Shared language for old-school play

You will not find invented product prices or fake stock counts here. The point is orientation: how people learn Old School Revival / Renaissance dungeon and wilderness play, where they discuss it, and which public references stay trustworthy. Cross-check historical usage via Old School Revival on Wikipedia when a term has drifted across editions.

Reaction roll

A 2d6 (or similar) check that lets monsters negotiate, flee, or fight.

Morale

When foes break; keeps fights from becoming slogans.

Turn structure

Exploration turns that burn light, noise, and wandering-monster clocks.

Gold for XP

Advancement tied to treasure recovered, rewarding clever play.

Rulings over rules

Referee judgment guided by procedures instead of exhaustive cases.

Sandbox

A map of situations players can approach in any order.

Hirelings

Extra hands that expand logistics and create drama.

Module vs setting

One-shot sites versus ongoing campaign geography.

Accessibility is part of craft: readable handouts, clear audio for remote players, and content notes before bleak scenes.

Primary OSR histories and designer blogs beat anonymous 'OSR explained' threads.

Send new players to Getting Started; use the FAQ when a rules argument stalls the table. Marketplace browsing such as Necrotic Gnome / OSE context is optional and separate from this glossary.

These working definitions are for table clarity, not legal advice. When a term drifts across editions or publishers, prefer primary documentation and note your house usage in session zero so nobody is surprised mid-scene.

Suggest additions via the contact address if a word keeps tripping your group—especially jargon that veterans forget is opaque.