with a pattern of semi-precious stones.
- Timulty inlaid his name in gold just above the pommel of the sword. Incidentally, though he knows many words, ostentatious isn't one of them.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inlay?show=1&t=1297503628
- inlay: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/inlay)
Post by: darkstorme on February 14, 2011, 12:34:32 am
Larcenous
Someone or something that is larcenous (lar-senn-us) is pertaining to, related to, or guilty of larceny.
Larceny (lar-senn-ee) is theft.
Usage:
- Trent sighed. Adventurers were good sorts, on the whole, but why did some of them have to be such accomplished (and sometimes pathological) thieves? It was always so galling to be pinning a medal onto one of the more larcenous ones for saving the city, only to find that they'd already stolen the medal.
- Azroque preferred not to think of what she did as "larceny". She preferred "involuntary redistribution of wealth".
- Larcenous | Define Larcenous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/larcenous)
- larcenous: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/larcenous)
- - -
Culpability
Culpability (cull-pah-bill-ih-tee) is what no proper Branderbackian wants to settle on them. The person who is culpable is the one who is holding the bag; the one who takes the blame; the one who, in most cases when a Branderbackian is involved, winds up in prison.
More generally, it's the person who's responsible for a crime or an injury done to another person.
Usage:
- By the light of a dark lantern, a small figure worked in the earth behind Mr. Jackson's shed. Jackson was a bit of a ruffian, so it would come as no surprise when the guard, following an anonymous tip-off, would find enough evidence that Mr. Jackson was culpable for the rash of robberies recently. No one would even consider the halfling who ran the corner store - a devout Deliarite if ever there was one.
- Because Sallaron often had to take responsibility for his son, he often got the culpability that came with it.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culpability
- culpability - Definition of culpability at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/culpability)
Post by: darkstorme on February 16, 2011, 03:52:23 am
A miscreant (miss-cree-ant or -ent) is a villain or wrongdoer. It's often also the kind of epithet that the painfully good-guy characters can get away with. (See Usage.)
As an adjective, miscreant means evil or villainous. So a miscreant gets up to miscreant activities.
Usage:
- The prisoner spat on the guard captain's boots as she walked by. Her hand snapped out, grabbed the man by the collar and dragged him close. "Now you listen to me, miscreant," she growled. "We found you over those bodies with the knife in your hands. If it were up to me, you'd be dangling from a tree branch right now. But that's not how we do things." Her smile could've chilled Firesteep. "We'll take you back, have a proper trial with a Rofireinite court, and then we'll hang you."
- The shopkeeper wasn't sure about Ni'haer. The fact that he was a dark-ear was bad enough, but the rumours of miscreant behaviour linked with him... still, his coin was as good as anyone's.
- miscreant - Definition of miscreant at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/miscreant)
- miscreant - definition of miscreant by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/miscreant)
Post by: darkstorme on February 17, 2011, 03:45:10 am
Garrote
A garrote (gar-rote or gahr-rote) is a short length of cord or wire used to strangle someone (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/10178293/2/istockphoto_10178293-garrote-wire-strangling.jpg). The advantages of this particular method of killing to a robber or cutthroat are obvious - it's an easy weapon to carry, easy to conceal, and doesn't afford the victim any real chance to cry out. The disadvantage is that it requires a fair amount of strength to employ, and cannot be used against an aware opponent.
Garrote can also refer to the act of strangling someone in this fashion.
It was also (as one might surmise from the name) originally a Spanish word referring to a particular torture device - an iron collar which could be tightened by means of a wheel to strangle or execute a victim.
As a verb, to garrote is to execute someone in this fashion, whether with the weapon or with the torture instrument.
Usage:
- Zardoc wrapped the copper wire around his forearm and then replaced his gauntlet. In a pinch, it could serve as a useful garrote. And quite aside from that, one never knew when one might need some copper wire.
- The merchant, deep in his cups, was making his unsteady way home. He didn't notice the figure stepping up behind him, nor the rope until it slipped around his neck. "Shhh," the figure murmured as the merchant clutched at his throat, a strangled gurgling the only sound emerging from his rapidly-purpling lips. She waited for the twitching to stop, then lowered the garroted body to the cobbles and quickly rifled through its pockets before vanishing into the darkness again.
- garrote: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/garrote)
- garrote - definition of garrote by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/garrote)
Post by: darkstorme on February 21, 2011, 04:37:04 am
Duplicitous
If someone is duplicitous (doo-plih-sih-tuss), it doesn't mean there's more than one of them - not physically, at any rate. They could, however, readily be two-faced.
The word can be used to describe a person, an organization, or actions - in all cases, it means that they are characterized by deceptive or misleading behaviour.
The actions of a duplicitous individual are, collectively, duplicity.
Usage:
- She liked to think she had an open mind, and wanted to give Frakk a chance. But goblins were duplicitous. Everyone knew that!
- As he heard the clicks of safety catches being loosed on the crossbows now ringing them, all he could think of was the sheer duplicity of their guide.
- duplicitous - definition of duplicitous by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/duplicitous)
- Duplicitous | Define Duplicitous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/duplicitous)
= = =
Covet
Many religions in real life have rules similar to "thou shalt not covet" (cuv-ette). Branderback? Not one of them.
To covet is to desire something (that you do not have) intensely - even if (or especially if) it belongs to someone else.
Someone who covets something is said to be covetous.
Usage:
- Just seeing her new amulet was enough - now he coveted the thing desperately. He resolved to steal it when they next made camp - setting fire to the tent would cause enough of a distraction that she'd not notice it missing for a while.
- Some people say that Arkolio is dreadfully covetous. That's simply not true. There are many things he doesn't desperately desire. Anything he already has, for one thing.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covet
- Covet | Define Covet at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/covet)
= = =
Venal
Someone who is venal (vee-null) is loyal to a fault. Unless someone else pays them more, or they could benefit more from betraying you. For the right sum, they'd kill you, then dance on your corpse.
A venal individual is corrupt, open to bribery, and absolutely willing to betray anyone for the right price. This doesn't even have to be an outside influence - if killing you and looting your corpse is likely to work out well for them, that's acceptable too.
Usage:
- She'd bought the halfling's cooperation in getting into the tomb with a hefty bag of gold, but she didn't trust the venal little twerp any further than she could kick him.
- Knowing how notoriously venal the mercenary band was, the carvan offered them twice what they were being paid to turn against their masters. Unfortunately, they realized only too late that knowing the caravan had that kind of money handy was not a good means of discouraging the cutthroats.
- venal - definition of venal by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/venal)
- venal - Definition of venal at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/venal)
Post by: darkstorme on February 24, 2011, 05:37:40 am
Desecrate
To desecrate (deh-seh-crate) something is to violate or profane a sacred object or place through destructive or blasphemous actions. Naturally a goal of many evil individuals.
Usage:
- The cultist raised the dagger over the woman bound to the desecrated altar. He smiled inwardly - he certainly hoped Toran was watching his former church.
