Kenji translates the table without rewriting the rulebook
Board Game Icon and Symbol Glossary Cards
A printable glossary framework for turning recurring icons into plain-language actions, timing windows, and one concrete example. Start with the symbols the table must share—not every mark in the box.
KenjiThe Sensei Answer first
What this tool solves before the table opens.
A printable glossary framework for turning recurring icons into plain-language actions, timing windows, and one concrete example. Start with the symbols the table must share—not every mark in the box.
Translate icons into actions Start with only the symbols needed during setup, a normal turn, scoring, and the end condition.
Printable field cards for the table
BoardGameGeek: recurring community demand for icon lexicons remains the current authority.
Your working copy
Use the field cards at the table.
Need more precision?
Start simple. Add detail only when the table needs it.
The tool above already gives a usable answer. These modes add campaign, serious-table, or expert checks without erasing your work.
Fast, legal, playable
Translate icons into actions
Start with only the symbols needed during setup, a normal turn, scoring, and the end condition.
- Use official terminology first
- Add one plain-language verb
- Show where the icon appears
Ready when
Every shared icon is translated into publisher term, plain-language verb, timing window, and one legal example.What this tool assumes
Publisher wording remains authoritative. Color can reinforce meaning but cannot be the only distinction.Kenji's table briefing
The tool has a point of view. The rules still get the final word.
“Every icon owes the table a verb and a moment.”
Kenji is the fictional cabinet voice presenting this desk. Robert Pruitt owns the research, source review, and editorial judgment; the linked publisher material remains authoritative.
Physical table kit
The exact products this desk is talking about.
Real product photographs and exact retailer pages from the related Puzzlewick buying guides. Products are optional unless the tool explicitly identifies a required foundation.
Puzzlewick may earn from qualifying purchases, including as an Amazon Associate, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change at checkout.
01 · Direct product Horizons of Spirit Island
Kenji's table ruling: Gentlest low-cost on-ramp with five low-complexity spirits.
View exact product on Amazon
02 · Direct product Spirit Island
Kenji's table ruling: Full modular-island foundation and long-term system.
View exact product on Amazon
03 · Direct product Spirit Island: Branch & Claw
Kenji's table ruling: First events, tokens, and two spirits.
View exact product on AmazonPuzzlewick field cards
The useful part belongs beside the board.
Read
Icon → verb → timing
Translate every useful symbol into an action and the moment it happens. “Fear” is incomplete; “gain Fear immediately when this effect resolves” is actionable.
- Use publisher terminology first
- Add plain language second
- Do not invent a synonym that conflicts with card text
Group
Organize by table moment
Setup, turn actions, combat, resources, end-of-round, and scoring are easier to scan than an alphabetized wall.
- Match the order of the board
- Color is reinforcement, never the only signal
- Keep one card at every side of a large table
Example
Show one legal use
A tiny example resolves ambiguity faster than another sentence. Include the before state, the icon, and the after state.
- Use real numbers
- Avoid rare exceptions on the front
- Link to the full ruling on the back or online
Keep the useful version
Print it, download it, or send it to the table.
The downloaded field note includes your selections and checklist state. Private notes stay in this browser unless you download them.
Fast rulings before the table
Common questions, answered without the forum fog.
What makes an icon explanation useful?
Publisher term, plain-language verb, timing window, location on the component, and one legal before-and-after example.
Can color be the only icon cue?
No. Pair color with shape, symbol, label, or position so the reference remains readable for color-vision differences and monochrome printing.
Is the Icon Glossary Desk an official publisher tool?
No. It is an independent Puzzlewick planning aid checked against BoardGameGeek: recurring community demand for icon lexicons. When the tool and current publisher material differ, the publisher rulebook, FAQ, errata, or event packet controls.
How current is the Icon Glossary Desk?
Its evidence date is 2026-08-18. Recheck the linked current authority after a new edition, FAQ, points update, rotation, app update, or event packet.
