Definitions

Work on the SRD continues, and I am almost done the definitions section. It seems odd having such a large section of terms and definitions, and I almost want to cut them down to the basics. SBRPG is a unique game though, and it is tough to cut out definitions without removing some of the meaning of the game.

Part of the issue is that we use a lot of terms for specific purposes, like story thread, and these have specific uses in the game. Even something as obvious as gaming group needs a definition, since the "group of players that creates the world" is a real, formal collection of people with a real responsibility, and this needs a term we can refer to in the rules. Otherwise, this could mean anybody who walks by the table can be involved in world creation, which is not so, so we define this group strictly, and use this term in the rules.

I want to focus the definitions better, and make them focused and clean. They should be obvious, unique, and reduce the RPG jargon many games use, like THAC0, Physical Defense, Mental Defense, and so on. We have a couple jargon items which may go, and some I am tempted to keep but will probably go. Explaining FISP, Base Defense, and other terms takes time and energy, and makes a lot of people say, "This is too much for me."

You want to reach a point where the game is easy to pick up, but with a lot of depth and customization. Creating something like that for a "tell any story and create any world" type game is a challenge, but with the original rule set, we are already half way there.