- Desecrating the holy grove had been a vile pleasure. Forest animals slaughtered and left to rot, or reanimated as zombies in the ring in the middle of the clearing.
- desecrate - definition of desecrate by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/desecrate)
- desecrate: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/desecrate)
= = =
Heinous
Describing an action or deed as heinous (hay-nuss) means that it is particularly (or remarkably) evil.
Usage:
- The spate of murders in Vehl had been particularly heinous - parts of some of the victims hadn't even been found.
- The man known among the clergy only as "Ice" was rumoured to have committed acts so heinous that even other Corathites gave him a wide berth.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heinous
- heinous - WordReference.com Dictionary of English (http://www.wordreference.com/definition/heinous)
Post by: darkstorme on February 26, 2011, 05:32:40 am
Massacre
A massacre (mass-ah-cur) is the slaughter of a large number of humans or animals, often with exceptional cruelty or excessive violence.
To massacre is effectively to accomplish the above. It can also mean to screw something up spectacularly, as in "he massacred the elven pronunciation, but the point got across".
Usage:
- Two dark elves chased the deep gnomes out through the gate - where another five dark elves were waiting to massacre the helpless prey.
- The scene was a massacre, and the Lieutenant struggled to keep his gorge from rising.
- massacre - definition of massacre by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/massacre)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massacre
Post by: darkstorme on February 28, 2011, 04:28:11 am
Atrocity
An atrocity (ah-traw-sih-tee) is a particularly cruel, vicious, heinous (http://forums.layonara.com/1714886-post199.html) or monstrous act.
The atrocity of a given act or behaviour is a measure of its monstrousness.
Usage:
- Behind the disarming smile, Hal was a fiend. There was no evil scheme he wouldn't concoct; no atrocity he wouldn't commit.
- The cultists had the village at their mercy for nearly a week; when the Aeridinite rescue party arrived, the atrocity of the cultists' actions left the clerics at a loss for words.
- atrocity - definition of atrocity by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/atrocity)
- atrocity - Definition of atrocity at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/atrocity)
Post by: darkstorme on March 01, 2011, 03:49:59 am
Excruciating
If something is excruciating (ek-screw-shee-ay-ting) it is painful to the extreme, agonizing - unbearably painful. This can be figurative pain, rather than literal pain, but if it is, it's so intense as to be almost physical.
It can also describe something that is incredibly intense (pain or otherwise) - for example, describing something in "excruciating detail".
To excruciate is to torture. In real life, the word derives from the Latin, "cruciare" - literally, to crucify. So, being tied to a cross, hoisted up into the air and suffering a slow death while having your arms dislocated could be described as excruciating torment.
Usage:
- Sion had thought he'd been prepared for being caught by his own kind after his exile to the Deep. Now, his throat raw from screaming, and the tendrils of the scourge burning another excruciating line down his back, he was no longer so sure.
- Jenna stilled her breath and tried to make no sound as the heavy tread of the monster rattled the door of the small hut. The footsteps paused, and Jenna had a moment of excruciating terror as she envisioned the heavy head turning, smelling her on the air - but then they restarted, and receded.
- excruciating - definition of excruciating by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/excruciating)
- Excruciating | Define Excruciating at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/excruciating)
Post by: darkstorme on March 02, 2011, 03:31:51 am
Exsanguinate
This may seem somewhat familiar (http://forums.layonara.com/1711644-post167.html), and it should be - it derives from the same root. Sang, again, is from the latin for blood. "ex", in this case, means "remove".
To exsanguinate (ecks-ang-gwinn-ate) something (or someone, all you budding Corathites!) then, is to drain blood from its (their) body.
The process is called exsanguination.
It should also be noted that the process isn't solely confined to the realm of torturers, murderers and sociopathic serial killers. Butchers regularly exsanguinate animals before they're made up into cuts of meat.
Usage:
- The first step in creating a viable mummy is exanguinating the body. This can be tedious and messy, but has an advantage over your everyday zombie in that the process greatly retards (or avoids altogether) the problem of putrefaction.
- The village healer couldn't understand it. The young woman was showing all the signs of substantial blood loss - but she showed no wounds by which this exsanguination could have been accomplished. Just two very neat puncture marks on her neck.
- exsanguination - definition of exsanguination by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/exsanguination)
- exsanguinated - definition of exsanguinated in the Medical dictionary - by the Free Online Medical Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/exsanguinated)
Post by: darkstorme on March 04, 2011, 03:56:56 am
Unhallowed
Just the kind of ground for evil folk to walk on. So much so, in fact, there's a spell for it (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/unhallow.htm).
A location or object that is unhallowed (un-hahl-load) ranges from simply not at all sacred to the opposite of hallowed - that is, desecrated, profane, and downright evil.
Usage:
- The clearing was unhallowed land - few plants grew there, and those that did were twisted and unnaturally warped.
- Those who stepped into the unhallowed temple felt a chill wash over them, a stain soaking through their very soul.
- unhallowed - definition of unhallowed by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unhallowed)
- unhallowed - Definition of unhallowed at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/unhallowed)
Post by: darkstorme on March 05, 2011, 04:43:29 am
Happenstance
A happenstance (hah-pen-stance) is a coincidence that seems too convenient or elaborate to not have been the work of some other agency. It is, nonetheless, simple coincidence. Or, to put it another way, luck.
Generally, this is a coincidence with a positive outcome, rather than a negative.
Usage:
- It was sheer happenstance that the adventurers were all in the tavern when the sailor rushed in out of the rain.
- The front lines were so confused that when two arbalests fired at once, it was happenstance, rather than coordination.
- happenstance - Definition of happenstance at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/happenstance)
- Happenstance | Define Happenstance at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/happenstance)
Post by: darkstorme on March 08, 2011, 03:58:32 am
Haggle
To haggle (hag-gull), at least in the context of Deliar, is to argue and bargain over a price or settlement.
It can also mean to cut roughly, or hack. In real life, this eventually led to its other meaning - as hagglers would cut away at the proposed price of an item.
A haggle is an argument over a price.
Usage:
- Storold haggled with the merchant over the price of the spell components.
- Halflings are famously capable hagglers.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haggler?show=0&t=1299574048
- haggle: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/haggle)
Post by: darkstorme on March 09, 2011, 03:48:37 am
Fortuitous
A fortuitous (for-tew-ih-tuss) event is one that comes about by fortunate chance.
As an adverb, fortuitously describes an action that was previously taken that turned out to be advantageous or lucky.
Usage:
- Elohanna grimaced as the fire elementals hauled themselves out of the lava stream. Well, fortuitously, she'd brought along a few dozen scrolls of Cone of Cold. Time for some impromptu lava sculptures.
- It really was fortuitous that the Housemanns were out of town, Kell thought, as he let himself in through the upstairs window.
- fortuitous - definition of fortuitous by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fortuitous)
- fortuitous - Definition of fortuitous at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/fortuitous)
Post by: darkstorme on March 10, 2011, 03:59:25 am
Wares
Someone's wares (rhymes with "hairs") are the goods or services they have for sale. Can be (and often is) used to describe certain Xeenite services in a circuitous sort of fashion.
