What is your opinion of the term "scout"? Good, bad, neutral? Scouts have been part of history, usually connected with the military. Has the term come to be associated only with "boyscouts"? If you wanted to convey the old meaning of scout, assuming that it has become synonyomous with "boyscouts" - what would you use in its stead?
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
I don't think so. My worry in using the word is that it is too associated with D&D type classes. Now I noticed that you (I think it was you) used the term "Scout Master" and that gave me pause. That I do associate with Boy Scouts and I wouldn't use in a piece of fiction.
Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :
I don't think of boyscouts when I hear "scout." I think of scouting for information -- which is what you're doing.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
An alternative term that has a very similar connotation is "ranger". But I see nothing wrong with scout.
Posted by Alethea Kontis (Member # 3748) on :
My first thought was Demi Moore's daughter.
I think you're safe.
Posted by Rick Norwood (Member # 5604) on :
My first thought was Tonto's horse. Then I remembered To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is fine. Scout Master is not. Also, avoid giving your scout a merit badge or giving him too much skill in tying knots.
Posted by Grant John (Member # 5993) on :
I believe it comes down to context. If I am reading Medieval Fantasy I would assume Boy Scouts were not there. If I was reading modern fantasy and a scout to the door, I would assume boy scout. Just like I can tell the difference between 'I live there' and 'a live show'.
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
Uh... it's never occured to me to associate the word "scout" as a D&D thing... it's not a character class, "ranger" is. In my mind it's no more specific to AD&D than the words "sword" or "fighting" are.
The imagery that comes to my mind is scouting for information. I would have no problems with the word in proper context. I agree that using the term "Scout Master" would conjure images of Boyscouts, and as such may not serve your purposes.
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
Several D&D derived games use the term scout instead of ranger or in addition to it--Dark Age of Camelot for one and I believe Asheron's Call did as well. Strictly, Ranger is the correct class name. As long as you avoid referring to Scout Masters, I see no problem with the term.
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited November 14, 2007).]
Posted by Hariolor (Member # 7048) on :
I think context clues are more than enough to disambiguate the word. If he's sneaking around in the woods and surveying enemy terrain, etc, then it's doubtful that he'll be attending a Jamboree any time soon ^_^
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
My first thought was the protagonist in To Kill a Mockingbird. I read a lot of fantasy, and I have read of many scouts being sent out. However, I think of Scout Master as a boyscouts thing. Probably because I am affiliated.
Also, I think it would be ridiculous to have another rank created for this. Most scouts reported to either their seargent, captain, or commander--in rare usages Bashir or Jolts and Subjolts. I think the issue of Scout Master could better be resolved with a little research.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
I'd associate "scout" with "tracker" and "explorer," but usually in a military sense. "Our scouts reported the enemy's advance began two hours ago..."
I think the issue of Scout Master could better be resolved with a little research.