A Guide to Role Playing

Welcome to the Dungeon.

It’s a bit dark in here and rather cramped, but with lots of hidden corners and out of the way nooks. Possibly even a few bits of treasure.

If you are new to gaming, you are probably rather confused with all the information that’s been landing on you, rather like a character being dropped in a strange dungeon! Hang out though, and you’ll be finding your way in no time.

To help get you started, here is a brief glossary of common terms and phrases around the gaming table.

Basic Role Playing Slang

Gamer – someone who plays or runs role playing games

Player – person playing in a role playing game

Game master/Dungeon master – person running the game (try to stay on their good side!)

Die/Dice – random number generators, the role players best friend and worst enemy

Roll playing (derogatory) – gaming that doesn’t bother developing character, building story, or worrying about anything that doesn’t involve dice

System – the rules that govern the game

d(number) – way of referring to different dice, d10 = a ten sided dice, d20 = a twenty sided dice. Common dice include d4, d6, d8, d10, d12 and d20

d20 (system) – the most common role playing system, originially developed by Gary Gynax and friends for D&D

D&D – short hand for Dungeons and Dragons

Munchies – the snacks included in each game session, required for maintained blood sugar and attention span in late night marathons

In game – anything that happens in the world of game, frequently used as part of a question (Was that comment in game?)

Out of Game – anything that doesn’t happen in the game; especially interactions between player

Looking for more role playing terms?

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