Usage:
- "Pardon me, miss", the halfling said, "But I run the general store. Could I perhaps interest you in some of my wares?"
- A lad named Twist, he found a lass, a trav'lin' twixt the fairs.
Said Twist, eyeing the pies she bore, "Let me taste your wares!"
The lass, no fool, replied to Twist - "Show me first your true!"
Said Twist, drawn dagger in his hand, "Well, this will have to do."[/I]
[/list]
Reference:
- What is wares? Definition and Meaning (http://www.investorwords.com/5284/wares.html)
- wares - definition of wares by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/wares)
Post by: darkstorme on March 11, 2011, 04:05:40 am
Propitious
Events or circumstances that favour a beneficial outcome, or that suggest upcoming good fortune, are propitious (pro-pih-shuss),
Kindly actions can be similarly described.
Usage:
- Propitious winds hurried the ship along its trade route, shaving days off the trip.
- In a propitious turn of events, the roof of the cavern halted in its collapse for a few minutes, allowing the party to escape before falling in entirely.
- Definition of propitious, soporific, dulcet, conclusive (http://www.english-test.net/gre/vocabulary/words/226/gre-definitions.php#propitious)
- propitious - definition of propitious by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/propitious)
Post by: darkstorme on March 14, 2011, 04:39:20 am
Skinflint
A skinflint (skin-flint - not much to that, really) is an individual who is miserly, unwilling to spend money, a penny-pincher... basically, Ebeneezer Scrooge or Scrooge McDuck, but not necessarily as nasty as the former. A skinflint might be the type who would walk across town rather than spend money on a bus ticket.
Usage:
- Griff eyed the paltry few coins the pawn shop owner had given him for the wands and scrolls he had come across. What a skinflint.
- Jebediah Stone in Vehl was well-known as a skinflint. He did, however, start heating his clerks' offices when it was pointed out that the time they took warming their ink until it unfroze was actually costing him more than the heating would.
- Dictionary - Definition of skinflint (http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/SKINFLINT?cx=partner-pub-0939450753529744%3Av0qd01-tdlq&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=SKINFLINT&sa=Search#906)
- skinflint: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/skinflint)
Post by: darkstorme on March 15, 2011, 02:17:12 am
Dicker
To dicker (dih-ker) is to bargain, barter or deal.
A dicker is an act of bargaining.
Usage:
- The two halflings dickered amiably for twenty minutes before the bargain was struck.
- "I'll just be a moment - gonna have a bit of a dicker, eh?" The dwarf grinned and vanished into the crowd in the tavern.
- dicker - definition of dicker by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dicker)
- dicker - Definition of dicker at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/dicker)
Post by: darkstorme on March 17, 2011, 04:09:20 am
Profligate
(Full disclosure - David Suzuki used it in a lecture the other day, and I thought, "That would make a great word of the day!" So now it is.)
An action (or action subject) which is profligate (proff-lih-git or proff-lih-gate, speaker's choice) is recklessly extravagant, wasteful, and/or immoral.
A profligate is an individual who commits such actions regularly.
Usage:
- The halfling's profligate spending in the merchant districts of Vehl was likely to come back to haunt him sooner, rather than later.
- Sallaron's profligate behaviour as a young adventurer earned him quite the reputation.
- Profligate | Define Profligate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/profligate)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profligate
Post by: darkstorme on March 18, 2011, 03:26:53 am
Witter
To witter (wit-tur) is to chatter or babble on for unnecessary length, pointlessly, and/or about some trivial topic.
Witter, as a noun, means pointless chatter.
(Which, if you think about it, means that "twitter" may be more apt a name than anyone thought!)
Usage:
- Half the Angels waited impatiently while the elves wittered among themselves.
- The pilgrim emerged from his temporary quarters in the Temple of Deliar into the morning witter as the merchants set up their shops.
- Wittering - definition of Wittering by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Wittering)
- witter, wittered, wittering, witters- WordWeb dictionary definition (http://www.wordwebonline.com/en/WITTER)
Post by: darkstorme on March 19, 2011, 06:02:13 am
Dismal
Something that is dismal (diz-mull) is prone to cause gloom or depression; it's dreary. It can also be characterized by particular ineptitude, or a lack of merit, which of itself can also cause gloom or depression. (Imagine a teacher in a class of dismal students. They'd be gloomy too.)
Usage:
- The weather in Palden Lake is always dismal, but on that fateful night, there was a storm brewing. The wind howled with a vengeance, and the rain pelted down like frigid bullets.
- No one ever mentions Argali's dismal attempt at taking up ballroom dancing. As it turns out, swinging a double-headed axe doesn't translate well to swinging your partner. Or, at least, not in a way that doesn't result in them screaming and flailing about. And then there were the caterers...
- dismal - Definition of dismal at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/dismal)
- dismal - definition of dismal by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dismal)
Post by: darkstorme on March 20, 2011, 07:12:53 am
Bated
To bate (bayt) something is to reduce its force and intensity, or restrain it. To be waiting with bated breath, therefore, is to be waiting eagerly/apprehensively and breathing quietly/holding one's breath while so doing.
The verb is based on the same root as "abate", but split off from its sibling word while still in Old English.
Should not be confused with "bait". "Baited breath" would simply smell fishy. *grins*
It can also be used to describe a procedure used to soften leather in tanning, after liming the leather.
Usage:
- As the undead monstrosity stomped towards their hiding place, the children waited with bated breath to see if their ploy had worked.
- Timulty's summoned gust of wind bated the worst of the gale howling down on them, rushing forward to cancel it out.
- Bate | Define Bate at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bate)
- Definition of bated (http://www.allwords.com/word-bated.html)
Post by: darkstorme on March 21, 2011, 04:08:51 am
Complement
This poor word gets mixed up with compliment all the time, but the two mean very different things.
A complement (comm-pleh-ment) can be a large number of things:
- Something (or someone) that completes something or makes it whole. So if two people are chosen for a team because their strengths complement one another, it means that where one has a weakness, the other is strong, and the reverse.
- The number of items required to make up a whole set. So a ship's complement is the full crew required to run it. A shelf with a full complement of books is full.
- In art, a complementary colour is the colour that is (in pigments) comprised of all the primary colours that do not go into making up its complement. (In light, complementary colours mixed together make white.)
- In music, a complementary interval is the interval that needs to be added to an interval to make it a full octave. For example, a perfect fourth is the complement of a perfect fifth. (In C major, C-G is a perfect fifth, G-C is a perfect fourth.)
- In math, a complementary angle is whatever angle needs to be added to an acute angle to make it ninety degrees.
- The captain called on the quartermaster. "Have we received our full complement of supplies? We're due to head for the front in three days."
- Zarianna straightened, adjusting the necklace. The golden chain was the perfect complement to the ruby fabric of her tunic.
- complement - definition of complement by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/complement)
- Complement | Define Complement at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/complement)
Post by: darkstorme on March 22, 2011, 03:57:24 am
Hone
A hone (rhymes with "moan") is a fine-grained whetstone or sharpening tool.
