RPI
Glossary terms related to RPIs or “roleplay-intensive” games. RPIs are known for requiring heavy investment from players, as well as the strict separation of IC and OOC.
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Smallworlding
What is smallworlding? Smallworlding is a form of metagaming that occurs when a character makes decisions based on the player’s out-of-character (OOC) knowledge of a limited (small) player base. For instance, if a character decides that Mary Smith is guilty of a crime simply because she’s the only player character (PC) capable of it, even
Twinking
What is twinking? Twinking in the context of online games refers to various forms of cheating and undesirable behaviors where a player manipulates information or game mechanics to gain an unfair advantage. This can involve deceiving other players about their character’s abilities or exploiting game system loopholes. Twinking undermines fair play and is generally frowned
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,
PvP
What is PvP? PvP stands for “player versus player,” a type of gameplay in roleplaying games (RPGs) where players directly engage in combat or conflict against each other rather than facing computer-controlled opponents. This interaction can occur in various forms such as duels, battles, or competitive matches, depending on the game’s structure and rules. PvP
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
Permadeath
What is permadeath? Permadeath, short for “permanent death,” refers to a rule in roleplaying games where if a character dies, they are considered forever dead and cannot be used by the player anymore. In the event of permadeath, the player must create a new character to continue participating in the game. Permadeath emphasizes the stakes
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
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
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
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
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,
IC/OOC Crossover
What is IC/OOC crossover? IC/OOC crossover refers to the blending or inappropriate mixing of in-character (IC) and out-of-character (OOC) information, emotions, or actions in roleplaying games. This phenomenon can manifest in several ways, such as using knowledge acquired OOC for an IC advantage (metagaming), allowing real-life emotions to influence one’s character in ways that are
Collusion
What is collusion? Collusion in roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to the act of players secretly cooperating or conspiring outside the game’s normal communication channels, such as private messages or Discord DMs, to gain an unfair advantage within the game. This can include sharing privileged information, planning future in-game actions together, or manipulating game events to
Blackballing
What is blackballing in games? Blackballing is the act of social ostracization within the context of a roleplaying game, where one player deliberately damages the reputation of another. This is usually done to get other players to avoid contact with the maligned person or to treat them differently in character. It can occur in any
App
What is an app? In the context of roleplaying games, particularly in online formats such as MUDs, MUSHes, and play-by-post forums, app is short for “application” (not the software kind). It refers to a form or set of requirements that a player must fill out and submit for approval before they can participate in the
Antag RP
What does antag mean? Antag can mean antagonist, antagonism, or antagonistic. It refers to a style of roleplaying where a character takes on an opposing role or creates conflict for others. This can mean playing a villain, rival, or any kind of character whose goals and actions oppose those of other player characters. These roles