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| gameinfo:definitions [2022/04/27 10:08] – [“OSR”] restless | gameinfo:definitions [2025/06/05 15:29] (current) – [Rules lawyer] restless |
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| | FIXME |
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| | I probably want to go through these entries and clean them up some, and on a couple make them a bit less... judgmental? |
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| ====== Definitions of terms ====== | ====== Definitions of terms ====== |
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| ===== B ===== | ===== B ===== |
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| | {{anchor:bfrpg}} |
| | {{anchor:basic_fantasy_rpg}} |
| ==== Basic Fantasy Roleplaying Game ==== | ==== Basic Fantasy Roleplaying Game ==== |
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| [[http://basicfantasy.org|Basic Fantasy Roleplaying Game]] (or BFRPG, for short), is a fantasy roleplaying game that is reminiscent of the weird mishmash games we used to play back in the '80s, taking our [[#red_box_d_d|B/X]] rules and mixing in bits from AD&D liberally. It's the ruleset that we'll be using for this game. | [[http://basicfantasy.org|Basic Fantasy Roleplaying Game]] (or BFRPG, for short), is a fantasy roleplaying game that is reminiscent of the weird mishmash games we used to play back in the '80s, taking our [[dict>red_box_d_d|B/X]] rules and mixing in bits from AD&D liberally. It's the ruleset that we'll be using for this game. |
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| I like it because it feels like [[#old-school_gaming|old-school]] D&D, it's easy to run and houserule, it works pretty much seamlessly with old-school material and it doesn't hurt that it's free. It doesn't have [[#race-as-class]], which some people like; also, it has ascending armor class, which is easier for some people to wrap their heads around. | I like it because it feels like [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school]] D&D, it's easy to run and houserule, it works pretty much seamlessly with old-school material and it doesn't hurt that it's free. It doesn't have [[dict>race-as-class]], which some people like; also, it has ascending armor class, which is easier for some people to wrap their heads around. |
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| ===== C ===== | ===== C ===== |
| A campaign is typically series of interrelated adventures that form the basis of a story line or story arc (intentional or not). | A campaign is typically series of interrelated adventures that form the basis of a story line or story arc (intentional or not). |
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| Since this campaign is a [[#sandbox]], the stories are interrelated in the sense that they take place in the same setting and often with some of the same characters. While there are story lines that are happening that players may choose for their characters to become involved in there are no [[#railroad|rails]] that the players must follow to continue the story. | Since this campaign is a [[dict>sandbox]], the stories are interrelated in the sense that they take place in the same setting and often with some of the same characters. While there are story lines that are happening that players may choose for their characters to become involved in there are no [[dict>railroad|rails]] that the players must follow to continue the story. |
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| [[#image_credits|{{ :meta:catpissman.png?nolink&120|Cat Piss Man, and his attendant bugs}}]] | {{ :meta:catpissman.png?direct&120|Cat Piss Man, and his attendant bugs}} |
| ==== Cat piss man ==== | ==== Cat piss man ==== |
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| Cat Piss Man is a [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that is the worst specimen among gamers (or anime fans, Trekkies or any other category of fandom). Named for the odor that surrounds him, the only thing worse than Cat Piss Man's smell is his social skills.((Lifted more or less wholesale from [[ud>Cat Piss Man|Urban Dictionary]].)) | Cat Piss Man is a [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that is the worst specimen among gamers (or anime fans, Trekkies or any other category of fandom). Named for the odor that surrounds him, the only thing worse than Cat Piss Man's smell is his social skills.((Lifted more or less wholesale from [[ud>Cat Piss Man|Urban Dictionary]].)) |
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| Unfortunately, a lot of people picture this guy when RPGs are mentioned. | Unfortunately, a lot of people picture this guy when RPGs are mentioned. |
| ==== Classic D&D ==== | ==== Classic D&D ==== |
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| Classic D&D can encompass various games; it definitely includes the original D&D boxed set (also known as OD&D), and typically includes both the Holmes //Basic D&D// set and [[#red_box_d_d|Moldvay B/X D&D]]. Basically, early forms of (boxed-set) D&D. | Classic D&D can encompass various games; it definitely includes the original D&D boxed set (also known as OD&D), and typically includes both the Holmes //Basic D&D// set and [[dict>red_box_d_d|Moldvay B/X D&D]]. Basically, early forms of (boxed-set) D&D. |
