PbP
Glossary terms related to Play-by-Post (PbP) games. Traditionally, PbPs were played via forums or bulletin boards, but today can also be played via Discord, Tumblr, or blogs.
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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
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,
Power-posing
What is power-posing? Power-posing in the context of roleplaying games, especially text-based online roleplaying, refers to a form of gameplay where a player inappropriately dictates the actions or reactions of another player’s character without their consent. This practice is seen as a breach of roleplaying etiquette because it removes a player’s agency over their character
PbP
What is play-by-post (PbP)? Play-by-post (PbP) is a form of text-based roleplaying game that takes place on digital forums or message boards where players create and develop stories over time. In a PbP, participants take turns writing posts, which represent the actions, thoughts, and dialogue of their characters within a pre-defined setting. These games are
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,
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.
Mun
What is a mun? Mun is short for “mundane.” In the context of text-based gaming and online roleplaying, it refers to the player or individual behind a character. The term “mun” contrasts the player in real life with the often fantastical or extraordinary characters they control. As the player, the mun is responsible for making
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
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
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
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
L&L
What does L&L stand for? L&L stands for “Lords and Ladies.” It refers to a genre of roleplaying games (RPGs) that focus on the social dynamics, intrigue, and relationships between members of nobility. These games often emphasize character development, political maneuvering, and interpersonal relationships over combat or adventuring. Players might take on the roles of
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
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
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
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
Marty Stu
What is a Marty Stu? Marty Stu is a term used to describe a male character in fanfiction and roleplaying games (RPGs) who is portrayed as excessively ideal, lacking flaws, or unrealistically powerful, to the point where it undermines the game’s narrative credibility. Marty Stu characters are typically flawless, succeed at almost everything they attempt,
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
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:
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