To hone something is to sharpen it with a hone or whetstone - or simply to put an edge on it or improve its edge. It can also mean to use a rotating abrasive tool to enlarge a bore hole to a precise size. (It can also be used metaphorically, putting an "edge" on a non-physical object, like hunger.)
Finally, to hone without an object means to moan or yearn.
Usage:
- The axe blade had been honed until its edge was razor-sharp.
- Lana Poetr's wit was honed by years growing up as one of many siblings.
- hone - Definition of hone at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/hone)
- Hone | Define Hone at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hone)
Post by: darkstorme on March 23, 2011, 04:29:21 am
Temper
A temper (temm-purr) can be a word describing a person's composure - that is, to lose one's temper is to become angry or excited. It can also indicate an inclination towards anger, if one is said to possess a temper.
It can also be a tone or state of being that is characteristic to something or someone.
A temper can also be a material (metal or otherwise) which is mixed with another material (usually metal) to alter the properties of the latter. Which is what Dorand would be most interested in, of course, and brings us to the verb form of the word.
To temper a material can mean to add a temper to it to change its properties - this can be both literal and figurative (for example, tempering a lecture with praise). It can also be a process of hardening or softening metal (or glass) by a process of repeated heating and cooling.
Because of this, it's often used to describe the strengthening of individuals' characteristics or organizations - for example, a battalion tempered by combat.
Usage:
- Connor placed the flask of tempered glass on the flame and watched as the amber liquid came to a boil.
- Jennara sought always to see that justice was tempered by mercy.
- Temper - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temper)
- temper - Definition of temper at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/temper)
Post by: darkstorme on March 24, 2011, 03:16:57 am
Luthier
A luthier (loo-tee-er) is, as the name implies, a maker of lutes. But that's not all! A luthier is a maker of stringed instruments in general - violins, viols, violas, celli, basses, guitars, harps... the luthier makes them all.
A repairman who specializes in stringed instruments can also bear the name.
Usage:
- "What a lovely place you have here, Andrew!" gushed the ingenue, looking about the richly-appointed bedroom. "Thank you, my dear. Please, take a seat. Now, where did I put my..." A strangely tuneful crunch as the barmaid sat down told him where his violin had gone. Time for a trip to the luthier's... in the morning.
- The luthiers in most town and city markets, like the other craftspeople, make decent instruments - but not the masterworks required by true virtuosi.
- luthier - definition of luthier by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/luthier)
- Luthier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luthier)
Post by: darkstorme on March 25, 2011, 03:00:10 am
Bellows
A bellows (bell-lows) is a device with an air bladder connected to a nozzle and compressed between two hinged panels - example here (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Bellows_%28PSF%29.svg/220px-Bellows_%28PSF%29.svg.png). In a smithy, its primary use was to blow air onto the coals of the forge to heat it up. A large bellows could allow even a wood-fired forge to reach surprising temperatures.
Bellows were also employed to provide the wind power for pipe organs. The name was also co-opted for a variety of similarly-designed structures, like the air reservoir in an accordion. It has also been used to refer to the lungs - which, in all fairness, operate somewhat similarly. (Of course, the lungs are expanded by the diaphragm producing a negative pressure in the body cavity, and air is forced out by the relaxation of the muscle, rather than compression, but the principle is similar.)
It might also be a present-tense conjugation of the verb "to bellow" but the two meanings have very different roots and simply evolved into the same word - at least in our world. The tool evolved from the Old English for, literally, "blowing bag". The verb is much older, its origins lying in a pre-English word for the sound a bull makes.
Usage:
- The massive bellows was built into the forge itself, and was powered by a donkey walking on a treadmill. As the donkey picked up speed, the coals flared into incandescence.
- Vrebel picked up the small hand-bellows, using it to heat the coals in the furnace. The iron bars glowed a cherry red, only just starting to soften around the edges. He wiped the sweat off his brow and pumped harder. Oh, for a big-city forge.
- bellows: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/bellows)
- bellows - Definition of bellows at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/bellows)
Post by: darkstorme on March 28, 2011, 04:23:15 am
Dovetail
The original (and still employed) meaning of dovetail (duv-tale) is a specialized joint employed in a variety of wood- and metal-working crafts. (See it here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Finished_dovetail.jpg).) A set of fan-shaped pins (or tenons) are cut into one board to fit into a corresponding set of sockets (or mortises) on another. The join is useful because its interlocking structure makes the tensile strength of the join almost as great as the surrounding material.
To dovetail something, then, is to join it in this fashion - or to connect or combine things elegantly and precisely, in whatever fashion.
Something described as dovetailing is either joined in this fashion or combines neatly with something else into a tidy whole.
Usage:
- The mayor's speech on the need for a larger guard to enforce the laws of the city dovetailed neatly into his announcement of a rise in the city's taxes.
- Razeriem invariably dovetailed any greeting to an attractive female into a comment on her her particular pulchritude.
- dovetail - definition of dovetail by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dovetail)
- dovetail - Definition of dovetail at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/dovetail)
- - - - -
Who uses the real dovetails, though? Well, carpenters, and more specifically...
Joiner
A joiner is a specialized carpenter whose particular specialty is the joining of wood - often employed in cabinetry, staircases, doors, framing, and other detailed woodwork.
It can also be a term for someone who is fond of joining groups.
Usage:
- The joiner's work on the heavy oaken chest was exquisite, several rich-coloured woods seamlessly merged to form something as much a work of art as a container.
- Supposedly, a joiner and some of his friends were rehearsing a play in the woods when they ran afoul of some mischievous fae.
- joiner: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/joiner)
- joiner - Definition of joiner at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/joiner)
- - - - -
Intricate
Something that is intricate (in-trih-kate or in-trih-kit) is composed of many complex or elaborate details - it can also require a great deal of effort or concentration to understand or solve (as in a puzzle).
An intricate detail is an intricacy.
Usage:
- Freldo marveled at the intricacies of the gnomish crossbow - here, the bolts were loaded, here, the mechanism cocked the string, here, the... oops. Well, hopefully the farmer wasn't TOO fond of that chicken.
- The work of a master enchanter is remarkably intricate - even a moment's distraction can ruin a morning's work.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intricate
- intricate: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/intricate)
Post by: darkstorme on March 29, 2011, 03:33:24 am
Lupine
As an adjective, lupine (loo-pine) means characteristic of or resembling a wolf - or, specifically, the ravenous or vicious nature ascribed to wolves.
As a noun, it refers to a set of plants in the pea family, but Folianites are less likely to have to employ it in that fashion.
Usage:
- Running through the woods, her blood chilled as she saw lupine forms and glowing red eyes keeping pace with her to either side.
- "Watch and learn," Viper said with a lupine grin.
- lupine - definition of lupine by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lupine)
- lupine - Definition of lupine at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/lupine)
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on March 29, 2011, 07:54:53 pm
Or atleast... I think so...