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| Depending on who you talk to, it may also include the first edition of //Advanced Dungeons & Dragons// (since, in many ways, it was basically OD&D with the original supplements and then some, and was published starting in the mid-to-late 1970s), and also could go so far as to include BECMI or //Rules Companion// D&D. Essentially, apart from small details, they are interchangeable and are often mashed up together into a frankengame that is still recognizable D&D. | Depending on who you talk to, it may also include the first edition of //Advanced Dungeons & Dragons// (since, in many ways, it was basically OD&D with the original supplements and then some, and was published starting in the mid-to-late 1970s), and also could go so far as to include BECMI or //Rules Companion// D&D. Essentially, apart from small details, they are interchangeable and are often mashed up together into a frankengame that is still recognizable D&D. |
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| This also tends to include some [[#retro-clone|retro-clone]] games that such as //OSRIC//, //Basic Fantasy RPG//, //Labyrinth Lord// and //Old School Essentials// that use most of the mechanics and capture the feel of Classic D&D. | This also tends to include some [[dict>retro-clone|retro-clone]] games that such as //OSRIC//, //[[dict>bfrpg|Basic Fantasy RPG]]//, //Labyrinth Lord// and //Old School Essentials// that use most of the mechanics and capture the feel of Classic D&D. |
| ==== Crunch ==== | ==== Crunch ==== |
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| The mechanical elements of a roleplaying game. The rules, especially the ones that aren't core to the game. Contrast with [[#fluff|fluff]]. | The mechanical elements of a roleplaying game. The rules, especially the ones that aren't core to the game. Contrast with [[dict>fluff|fluff]]. |
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| ==== Dissociated mechanics ==== | ==== Dissociated mechanics ==== |
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| Dissociated mechanics are the crazy-quilt, layer-upon layer of varying resolution rules for every subsystem of [[#old-school_gaming|old-school]] role playing games. One thing uses a pile of d6s, thief skill use percentile dice, saving throws and attacks use a d20, another check uses 2d6 plus modifiers... every one a little different and has different rules for modifiers. Sometimes there's a rule for something that is well-defined, but in a given spell, monster or adventure locale description there's an entirely different mechanic specified //just// for that situation. | Dissociated mechanics are the crazy-quilt, layer-upon-layer of varying resolution rules for every subsystem of [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school]] role playing games. One thing uses a pile of d6s, thief skill use percentile dice, saving throws and attacks use a d20, another check uses 2d6 plus modifiers... every one a little different and has different rules for modifiers. Sometimes there's a rule for something that is well-defined, but in a given spell, monster or adventure locale description there's an entirely different mechanic specified //just// for that situation. |
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| Dissociated mechanics drive some gamers mad. I //love// 'em. | Dissociated mechanics drive some gamers mad. I //love// 'em. |
| ==== DM Fiat ==== | ==== DM Fiat ==== |
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| Another way of describing [[#rule_zero|rule zero]]. | Another way of describing [[dict>rule_zero|rule zero]]. |
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| ==== Dungeon Master ==== | ==== Dungeon Master ==== |
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| In [[#classic_d_d|classic D&D]] the player who is the referee of the game, and may be the chief narrator or storyteller of the game (in a sense). Other games have many names for this role, the generic name being [[#game_master|game master]]. | In [[dict>classic_d_d|classic D&D]] the player who is the referee of the game, and may be the chief narrator or storyteller of the game (in a sense). Other games have many other names for this role, the generic name being [[dict>game_master|game master]]. |
| ===== F ===== | ===== F ===== |
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| ==== Fluff ==== | ==== Fluff ==== |
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| The non-mechanical elements of a roleplaying game. Typically, the setting and background material. Compare to [[#crunch|crunch]]. | The non-mechanical elements of a roleplaying game. Typically, the setting and background material. Compare to [[dict>crunch|crunch]]. |
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| ==== Forever DM ==== | ==== Forever DM ==== |
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| The roleplaying version of "always a bridesmaid, never a bride." The person who is always running games for friends, rarely getting to play. | The roleplaying version of "always a bridesmaid, never a bride." The person who is always [[dict>dungeon_master|running games]] for friends, rarely getting to play. |
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| Some people prefer this (like me!). | Some people prefer this (like me!). |
| ==== Game Master ==== | ==== Game Master ==== |
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| See [[#dungeon_master|Dungeon Master]]. | A more generic, genre-neutral term for a [[dict>dungeon_master|Dungeon Master]]. |
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| {{ :meta:GrognardMotivationalPoster.jpg?direct&200|I probably *do* have dice older than you if you're not in your forties or older}} | {{ :meta:GrognardMotivationalPoster.jpg?direct&200|I probably *do* have dice older than you if you're not in your forties or older}} |
| ==== Grognard ==== | ==== Grognard ==== |
