Terminology - The Adventurer’s Lexicon 📘

A collection of commonly used (and occasionally obscure) words you'll encounter in Mithra and across the world of Atlas. This guide is here to clarify, educate, and inspire confident play.

Use it as a quick reference during character creation, combat, exploration, or just to show off at the tavern.

🧭 Quick Index

A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z

🔤 A

Ability Check

A roll made using one of the six ability scores (like Strength or Wisdom), often to determine success in a non-combat situation.

Example: Making a Dexterity (Stealth) check to hide in the shadows.

Ability Modifier

A bonus or penalty derived from your ability score. Calculated as:

(Ability Score - 10) ÷ 2 (rounded down)

Example: An Intelligence of 14 gives you a +2 modifier.

Ability Score

Your character’s raw potential in six core areas: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

Armour Class (AC)

How hard you are to hit in combat. The attacker rolls a d20 and must meet or beat your AC to land a hit.

Example: A goblin swings at you. Your AC is 16. The goblin rolls a 14. Miss!

🔤 B

Bonus Action

An extra action you can take during your turn if granted by a class, feat, or spell.

Example: Rogues use Cunning Action to Dash as a bonus action.

🔤 C

Concentration

Some spells require maintaining focus. Taking damage may break concentration.

Example: You cast Bless and take a hit. You must make a Constitution saving throw to keep the spell going.

Critical Hit

Roll a natural 20 on an attack roll? Oh baby, you just scored a crit. Roll extra dice for damage.

🔤 G

Grapple

A special melee attack to grab and restrain a target.

Example: You attempt to grapple the cultist. Roll an Athletics check contested by their Athletics or Acrobatics.

🔤 R

Reaction

An action you take outside your turn, usually triggered by something.

Example: A creature leaves your reach — you use your Reaction to make an Opportunity Attack.

🔤 S

Saving Throw

A roll to avoid or resist a harmful effect (like poison or a spell).

Example: The trap sprays gas. The DM asks for a Constitution Saving Throw.

Skill Check

Rolling a d20 plus a relevant ability modifier (and proficiency if trained) to determine the success of a task.

🔤 T

Turn

Your personal 6-second window during combat to take an action, move, or use abilities.