Post by: darkstorme on March 30, 2011, 04:12:15 am
Anyway, continuing with what any good steward of the forest must do from time to time:
Cull
In animal husbandry, to cull (rhymes with "skull") is to reduce the population of a herd or flock, either to prevent the population from growing out of control, or to pare away the sick, weak, or dying animals. In nature, this often happens naturally, as predators are inclined to go after the weakest, slowest members of a population first anyway. Culling a population of predators can be necessary as well to allow the food species population to regrow.
More generally, to cull can mean to gather, to select from a group (as in the above definition) or to remove parts from something (again, as above).
A cull is an item or group of items that was culled from a larger group.
Usage:
- The pride of lions in the Plains of Kringard was getting too large - members of the pride would starve next season after they had captured all the prey in their range. To keep things in balance, they would have to be carefully culled.
- Zardoc systematically culled the useful tidbits from the treatise on alchemy for incorporation into a primer on the subject.
- cull - definition of cull by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cull)
- cull: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/cull)
Post by: darkstorme on March 31, 2011, 03:08:34 am
Spoor
Spoor (rhymes with "poor") is the trail of an animal, whether tracks, droppings, blood from an injury or from prey, or some other sign of passage.
To spoor, then, is to track an animal by finding and following it's trail.
(IRL, the word is from the Afrikaans, which is why it looks a little out of place in English.)
Usage:
- The dark elf grimaced as he looked at the broken branches and crushed plants left from his panicked flight through the forest. His spoor would be plain as glowfungus, even to the surfacers!
- "Ah," said Shiff, "I've found the beast's spoor! We'll soon hunt it down." The party set out, with Shiff in the lead. Later, they returned to the spot, and set off in the opposite direction. Later still, they returned again, and set off in yet a third.
- spoor - definition of spoor by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/spoor)
- spoor definition | English Dictionary & Thesaurus | Reverso (http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-cobuild/spoor)
Post by: darkstorme on April 01, 2011, 04:09:48 am
Stalk
To stalk (stock) something is to follow it and/or observe it stealthily.
To stalk in its nontransitive form can also be to walk with a stiff gait, or in a menacing fashion. It can also mean to travel in a stealthy or surreptitious manner. (For example, during a plague, death can stalk the land.)
A stalk is a slender structure that supports something - like the stem holding up a flower, or a thin support for a water tower.
Usage:
- "What do you mean I'm not mature enough?" cried Tyra. "You're a big meanie!" And she stalked off in a huff.
- Newcomers to the Gloom Woods often can't escape the feeling that they're being stalked by something. Often, this is because they are.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalk?show=1&t=1301645082
- Stalk | Define Stalk at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/stalk)
Post by: darkstorme on April 03, 2011, 05:47:18 am
Feral
To describe something as feral (fair-el) is to describe it as wild or savage - either something that was tame and returned to a wild state or that has always existed in a wild state.
It can also describe something reminiscent of a wild animal.
Usage:
- After their release, the circus animals went feral - the tiger killed five people in the woods before the rangers trapped and killed it.
- Haley looked up with a feral grin, the fireball glowing in her palm. "Want to bet?"
- feral - definition of feral by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/feral)
- feral - Definition of feral at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/feral)
Stewardship (stoo-werd-ship) is the supervision, conducting, or management of something, particularly the careful management of something entrusted to one's care.
Someone entrusted with stewardship can be described as a steward.
Usage:
- The Wolfswood Ranger Corps, on its formation, assumed stewardship over the Wolfswood and its inhabitants.
- Druids are often the stewards of nature.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stewardship
- Answers.com - Whats the definition of stewardship (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Whats_the_definition_of_stewardship)
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on April 03, 2011, 08:43:50 am
Quote from: darkstorme
[/I][/LIST]Really? For all the other kind of stalking she does, this is what you use her in an example for? And she would never say the word meanie! Ya meanie! :P
Usage:
- "What do you mean I'm not mature enough?" cried Tyra. "You're a big meanie!" And she stalked off in a huff.
Post by: Gulnyr on April 03, 2011, 02:51:09 pm
Post by: darkstorme on April 04, 2011, 04:03:37 am
Lair
A lair (rhymes with "hair") is a den or hiding place for a wild animal - or for anyone.
To lair is to rest or hide in one's lair.
Usage:
- The wolf fought off the goblin - when she was sure the creature was in full flight, she returned to her lair to lick her wounds and tend to her frightened cubs.
- Daniella held the shining symbol of Toran high as the group pursued the vampires. They'd run the monsters down, wherever they laired, and eradicate them forever!
- lair - definition of lair by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lair)
- lair - Definition of lair at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/lair)
Post by: darkstorme on April 06, 2011, 03:50:01 am
Ingenuity
Ingenuity (in-jen-new-it-tee) can describe great creative/inventive skill, the property of a work that displays that its creator had such skill, or the work itself.
Something (or someone) who displays great ingenuity is said to be ingenious.
Usage:
- As the one goblin - Grovel, wasn't it? - vanished into the bushes with a cackle, the hapless merchant had to admire the ingenuity of the plan. Now he was out here, all alone... except for his purse full of gold, of course.
- The workings of the gears behind the mesh wall were truly ingenious. If they hadn't been slowly filling the small room with sand, Drexia could doubtless better appreciate them.
- ingenuity - definition of ingenuity by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ingenuity)
- ingenuity: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/ingenuity)
A contraption (cun-trap-shun) is a device whose purpose, construction, operation, or nature is strange or confusing; it can also be a gadget of esoteric or limited utility.
Usage:
- Tunder slowly walked around the contraption. "I understand why you put the box of eels here," he said finally, "But how do you prevent the weasel launcher from jamming?"
- Some contraption or another was employed in the Hotel Layonara to bring dishes into the kitchen for cleaning - sadly, it was ruined when the city was invaded, and no one has been able to get it working.
- contraption - Definition of contraption at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/contraption)
- Contraption | Define Contraption at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/contraption)
Post by: darkstorme on April 07, 2011, 03:29:53 am
To jury-rig (jur-ree rig) something is to come up with a makeshift temporary solution or construction from available parts. This should not be confused with describing something as jerry-built, which is a pejorative term used to describe a permanent but shoddily-built solution. A jury-rigged solution can be elegant and clever, but remains temporary.
IRL, the term jury-rig was originally nautical in origin, referring to a temporary mast and sail erected on a ship after the main mast was lost to combat or storm. It has been suggested (but lacks etymological proof) that the term is short for "injury-rig", or a sail that would be put up after the ship had suffered an injury. The term has no association with the legal form of a "jury".
Usage:
- After the axle on the wagon snapped, one of the caravan guards was able to jury-rig an old table leg as a temporary axle. It made for an uneven ride, but the wagon was able to make it to the next town.
- After the leather thong holding the shield to her arm broke, Annwyl bound the shield to her arm with a length of rope from her pack. The jury-rigged solution was effective, but her arm quickly grew tired from constantly carrying the heavy metal.
