Chat (Page 2)
Glossary terms related to chat RPGs. Chatroom games were originally played on platforms such as AOL and IRC but today are played in Discord servers. They come in a wide variety of forms.
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Linkdead
What is linkdead? Linkdead refers to a situation in text-based online games, especially in multi-user dungeons (MUDs) and similar roleplaying games (RPGs), where a character remains present in the game world but the player controlling the character has been disconnected. A linkdead state can happen for various reasons, such as an internet outage, a computer
IRL
What is IRL? IRL stands for “in real life.” It’s a term used to differentiate between things that happen in the real, physical world from those that happen in a virtual world or game. IRL is often used in text-based gaming, online forums, and digital communications to draw a line between the digital persona and
Idle
What is idle status in games? Idle in the context of online roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a state where a player is logged into a game but is not actively participating or performing any actions. This can occur for various reasons, such as the player being away from their keyboard (AFK), attending to real-life
IC =/= OOC
What is IC =/= OOC? IC =/= OOC stands for “in character does not equal out of character.” This is a fundamental concept in roleplaying games (RPGs). It differentiates the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the character from those of the player controlling the character (mun). The distinction is important for maintaining a clear boundary
IC
What does IC mean? IC stands for “in character.” It refers to the actions and speech of a player’s character within the context of a roleplaying game (RPG). Unlike being out-of-character (OOC), when you’re IC, you’re portraying your character as they exist in the game’s setting, distinct from the your own personality in the real
IAW
What does IAW mean? IAW stands for “in another window.” This term is used in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) and online gaming communities to indicate that a player is present but not currently focused on the game’s window. In this case, the player is not away from their keyboard (AFK); however, they are engaged in
Griefer
What is a griefer? A griefer is a player in a multiplayer roleplaying game (RPG) who deliberately irritates and harasses other players within the game, breaks the rules, or undermines the spirit of the game to ruin others’ enjoyment. Griefers often use aspects of the game in unintended ways to cause frustration or anger among
God-modding
What is god-modding? God-modding is a term used in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) to describe a situation where one player takes control of another player’s character without their permission. This often includes dictating how the other character feels, reacts, or acts in a given scenario, effectively removing the other player’s ability to contribute to the
FTB
What does FTB mean? FTB stands for “fade to black.” It is a term used in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) to indicate the backgrounding or omission of a scene or part of a scene. This technique is typically employed during moments that are either highly intimate, extremely violent, or otherwise not suitable for the public
Freeform
What is freeform RP? Freeform in the context of roleplaying and writing games refers to a style of play that emphasizes narrative freedom and creative expression over rigid structures and rules. In freeform games, players are not bound by strict turn-taking, detailed stat sheets, or the outcomes of mandatory dice rolls (typical features of tabletop
FC
What does FC mean in RP? A faceclaim, commonly abbreviated as FC, is an image chosen by a player to visually represent their fictional character in online text-based roleplaying games. This image is usually of a celebrity, anime character, or any other public figure or artwork. However, faceclaims can also be original, commissioned artwork. FCs
ERP
What is ERP in games? ERP stands for “erotic roleplay.” It refers to a form of roleplaying where the participants engage in narratives that involve physical intimacy, often leading up to and including sexually explicit behavior. This type of roleplay is characterized by its focus on romantic, sensual, or sexual scenarios between characters, typically in
Emote
What is an emote? An emote is a way for players in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) to describe their characters’ actions and express emotions through text. Unlike “says,” which are used strictly for speaking, emotes allow players to convey body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues. Emotes are used to enrich storytelling and character
Consent
What is consent? In the context of roleplaying, consent refers to the agreement between players regarding what can and cannot happen to their characters within the game. The concept of consent is important for ensuring that all participants feel safe, respected, and comfortable with the game’s events and outcomes. Consent covers a range of actions,
CNC RP
What is CNC RP? CNC RP stands for “consensual non-consent roleplay.” It’s a type of roleplaying where participants agree to enact scenarios that appear non-consensual within the context of the scene, such as simulated capture or power dynamics, typically within a BDSM framework. This form of roleplay relies heavily on trust, mutual understanding, and pre-negotiated
Doxxing
What is doxxing in RPGs? Doxxing (also spelled “doxing”) is the malicious act of collecting and publishing private or identifying information about an individual on the internet without their permission. The term “doxxing” comes from a combination of the words “dropping” and “documents.” Personal information can include: The intent of revealing this information is often
Character
What is a character in an RPG? A character in the context of roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a fictional persona that exists within the game’s universe. Characters serve as players’ avatars, acquaintances, enemies, and friends within the story and may possess unique backgrounds, skills, and personalities. Characters can be broadly categorized into two types:
DM
What is a DM? DM stands for “Dungeon Master,” a person who organizes, runs, and referees a roleplaying game (RPG). The DM guides players through the story and determines the results of their characters’ actions. In text-based online gaming, such as in chatrooms and MUDs, the DM is responsible for creating the narrative, controlling non-player
Crossover RP
What is crossover RP? Crossover RP, or crossover roleplay, is the practice of taking a character originally designed for one genre, universe, or setting and integrating them into a different one. This can involve characters from different books, movies, video games, or any other media crossing over into a world where they normally wouldn’t belong.
CC
What does CC mean in roleplaying games? CC, short for “canon character,” refers to a character that is already established within the game’s setting or universe. These characters are often derived from existing stories, lore, or media associated with the game. In text-based roleplaying, particularly in MUDs, MUSHes, and play-by-post games, players may have the
Canon
What does canon mean? Canon in the context of roleplaying games refers to the material accepted as officially part of the game’s universe or storyline. This includes established characters, events, settings, and lore that make up the world of the game. Canon provides a consistent framework within which players can create their own stories and
Ban
What is a ban? A ban is an action taken by the administrators or moderators of a roleplaying game, MUD, MUSH, or play-by-post to suspend a player’s account. This prevents the player from participating further in the game or on the platform. Bans can be temporary, lasting for a set period, or permanent, effectively removing
ASCII Art
What is ASCII art? ASCII art is the practice of creating images, designs, or text layouts using the 128 characters of the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) set. These artworks are made using characters like letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols to form patterns that resemble a visual representation. In text-based gaming, ASCII
Alt
What is an alt? Alt is short for alternate character. An alt is a secondary or additional character. In many online rolpelaying games, players are allowed to have alts in addition to their main character. Unlike a player’s main character, an alt often explores different aspects of the game, such as storylines, skills, or perspectives.