Hi everyone, an English question. In my PbtA game, I’m writing in Spanish first then translating to English (I’m Mexican). My version of the Hx stat is called “Vínculos” in Spanish, and I was translating it as Ties. But then, when writing moves, I just felt that it sounded weird (specially in singular), so I’m thinking in changing it to Bonds (like the DW version). At first I didn’t want to use Bonds because mine are not like the DW Bonds, and wanted to avoid misconceptions. But now I think the word just fits and sounds better. What are your suggestions?
Hi everyone, an English question.
Hi everyone, an English question.
Not a native speaker either. But I think “Bonds” sounds okay, you just have to define it clearly in the rules text and players will understand.
Have you thought about “Links” as a word to use?
“Connections” might work as well.
Stefania Dorigatti might help you some 🙂
If you really hate “Bonds” I would vote: Connections, Links, Relations (in that order). You say your “Bonds” are different – how so? Are they positive only, or can they be negative as well? What makes them different? This might help us to think of more words.
I don’t hate Bonds, and I’m actually inclining towards it now… mine are different from DW Bonds (which are different to Hx), but they are pretty much like the Hx from AW… I just wanted to avoid misconception with DW Bonds, that’s all…
In that case I agree with Philipp Neitzel. Just make sure you define your interpretation of them in the rules. Nobody owns the word. (How many games have “Strength” as a stat? etc)
Thanks! And speaking of stats… I have another quick question =P What sounds better as a stat “Nerve” (in singular) or “Nerves” in plural? — the stat is basically: “Patience, cold blood, mental toughness. Capacity to stay calm. Calculating mind.”
Nerve. Singular.
(Actually I think it’s called a “mass noun” these days but we can review English grammar later.)
Thanks As If
Sure. I’m intrigued by your update posts and very much looking forward to reading your game in English!
PS – “Nerves” plural would probably mean “resistance to annoyance”, because when you are annoyed in English you say “This is getting on my nerves”. 🙂
Great! And thanks for the interest, I just hope my English is not too broken.
Azlath, your English (here at least) is great. Much better than some supposedly native speakers on my Facebook feed…
Regarding “nerve” vs “nerves…” That’s a wonderfully horrible bit of English language right there. If you have someone “has a lot of nerve,” they are bold, confident, cocky. If someone “has the nerves,” they are shakey, scared, having doubts.
Stoopid contextual idioms.