RP MU
Glossary terms related to RP MU*s. Unlike traditional MUDs, RP games (which can include MUSHes) include a focus on roleplaying and may require that players stay in-character while playing.
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Smallrooming
What is smallrooming? Smallrooming is a specific behavior observed in multiplayer text-based games, particularly in MU*s, where players fail to realistically incorporate the broader game environment into their roleplay. This can lead the game spaces, which may actually be expansive or crowded, to feel unrealistically small or intimate. For instance, players might interact as if
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
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
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,
Puppeting
What is a puppet? A puppet in text-based roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to a non-player character (NPC) that is controlled by game administrators or storytellers to enhance narrative and interactive elements. Puppeting involves temporarily taking over an NPC to perform specific actions, deliver dialogue, or influence the game environment in a way that furthers the
Powergaming
What is powergaming? Powergaming (also spelled “power gaming” and “power-gaming”) refers to a style where a player prioritizes their character’s power and success over collaborative storytelling and character development. Typically, this involves creating and exploiting conditions in the game to maximize personal advantage without regard for narrative coherence or fairness to other players. In video
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
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,
OP
What is OP? OP is a term with dual meanings, contextually dependent on its usage within the gaming and online communities. In gaming, OP stands for “overpowered,” referring to a character, item, ability, or strategy that is significantly stronger than others in the game, often to the point of disrupting game balance. Such elements are
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
VNPC
What is a VNPC? VNPC stands for “virtual non-player character.” It’s a concept used in text-based roleplaying games, particularly multi-user dungeons (MUDs), to imply the presence of non-player characters that are not directly coded or controlled within the game’s environment. These characters are considered to be part of the game’s setting, contributing to the atmosphere
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
ICA = ICC
What is ICA = ICC? ICA = ICC stands for “in-character actions equal in-character consequences.” This concept is used in roleplaying games (RPGs) to signify that the actions of a player character (PC) within the game world have consequences that are consistent with the game’s setting and rules. It encourages players to think about the
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
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
FOIC
What is FOIC? FOIC stands for “find out in character.” It’s a phrase used in online roleplaying games (RPGs), especially MUDs and MUSHes with a heavy focus on roleplay. FOIC refers to the practice of discovering game mechanics, lore, and other information through in-character (IC) means rather than out-of-character (OOC) sources like guides, help channels,
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,