The following question implies light spoilers about one possible scenario outcome.

Does someone reading a card aloud have to read the exact words or can they be paraphrased as long as the meaning is clear, and does not involve a precise game term?

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule that you have to read ANYTHING out loud. Censor yourself if need be, but obviously you should be as clear as possible.

I think I know exactly what you're talking about and I reminded everyone before we started the newest scenario NOT to do a thing... and then started reading the intro...

OOOOOOPS.

There is no rule that requires cards to be read aloud.

I have no doubt, however, that specific card text will require it going forward, such as when Curse of the Rougarou asks the lead investigator to read certain text aloud.

9 hours ago, BD Flory said:

There is no rule that requires cards to be read aloud.

I have no doubt, however, that specific card text will require it going forward, such as when Curse of the Rougarou asks the lead investigator to read certain text aloud.

I know there's nothing in the RAW requiring it, but when a card says "read the following text aloud", it doesn't mean "paraphrase it aloud" or "skip the words you don't want to say". The instructions as written are quite clear on intent.

2 minutes ago, Network57 said:

I know there's nothing in the RAW requiring it, but when a card says "read the following text aloud", it doesn't mean "paraphrase it aloud" or "skip the words you don't want to say". The instructions as written are quite clear on intent.

Imagining solo players all alone in a house that is dead quiet, then suddenly reading a single card.

4 minutes ago, Soakman said:

Imagining solo players all alone in a house that is dead quiet, then suddenly reading a single card.

Better than the random swearing that Arkham usually causes.

It' Not random swearing it's clear and concise swearing aimed at the universe and all it's horrors

I agree with those that say that paraphrasing is okay in general story and flavor text, but any text that is marked as having to be "read aloud" must be read verbatim.

My friend and I have two specific phrases to say in place of incidents involving the name of which you speak.

7 hours ago, Network57 said:

I know there's nothing in the RAW requiring it, but when a card says "read the following text aloud", it doesn't mean "paraphrase it aloud" or "skip the words you don't want to say". The instructions as written are quite clear on intent.

Yes, that's what I meant. re: Rougarou's specific requirement appearing on the text of the card. You don't have to read a card aloud unless it tells you to, and we already have examples where some do. I'd be very surprised if we don't get more cards that have this kind of effect over the rest of Carcosa. The card text imposes the requirement, which imposes a requirement where there is generally none.

Ah! I have Rougarou but haven't played it yet, so I was unaware of the restriction being explicit there.