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adjective Definition: full of windings and intricate turnings Example: Plots and paths can be anfractuous. They twist and turn but do not break. –Merriam-Webster website Personal Commentary: This one’s I think is for describing both paths a group must take, and their winding confusing pattern as the webster example, and art, script or symbols. While some dictionaries and websites use convoluted as a synonym, I think it’s better used to point out that something doesn’t break, rather than the confusion it presents. »

adjective Definitions: 1 : serving to alleviate pain: the anodyne properties of certain drugs 2 : not likely to offend or arouse tensions : innocuous Example: his speech contained a single anodyne reference to the man who preceded him. —John F. Burns Personal Commentary: Hmm, beyond diction/dialect choices, the only reason I can think of for this word on the list is its age and obscurity. That said, I can see uses in describing salves, spells, or other treatments of wounds or illness. »

noun Definitions: 1 (dialectal, chiefly British) : pantry 2 : a recess in a church wall (as for holding sacramental vessels) Examples: 2: To keep the sacred scrolls from rogues and heretics, a closed ambry was added to the temple’s design. Personal Commentary: This word’s obviously on the list for its second meaning. The first meaning is useful, but the second has a lot more purpose in a game where there are temples, holy heroes digging up relics, and terrible cults stashing unholy tools. »

noun Definition: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative Personal Commentary: The definition of this word alone isn’t really enough to understand why it’s on the list. The Wikipedia page helped a bit, though. Whalers, and alchemists would be interested in it for trade, and it could also be a rather disgusting place to hide loot. »

noun Definition: 1 a : the food of the Greek and Roman gods b : the ointment or perfume of the gods 2 : something extremely pleasing to taste or smell 3 : a dessert made of oranges and shredded coconut Personal Commentary: Any fantasy or mythos writer or gamemaster needs to know this word’s origin. It’ll sneak its way into your high level or (for Pathfinder) mythic games. It’s a great item for a player or hero to be exposed to when things get intesne. »

noun Definition: one employed to write from dictation or to copy manuscript Examples: Ophelia will be the amanuensis responsible for recording today’s precedings. Personal Commentary: Another word to age someone’s speech, but also handy, dictator has a completely different meaning, and this can prevent confusion. Honestly I’m not sure why it isn’t a common word today. »

noun Definition: 1 : clay, silt, sand, gravel, or similar detrital material deposited by running water Examples: The irate baron’s clothing was covered in various alluvia by the time he climbed bak out of the riverbank. Personal Commentary: This is almost another word for older diction, but you notice it covers all kinds of things that water displaces. I think this’ll make it handy for when you have to point out something other than just silt or clay. »

adjective Definition: expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine Example: This anthelmintic solution should deal with the parasites when consumed. Personal Commentary: Alchemists, mundane healers, and well versed magical healers are the reason for this word. NPCs or PCs could use it, the merriam-webster page also listed it as a noun (the same way antiseptic can be used in both fashions). I listed as an adjective because its listed that way first. »

nown Definition: 1 : an attention-drawing, often wildly playful or funny act or action 2 archaic : a performer of a grotesque or ludicrous part Example: Thorin’s antics kept the jailor distracted while Jaina slipped past and picked the lock. Personal Commentary: This is just a word anyone who uses the english language should know. Although, this was my first exposure to the archaic definition. Calling someone an antic sounds weird, but again if you need words to adjust an NPC’s dialect, this one works. »

adjective Definitions: 1 : of, relating to, or resembling a goose 2 : stupid, silly ridiculous 3 : noun a crystalline base found in the muscles of birds; methyl-carnosine Example: 1: The beast’s anserine call noises confused the group, as there was no reason for a geese in the cave. 2: Tomal’s anserine behavior embarrassed the rest of the party at the event. Personal Commentary: I could see uses for the first two meanings in a game, but only if you a) know your party or dm will recognize the term, or b) want to confuse them if they don’t. »