In a table top RPG there exists a spell which forces the target to do what is commanded but the word count available is one. For example, "Rampage" would cause the target to see everyone as a foe. Also, "Cower" causes the target to go into the fetal position.
I am looking to turn one target into my personal bodyguard, or ally with a single word. In the example "Attack" would not work because it would require a second word as a target, like "Attack them" or "Attack humans".
Is there a single word that effectively states a "180 degree change in view" (morally) or to state "your enemies are my enemies"?
single-word-requests
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In a table top RPG there exists a spell which forces the target to do what is commanded but the word count available is one. For example, "Rampage" would cause the target to see everyone as a foe. Also, "Cower" causes the target to go into the fetal position.
I am looking to turn one target into my personal bodyguard, or ally with a single word. In the example "Attack" would not work because it would require a second word as a target, like "Attack them" or "Attack humans".
Is there a single word that effectively states a "180 degree change in view" (morally) or to state "your enemies are my enemies"?
single-word-requests
New contributor
Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
1
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
1
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago
add a comment |
In a table top RPG there exists a spell which forces the target to do what is commanded but the word count available is one. For example, "Rampage" would cause the target to see everyone as a foe. Also, "Cower" causes the target to go into the fetal position.
I am looking to turn one target into my personal bodyguard, or ally with a single word. In the example "Attack" would not work because it would require a second word as a target, like "Attack them" or "Attack humans".
Is there a single word that effectively states a "180 degree change in view" (morally) or to state "your enemies are my enemies"?
single-word-requests
New contributor
Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
In a table top RPG there exists a spell which forces the target to do what is commanded but the word count available is one. For example, "Rampage" would cause the target to see everyone as a foe. Also, "Cower" causes the target to go into the fetal position.
I am looking to turn one target into my personal bodyguard, or ally with a single word. In the example "Attack" would not work because it would require a second word as a target, like "Attack them" or "Attack humans".
Is there a single word that effectively states a "180 degree change in view" (morally) or to state "your enemies are my enemies"?
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
New contributor
Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
ReedReed
1163
1163
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Reed is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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Check out our Code of Conduct.
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Check out our Code of Conduct.
A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
1
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
1
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago
add a comment |
A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
1
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
1
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago
A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
1
1
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
1
1
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
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Defect! might work:
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
// a former KGB agent who defected to America
(source: Merriam-Webster)
and another verb which conveys the same idea is to renegade:
: to become a renegade (a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another)
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but I'm not sure if this can actually be used in imperative form.
Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party.
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
add a comment |
The trickiness here is that you're asking for a verb to do two distinct functions:
Be your ally.
Be their enemy.
1 is especially tricky because customarily English would use a grammatical object to signal who should be allied. Omitting the direct object from "Befriend me," "Guard me," and "Protect me" would either lead to ambiguity ("Befriend" and "Protect" could default to a number of targets) or a less productive action ("Guard" - the target would take a defensive stance).
However, if you wanted (2) the target to oppose their masters (so "their enemies would be your enemies"), try revolt. It is intransitive. Merriam-Webster:
: to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
And here's the also-good choice of rebel:
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
In other words, to revolt or to rebel have a strong sense of using violence ("resist by force") against the people one once owed allegiance to. That sense is strong enough that a "bloodless revolution" is a remarkable event. A character who took that command and didn't attack their former soldiers or leaders would be taking an unusual step.
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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2 Answers
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Defect! might work:
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
// a former KGB agent who defected to America
(source: Merriam-Webster)
and another verb which conveys the same idea is to renegade:
: to become a renegade (a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another)
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but I'm not sure if this can actually be used in imperative form.
Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party.
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
add a comment |
Defect! might work:
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
// a former KGB agent who defected to America
(source: Merriam-Webster)
and another verb which conveys the same idea is to renegade:
: to become a renegade (a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another)
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but I'm not sure if this can actually be used in imperative form.
Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party.
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
add a comment |
Defect! might work:
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
// a former KGB agent who defected to America
(source: Merriam-Webster)
and another verb which conveys the same idea is to renegade:
: to become a renegade (a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another)
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but I'm not sure if this can actually be used in imperative form.
Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party.
Defect! might work:
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology
// a former KGB agent who defected to America
(source: Merriam-Webster)
and another verb which conveys the same idea is to renegade:
: to become a renegade (a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another)
(source: Merriam-Webster)
but I'm not sure if this can actually be used in imperative form.
Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party.
answered 2 hours ago
GlorfindelGlorfindel
8,236103741
8,236103741
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
add a comment |
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
"Of course, your Game Master is free to have the enemy interpret either option as taking the sides of another (third) party." Or drop their arms entirely, since renegading from one side could mean simply doing nothing more to aid that side.
