Glossary

Here is a short list of terms used throughout Anomalous. If you think a term deserves adding to this list, do let us know at contact@unlikelystories.co.uk

An Anomaly is a catch-all term for strange manifestations, objects, beings, or other unexplained phenomena. They can range from ghosts to monsters to cursed teapots all the way to reality-warping god-like beings.

The game categorises Anomalies into four categories: see more on the Archive page.

Anomalous Sites are points of specific interest to the Incident at each event. They require detecting and marking and are likely targets for interference from hostile NPCs or Monsters. Anomalous Sites are unlikely to be placed within the Base Camp area.

Base Camp is the area established in which combat cannot take place. It will be established in the first hour of each event and be clearly marked. This is also where Field Mechanics such as Tinkering or use of the Filing Cabinet will occur. Hostile NPCs will not attempt to enter the Base Camp, but also it is unlikely that Base Camp can be established around any Anomalous Sites.

A Conference is a manifestation organised by a powerful Anomaly – usually an XX-Category Anomaly – often at the behest of Mediators in which attempts to reason with the Anomaly via requests or demands are made. These will take place in an enclosed location with a limited number of invitees. The schedule for when they are available and who will be invited will be publicised at least an hour in advance.

Containment is one of the ways that Characters can successfully handle an Anomaly. It is described in Containment Procedure.

Excursions are short trips for a limited number of Characters to locations outside of the Incident Site that have been affected by some Anomalous effect which alters Character Abilities. Some of these will be to areas at the same “area” of the site that are currently inaccessible IC, others may take you to other locations that are not usually accessible (such as Pocket Dimensions or locations half way across the globe).

Around half of Excursions will involve Combat, the other half will be strictly non-Combat. This will be advertised in advance and all Excursions will be marked on a schedule with the details available at least an hour before they depart.

Information relevant to you as a character rather than you as a player.

This refers to the whole playable area of the game where you can be In Character. It does not include areas only reached via Excursion and people or items of interest may appear throughout the area.

An Incursion is a period of time during which a powerful effect overlays the game area and Characters will become more (or less) powerful based on criteria put forward by an Anomaly. During this time, it's highly likely someone or something will arrive at the camp and need dealing with in one way or another. Incursions don't require you to go anywhere for them and cannot take combat into the established Base Camp area.

Laminated Tags (or “Lammies”) are the term we use to describe labels we attach to different props to explain what they do, or given to Characters to apply an effect that requires explanation.

Some Lammies are sealed (“Rip Tab Lammies”) and these can be pried open to read the inside if you have a relevant skill (e.g. Technical Authorisation). Anyone can see what's on the outside of a rip tab lammie but only the person who opened it can read the inside (unless told otherwise).

Information relevant to you as a player rather than you as a character. Occasionally “OOC” for Out Of Character.

Shorthand for “physical representation” - how we are representing aspects of the game world. For example, the phys-rep for a sword is a LARP safe sword.

Some items are only effective in the strange overlayed state of Excursions and Incursions. These items are indicated with a bright ribbon attached to them. Unless you have a relevant Authorisation or are expressly told otherwise, these Ribboned items cannot be used outside of an Incursion or Excursion.

Unribboned Items have no such restriction and can always be used unless you're told explicitly otherwise.