Random Word: Observe

 Hello and welcome to another edition of Random Word.  This time, the random word is Observe.  I will define it, and then discuss how the word applies to Tabletop Gaming, Fishing, and 3D Printing.

Observe defined by Merriam-Webster has several 'definitions', two of which jump out in the context of our subject:

** to watch carefully especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment

** to conform one's action or practice to (something, such as a law, rite, or condition) : comply with

Definition Link

How this applies to tabletop gaming comes in two-fold.  The first is best described by the second of the above definitions - conforming or complying with actions/practices, namely the rules of the tabletop game in question.  

This "complying with rules of the game" has been mistrusted over the last decade or so.  With the evolution of Games Workshop and Wizards of the Coast, and all of their respective competitors, how their business models run, especially with rulebooks, there have been some additional terminology added to the mix.  These two terms are "Rules as Written" or RAW, and "Rules as Interpreted" or RAI.  

To loosely define, RAW is where a game rule is observed and followed as it is written. No reading between the lines; it is what it is.  The rules say the kung fu master can jump 50 feet in the air, then he can jump 50 feet in the air.  The rules say the round explodes and everyone takes damage, then everyone takes damage.

RAI is loosely defined as how you understand the rule is supposed to be done instead of how it is exactly written.  An example of this would be a more recent game of 40k where when vehicles explode, units around it take damage from the shrapnel.  I've always known it to be one way, but my friend interpreted the rule in a different way.  After almost 20 minutes of Google Searches we came to a conclusion that he had been interpreting the rule the wrong way according to several different reddit posts and a quick conversation with our local TO.  

This division of the rules understanding has developed, in my opinion, based on the convolution of how the rules are printed in the book.  Then again, there has been a strong uprising is people's feelings being hurt over nearly everything in the last five years, so this convolution is only exasperated at this point.   

"This rule shouldn't apply...."  or "...we don't like how this rule makes us feel..."  or people metagaming certain convoluted rules without refs/DMs reviewing them and then players get very angry.  

How the word "Observe" applies to fishing is fairly straightforward.  Observation is a key element to a successful day of fishing, and if your out in the back country like I am when I'm fishing, also a key to survival.  Both of the above definitions apply, however the first one is more prevalent.

You observe by casting.  A good technique when fishing, especially when fishing for fish that like to school up (either stationary or roaming schools), is to observe with your lure set.  Cast and retrieve to locate the fish.  Once the school has been located, then you switch to a bait you know the fish will strike on and repeat in that area.  Rotate through your baits until you find the right one.  In other words, you are observing how the fish are reacting to different lures and baits to maximize your fishing potential.

Alternatively, you can observe with your eyes as well.  This would involve activity in or under the water, hearing splashes and pops on the water surface, or seeing the fish breach while going after a bug.  

The second definition applies here as well.  Follow your local fishing regulations.  They aren't there just to control you.  Fish conservation is a very important key aspect of every ecosystem.  Overfishing can cause damage to all other wildlife, both in and out of the water.  

With regards to 3D printing, the first definition far outweighs the second one.  Every step of the way from building your 3D printer to its configurations, slicing your 3D model and loading it, and even printing, all requires some kind of observer control (you) to make sure everything goes smoothly.  I know I do.  There is a LOT of observation going on with 3D printing.

However, the second definition does creep in, which is observing the safety measures of the machine.  I have the style of 3D printer that works similar to an over glorified hot glue gun.  There were plenty of warning labels and hazard stickers about how this end is not safe to touch because of temperature, pinching, etc.  Yet I did.  200 degrees Celsius is not the greatest to touch.  60 degrees Celsius is not the greatest to touch.  You shouldn't touch your belts while their moving.  And so on.

In conclusion, I've defined the word "observe" and discussed how it applies to tabletop gaming, fishing, and 3D printing.  

Thank you for reading.