- Jury-rig - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jury-rig)
- Jury-rig | Define Jury-rig at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/jury-rig)
Post by: darkstorme on April 12, 2011, 04:59:06 am
Millrace
A millrace (mill-race, exactly as you'd expect) is the stream of water flowing to drive a waterwheel, or the channel in which it flows, even if the water is not present.
Usage:
- The water gurgling down the millrace was a pleasant counterpoint to the rumbling of the old wooden wheel.
- Eghaas stopped and examined the dam across the river. So this was what was drying up all the millraces in town. The work of dire beavers, clearly.
- millrace - definition of millrace by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/millrace)
- Water wheel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_wheel) (Worth a read - prior to the development of steam power, water was the most powerful force available to industry. Its applications in Layonara are doubtless as valid.)
- - -
Motive
Most people are aware of the noun form of motive (moh-tiv) - something behind a person's actions, whether an incentive or a goal.
The adjectival form of motive, however, is the one whose application in Goran's service is easy to see. Something that is motive is something that causes action, movement, or tends to do so. A motive force, therefore, is a force that acts on something in a fashion that causes movement.
Usage:
- The Silverguard lieutenant scratched his head. The motive for the murder of the businessman was clear. The question was means. Who could've made it past all his guards and into his locked bedchamber?
- The motive force for the room of gears and belts was the golem tirelessly walking in the wheel by the wall.
- Motive | Define Motive at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/motive)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motive?show=1&t=1302496667
- - -
Concoct
To concoct something is to create it by mixing together ingredients, as one would in cooking or alchemy. Alternately, concocting something can mean devising it by means of a powerful or clever mind.
Something that one concocts is a concoction.
Usage:
- Working late into the night at the alchemist's bench, Argali finally concocted an armour polish that stood up to truly heavy wear.
- The party concocted a scheme whereby they would fool the dark druid into thinking they were harmless amphibians - until it was too late.
- concoct - definition of concoct by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/concoct)
- concoct - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/concoct)
Post by: darkstorme on April 13, 2011, 04:26:17 am
Schematic
A schematic (skeh-mah-tick) is a diagram of the construction or procedure related to something, particularly a mechanical system.
To describe something as schematic is to say that it is representational of something, or in the form of a design.
Usage:
- Spike peered at the schematic. So the blue gem goes here, the red one here, and the yellow one here...so where did the green one go?
- The painting was schematic, an artistic elaboration on the layout of the dungeon as a whole.
- schematic - definition of schematic by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/schematic)
- schematic: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/schematic)
Post by: darkstorme on April 14, 2011, 03:46:31 am
Impugn
To impugn (im-pyewn) someone is to suggest that their motivations or statements are false (and that they know it). It can also generally mean to vilify or attack another person's character.
Usage:
- "I don't mean to impugn your motives, Arkolio. But you appear to have the old lady's necklace in your back pocket."
- Given the number of times Leo impugned his employer's character in the One-Eyed Harpy, the other regulars figured it was only a matter of time before he was found floating in the harbour.
- Impugn | Define Impugn at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/impugn)
- impugn - Definition of impugn at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/impugn)
Post by: Pseudonym on April 14, 2011, 04:22:01 am
Post by: darkstorme on April 15, 2011, 05:10:51 am
Conceit (con-seet) has many definitions. It can be an overinflated opinion of one's one abilities or importance. It can be the use of strained or stretched metaphors in poetry.
A conceit can also be something conceived in the imagination, or a flight of fancy. It can be an item that is purely decorative in nature.
Someone possessed of a lot of conceit is conceited.
Usage:
- It was a conceit of Trent's that he always wore his silver guard badge, even when he was technically off-duty.
- It's often said that there's a fine line between healthy self-respect and conceit.
- Conceit | Define Conceit at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conceit)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conceit
Post by: Pseudonym on April 15, 2011, 01:52:37 pm
D'oh, I just did it twice!
Post by: darkstorme on April 20, 2011, 04:17:54 am
Bestial
Describing someone or something as bestial (beece-tee-ahl) means that they are savage, brutish, beastly, or unrefined. It can also mean something pertaining to a beast.
Conversely, describing something or someone as bestial (bess- or beece-shul) is to describe them as brutal, depraved, or subhuman (in intelligence or other respects). Subtle but distinct definitions.
Usage:
- The orc let out a bestial roar and lunged at the party.
- After the green ray struck the party's wizard, his behaviour had been simply bestial - his speech had reverted to grunts and his comprehension seemed limited at best.
- bestial - definition of bestial by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bestial)
- Bestial | Define Bestial at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bestial)
* * *
Tyrannical
Another adjective, tyrannical (tie-ran-nick-cul) is either descriptive of the behaviour or nature of a tyrant, or unjustly harsh, cruel, draconian, despotic; ruling in a arbitrary or oppressive fashion. So, basically, a description of the behaviour or nature of a tyrant, or a description of the behaviour or nature of a tyrant.
A tyrant is a dictator, generally not of the benevolent variety.
The word originally derived from ancient greek, meaning, broadly, someone who gathers authority to themselves without any right to it. (Besides that of arms, naturally.) They applied this to both good and bad rulers - in modern parlance, it's taken to mean pretty much exclusively the bad variety.
Usage:
- No one calls Rael a tyrant in Rael Kingdom. People who did had an unfortunate habit of coming down with a case of never being seen again.
- (Departing from the gameworld proper for a moment...) Whenever Pibemanden leaves the room, those remaining celebrate the respite from his tyrannical watch, and the dancing begins.
- Definition of Tyrannical - BrainyQuote (http://www.brainyquote.com/words/ty/tyrannical233720.html)
- Tyrannical | Define Tyrannical at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tyrannical)
Post by: darkstorme on April 21, 2011, 12:06:02 pm
To mar (rhymes with "car") something is to damage or spoil something to an extent, or to render it less perfect. Alternately, it can mean to scar or deface something.
Occasionally, a mar can be a term for a scar or blemish, but this use is largely deprecated.
Usage:
- The shining surface of Steel's shield was marred where the enemy's sword had struck it.
- One admonishing blow, delivered in a moment of irritation, had marred the orc female's face forever.
- Mar | Define Mar at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mar)
- mar: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/mar)
Post by: darkstorme on April 26, 2011, 04:25:16 am
Unbridled
To describe something as unbridled (un-bry-dull'd) means that it is unrestrained, or uncontrolled. This fits neatly with Grand, particularly because it's often paired with the passions (anger, lust, etc.).
It can also mean an animal often fitted with a bridle who lacks one - for example, a horse or pony.
Usage:
- The scream that ripped from the orc's throat was one of unbridled fury, and he lunged towards them.
- Arkolio had been so caught up in unbridled passion, (he claimed later) that the lass' name had flown clean out of his head.
- unbridled - definition of unbridled by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unbridled)
- unbridled - Definition of unbridled - online dictionary powered by PowerVocabularyBuilder.com (http://vocabulary-vocabulary.com/dictionary/unbridled.php)
Post by: darkstorme on April 29, 2011, 03:03:19 am
Subjugate
To subjugate (sub-jih-gate) someone (or, more often, multiple someones) is to conquer them, break them, enslave them, or make them submit. Countries with less-than-totally-democratic systems of government are often accused of subjugating their populaces.
