Definition of roleplaying... Help!

[Henry]

http://www.theescapist.com/faq.htm

Our forum member Doc Awkward put that together, and you could look through the definition he gives (already short and sweet) to make your own short and sweet definition.

 

[hexgrid]

I'll bet she's familiar with the concept of computer based role-playing games...

Tell her table top RPGs are based on the same idea (controlling the actions of an imaginary character) but with another "player" filling the role of the computer.

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I apologize in advance to anyone offended by this comparison.

 

[Steverooo]

Basically, Roleplaying is acting, or a grown-up version of the "Let's Pretend" that we all played as a child. Just as an actor or actress plays a role in a film or play, RPers are portraying a character, which leads us to the next question...

Ever seen some "B" Horror flick where, on a dark and stormy night, when the lights suddenly go out, the protagonist says "I'll go check the fuse box in the basement!"? Oh come on, now! We all know that the monster is down there, and that the protagonist's life expectancy is about six seconds!

Ever laughed at the poor sap, and thought how, "If I were him, I'd go get the shotgun and flashlight from the den, first, and when that critter jumped out, I'd blow his fool head off!" Ever watched a movie where Arnold missed an obvious clue, and thought how you could shorten the manhunt by 48 minutes? Ever wanted to meet a Dragon, be an Elf, sail across a sea of stars, or visit a world where the impossible is a daily occurrence?

So have we; that's why we're here. Just choose the appropriate role...

 

[Darmanicus]

Each time I try and explain things, I get all tongue tied, confused and start blathering.

Nah that's just every time you open yer mouth!

Help would be most appreciated!

Well we tried commiting you but you got out!

 

[Darmanicus]

FWIW, she's my girlfriend - of about 6 weeks now...

It's amazing what you can get on Ebay these days!

 

[was]

I think that it is a combination of acting and improvisation.

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

Thanks very much. Definitely some good thinking here!

Trying to order my thoughts at the moment. Will get there soon!


The CRPG angle isn't a bad idea, but she's not a computer game player at all - just internet and IRC...

Thanee - good LoTR angle - some of her favorite films, so a great starting point!

Do like Dr Awkwards site there - nice definition, although probably a little less focus on the type of dice for me!

It's amazing what you can get on Ebay these days!

Bah! Enough heckling from the cheap seats already.

If you try to explain the roleplaying part you will sit there for the next 3 hours...and perhaps scare away that person because he/she will start to think you're one heck of a maniac.

That's what was getting me. I'd start trying to explain stuff and it'd all get rather long winded... She's not the type to scare easily, which is definitely a plus.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Do you have a regular group? Get them to play some afternoon and have her come for the last hour or so and see what it is all about before you take her out on a date. Especially if your group is made up of your friends, then she can meet your friends and see what the game is all about.

Of course depending upon your group, that may not be the best idea...

 

[Thanee]

Here's another phrase, which might work well:

When you read a novel or watch a movie, did you ever think about how it would be like, if you were one of the characters in that novel/movie? Did you ever wonder, what you would have done in his/her place? Roleplaying games work like that. You take on the role of one such character and you decide what this character will do in the story. And the story than unfolds based on the result of your decisions.

Bye
Thanee

 

[swrushing]

I usually describe it simply as dramatic improv, since most people are familiar enough with comedic improv from the various tv shows.

then if they show enough interest we get into details.

once or twice, working one-on-one i got into a quick no rules rpg scene with her using one of her fav tv charcters and the notion of "ok imagine you are playing ..."