Role-Playing Games - Revision history

Tgaitskell: /* Game mechanics */

2015-02-27T13:13:35Z

‎Game mechanics

Tgaitskell: /* Varieties */

2015-02-27T13:11:46Z

‎Varieties

Tgaitskell: /* Concept */

2015-02-27T10:59:34Z

‎Concept

Tgaitskell at 14:23, 25 February 2015

2015-02-25T14:23:40Z

Tgaitskell at 13:38, 22 February 2015

2015-02-22T13:38:54Z

Tgaitskell: /* Horror */ Fixed link

2015-02-22T12:03:40Z

‎Horror: Fixed link

Tgaitskell: /* Horror */

2015-02-22T12:03:16Z

‎Horror

Tgaitskell: /* Horror */ fixed link

2015-02-22T12:02:37Z

‎Horror: fixed link

Tgaitskell: /* Fantasy */

2015-02-15T13:08:29Z

‎Fantasy

Squashua at 17:06, 31 January 2006

2006-01-31T17:06:25Z

Show changes

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 == Game mechanics ==
-Despite their generally collaborative nature, role-playing games have rules.  Almost all role-playing games require the participation of a [[gamemaster]] (GM), who narrates the game session and acts as the moderator and rules arbitrator.  The rest of the participants create and play inhabitants of the game setting, known as [[player character]]s (PCs).  The player characters collectively are known as a "party".
+Despite their generally collaborative nature, role-playing games have rules.  Almost all role-playing games require the participation of a gamemaster (GM), who narrates the game session and acts as the moderator and rules arbitrator.  The rest of the participants create and play inhabitants of the game setting, known as [[Player character|player character]]s (PCs).  The player characters collectively are known as a "party".
-During a typical game session, the gamemaster will outline a story goal for the players to achieve through the actions of their characters.  Frequently, this involves interacting with [[non-player character]]s, other denizens of the game world, which are played by the gamemaster.  Many game sessions contain moments of puzzle solving, negotiation, chases, and combat.
+During a typical game session, the gamemaster will outline a story goal for the players to achieve through the actions of their characters.  Frequently, this involves interacting with non-player characters (NPC's), other denizens of the game world, which are played by the gamemaster.  Many game sessions contain moments of puzzle solving, negotiation, chases, and combat.
-To determine the success or failure of a character's actions, many game systems use weighted [[statistics]] and [[dice]] rolls.  In most systems, the gamemaster uses the rules to determine a target number.  The player rolls dice, trying to get a result either more than or less than the target number, depending on the game system.
+To determine the success or failure of a character's actions, many game systems use weighted statistics and dice rolls.  In most systems, the gamemaster uses the rules to determine a target number.  The player rolls dice, trying to get a result either more than or less than the target number, depending on the game system.
 === Character creation ===
-Characters have unequal distributions of basic talents and skills.  These shape the character's choices and capabilities within the game. Game rules are usually [[Game balance|balanced]] so that no individual character can excel in every area.
+Characters have unequal distributions of basic talents and skills.  These shape the character's choices and capabilities within the game. Game rules are usually balanced so that no individual character can excel in every area.
-Before play begins, players develop a concept of the role they would like to play in the game.  They then use the game system's character creation rules to form a representation of their characters, in terms of game mechanics.  The character's statistics are recorded on a special-purpose form called a [[character sheet]]. Some systems, like the [[d20 System]], use [[character class]]es to define character concepts, while others, such as [[GURPS]], allow the player to create unique character concepts by freely assigning statistics.
+Before play begins, players develop a concept of the role they would like to play in the game.  They then use the game system's character creation rules to form a representation of their characters, in terms of game mechanics.  The character's statistics are recorded on a special-purpose form called a character sheet. Some systems, like the d20 System, use character classes to define character concepts, while others, such as GURPS, allow the player to create unique character concepts by freely assigning statistics.
 Many game systems make distinctions between two key types of statistic: attributes and skills. Attributes are statistics all characters possess: strength, agility, and intelligence are common examples.  These are ranked, often on a numeric scale, so that a player can gauge the character's capabilities.  For example, a character's strength rating could be used to determine the likelihood that the character can lift a certain weight.
-Skills are abilities that only some characters possess, such as negotiation, horseback riding, and marksmanship. Game systems often define skills that are genre-appropriate.  For example, Asian adventures commonly emphasize [[martial arts]].  Fantasy settings include simulated [[Magic (gaming)|magic]].  Science-fiction settings may contain [[psionics]].  However, some skills are found in several genres: a medieval rogue and a Wild West outlaw may both be very proficient at throwing knives.
+Skills are abilities that only some characters possess, such as negotiation, horseback riding, and marksmanship. Game systems often define skills that are genre-appropriate.  For example, Asian adventures commonly emphasize martial arts.  Fantasy settings include simulated magic.  Science-fiction settings may contain psionics.  However, some skills are found in several genres: a medieval rogue and a Wild West outlaw may both be very proficient at throwing knives.
 Game mechanics are not a substitute for a character concept.  For example, one Wild West gunfighter may become a quick drawing revolver marksman, whereas another with similar game statistics is a mounted rifle expert.