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| Grognard is actually French for "old soldier," but it's become a term in roleplaying by way of wargames. Essentially, it's someone who likes to play the [[#old-school_gaming|older games]] and/or been playing for a long time. | Grognard is actually French for "old soldier," but it's become a term in roleplaying by way of wargames. Essentially, it's someone who likes to play the [[dict>old-school_gaming|older games]] and/or been playing for a long time. |
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| To some (like me), it's a badge of honor. To some, it's a derisive term. | To some (like me), it's a badge of honor. To some, it's a derisive term. |
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| {{ :meta:hexcrawl.jpg?direct&300|Gotta love those humongous maps!}} | {{ :meta:hexcrawl.jpg?direct&300|Gotta love those humongous maps!}} |
| A hexcrawl is typically overland adventuring where encounters are defined at one or two per hex or alternately a very detailed hex may be broken down into several smaller hexes on a separate map for more detail. They are typically (but not necessarily!) part of a [[#sandbox|sandbox]] campaign, although not all hexcrawls are sandboxes. | A hexcrawl is typically overland adventuring where encounters are defined at one or two per hex or alternately a very detailed hex may be broken down into several smaller hexes on a separate map for more detail. They are typically (but not necessarily!) part of a [[dict>sandbox|sandbox]] campaign, although not all hexcrawls are sandboxes. |
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| In this sense, a hexcrawl begins to resemble a dungeon crawl, and a very large (continent- or world-spanning) hexcrawl may resemble a [[#megadungeon|megadungeon]] in that there may be tracts that are empty but there are still encounters, "factions" may be local leaders or monsters or monster groups that can control a region, etc. | In this sense, a hexcrawl begins to resemble a dungeon crawl, and a very large (continent- or world-spanning) hexcrawl may resemble a [[dict>megadungeon|megadungeon]] in that there may be tracts that are empty but there are still encounters, "factions" may be local leaders or monsters or monster groups that can control a region, etc. |
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| ==== House rules ==== | ==== House rules ==== |
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| A modification of [[#rules-as-written|rules-as-written]] that becomes a permanent feature of a group's playing rules. Essentially, a modification that a group plays by that gives their game some local flavor or reflects the group's playstyle. | A modification of [[dict>rules-as-written|rules-as-written]] that becomes a permanent feature of a group's playing rules. Essentially, a modification that a group plays by that gives their game some local flavor or reflects the group's playstyle. You can find a compilation of the [[:rules:part_6_house_rules|house rules]] [[:rules:|here]]. |
| ===== K ===== | ===== K ===== |
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| {{ :meta:rocksfall.png?nolink&120|Rocks fall, everyone dies... a classic, and a touch more verisimilitude than the old "bolts of lightning from the sky!"}} | {{ :meta:rocksfall.png?direct&120|Rocks fall, everyone dies... a classic, and a touch more verisimilitude than the old "bolts of lightning from the sky!"}} |
| ==== Killer DM ==== | ==== Killer DM ==== |
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| The kind of DM that makes players understand the character generations rules exceeding well through the sheer repetition of rolling up replacement characters. Success is never found or fleeting at best under a killer DM, and death is frequent and arbitrary((Note that this is different than death //seeming// arbitrary)), and likely the reason many players are afraid of [[#old-school_gaming|old-school games]] and [[#dm_fiat|DM fiat]]. This is likely the result of a [[#munchkin|munchkin]] or [[#stereotypes_gamer|other bad player]] becoming a DM. | The kind of [[dict>dungeon_master|DM]] that makes players understand the character generations rules exceeding well through the sheer repetition of rolling up replacement characters. Success is never found or fleeting at best under a killer DM, and death is frequent and arbitrary((Note that this is different than death //seeming// arbitrary)), and likely the reason many players are afraid of [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school games]] and [[dict>dm_fiat|DM fiat]]. This is likely the result of a [[dict>munchkin|munchkin]] or [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|other bad player]] becoming a DM. |
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| ==== Know-it-all ==== | ==== Know-it-all ==== |
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| {{:meta:knowitall.gif?nolink&225 |Yeah, they're kind of like that.}}A [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that, well, knows everything... or claims he does. He's a member of the SCA so he knows you can sleep comfortably in plate armor during the height of summer and do handstands in it as well. He's probably also a demolitions expert so that he can speak to the sort of effects that a **Fireball** spell would really have. The same guy is a co-founder of Locksport International so he knows exactly what his chances of picking that chest's lock should be and would always find the poisoned needle trap. He has played (or implies he secretly helped design) every game in existence so he knows how these things should work better than you do. This guy has even baked Dwarven waybread (from a recipe that he got from real Dwarves!). | {{:meta:knowitall.gif?direct&225 |Yeah, they're kind of like that.}}A [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that, well, knows everything... or claims he does. He's a member of the SCA so he knows you can sleep comfortably in plate armor during the height of summer and do handstands in it as well. He's probably also a demolitions expert so that he can speak to the sort of effects that a **Fireball** spell would really have. The same guy is a co-founder of Locksport International so he knows exactly what his chances of picking that chest's lock should be and would always find the poisoned needle trap. He has played (or implies he secretly helped design) every game in existence so he knows how these things should work better than you do. This guy has even baked Dwarven waybread (from a recipe that he got from real Dwarves!). |