– TaliesinMerlin
1 hour ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
How about renege as the imperative? It literally means going back on a promise, but game words like these are often very metaphoric
– Barmar
27 mins ago
add a comment |
The trickiness here is that you're asking for a verb to do two distinct functions:
Be your ally.
Be their enemy.
1 is especially tricky because customarily English would use a grammatical object to signal who should be allied. Omitting the direct object from "Befriend me," "Guard me," and "Protect me" would either lead to ambiguity ("Befriend" and "Protect" could default to a number of targets) or a less productive action ("Guard" - the target would take a defensive stance).
However, if you wanted (2) the target to oppose their masters (so "their enemies would be your enemies"), try revolt. It is intransitive. Merriam-Webster:
: to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
And here's the also-good choice of rebel:
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
In other words, to revolt or to rebel have a strong sense of using violence ("resist by force") against the people one once owed allegiance to. That sense is strong enough that a "bloodless revolution" is a remarkable event. A character who took that command and didn't attack their former soldiers or leaders would be taking an unusual step.
add a comment |
The trickiness here is that you're asking for a verb to do two distinct functions:
Be your ally.
Be their enemy.
1 is especially tricky because customarily English would use a grammatical object to signal who should be allied. Omitting the direct object from "Befriend me," "Guard me," and "Protect me" would either lead to ambiguity ("Befriend" and "Protect" could default to a number of targets) or a less productive action ("Guard" - the target would take a defensive stance).
However, if you wanted (2) the target to oppose their masters (so "their enemies would be your enemies"), try revolt. It is intransitive. Merriam-Webster:
: to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
And here's the also-good choice of rebel:
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
In other words, to revolt or to rebel have a strong sense of using violence ("resist by force") against the people one once owed allegiance to. That sense is strong enough that a "bloodless revolution" is a remarkable event. A character who took that command and didn't attack their former soldiers or leaders would be taking an unusual step.
add a comment |
The trickiness here is that you're asking for a verb to do two distinct functions:
Be your ally.
Be their enemy.
1 is especially tricky because customarily English would use a grammatical object to signal who should be allied. Omitting the direct object from "Befriend me," "Guard me," and "Protect me" would either lead to ambiguity ("Befriend" and "Protect" could default to a number of targets) or a less productive action ("Guard" - the target would take a defensive stance).
However, if you wanted (2) the target to oppose their masters (so "their enemies would be your enemies"), try revolt. It is intransitive. Merriam-Webster:
: to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
And here's the also-good choice of rebel:
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
In other words, to revolt or to rebel have a strong sense of using violence ("resist by force") against the people one once owed allegiance to. That sense is strong enough that a "bloodless revolution" is a remarkable event. A character who took that command and didn't attack their former soldiers or leaders would be taking an unusual step.
The trickiness here is that you're asking for a verb to do two distinct functions:
Be your ally.
Be their enemy.
1 is especially tricky because customarily English would use a grammatical object to signal who should be allied. Omitting the direct object from "Befriend me," "Guard me," and "Protect me" would either lead to ambiguity ("Befriend" and "Protect" could default to a number of targets) or a less productive action ("Guard" - the target would take a defensive stance).
However, if you wanted (2) the target to oppose their masters (so "their enemies would be your enemies"), try revolt. It is intransitive. Merriam-Webster:
: to renounce allegiance or subjection (as to a government) : REBEL
And here's the also-good choice of rebel:
: to renounce and resist by force the authority of one's government
In other words, to revolt or to rebel have a strong sense of using violence ("resist by force") against the people one once owed allegiance to. That sense is strong enough that a "bloodless revolution" is a remarkable event. A character who took that command and didn't attack their former soldiers or leaders would be taking an unusual step.
answered 1 hour ago
TaliesinMerlinTaliesinMerlin
5,6671127
5,6671127
add a comment |
add a comment |
Reed is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Reed is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Reed is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Reed is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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A zillion years ago I was in the same position myself. We, uh, mislead the DM with a command of "turncoat," which is a single word, although not actually a verb.
– Chaim
2 hours ago
1
If the limit really is "single word" rather than an upper limit on number of charcters, you could use "CamelCase" for things like AttackHumans. But assuming it's contextually obvious that your "target" was originally an enemy, you could perhaps consider commanding him to Defect!
– FumbleFingers
2 hours ago
1
Not that I am aware of; however, you may find assistance with the Command spell at The RPG Stack
– Davo
2 hours ago
@FumbleFingers the "CamalCase" example is to far out there, but there is not limit on the number of characters available for the word. although, "Defect" is a good start and could work given the situation.
– Reed
2 hours ago