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 == Varieties ==
-The original form of role-playing game was the [[fantasy wargame]], inspired by [[sword and sorcery]] fiction and utilizing miniature figurines and scaled terrain grids to illustrate action in a way similar to that of tactical [[wargame]]s.  Whether or not these supplementary materials are still used, this variety of table-top interaction remains a dominant model for role-playing. Participants usually sit around a table and conduct the game as a small social gathering.  Tabletop games that emphasize plot and character interaction over game mechanics and combat sometimes prefer the name [[storytelling game]].
+The original form of role-playing game was the fantasy wargame, inspired by sword and sorcery fiction and utilizing miniature figurines and scaled terrain grids to illustrate action in a way similar to that of tactical wargames.  Whether or not these supplementary materials are still used, this variety of table-top interaction remains a dominant model for role-playing. Participants usually sit around a table and conduct the game as a small social gathering.  Tabletop games that emphasize plot and character interaction over game mechanics and combat sometimes prefer the name storytelling game.
-A [[Live action role-playing game|LARP]], short for live action role-playing, is played more like [[improvisational theatre]].  Participants act out their characters' actions, often in costume.  LARPs de-emphasize die rolls and rulebook references.  [[Freeform role-playing game|Freeform role-playing games]] are a subgenre of LARP with minimal rules and a greater focus on character development.
+A LARP, short for live action role-playing, is played more like improvisational theatre.  Participants act out their characters' actions, often in costume.  LARPs de-emphasize die rolls and rulebook references.  Freeform role-playing games are a subgenre of LARP with minimal rules and a greater focus on character development.
-[[Computer role-playing game]]s are a genre within the [[console game]] and [[computer and video games|computer game]] markets.  They develop character and plot more than other computer games, and implement game mechanics derived from tabletop RPGs.  CRPGs can be [[single player]] or [[multiplayer]], often utilizing networks to allow players to participate with separate computers or consoles, either at remote locations or on a [[local area network]] (see [[LAN party]]).
+Computer role-playing games are a genre within the console game and computer game markets.  They develop character and plot more than other computer games, and implement game mechanics derived from tabletop RPGs.  CRPGs can be single player or multiplayer, often utilizing networks to allow players to participate with separate computers or consoles, either at remote locations or on a local area network.
-Internet role-playing games range from graphical games such as ''[[EverQuest]]'' to grass roots text based games.  For a fuller discussion see [[Internet games]] or the articles [[MMORPG]], [[MUD]], [[MUSH]], [[Play-by-mail game|PBEM]], [[play-by-post gaming]], and [[online text based role playing game]].
+Computer-assisted role-playing games blend elements of tabletop gaming with computer gaming.  Computers are used for recordkeeping and sometimes to resolve combat, while the participants generally make decisions concerning character interaction.
-[[Computer-assisted gaming|Computer-assisted role-playing games]] blend elements of tabletop gaming with computer gaming.  Computers are used for recordkeeping and sometimes to resolve combat, while the participants generally make decisions concerning character interaction.
+Some players consider Collectible card games to be a kind of role-playing game.  This categorization is a matter of dispute within the gaming community.
 == Game mechanics ==

