Glossary of Terminology
Here you will find the terms used in this course that may not be easily discernible. If you find a term confusing or missing, please contact the game master as soon as possible.
If you have words to add or revisions to make, a new glossary of terms can be submitted for bonus XP! Check "Bonus Quests" for more details. *Some terms might not be used for your specific game* |
Abilities
After accumulating a certain amount of achievement points, players will earn abilities that will change their experience in the course. The first ability alows students to revise a quest or adventure that was already turned in for a higher score. (Also See: Achievements, Achievement Points).
Achievements
Upon completion of certain quests, adventures, raids, or chapters, players may receive achievements which indicate completed milestones in the game or exemplary performance. Some achievements are public while others are hidden. All achievements provide achievement points (Also See: Achievement Points, Abilities).
Achievement Points
Achievement points are received by players after receiving an achievement. Upon gathering enough achievement points, players will gain abilities that alter their experience in the course. (Also See: Achievements, Abilities).
Adventure Log
The section of the website that has all quests, adventures, raids, journey logs, bonus quests and all information on what needs to be turned into the game master. This is a running list that will be continuously updated throughout the game. (Also See: Quests, Adventures, Raids, Chapters).
Adventures
Larger assignments that utilize the player's specialization (Also See: Specialization, Class).
Alpha-Beta Testing
The players may have the opportunity to do peer reviews, whether on an essay or other composition. The first, and most basic, test will be the Alpha test. Later, after the project is near completion, there could be a Beta test.
Avatar
A virtual manifestation of the player with a created name and specialization. After the first sign in, the player will create an avatar to represent them in Composition for the rest of the semester. An avatar can be changed (not the name) if, and only if, the player writes a 200 word rationale as to why the changes are being made. (Also See: Specialization, Class)
Bonus Quests
Quests that are due anytime throughout the journey that add experience points to the players overall level.
Bug Report
Upon the completion of the final chapter, the player is required to reflect back on the entire journey of the Rhetorical Inn and put together a full report on the moments of clarity, confusion, and surprise. This report is due the last session of the semester. (Also See: Chapter, Rhetorical Inn)
Chapter
Rhetorical Inn is divided into multiple chapters. Each chapter has specific raids that need to be accomplished in order to advance to the next chapter. (Also See: Raid, Rhetorical Inn)
Class
Classes, or specializations, are specific roles each player takes on during their adventure. The classes add additional objectives onto adventures and raids which must be completed for full XP. Players can respec at the start of a gaming session. (Also See: Specializations, Respecification)
Crafting
Products that must be crafted on certain adventures and raids. The crafting product may be exclusive to the bard, mage, or builder classes, but not always. (Also See: Classes, Specializations, Adventures, Raids)
Debrief
A reflection of the journey through a chapter. This is a required component of the quest log. (Also See: Chapter, Quest Log)
Experience Points (XP)
The amount of points earned from quests, adventures, raids, and other objectives throughout Rhetorical Inn. XP adds up to associated levels which show the progress of the players. (Also See: Levels)
Game Lives/Health Points
Players are allotted two session lives which will account for missed sessions. After both lives are gone, the player cannot continue unless another life is purchased with 50 experience points.
Game Master
The instructor/guide for Rhetorical Inn. The game master manages all objectives, activities, and discussions in Rhetorical Inn.
Guilds
A group of players that share responsibility for quests, adventures, raids, etc.. The guild may be made up of all the same class or one of each. The performance of all players may be evaluated through the Performance Review (Also See: Classes, Specializations, Performance Review)
Level
The level shows the player's progress through Rhetorical Inn based on the amount of XP s/he has accumulated. The final level of the player helps determine the player's grade for the class. (Also See: XP, Player)
Multiplayer Games
A game, or interaction with a set of rules, in which multiple people participate in at the same time.
Performance Review
While in a guild, you are subject to a weekly, anonymous performance review while working on your raid. Performance reviews can lower earned experience points for guild members. (Also See: Guilds)
Player
The player is the student enrolled in WRTG 121: Composition II that is taking part in the Rhetorical Inn. The player is represented by their avatar. (Also See: Avatar, Rhetorical Inn)
Quest
A smaller assignment, usually requiring a reading journal post or discussion board.
Quest Items
All items that are needed to complete a quest, adventure, or raid. This could be videos, websites, or PDFs.
Raid
The final challenge at the end of a chapter. This can be a solo or guild effort. (Also See: Chapters)
Random Encounters
These are unannounced assignments throughout Rhetorical Inn. They can take the shape of time attacks, presentations, or group work. (Also See: Time Attacks)
Respecification
Or respec, is to change a player's specialization for a small fee (200 word rationale) or buying armor from the Adventurer's Shop. (Also See: Classes, Specializations)
Rhetorical Inn
The Rhetorical Inn (or Rhetorical Inn) is the game in which the player is engaged in. It encompasses the classroom and digital interactions of the ENGL 1030 class. All players are represented by an avatar and avatar name in The Rhetorical Inn.
Signing In
Coming to the gaming session for Rhetorical Inn. (Also See: Rhetorical Inn)
Specialization
Specializations, or classes, are specific roles each player takes on during their adventure. The specializations add additional objectives onto adventures and raids which must be completed for full XP. Players can respec for a small fee (200 word rationale) or buying armor from the Adventurer's Shop. (Also See: Classes, Respecification, Merchant)
Time Attack
On occasion, as part of random encounters, players will have to do a small writing exercise, typically at the beginning of the class. (Also See: Random Encounters)