Alternate names for stuff.

Discussion in 'Author Discussions' started by maggitt147, Oct 23, 2020.

  1. maggitt147

    maggitt147 Well-Known Member

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    I need help thinking of alternatives to the standard names for mana, qi, magicians, knights. It seems a bit unimaginative to keep using the same names for stuff in different stories.
     
  2. Astaroth

    Astaroth empty

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    You could translate the key words into some random language I guess
     
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  3. elengee

    elengee Daoist Ninefaps

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    More like it'd be confusing for readers if the terms keep getting changed just because the translator wants to give it a unique vibe. If it's aimed at writers then i agree, but it's not that easy to create a proper system that people will understand and enjoy.
    (i.e. try world building how the force works , the layers, the steps, the breakthroughs, the changes, the abilities gained. it's easy when you're just using the power itself though.)

    My main caveat is, people stealing translations and altering some content (or translating it to be unique from other groups - i.e. Thriller Infinity -> Terror Infinity )so it seems different, but changing the core meaning of things like Qi sensing, foundation building, golden core etc. Where they have an actual origin point and aren't something author themselves made up.
     
  4. DocB

    DocB "I see you, little mouse! Run along"

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    mana=boom fuel
    qi=vapor blood
    magician=spellslinger=spell-in-flesh
    knight=metal can=cavalier without horse
     
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  5. elengee

    elengee Daoist Ninefaps

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    mana = crack
    wizard = crackhead
    Qi = nicotine
    Knight = chain (armor) smoker. :blobpeek:
     
  6. pandaqueen

    pandaqueen Immature Dork

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    You can choose to use the same terms from another language (i.e. not English - myb Latin or Italian or French) and use that as part of your world setting too while at it

    Or just make up new terms and explain it
     
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  7. hitori kanoko

    hitori kanoko Well-Known Member

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    Its easy to come with alternatives but the problem is that you have now explain who these characters are and what they can do.
    If you spend pages doing that some people can loss interest in your story.
    I think 99% of people are attracted to the plot and not what the characters are called but that is just my personal opinion.
    So keep the names and focus on the plots....
    Good Luck..
     
  8. Feng Tian

    Feng Tian Well-Known Member

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    If it acts like mana, and looks like mana, why call it something else? I contemplated renaming mana in my story, but for what reason? In the end I just ditched the idea, added a few mechanics to it and called it a day.
     
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