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| While the [[#rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]] sees the letter of the rules being some sort of laws of physics for the game, the know-it-all will be discontent if one thing goes against his sense of how it should be from his perfect, all-encompassing experience. He makes others who just want to get on with playing the game want to gouge their eyes out. | While the [[dict>rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]] sees the letter of the rules being some sort of laws of physics for the game, the know-it-all will be discontent if one thing goes against his sense of how it should be from his perfect, all-encompassing experience. He makes others who just want to get on with playing the game want to gouge their eyes out. |
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| - Typically they are nonlinear, in that there are many paths to accomplish a goal. Whereas some dungeons may require players to go through several specific encounters or scenes to meet a goal, there may be many physical and logical paths to accomplish something in a megadungeon. (Also, the author of the megadungeon may have built out a potential goal without a method of resolution in mind, hoping that creative players will fill that in for him.) | - Typically they are nonlinear, in that there are many paths to accomplish a goal. Whereas some dungeons may require players to go through several specific encounters or scenes to meet a goal, there may be many physical and logical paths to accomplish something in a megadungeon. (Also, the author of the megadungeon may have built out a potential goal without a method of resolution in mind, hoping that creative players will fill that in for him.) |
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| Examples of well-known megadungeons would be the original [[http://www.greyhawkonline.com/grodog/gh_castle.html|Castle Greyhawk]], Castles [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackmoor#First_Fantasy_Campaign|Blackmoor]] and [[http://piedpiperpublishing.yuku.com/forums/22|El Raja Key]], the [[#saturday_night_special|Tékumel Underworld]], [[http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/search/label/Stonehell|Stonehell]], [[http://necromancergames.yuku.com/forums/27|Rappan Athuk]] and [[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/dwimmermount|Dwimmermount]]. More are being created all the time. | Examples of well-known megadungeons would be the original [[http://www.greyhawkonline.com/grodog/gh_castle.html|Castle Greyhawk]], Castles [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackmoor#First_Fantasy_Campaign|Blackmoor]] and [[http://piedpiperpublishing.yuku.com/forums/22|El Raja Key]], the [[dict>saturday_night_special|Tékumel Underworld]], [[http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/search/label/Stonehell|Stonehell]], [[http://necromancergames.yuku.com/forums/27|Rappan Athuk]] and [[http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/autarch/dwimmermount|Dwimmermount]]. More are being created all the time. |
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| If you're interested in megadungeons, there's a lot of resources available. A really good place to read up is [[http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=28|at this forum]] on [[http://knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/|Knights 'n' Knaves Alehouse]], or [[https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=127|this forum]] on [[https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/|Dragonsfoot]]. Also, [[https://web.archive.org/web/20140702081814/http://www.megadungeons.com/|check out the archive of megadungeons.com]]. | If you're interested in megadungeons, there's a lot of resources available. A really good place to read up is [[http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=28|at this forum]] on [[http://knights-n-knaves.com/phpbb3/|Knights 'n' Knaves Alehouse]], or [[https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=127|this forum]] on [[https://www.dragonsfoot.org/forums/|Dragonsfoot]]. Also, [[https://web.archive.org/web/20140702081814/http://www.megadungeons.com/|check out the archive of megadungeons.com]]. |
| ==== Min-maxer ==== | ==== Min-maxer ==== |
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| A [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] who is all about their character build being "optimized" and to Hell with everything else. They like games with lots of [[#crunch|crunch]], because it gives them more options to make the statistically perfect character. They are in the same pool as [[#powergamer|powergamers]] and [[#munchkin|munchkins]]. | A [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] who is all about their character build being "optimized" and to Hell with everything else. They like games with lots of [[dict>crunch|crunch]], because it gives them more options to make the statistically perfect character. They are in the same pool as [[dict>powergamer|powergamers]] and [[dict>munchkin|munchkins]]. |
