What is an RPG?

RPG stands for Role Playing Game. TTRPG stands for Tabletop Role Playing Game, because it's a type of RPG you play on a table, maybe with pencils, some paper, and dice. Tabletop RPGs tend to be defined by rulebooks, just like how one can find rulebooks for Go Fish, Poker, and Monopoly.

RPGs are defined by several surface-level details. Generally, you control a single fictional character. That character generally has a set of numbers, called stats, that define the character's abilities. RPGs generally involve some kind of progression, meaning your character will slowly get stronger and acquire new things. As a result, RPGs tend to be some of the longest games to play and will often be broken up into multiple play sessions. In the case of tabletop RPGs, these sessions together form a single campaign which follows a single plot.

That's most of the dry, surface level definition. However, it doesn't actually explain what Role Playing actually is. What does it mean to play a role? Where does the plot come from?

Archsoul follows a common model of TTRPGs that was started by Dungeons and Dragons back in the 1970s and followed by almost every TTRPG since. This model involves a few players, usually 2-8, and one Game Master.

What is a player?

Each player has a character. These characters are like the characters in a book, except the book is being written around them. The players may dictate the actions of their characters, freely exploring the fictional world around them.

The results of a character's actions are determined by looking at that character's stats. This may involve rolling dice to add some randomness and excitement, too, meaning that there is always an element of risk involved in trying to climb a mountain or walk a tightrope. However, because the dice are influenced by your character's stats, some players may be better equipped to deal with certain challenges. This means that teamwork is very important - figuring out who is best suited for the situation and planning a way to give that character an edge are key.

So where do these situations come from? If there's no game board, how do I figure out where I can go?

What is a Game Master?

The Game Master, or GM for short, is another person at the gaming table, just like the players. Unlike the players, however, the GM doesn't control a character - the GM controls the entire fictional world.

This means that the GM's job is critical. Without the GM, there is no world to play in and no story to tell. It is the GM's job to plan out what the world will look like and act like, who will help the players' characters and who will hinder them, and how the story itself will unfold.

In practical terms, this means that every time a player wants their character to do something, the GM has to rule on what happens. If the player wants to buy food from a shop, the GM plays the role of shopkeeper and tells the character what is available. If the player wants to fight a monster, the GM plays the role of monster and mediates the fight with the character.

So, wait, what is role playing?

Did you catch the wording so far? The difference between characters and players? The key to role playing is removing that gap and embracing your character.

When you role play, you are no longer acting like your normal self. You're not a regular person at a regular table; when you role play, you can become the fantastical hero in a mythical land. You can experience all the immersion of a book or a movie, except that you can try whatever you want. You can feel your character's triumphs; overcome your character's struggles. When you role play, you experience the life of your character. That kind of experience can be powerful.

It doesn't have to be a game of dress up (but it can be!). it doesn't have to be a showcase of silly accents (but it can be!). What matters is that you get to have an impossible adventure. Make no mistake - once you get into the game, it's not just your character going on adventures - you're invited along for the ride.