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 == Concept ==
-At their core, role-playing games are a form of interactive and collaborative [[storytelling]].  Simple forms of role-playing exist in traditional children's games such as "cops and robbers," "dogs and mailmen," "cowboys and indians," and "playing house."  Mature role-playing games are more sophisticated.  Unlike the childhood game of "cowboys and indians" for example, participants in a [[Wild West]] role-playing game will generate specific, detailed characters and an involved plot.  Their goal is to reproduce the themes and enjoyment of a [[Western film]] or a [[Western fiction|Western novel]].  Like the [[serial]] Westerns of old movie matinees, such episodic games are often played in regular sessions that continue for months or even years.
+At their core, role-playing games are a form of interactive and collaborative storytelling.  Simple forms of role-playing exist in traditional children's games such as "cops and robbers," "dogs and mailmen," "cowboys and indians," and "playing house."  Mature role-playing games are more sophisticated.  Unlike the childhood game of "cowboys and indians" for example, participants in a Wild West role-playing game will generate specific, detailed [[Player Character|characters]] and an involved plot.  Their goal is to reproduce the themes and enjoyment of a Western film or a Western novel.  Like the serial Westerns of old movie matinees, such episodic games are often played in regular sessions that continue for months or even years.
 == Varieties ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 25 February 2015
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−	~~:''This article is about role-playing games as entertainment. See [[computer role-playing game]]s for their digital counterparts or [[roleplay]] for a more general definition.''~~
−
	A '''role-playing game''' ('''RPG''') is a type of game in which players assume the roles of characters and collaboratively create narratives. Gameplay progresses according to a predetermined system of rules and guidelines, within which players may improvise freely. Player choices shape the direction and outcome of role-playing games.		A '''role-playing game''' ('''RPG''') is a type of game in which players assume the roles of characters and collaboratively create narratives. Gameplay progresses according to a predetermined system of rules and guidelines, within which players may improvise freely. Player choices shape the direction and outcome of role-playing games.

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 :''This article is about role-playing games as entertainment. See [[computer role-playing game]]s for their digital counterparts or [[roleplay]] for a more general definition.''
-{{RPG}}
+A '''role-playing game''' ('''RPG''') is a type of game in which players assume the roles of characters and collaboratively create narratives. Gameplay progresses according to a predetermined system of rules and guidelines, within which players may improvise freely. Player choices shape the direction and outcome of role-playing games.
-Role-playing games are typically more collaborative and social than competitive. A typical role-playing game unites its participants into a single team that adventures as a group. A role-playing game rarely has winners or losers. This makes role-playing games fundamentally different from [[board games]], [[card games]], [[sports]] and most other types of games. Like [[novel]]s or [[film]]s, role-playing games appeal because they engage the imagination.
+Role-playing games are typically more collaborative and social than competitive. A typical role-playing game unites its participants into a single team that adventures as a group. A role-playing game rarely has winners or losers. This makes role-playing games fundamentally different from board games, card games, sports and most other types of games. Like novels or films, role-playing games appeal because they engage the imagination.
 == Concept ==
 At their core, role-playing games are a form of interactive and collaborative [[storytelling]].  Simple forms of role-playing exist in traditional children's games such as "cops and robbers," "dogs and mailmen," "cowboys and indians," and "playing house."  Mature role-playing games are more sophisticated.  Unlike the childhood game of "cowboys and indians" for example, participants in a [[Wild West]] role-playing game will generate specific, detailed characters and an involved plot.  Their goal is to reproduce the themes and enjoyment of a [[Western film]] or a [[Western fiction|Western novel]].  Like the [[serial]] Westerns of old movie matinees, such episodic games are often played in regular sessions that continue for months or even years.

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 ===Horror===
 '''Horror''' games take their inspiration from [[horror fiction|horror literature]]. Horror Roleplaying can be divided into two major groups. The first is inspired by the works of [[H. P. Lovecraft]], focusing on humanity's fight against malevolent, extra-dimensional entities. The second focuses on playing supernatural creatures, mostly preying on humanity, such as the books of [[Anne Rice]]. The setting in these games is often contemporary or from the 19th or 20th century. Creating the correct mood and suspense is important in these games.
-* '''Prominent titles''': [[Call of Cthulhu (RPG|Call of Cthulhu]], [[Kult]], [[World of Darkness]]
+* '''Prominent titles''': [[Call of Cthulhu (RPG)|Call of Cthulhu]], [[Kult]], [[World of Darkness]]
 ===Comic Book superhero===

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 ===Fantasy===
 '''Fantasy role-playing''' games draw their inspiration almost exclusively from [[fantasy literature]], such as the works of [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]. The setting in these games is usually a world with a level of technology similar to that in [[Europe]] sometime between years 800-1400. Fantasy elements include [[magic (gaming)|magic]] and supernatural creatures, such as [[dragon]]s. The genre can be subdivided into [[high fantasy]] where supernatural events are commonplace, and [[low fantasy]] where there are little or no supernatural aspects.  Because the world's most popular role-playing game is part of this genre, it is the most played role-playing genre.  RPGs are sometimes collectivelly called "Fantasy role-playing games" ("FRP").
-* '''Prominent titles''': [[Dungeons & Dragons]], [[Exalted]], [[Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game]], [[RuneQuest]], [[Legend of the Five Rings]]
+* '''Prominent titles''': [[Dungeons and Dragons]], [[Exalted]], [[Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game]], [[RuneQuest]], [[Legend of the Five Rings]]
 ===Science Fiction===