Usage:
- Under the new leadership, the tribe was successful, subjugating all the smaller tribes in the region.
- Subjugation wasn't something Sophia intended to experience. Inflict, on the other hand...
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subjugate
- subjugate - Wiktionary (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/subjugate)
Cudgel
A cudgel (cud-jull) is another term for a club - a heavy length of wood, stone, or metal that is used to hit people or creatures.
To cudgel is to beat something, as if with a cudgel. It can also be used metaphorically - for example, one can cudgel one's brain in an attempt to think particularly hard. (If one were to actually cudgel one's brain, thinking would be more difficult or impossible.)
Usage:
- Pallena habitually carries about a cudgel. The power of Nature is all well and good, but there are some things for which a solid length of wood is the perfect solution.
- The drunk wrenched the table leg free, and turned around, his improvised cudgel raised.
- cudgel - definition of cudgel by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cudgel)
- Cudgel | Define Cudgel at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cudgel)
Post by: darkstorme on May 02, 2011, 03:46:16 am
Legion
A legion (lee-jun) can be a large military group, whose numbers and unit makeup vary from army to army. It can also refer simply to a large number of things (usually animate things).
To describe a group as legion is to describe them as being multitudinous - a large or extremely numerous group.
In real life, the word was a Roman term for a army division comprised of three to six thousand infantry with supporting cavalry - the infantrymen were known as "legionnaires". Similarly, the Legion can refer to organizations in many countries which support (and provide a social venue for) veterans.
The phrase "we are legion" is a biblical allusion, referring to a tale in the bible wherein a man, possessed by many demons, referred to himself as Legion "for we are many". (It's worth noting that the original greek referred to it as "chora", but the latin word has a certain ring to it.)
Usage:
- Scouting several miles from the town, Tod was horrified to find an orcish legion on the move. The town couldn't possibly hope to stand against a force of that size.
- Throughout Rael, but particularly in Prantz, Lord Rael's informants are legion, ubiquitous, and so unremarkable as to be unnoticed.
- legion - definition of legion by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/legion)
- Legion | Define Legion at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/legion)
Post by: darkstorme on May 04, 2011, 03:20:16 am
Designation
A designation (deh-zig-nay-shun) is a marking or pointing out of a particular item or individual. It can also be the assignment or nomination of a given item or individual to a particular task or position, or the name or title associated with that task or position.
Someone or something that has a designation has been designated.
Usage:
- The ship's designation was "Wave Kitten". There couldn't be many ships with that name.
- Only a few adventurers were designated to help deal with the elven crisis.
- designation - definition of designation by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/designation)
- Designation | Define Designation at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/designation)
Post by: darkstorme on May 05, 2011, 04:20:18 am
Something that is remarkably, conspicuously or flagrantly poorly done or bad is egregious (eh-gree-juss). The adverbial form (to describe an action) is egregiously.
Usage:
- After a particularly egregious decision one night, Shiff awoke in the morning to find himself buck naked save for a pink apron, accompanied by a potted elderberry bush, somewhere in the Spirit Dunes.
- It had been an egregious lie, one that even the thick-witted dockmaster had seen through. Even so, it had bought enough time for a hasty retreat.
- egregious: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/egregious)
- egregious - definition of egregious by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/egregious)
Post by: darkstorme on May 06, 2011, 03:36:39 am
To prevaricate (pre-vair-ih-kate) is to avoid telling the truth, or the whole truth, either through a half-truth, misleading or ambiguous language that is technically true, or quibbling over details.
When one is prevaricating, the process is prevarication.
Usage
- "Well, y'see, m'lord, I didn't see who was actually painting those words, y'see..." Daniel was certain the boy was prevaricating, so he kept up the 'cleric stare'. He'd get the truth out of him.
- One of the first things any Katherian noble learns is the subtle gradations between prevarication and lying.
- prevaricate definition - Dictionary - MSN Encarta (http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861737042/prevaricate.html)
- prevaricate: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/prevaricate)
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on May 06, 2011, 03:53:56 am
While sitting upstairs in the Buckle with Daniel, Tyra knew it was no time for her usual prevaricating. She was in enough trouble already...
Post by: darkstorme on May 07, 2011, 04:06:42 am
It's society's mask, it's society's way.
And the truth is, that it's all a... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09VXUGeMRmE)
Facade
A facade (fuh-sahd) is the ornamental facing of a building (http://www.treehugger.com/greenpix-solar-pv-facade-curtain-wall-led-china-beijing.jpg) - the parts meant to be seen by the public. While it can be used to refer to the entire architectural exterior of a building, often a facade is just a frontpiece to the building that makes it appear more attractive, while the remainder of the building remains mundane. Which led to the word's second meaning...
...namely, that of a deceptive or artificial front presented to make something appear to be what it's not. Presenting a facade, then, is providing a false image in an attempt to persuade someone that something is other than it is.
Usage:
- The matron turned back to the party, and Tralek swallowed as he watched the facade of warmth fall from her face. "So," she hissed, "Not content to play the part I've written for you, is that it?"
- The facades facing onto Crimson Eagle's Square are maintained with a subsidy from the Hempstead Trade Board - must keep the city looking her best, after all!
- facade - definition of facade by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/facade)
- facade - Definition of facade at YourDictionary.com (http://www.yourdictionary.com/facade)
Post by: darkstorme on May 08, 2011, 05:00:52 am
If something is described as ubiquitous (you-bick-kwih-tuss), this means it is (or appears to be) omnipresent, everywhere at once.
The property of being ubiquitous is ubiquity.
Usage:
- While the originals were rare, imitation copies of the Bracers of the Scouts seem practically ubiquitous.
- Elohanna moved cautiously through the streets of Arnax, the ubiquitous symbols of Corath inducing the sensation of a near-physical oppression.
- Ubiquitous | Define Ubiquitous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ubiquitous)
- Definition of ubiquitous, acquiesce, benefit, ascent (http://www.english-test.net/sat/vocabulary/words/374/sat-definitions.php#ubiquitous)
Post by: darkstorme on May 10, 2011, 04:09:31 am
Tonsorial
A rather specialized adjective, tonsorial (tawn-sore-ee-ull) means "having to do with barbering or a barber".
(For those that care, it comes from the latin, "tonsor" - one who shaves.)
Usage:
- Lying innocuously among the tonsorial implements was the razor, glittering like a cruel gem, somehow more real than everything around it...
- The barber in Hempstead's merchant district had a rather unique tonsorial device. Most barbers had mirrors, silvered or otherwise. This one, however, at the touch of a secret button, displayed an illusion of the subject with a perfect haircut. It readily made up for the barber's lack of skill with scissors or blade. This, one feels, explains Razeriem.
- tonsorial - definition of tonsorial by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tonsorial)
- What does tonsorial mean? definition and meaning (Free English Language Dictionary) (http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/tonsorial.htm)
- - - - - - -
And now, starting Grannoch!
