What is D&D? Or an RPG?

[Morrus]

A recent question from a new member mde me think about a newcomer who stumbles across EN World, is vaguely interested in RPGs, but doesn't really know what it's all about.

So, perhaps we should have an intro article up. Something which tells you what RPGs are, lists a few of the most popular... y'know, a general intro.

Any ideas? What should it say? Anyone wanna stick an intro post in this thread that I can use?

 

[Loonook]

A recent question from a new member mde me think about a newcomer who stumbles across EN World, is vaguely interested in RPGs, but doesn't really know what it's all about.

So, perhaps we should have an intro article up. Something which tells you what RPGs are, lists a few of the most popular... y'know, a general intro.

Any ideas? What should it say? Anyone wanna stick an intro post in this thread that I can use?

Roleplaying Games are places where you can be anything, anyone, in anyplace! But... We really should delineate some of the available resources and a discussion of the rules spectrum (from rulesless roleplaying like a Murder Mystery) to rules heavy games, and help the player to find their play style and type.

Slainte,

-Loonook.

 

[Ramen]

I like the explanation I read in one of my rpgs role playing games are lets pretend with rules so you don't get into arguments over whether you where shot or not.

Sent from tapatalk

 

[groklynn]

roleplaying is a way to emulate alternative reality with some level of discretization with a help of at least one extra human being.

tabletop roleplaying - is a roleplaying game where discretization of a world achieved by dice rolls, cards, numerical progressions and turn-based competitions in difficult situations.

d&d is a tabletop roleplaying game based on a cliches of fantasy literature of all times and some additional content provided by WotC at the moment.

Sincerely yours, captain not-so-obvious

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

At it's simplest, a roleplaying game is collaborative storytelling, where rules and a resolution mechanic (e.g., dice) are added to keep the story universe consistent.

Or ... killing things and taking their stuff !1!!1!

 

[amerigoV]

Have you ever wanted to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women? Well, now is your chance. All you need is a few friends a bunch of funny dice.

 

[howandwhy99]

RPGs have historically been reality puzzles like situational puzzles, but on the scale of a multiverse explored from the perspective of a person. They are becoming more and more traditional group narrations in design and play, but still retain the character perspective more than any other.

 

[jonesy]

What's wrong with Wikipedia? Specifically:
Tabletop role-playing game - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RPGs have historically been reality puzzles like situational puzzles, but on the scale of a multiverse explored from the perspective of a person. They are becoming more and more traditional group narrations in design and play, but still retain the character perspective more than any other.

Really? You'd tell a new player that? He'd be running the other way before you'd even get to the last sentence.

 

[Barnabas]

Definitely add how and where to begin or join games. I'm a novice who only recently began to play, and I spent about two years having no idea how to start playing before I finally got around to reminding my brother to DM a game for our friends. I was completely overwhelmed. How do you join a store game? How do you host a game? Should you play with other beginners?

 

[delericho]

I like Jeff Rients' definition: "You play Conan, I play Gandalf. We team up to fight Dracula."