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| These people are better off playing MMORPGs than RPGs, and definitely don't care for rules-lite, [[#old-school_gaming|old-school]] games. | These people are better off playing MMORPGs than RPGs, and definitely don't care for rules-lite, [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school]] games. |
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| ==== Munchkin ==== | ==== Munchkin ==== |
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| A [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that is akin to the [[#min-maxer|min-maxer]] or [[#powergamer|powergamer]] in exploiting loopholes to their advantage, but goes so far as to throw a fit if the DM tries to [[#nerf|nerf]] the loophole or has the audacity to tell them no (they typically have a real problem with [[#rule_zero|rule zero]]). They can make a game miserable for everyone. | A [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that is akin to the [[dict>min-maxer|min-maxer]] or [[dict>powergamer|powergamer]] in exploiting loopholes to their advantage, but goes so far as to throw a fit if the DM tries to [[dict>nerf|nerf]] the loophole or has the audacity to tell them no (they typically have a real problem with [[dict>rule_zero|rule zero]]). They can make a game miserable for everyone. |
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| Munchkins often display maturity problems and are often the same players who will do things with the express intention to annoy other players or the DM or otherwise disrupt play. | Munchkins often display maturity problems and are often the same players who will do things with the express intention to annoy other players or the DM or otherwise disrupt play. |
| ==== Nerf ==== | ==== Nerf ==== |
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| The act of adjusting the rules, particularly those that can be (or are actively being) abused. The term comes from the padded Nerf-brand toys, since they are considered safer due to said padding. Nerfing things is one way to add flavor or change tone by de-emphasizing them in play, but it's also a way to deal with some [[#stereotypes_gamer|stereotypical gamers]] without just bouncing them out of the game altogether. | The act of adjusting the rules, particularly those that can be (or are actively being) abused. The term comes from the padded Nerf-brand toys, since they are considered safer due to said padding. Nerfing things is one way to add flavor or change tone by de-emphasizing them in play, but it's also a way to deal with some [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|stereotypical gamers]] without just bouncing them out of the game altogether. |
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| ==== “Old-school” gaming ==== | ==== “Old-school” gaming ==== |
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| {{:meta:osrocks.png?nolink&230 |Yes. Yes, it does.}}[[#image_credits|{{ :meta:grognard.png?nolink&120|A grognard after my own heart... as long as he's not a power-gaming douche.}}]] | {{:meta:osrocks.png?direct&230 |Yes. Yes, it does.}}{{ :meta:grognard.png?direct&120|A grognard after my own heart... as long as he's not a power-gaming douchenozzle.}} |
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| Old-school gaming means different things to different people. To some it's the crusty old rule set with its descending armor classes, cookie cutter character classes and [[#dissociated mechanics|dissociated mechanics]]. To others it's the way the game is run, with rulings-not-rules, describe what you're doing and don't just use the numbers off your character sheet and the like. To some it's about the game content: a [[#sandbox]] where you can do whatever you like, you don't ride the [[#railroad|rails]] of somebody else's story. | Old-school gaming means different things to different people. To some it's the crusty old rule set with its descending armor classes, cookie cutter character classes and [[dict>dissociated mechanics|dissociated mechanics]]. To others it's the way the game is run, with rulings-not-rules, describe what you're doing and don't just use the numbers off your character sheet and the like. To some it's about the game content: a [[dict>sandbox]] where you can do whatever you like, you don't ride the [[dict>railroad|rails]] of somebody else's story. |
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| To me, it's some of all of that; it's hard to define, but I know it when I see it, and I hope what I run could be considered "old-school," since that's my roots. | To me, it's some of all of that; it's hard to define, but I know it when I see it, and I hope what I run could be considered "old-school," since that's my roots. |
| ==== Open table game ==== | ==== Open table game ==== |
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| Back-In-the-Day™ we typically used to play D&D with fixed groups who got together regularly. However, as we have gotten older this horrible affliction called "Adulting" has gotten in the way of playing like we did as teenagers. | Back-In-the-Day™ we typically used to play D&D with fixed groups who got together regularly. However, as we have gotten older this horrible affliction called "adulting" has gotten in the way of playing like we did as teenagers. |
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| When one runs an open table game the game is structured so that it can be played similarly to a "pick up" game. Whoever shows up for a given session can play their characters, or if you have a few idle hours and want to run an //actual// pick-up game, sure, why not? Easy! Want to run a couple sessions at a con, or for a couple people who have never played before? No problem! | When one runs an open table game the game is structured so that it can be played similarly to a "pick up" game, or could almost be thought of as an ongoing series of connected "one shots." Whoever shows up for a given session can play their characters, or if you have a few idle hours and want to run an //actual// pick-up game, sure, why not? Easy! Want to run a couple sessions at a con, or for a couple people who have never played before? No problem! |
