DnD:True Name
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A true name is a name of a thing or being that expresses, or is somehow identical to, its true nature. The notion that language, or some specific sacred language, refers to things by their true names has been central to philosophical study as well as various traditions of magic, religious invocation and mysticism (mantras) since antiquity.[1][2]
In fantasy where magic works by evoking true names, characters often go to great lengths to conceal their true names.
Multiple variants of magic utilizing or grounded in the power of true names have appeared in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, though never as a bedrock element of the game. For instance, certain spells are more powerful if the target's true name is known.[3] [4]
Sources and Notes
- Magical Name (paganwiccan.about.com) ↑
- Finding Your Wiccan Name (wicca-spirituality.com) ↑
- d20 SRD. The spell Trap the Soul is one such example, where knowledge of a true name allows the capture of even those immune to magic. ↑
- Wikipedia: True name
. accessed (2020-10-11)
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