What is a Role Playing Game (RPG) ?
What is a Role Playing Game ?
Everybody has done some amount of role playing in their life, they
just called it something else. Playing cops and robbers or cowboys and
indians are just two of the many examples. Basically in a role playing
game you pretend to be someone else, this is the most surface level
of an RPG. In most gaming systems you have certain steps and procedures,
that determine the attributes of your character. Examples are strenght,
intellegence, beauty, charisma, etc... . These systems also have certain
character classes you can be. The most common ones are : Fighter/Warrior,
Wizard/Sorceror, Priest, Thief, and the list goes on. Each different system
has their own rules, classes, races, monsters and such. The best and easiest
way to learn how to play is to find an existing group and let them teach you
as you go along.
What is the goal of a RPG ?
One of the hardest thing for beginner to grasp is the goal of the game.
Although each system has tons of rules they are not what the game is
about. It is about being a hero, and acting out your character (hence
the name Role Playing game). And, yes ability scores and such do effect the
game,but you shouldn't be too concerned with them to the extent where you
won't play an average character. In most RPGs your character is placed in an
imaginary world to perform heroic tasks and battle the forces of evil. The style
in which theses goals are accomplished differ from group to group. Some like the
pure hack and slash fighting game, some prefer mystery and suspense, while others
like puzzles and riddles. A good game has all of these elements and lots of role playing.
To find out what style of player you are try to play with a couple of different
groups , or go to a gaming convention. The one man who is in control of the game is the DM
(Dungeon master) or GM (Game master). He is the person who enforces rules, makes the adventures,
plays the villains, and makes sure that everyone is having a good time and
is enjoying the game. And that is what RPGs are really about: getting together
with a group of friends, experiencing a fantastic adventure, and having an excellent time !
Well this is just a brief explanation, so if you have any questions, please E-mail me !
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