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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OC
What is an OC in RP? OC stands for “original character.” It’s a character, created by a player or writer, that does not exist in the official storyline, setting, or universe of the game, book, or series being referenced. As the term implies, original characters are unique to the creator’s imagination and are not part
RP
What is RP? RP stands for “roleplay” or “roleplaying.” It’s the act of adopting the identity of a fictional character and making decisions as that character rather than as oneself. It involves thinking, speaking, and acting based on the character’s background, personality, goals, and motivations, which can be distinct from the player’s own. Roleplaying is
Player
What is a player in an RPG? In the context of RPGs, a player is an individual who controls and brings to life a character within the game. Players make decisions for their characters, engage with the story, and interact with other players and the game master (if there is one). Players also help create
Moderator
What is a moderator? A moderator, often found in games with chatrooms and forums, is a staff member or volunteer tasked with assisting new players, maintaining order, and enforcing the rules and standards of the game. Moderators act as guides, rule enforcers, and community managers, ensuring that the game environment is welcoming, respectful, and fun
Main
What is a main? The term main refers to a player’s primary character in a roleplaying game (RPG), especially when they play multiple characters (known as “multiplaying“). This primary character usually receives most of the player’s focus and development efforts. Mains are often more detailed, have richer backstories, and are used in more significant storylines
Tavern RP
What is tavern RP? Tavern RP (sometimes also called “tea house RP”) refers to a form of roleplaying that takes place in a casual, often social setting, typically mimicking the atmosphere of a medieval or fantasy tavern. It is a type of social RP where players gather in character to discuss events, share stories, or
Scene
What is an RP scene? A roleplay scene in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) is a chunk of the story where characters interact with each other or their surroundings. Each scene usually (but not always) has a specific setting and a clear purpose, like solving a problem or moving the plot forward. Scenes are the backbone
OOC
What is OOC? OOC stands for “out-of-character.” It refers to actions, conversations, or thoughts that do not pertain to the character’s role in a game, story, or session. OOC is used to differentiate between the player’s thoughts and their character’s actions to avoid confusion and maintain the integrity of the roleplaying experience. Alongside the concept
Literate
What does literate mean in RP games? Literate in the context of text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a preference or requirement for players who are literate and fluent in the game’s primary language. This ensures that participants can effectively communicate, understand complex narratives, and contribute detailed, well-constructed responses. Literacy in this context goes beyond
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