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| So, basically, anyone who can show up can play so the groups may intermix as need be to form a party at any given time. | So, basically, anyone who can show up can play and groups may intermix as need be to form a party at any given time. Play is episodic, so there's no lingering plot threads or games left //in res// to be resolved at a future session, causing continuity problems. |
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| {{ :meta:OrcAndPie.png?direct&300|"No, human! This is my pot pie!"}} | {{ :meta:OrcAndPie.png?direct&300|"No, human! This is my pot pie!"}} |
| ==== Orc and pie ==== | ==== Orc and pie ==== |
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| A parody of a problem new-school gamers perceive with [[#old-school_gaming|old-school]] adventures, wherein an orc patiently waits in a 10’x10’ room guarding a pie, forever ready to fight any hapless adventurer that wanders into his room. The new-schoolers see the setup as nonsensical, since there is no logical reason for an orc to be endlessly waiting in a small room guarding //anything//, much less a pie, with no relation to any of the surrounding encounters, motivations of its own, etc. Presumably, the orc is supposed to be imbued with a personality, semblance of a history, have his own motivations and the like to be realistic as possible. | A parody of a problem new-school gamers perceive with [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school]] adventures, wherein an orc patiently waits in a 10’x10’ room guarding a pie, forever ready to fight any hapless adventurer that wanders into his room. The new-schoolers see the setup as nonsensical, since there is no logical reason for an orc to be endlessly waiting in a small room guarding //anything//, much less a pie, with no relation to any of the surrounding encounters, motivations of its own, etc. Presumably, the orc is supposed to be imbued with a personality, semblance of a history, have his own motivations and the like to be realistic as possible. |
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| Usually, people who point to something like this drag out the tired complaint about [[#verisimilitude|verisimilitude]]. Instead, I look at it as an opportunity to do some ad-libbing or riffing on the setting and dungeon factions, making up new NPCs, story ideas, etc., on the fly. Old-school games don't typically use reams of description and define everything possible to make the story so it becomes a co-creation with the DM and players. | Usually, people who point to something like this drag out the tired complaint about [[dict>verisimilitude|verisimilitude]]. Instead, I look at it as an opportunity to do some ad-libbing or riffing on the setting and dungeon factions, making up new NPCs, story ideas, etc., on the fly. Old-school games don't typically use reams of description and define everything possible to make the story so it becomes a co-creation with the DM and players. |
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| (As an homage to this, I named [[gaz:orc_and_pie|the inn]] at [[gaz:encampment|the encampment]] after this.) | FIXME (As an homage to this, I named [[gaz:orc_and_pie|the inn]] at [[gaz:encampment|the encampment]] after this.) FIXME |
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| The OSR has been called many things: the "old-school renaissance" for the return to the older editions, the "old-school revival" and for those who are more militant about it, the "old-school ruckus." Lately, I have taken to calling it "old-school retail" because it used to be a scene where there was a lot of sharing of ideas freely, but now everybody wants money to cross their palm for their participation therein. | The OSR has been called many things: the "old-school renaissance" for the return to the older editions, the "old-school revival" and for those who are more militant about it, the "old-school ruckus." Lately, I have taken to calling it "old-school retail" because it used to be a scene where there was a lot of sharing of ideas freely, but now everybody wants money to cross their palm for their participation therein. |
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| | Also as of late the OSR has been pretty toxic (like everything else) and somewhat socially-intolerant. I prefer to say I just prefer [[dict>classic_d_d|Classic D&D]] rather than claim I am pro-OSR. |
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| ===== P ===== | ===== P ===== |
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| ==== Powergamer ==== | ==== Powergamer ==== |
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| A [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that will often play just about any game and may actually be a decent role player, but he will go for whatever the mechanical advantage is, but he generally has a favorite game system or five that he knows all the ins and outs of so that he can exploit them to the fullest. You can identify them easily: for example, consider in first edition AD&D someone who manages to build a fourth level fighter that can kill a very old or ancient dragon in a single blow thanks to rejiggered stats, multiple specializations, class and racial choices, //etcetera//, //ad nauseum//. Akin to the [[#min-maxer|min-maxer]], but at least more willing to play [[#old-school_gaming|old-school]] games. | A [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that will often play just about any game and may actually be a decent role player, but he will go for whatever the mechanical advantage is, but he generally has a favorite game system or five that he knows all the ins and outs of so that he can exploit them to the fullest. You can identify them easily: for example, consider in first edition AD&D someone who manages to build a fourth level fighter that can kill a very old or ancient dragon in a single blow thanks to rejiggered stats, multiple specializations, class and racial choices, //etcetera//, //ad nauseum//. Akin to the [[dict>min-maxer|min-maxer]], but at least more willing to play [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school]] games. |
