When you play D&D, you’re getting hands-on education on subjects like music, literacy, math, and emotional intelligence. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Amazingly, we have actual research that shows role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons can help you become a smarter, kinder human being.

We never want someone to get scared away from D&D just because they aren’t familiar with all the vocabulary words. So without further ado, here’s our glossary of 40 common Dungeons & Dragons terms we think every beginner should know.

Ready to design the Studio Ghibli-D&D mashup of your dreams? Check out this video to learn how you can incorporate elements from movies like Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Howl’s Moving Castle into your next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

Wondering if D&D is something that you (or your child) would be into? Trying to figure out the difference between a bard and a barbarian? Just finished binge watching the latest season of Stranger Things, and you’re ready to join a Hellfire Club of your own? Say no more. You’ve come to the right place.