Buffs
The Term Buff is used to mean a Temporary Effect that increases or decreases a stat which is useful in the game. Buffs can be both "Negative" and "Positive", and can be used "For" or "Against" a target.
In Galaxy Legion, valid targets for Buffs include Players, Ships, NPCs, Planets, and Legion Bases.
When a buff is used Against a target, to that target's Detriment, it is often refereed to as a "Debuff"; while in Gamer Parlance this is an accepted usage, the term "De-Buff" actually means "to remove a/the Buff" (Think "De-Capitate", or "De-Bug"), whether positive or negative, and return to a neutral or "un-buffed" state.
In Other Words:
Positive Buffs: Increase a Stat.
Negative Buffs: Decrease a Stat.
Buffs For a Target: Benefit the Target.
Buffs Against a Target: Detriment the Target. (Sometimes refereed to as a "De-Buff")
Example Positive Buffs:
+10% Defense
+50% Cost to building Structures
+15% Experience
Examples of Negative Buffs:
-20% Defense
-10% Cost
Examples of Buffs FOR the benefit of a target:
+50% Scan applied to YOUR ship.
+20% Defense Applied to the Legion Base you are fighting Against.
-10% Tarrif on selling Minerals Applied to you.
Examples of Buffs AGAINST a Target, causing a detriment to them: (Sometimes Referred to as a "DeBuff")
-20% Defense applied by an NPC or another Player against YOUR ship.
-10% Scan applied by an NPC or another player against YOUR ship.
Immunity to Aggressive Actions (IE: A Halycon Aura Applied to your ship when the trap is tripped not allowing you to attack or invade a planet. This is a Buff you get from a Trap, when another player attacks you, but may be unwelcome even though you intended to have the buff applied to you)