Role-playing - a brief introduction.

So what is role-playing you ask? Role-playing is an interactive form for gaming. It is used for educational or entertainment purposes, and differs fundamentally from other games as there is no winner. Instead, the players focus on enjoying the process of the game. A successful role-play session should flow smoothly with few interruptions and disagreements between players, and thus requires cooperation from all participants.

Traditionally, each player controls one or several main characters and often a few minor characters. While the player’s main character is created at the beginning of the session and, unless killed, is present through the entire game, minor characters are created as the players see it fit. Examples of such characters are merchants, henchmen, deceivers or helpers.

Various forms for role-playing require a game master. The game master is responsible for directing the storyline and creating a proper atmosphere, inform of the pre-set rules, create additional rules and make sure each player follows them.



Since the competition element is not very present in role-playing, many might wonder what the purpose of role-playing is. When this question arises, you may want to ask yourself why children get together and play with toys. The answer is: To socialize, gain excitement and most importantly – for fun.

Just like there is a difference between a professional football match and a football match between the children in your neighborhood, there is a difference between role-playing and arranging a tea-party for your dolls. Role-playing is not easy; there are rules to follow, and it takes effort and dedication to become a good role-player. Consequently, it is challenging.

The social aspect of role-playing gives you an opportunity to create and explore a character that is not you. As your character interacts with others, you have to be creative and decide how this character will respond in any situation. You base your decisions on the personality you have given the said character, so in other words, role-playing requires quick thinking and impulsive, yet logical actions.

Excitement is almost always present in role-playing, whether it is due to heated battles with your enemies, long, dramatic conversations or the joy of simply being a part of a special event. Because role-playing is a form for interactive story-telling, there will always be an element of tension in the game. However, many simply enjoy role-playing because they gain a feeling of control. You have full control over your character’s thoughts, emotions and behavior. If things go sour, you can quit any time, for after all, role-playing is just a hobby, not a lifestyle. You decide yourself how much time and effort you will dedicate to it.

Finally, role-playing, if done correctly, can be a great source to entertainment. As any other game, it’s simply fun. It may not be suited for everyone, but you won’t know until you try.



There are several main role-playing terms you will encounter on these boards and should therefore be aware of. This list explains the meaning of the most used terms:

RP : Abbreviation of role-play.

IC : In Character. The player speaks according to the character’s personality and vocabulary.

OoC : Out of Character. The player speaks with his or her own voice and not the voice of the character.

Power-gamer: A player who is set on playing a character without flaws or weaknesses.

Auto-hit: When a player describes an action in text-based combat and assumes the hit landed without letting the other player type a response. E.g. “[Character Name] lunges forward and drives his sword through [Enemy Character Name].”

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