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