Tabletop
Glossary terms related to tabletop games. While traditionally played in person, they can also be played at a “virtual” table using VOIP or text.
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S&S
What is S&S? S&S is short for “sword and sorcery.” It’s a subgenre of fantasy literature and gaming that features sword-wielding heroes engaging in violent, often personal adventures. The narratives typically focus on action-packed encounters, magic, and personal quests rather than the grand epic battles or political intricacies found in other genres, such as L&L.
Rollplaying
What is rollplaying? Rollplaying is a play style within roleplaying games (RPGs) where the focus is predominantly on the mechanics, such as dice rolls, character stats, and the strategic or tactical aspects of the game, rather than on narrative engagement or character development. This approach emphasizes the “game” aspect of RPGs, prioritizing success in combat
Railroading
What is railroading? Railroading in roleplaying games (RPGs) refers to when the game master (GM) constrains players’ choices, requiring them to follow a specific, predetermined path in the story. This method restricts player agency and freedom, two things considered central to the roleplaying experience. Although sometimes necessary to maintain narrative coherence or pace, railroading is
PvE
What is PvE? PvE stands for Player versus Environment. In text-based roleplaying games, it refers to scenarios where players interact with the game’s world and its non-player characters (NPCs), rather than competing against other players. The focus is on overcoming challenges presented by the game itself, like solving puzzles, battling monsters, or completing quests. PvE
Min-maxing
What is min-maxing? Min-maxing is a strategy used in roleplaying games (RPGs) where a player minimizes certain traits or skills that are deemed less important and maximizes others that are more beneficial to their game objectives. This is usually done to create a character that is exceptionally powerful in one or more specific areas, thereby
Tavern RP
What is tavern RP? Tavern RP (sometimes also called “tea house RP”) refers to a form of roleplaying that takes place in a casual, often social setting, typically mimicking the atmosphere of a medieval or fantasy tavern. It is a type of social RP where players gather in character to discuss events, share stories, or
PC
What is a PC in a roleplaying game? PC stands for “player character.” It’s a character in a roleplaying game controlled by a player, as opposed to an NPC (non-player character), which is controlled by the game master or the game itself. PCs are central to the game’s plot and are the avatars through which
NPC
What is an NPC? NPC stands for “non-player character.” It is a character in a roleplaying game that is not controlled by a player but by the game’s codebase, an administrator, or is written as part of the background or environment to enhance storytelling. NPCs are used to fulfill various roles such as quest givers,
GM
What is a GM? GM stands for “Game Master.” It’s a term used in roleplaying games (RPGs) to describe an individual who acts as the administrator, storyteller, and referee. The GM is responsible for creating the game world, guiding the narrative, and interpreting the rules. They facilitate the game for the players, making decisions that
DM
What is a DM? DM stands for “Dungeon Master,” a person who organizes, runs, and referees a roleplaying game (RPG). The DM guides players through the story and determines the results of their characters’ actions. In text-based online gaming, such as in chatrooms and MUDs, the DM is responsible for creating the narrative, controlling non-player