Global variables and Local Map variables.

[Cranky Old Man]

The scope with which the variables can be accessed is equivalent. However, Global variables (in terms of the script) are not restored when a save & load occurs. "SetLocalVar" functions let the values associated with the variables be preserved when saves occur, and as such you should really be using those with the exception of a few very particular circumstances.

Edit: Ninja'd.

That's really counter-intuitive.