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Message: <blockquote data-quote="RFisher" data-source="post: 3669312" data-attributes="member: 3608">I find a c. 1996 Fable and a c. 2004 Fable. (Which don't seem to be related.) Do I assume correctly that you are referencing the latter?Interesting. By that definition there are TRPGs that wouldn't count. Indeed, some of the most interesting one to me these days are those in which the rewards are other than increases to character stats.Prescriptivism may indeed be a form of elitism, but it is far from new in the world of definitions. (^_^) Yet, I am unsure that the "generally accepted" definition is what you think it is.I am wondering if the OED has anything on this. (Not because I feel it is an absolute authority on such issues. As I said, I'm much more interested in the differences between the games than in the differences in definitions. Simply because every discussion of definitions makes me wonder what the OED says.)For me, the key can be traced back (if what I've read can be believed) to Free Kriegspiel. A wargame in which the umpire was given free reign to decide the outcome of the actions of the players rather than having to consult a complex system of rules.This inspired a game called Strategos.This inspired Dave Wesely to create his Braunstein games.This inspired Dave Arneson to create his Blackmoor campaign and his notebook.This inspired Gary Gygax to create his Greyhawk campaign and Dungeons & Dragons.This inspried (directly or indirectly) nigh every game that has been called an RPG, whether we agree that all of them are "true RPGs" or not.(Although that lineage certainly leaves out some important influences, but it's the lineage that--for me--is key.)And--truth be told--I think someone like Law Shick--who actually investigated the history of the hobby--would be a better authority to provide a definition--if you're looking for an authority--than Gygax. No disrepect for Gary intended.And let us also keep in mind that Gary--as came out in his Q&A thread not so long ago--neither coined "role-playing game" nor knows who did. Not that I think that invalidates anyone's choice to back his definition--just that I need to nitpick. (^_^)Immaterial to the discussion of definition. Just because someone plays video games doesn't mean that they agree that CRPGs are "true RPGs".Those are RPGs. At least according to Rob Kuntz.I tend to think a rule to resolve disputes is necessary, but it can be as simple as "the GM makes the final decision" or "anyone at the table can veto anything" or "don't contradict what someone else has already said".(Hmm. Would I consider improvisational theatre a "true RPG"?)In fact, that pretty much sums up what my working definition of "RPG" has been recently: Let's pretend with a rule to resolve disputes.Though Kuntz will cite "GM rulings" by impartial adults from when he played "Cops & Robbers" as a kid.</blockquote>

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