From that standpoint, I figure it's important to define some of the language that I'll be using regularly in this blog. With each definition, I'll include articles that will extrapolate on my short blurb, to allow the very curious to further explore these ideas and concepts. This way, we'll all start on the same page, and I'll be able to be as verbose as I'd like with less chance my readers will fall behind. So, without further adieu...
A Glossary Of Important Words And Concepts For "Catholic Character Sheet"
Roleplaying Game - A roleplaying game (or RPG for short) is a formalized version of playing pretend. An average RPG consists of a group of individuals pretending to be "characters." These imagined avatars are placed into a fantasy world and are pitted against challenges. Like actual people, they grow and change with each challenge they face. Each game also features a set of rules designed to create both structure and the randomness of chance for the game's world.
Gamemaster - A gamemaster (or GM for short - see also Dungeon Master or DM, Storyteller or ST, etc.) is the person "in charge" of running a roleplaying game. Where each of the players is in charge of a single character, the GM is in charge of the rest of the game world. The pretend to be every other person the characters meet, and create every challenge the characters face. They also adjudicate the games rules during play, to ensure the game is both fun and fair for all players. In a sense, God can be seen as the gamemaster of the universe.
Class - In many RPGs, characters are defined by their "class." A class defines the character's job, as well as the rules that make that character special. You can find an interesting reflection on classes here.
Cleric - A character class, best known as one of the original classes created for Dungeons & Dragons. Clerics are the priests of RPGs, and their class gives them access to a range of miracles (referred to in game as spells or prayers) bestowed upon them by their chosen deity. Cleric are often in charge of using their powers to heal the group, as well as acting as the group's conscience. The Cleric is of great importance to me as a player, and as a Catholic, as my future postings will reveal.
d? - A lowercase D is often used as shorthand for "dice." Commonly, the letter is followed by a number indicating the number sides the die has (for example, most popular board game dice have six sides, making them a "d6"). The shorthand is also sometimes used to identify RPG rule systems which predominantly use a specific type of dice, such as the d20 System.
Campaign - A type of roleplaying game story, told over a number of sittings. Campaigns tend to be serial in nature. and have the potential of lasting anywhere from a few days to many years.
One Shot - The counterpart to a campaign, a one shot is told during a single sitting. It tells a single story, and is traditionally ends entirely after the session is finished. One shots are often used as a demonstration of a game system, or a quick way to play a game with minimal investment of energy.
Catholic - A word with extremely broad implications. For my usage, I'm referring to the Roman Catholic Church, of which I am a proud member. Trying to codify this further for myself is partially the purpose of this blog...and partially the work of the Church.
The Holy Trinity - The Father, Son & Holy Spirit; the sacred mystery of one God embodying three persons. I may refer singly to one of these persons, but I consider them consubstantial with each other.
Jesus Christ - The Son of God, through whom God came to better know mankind. A summary of Jesus is nearly impossible in this context, as an entire Testament of the Bible has been devoted to his life, teachings, death and resurrection.
Apostolic - Relating to the Apostles. In reference to Catholicism, Apostolic refers to the direct line of succession between the church of Jesus Christ and his Apostles (starting with the first pope, Peter) and the present.
Catechism - The teachings of the Catholic Church, the Catechism fills in two millennia of details regarding the Catholic faith. Answers to nearly all the questions regarding the whys of the universe can be found in the Catechism. If you're interested in studying this rich and interesting document, I highly recommend the YouCat - while intended you younger members of the Church, this book outlines the Catechism is easy to understand detail.
Marian - A congregation of the Catholic Church, devoted to the message of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception, as well as the message of Divine Mercy.
I should note that this listing is not exhaustive, nor is it necessarily finished. As I produce more blog postings, I'll add links into each one to help illustrate my more arcane references. Additionally, if I find that people are very curious about certain terms, I'll add them to this list.
It is my hope that this page gives me even ground to start this Catholic exploration of the world of gaming, and of myself. I look forward to sharing this journey with you, and hope that my thoughts inspire fun, make you think, and bolster your soul!
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