MUSH
Glossary terms related to MUSHes (Multi-User Shared Hallucinations). MUSHes are MU* games that generally focus on writing, roleplaying, and storytelling over coded systems and mechanics.
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Screen reader
What is a screen reader? A screen reader is a software application that converts text displayed on a computer screen into speech. It’s an important tool for members of the VI community, allowing them to interact with various digital content including text-based games, websites, and software interfaces. Screen readers operate by reading the text aloud
Trigger (psychological)
What is a trigger? In the context of text-based roleplaying games (RPGs), trigger refers to any topic, action, or type of content that could negatively impact the well-being of a player, potentially causing emotional distress. Players often agree to avoid triggers to maintain a safe and enjoyable gaming environment. Additionally, in the realm of multi-user
TPB
What does TPB mean? TPB stands for “the player behind,” meaning: the player behind a character in a roleplaying game (RPG). It’s a term commonly used in text-based RPGs to distinguish between the comments and those of their character. TPB is often seen in parentheses or as part of a signature in messages and posts
Toxic gamer
What is a toxic gamer? A toxic gamer is an individual in the gaming community who engages in behavior that negatively impacts the experience of other players. Toxic behavior includes a range of actions such as griefing, trolling, twinking, metagaming, cheating, and generally acting in bad faith. Toxic gamers are not limited to video game
Room
What is a room? In the context of a multi-user dungeon (MUD), a room refers to any location that player characters (PCs) can occupy. While the term “room” might imply an enclosed space within a building, in MUDs, it extends to encompass a variety of environments. For example, a room could be a literal chamber,
RP hook
What is an RP hook? An RP hook or roleplay hook is a narrative device used to engage and motivate players to initiate or continue roleplaying. It serves as an incentive for other players’ characters to interact with each other or pursue certain plot lines. RP hooks can be character traits, mysterious events, intriguing items,
RL
What is RL? RL stands for “real life.” It’s a term used to differentiate the everyday, non-digital world from the virtual or game environments in which roleplaying, gaming, and other digital interactions occur. RL can be used as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, RL refers to activities, responsibilities, and interactions that
Plot
What is a plot? A plot in roleplaying games refers to the sequence of events and character-driven storylines that provide the framework for the game’s narrative. Plots can vary greatly in complexity and scale, ranging from simple quests to intricate networks of interwoven story arcs. They serve as a motivational and structural backbone, guiding player
Pbase
What is a pbase? Short for “playerbase,” the term pbase refers to the collective group of players actively engaged with a particular game. This term is commonly used to describe the community aspect of games, particularly in online or multiplayer settings. A pbase can vary widely in size from just a few players to millions
Permaban
What is a permaban? A permaban is a permanent ban from a text-based roleplaying game or other online multiplayer game. This punishment is given to players who violate the rules in severe ways. Once issued, the player can no longer participate in the game. Admins or moderators enforce permabans to maintain a safe and enjoyable
PB
What is a PB? PB stands for “playby.” It refers to the practice in text-based roleplaying games where players use images of celebrities, models, or other public figures to visually represent their fictional characters. This term is essentially synonymous with “faceclaim,” although the usage of one term over the other can vary by community. Regardless,
On-grid
What is on-grid? On-grid, in the context of a multi-user dungeon (MUD) setting, refers to events, actions, or interactions that occur in-character (IC) on the game map in areas accessible to other players. This term emphasizes the aspect of the game that is directly playable and interactive, where characters can meet, events can be witnessed,
Offscreen
What is offscreen? Offscreen refers to events or actions in a roleplaying game (RPG) that happen in the background and are not actively roleplayed or written about. This concept of offscreen events allows for the development of characters, plots, or world-building elements without requiring them to be explicitly detailed or played out during game sessions.
MUD client
What is a MUD client? A MUD client is a software program specifically designed to connect players to multi-user dungeons (MUDs), which are text-based online roleplaying games (RPGs). MUD clients offer a range of features such as the ability to change the way text appears on screen, macros and triggers, and enhanced logging. In technical
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
Mary Sue
What is a Mary Sue? A Mary Sue is a type of character often found in stories, particularly in fan fiction and amateur writing, who is perceived as overly idealized and lacking realistic or meaningful flaws. This character is typically the embodiment of wish fulfillment for the author and can disrupt the story’s balance by
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