Social
Glossary terms related to social media games. These are roleplaying games that are played via social media accounts, such as X.
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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
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
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.
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
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
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,
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
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
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,
Doxxing
What is doxxing in RPGs? Doxxing (also spelled “doxing”) is the malicious act of collecting and publishing private or identifying information about an individual on the internet without their permission. The term “doxxing” comes from a combination of the words “dropping” and “documents.” Personal information can include: The intent of revealing this information is often
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:
Crossover RP
What is crossover RP? Crossover RP, or crossover roleplay, is the practice of taking a character originally designed for one genre, universe, or setting and integrating them into a different one. This can involve characters from different books, movies, video games, or any other media crossing over into a world where they normally wouldn’t belong.
CC
What does CC mean in roleplaying games? CC, short for “canon character,” refers to a character that is already established within the game’s setting or universe. These characters are often derived from existing stories, lore, or media associated with the game. In text-based roleplaying, particularly in MUDs, MUSHes, and play-by-post games, players may have the
Canon
What does canon mean? Canon in the context of roleplaying games refers to the material accepted as officially part of the game’s universe or storyline. This includes established characters, events, settings, and lore that make up the world of the game. Canon provides a consistent framework within which players can create their own stories and
Alt
What is an alt? Alt is short for alternate character. An alt is a secondary or additional character. In many online rolpelaying games, players are allowed to have alts in addition to their main character. Unlike a player’s main character, an alt often explores different aspects of the game, such as storylines, skills, or perspectives.