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| ==== Race-as-class ==== | ==== Race-as-class ==== |
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| In many [[#classic_d_d|early editions of D&D]], such as [[#red_box_d_d|Red Box D&D]] (but even earlier versions), if one played a demihuman character they did not play an elven mage or a dwarven fighter, they simply played an elf or dwarf, and the racial class subsumed their abilities. | In many [[dict>classic_d_d|early editions of D&D]], such as [[dict>red_box_d_d|Red Box D&D]] (but even earlier versions), if one played a demihuman character they did not play an elven mage or a dwarven fighter, they simply played an elf or dwarf, and the racial class subsumed their abilities. |
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| Some people love it because it makes their character more "alien," while some hate it because they reasonably claim that not all elves or dwarves are the same. | Some people love it because it makes their character more "alien," while some hate it because they reasonably claim that not all elves or dwarves are the same. |
| ==== Railroad ==== | ==== Railroad ==== |
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| A game where you're on this nice, fixed linear trail and you can't get off it. This is all there is to do, and much like WOPR discovered in [[wp>WarGames|"War Games"]], the only way to win is not to play. Compare to a [[#sandbox|sandbox]]. | A game where you're on this nice, fixed linear trail and you can't get off it. This is all there is to do, and much like WOPR discovered in [[wp>WarGames|"War Games"]], the only way to win is not to play. Compare to a [[dict>sandbox|sandbox]]. |
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| This is typically because the DM only prepped **//this//**, so let's play **//this//**! In one-off or convention games it works well, but for an ongoing campaign it becomes a dreary ride. | This is typically because the DM only prepped **//this//**, so let's play **//this//**! In one-off or convention games it works well, but for an ongoing campaign it becomes a dreary ride. |
| Typically, "Red Box" is one of two similar iterations of Dungeons & Dragons: either the Moldvay/Marsh/Cook //Basic// and //Expert D&D// version from '81-'82 (known as "B/X" or often just as "Moldvay"), or the Mentzer edition from 1983 on (often known as BECMI, from the names of the five boxed sets: Basic/Expert/Companion/Master/Immortal; it was also later released in a slightly abridged single volume known as the //Rules Cyclopedia//). | Typically, "Red Box" is one of two similar iterations of Dungeons & Dragons: either the Moldvay/Marsh/Cook //Basic// and //Expert D&D// version from '81-'82 (known as "B/X" or often just as "Moldvay"), or the Mentzer edition from 1983 on (often known as BECMI, from the names of the five boxed sets: Basic/Expert/Companion/Master/Immortal; it was also later released in a slightly abridged single volume known as the //Rules Cyclopedia//). |
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| We are playing //[[http://basicfantasy.org|Basic Fantasy RPG]]//, a [[#retro-clone]] based on and heavily influenced by the original B/X D&D game. | We are playing //[[http://basicfantasy.org|Basic Fantasy RPG]]//, a [[dict>retro-clone]] based on and heavily influenced by the original B/X D&D game. |
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| See also [[#classic_d_d|classic D&D]]. | See also [[dict>classic_d_d|classic D&D]]. |
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| ==== Retcon ==== | ==== Retcon ==== |
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| Short for "retroactive continuity," it denotes when established game rules or events are changed after the fact. This has been known to cause all sorts of issues, so let's avoid it if at all possible. It's often the result of destructive [[#metagaming|metagaming]] seeping in and causing unrest among the natives. | Short for "retroactive continuity," it denotes when established game rules or events are changed after the fact. This has been known to cause all sorts of issues, so let's avoid it if at all possible. It's often the result of destructive [[dict>metagaming|metagaming]] seeping in and causing unrest among the natives. |
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| The unwritten rule in tabletop role-playing games which grants the DM the right to suspend or override the published game rules whenever s/he deems necessary.((Again, essentially stolen from [[ud>Rule Zero|Urban Dictionary]].)) | The unwritten rule in tabletop role-playing games which grants the DM the right to suspend or override the published game rules whenever s/he deems necessary.((Again, essentially stolen from [[ud>Rule Zero|Urban Dictionary]].)) |
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| ==== Rules-As-Written ==== | ==== Rules-as-intended ==== |