At the intersection of Earth and Air:
Fulgurite
A fulgurite (full-gyer-ite) is a slender, tubular glassy rock (sometimes with branches) which is formed when lightning strikes sandy soil (http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/fulgurite_1500_1-1.jpg). They're often collected, due to their rarity, and are occasionally used as jewelry (http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/scimall-usa_2156_10849497). (You can also make your own (http://xkcd.com/260/), but I wouldn't recommend it.)
Usage
- Given that this is a rather specialized term, its usage should only be to describe a rock created by silica fused into glass by a lightning bolt.
Reference:
- fulgurite: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/fulgurite)
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fulgurite
Post by: Alatriel on May 10, 2011, 08:10:03 am
Quote from: darkstorme
Fulgurite
The jeweler watched from a distance as the Mistite called the storms upon the beach. Lightning struck the sand all around, but the Mistite simply laughed to the air in joy of the chaos surounding him. Yes, the jeweler thought to himself, there will be many fulgurites after this that I can use to make lots of Trues. I simply have to find them!
Post by: darkstorme on May 13, 2011, 03:52:37 am
Froth
A forth (frahth) is a mass of bubbles in a liquid or gel. Given its light nature, it can also be used to describe a trivial subject. To be "in a froth" is to be angry, and borrows more from the verb definition, below.
To froth is to produce a froth, as above. Frothing at the mouth is usually a sign of either truly apoplectic rage or hydrophobia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies).
Usage:
- "Ugh. I told you we shouldn't drink here," Alazira said, blowing the froth from her drink. "Why? That looked like a good head on your beer." "This is WATER!"
- The frothing waters were quickly stained red as razor teeth found flesh.
- froth - definition of froth by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/froth)
- Froth | Define Froth at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/froth)
Post by: darkstorme on May 14, 2011, 04:08:23 am
Igneous
Igneous (ig-nee-us) means, literally, from, of, or related to fire.
More commonly used by Aragenites than Grannoch's followers, igneous can also be used to describe a kind of rock formed when molten lava solidifies. Basalt, granite, and pumice would be examples.
Usage:
- The altar was carved of heavy igneous rock - the heartstone of a long-dead volcano.
- As the sun beat down on the desert, an igneous wind sprang up, and Lance felt as though he was cooking in his own armour.
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/igneous
- Igneous | Define Igneous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/igneous)
Post by: darkstorme on May 16, 2011, 03:35:45 am
Slurry
A slurry (slur-ree) is a thin mixture of water (or another liquid) and particulate matter - usually clay, rock dust, or cement.
Usage:
- As Zakariem poured a little more oil over the worktable, the glistening liquid picked up some of the dust from the sapphire he'd been polishing. A strangely beautiful slurry of oil and glittering blue dust dripped to the floor.
- As the rain beat down into the quarry, a slurry snaked across the canyon floor and into the nearby river, staining the pristine waters white with the powdered rock.
- slurry - definition of slurry by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/slurry)
- Safety Glossary Definition - Slurry (http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/glossary/slurry.html)
Seethe
Something is seething (see-thing) if it is bubbling and churning as if boiling. This can also be used figuratively to describe an individual (or area) in a state of great excitement.
An item can also be seethed by allowing it to soak in a liquid.
Usage:
- The fire blazed under the cauldron, and the liquid within seethed, acrid steam pouring from it. Chakar eyed the mixture dubiously, then dipped in a spoon and gingerly sampled it. "Hm. Needs more eye of newt." Other than that, it was a perfectly servicable stew.
- They seemed alone in the cavern, until a glint of movement caught his eye. He lifted the torch, and gasped. The ground around their small raised outcrop of rock seethed with insectoid bodies - millions of ants as large as his outstretched hand. And they were coming closer.
- Seethe - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seethe)
- seethe: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/seethe)
- - - - -
Aside: my original choice for water + earth was thixotropic (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/thixotropic), a favourite word of a geologist friend of mine. Thixotropic mud has the interesting property of becoming extremely fluid under vibration, so during an earthquake ground that appeared solid can "liquefy", causing structures to collapse, ground to subside, or disastrous landslides to occur.
However, I've only ever seen the term used in fiction once (twice, now), and that was in a novel written by that same friend. And she had to work at it. So, instead, you get slurry.
Post by: darkstorme on May 20, 2011, 03:33:44 am
Sulphurous
The most obvious meaning of sulphurous (sull-fur-uss) means "having to do with or related to sulphur." But that's both specialized and unsuited to the topic at hand.
Sulphurous can also describe stifling, hot, humid and oppressive air, or a caustic atmosphere, literal or figurative.
Usage:
- The geyser erupted beneath Tralek's feet, blasts of steam and sulphurous air scalding his exposed skin.
- Heat haze rippled over the cobbles near the wharf, and the sulphurous air lay over the city like a suffocating blanket.
- Definition of Sulphurous from dictionary.net (http://www.dictionary.net/sulphurous)
- Sulphurous | Define Sulphurous at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sulphurous)
Confluence
In geography, a confluence (con-flew-ence) is the flowing together of two rivers, the point at which they merge, or the river resulting from their combination.
More generally, a confluence is any merging or flowing together of two or more previously discrete entities, materials, or bodies.
Usage:
- The confluence of the devastation wrought by the remnants of Bloodstone's armies and the privation of the Dark Ages meant that most of Belinara and parts of Dregar remained fallow and uninhabitable for decades.
- At the confluence of the four elements, atop a mountain, the temple of Grannoch was built.
- confluence - definition of confluence by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/confluence)
- Confluence - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confluence)
Post by: darkstorme on May 27, 2011, 01:52:00 am
Replete
To say that something is replete (reh-plete) - often "with" something - is to say that it abounds with something, or is full of something, or stuffed with something. Basically, if a is replete with b, a has no reason to fear a b shortage.
If someone is described as replete, or (more likely) describes themselves that way, their appetite (of one sort or another) has been satiated. Most often, it's a straightforward appetite for food - playing on the other meaning of the word.
The state of being replete is repletion.
Usage:
- Jennara's history is replete with good works. Truly, she is an example to halfling monks everywhere. Tiny fists of justice!
- He settled back in his chair with a lovely sense of repletion. The roast boar had been delectable.
- replete - definition of replete by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/replete)
- repletion - definition of repletion by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/repletion)
Post by: ShiffDrgnhrt on June 03, 2011, 09:00:54 pm
Obstreperous
–adjective 1.resisting control or restraint in a difficult manner; unruly.
2. noisy, clamorous, or boisterous
To say something is obstreperous [uh(http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png)b-strep-er-uh(http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png)s] is to say is noisy, clamorous, or boisterous. It can also be used to describe someone who is stubbornly resisting authority, control, or restraint in a boisterous manner (such as being violent).
Usage:
* - The obstreperous child screamed the entire time it was in the market square. It wanted that new doll, and was not going to go quietly without it.
* - Despite being cornered in the Vehl arena, Nym was not going to just let them take him. He would be obstreperous to the end, especially where Stalker was concerned.
? ?