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| | Sometimes abbreviated //RAI//, it's what the original game designer //meant// but may not have actually conveyed. Arguing about the difference can be fun, but often requires the scholarship of a Supreme Court Justice to discern what was meant rather than written and is a leading pastime of [[dict>rules_lawyer|rules lawyers]] trying to find loopholes. |
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| | Contrast with [[dict>rules-as-written|rules-as-written]] and [[dict>house_rules|house rules]]. |
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| | ==== Rules-as-written ==== |
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| | Sometimes abbreviated //RAW//, it's the rules as written in the original books. You'd think that going with what's actually written in the books would lead to no issues, but that's not actually reality. That's why I live by [[dict>rule_zero|rule zero]]. |
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| Sometimes abbreviated //RAW//, it's the rules as written in the original books. Contrast with [[#house_rules|house rules]]. | Contrast with [[dict>rules-as-intended|rules-as-intended]] and [[dict>house_rules|house rules]]. |
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| ==== Rules lawyer ==== | ==== Rules lawyer ==== |
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| [[#image_credits|{{:meta:ruleslawyer.png?nolink&120 |I'm not entirely sure if all rules lawyers have horse teeth or not.}}]]A [[#stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that sees the rules as an absolute and a tool to mercilessly beat the DM or other players into submission for the rules lawyer's advantage. The rules lawyer can only accept what's written, word-for-word, as the absolute truth of the game, and the spirit means nothing... unless it is in his favor. He loves to argue about the rules instead of just playing the game, and as such they usually don't want to hear anything about [[#rule_zero|rule zero]] and should be reminded that Shakespeare wrote, "kill all the lawyers." Apparently, Shakespeare was a gamer! | {{:meta:ruleslawyer.png?direct&120 |I'm not entirely sure if all rules lawyers have horse teeth or not.}}A [[dict>stereotypes_gamer|gamer stereotype]] that sees the rules as an absolute and a tool to mercilessly beat the DM or other players into submission for the rules lawyer's advantage. The rules lawyer can only accept what's written, word-for-word, as the absolute truth of the game, and the spirit means nothing... unless it is in his favor. He loves to argue about the rules instead of just playing the game, and as such they usually don't want to hear anything about [[dict>rule_zero|rule zero]] and should be reminded that Shakespeare wrote, "kill all the lawyers." Apparently, Shakespeare was a gamer!{{ :meta:fb_img_1447337413658.jpg?direct&200|Once the blood starts, it's the nicest crimson glow...}} |
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| A couple points of irony about the rules lawyer:{{ :meta:fb_img_1447337413658.jpg?direct&200|Once the blood starts, it's the nicest crimson glow...}} | A couple points of irony about the rules lawyer: |
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| * While one would not expect this, often times the best friend of a rules lawyer is a [[#know-it-all|know-it-all]], because they can take two different viewpoints to argue towards a common reading of the rules against a DM. | * While one would not expect this, often times the best friend of a rules lawyer is a [[dict>know-it-all|know-it-all]], because they can take two different viewpoints to argue towards a common reading of the rules against a DM. |
| * Rules lawyers want to play, but want the rules to be their own way. [[gameinfo:faq_prospective_players?&#i_d_rather_play_insert_your_favorite_new-school_game_insteadcan_t_we_just_make_it_like_insert_some_houserule_here|Perhaps rules lawyers should consider starting their own game.]] | * Rules lawyers want to play, but want the rules to be their own way. [[gameinfo:faq_prospective_players?&#i_d_rather_play_insert_your_favorite_new-school_game_insteadcan_t_we_just_make_it_like_insert_some_houserule_here|Perhaps rules lawyers should consider starting their own game.]] |
| * Rules lawyers often have a peculiar tunnel vision where they only remember rules that favor them, while not bringing up rules that disfavor them. Funny, that... | * Rules lawyers often have a peculiar tunnel vision where they only remember rules that favor them, while not bringing up rules that disfavor them. Funny, that... |
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| {{ :meta:MyLittleSandbox.png?direct&150|The sandbox is sort of like this, but different.}} | {{ :meta:MyLittleSandbox.png?direct&150|The sandbox is sort of like this, but different.}} |
| A play style where players are free to do as they like and explore the world as they see fit. This type of game is more demanding on players to seek out hooks rather than be fed a story, but it's also more demanding on the DM because he has to come up with more on the spot to cover holes the players may find. Contrast with [[#railroad|railroad]]. | A play style where players are free to do as they like and explore the world as they see fit. This type of game is more demanding on players to seek out hooks rather than be fed a story, but it's also more demanding on the DM because he has to come up with more on the spot to cover holes the players may find. Contrast with [[dict>railroad|railroad]]. |
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| The reality is, most games are not pure sandboxes or railroads but a hybrid of the two. There is usually an understood set of limits at the table (or there should be), and if we keep to warning ahead of time what players want to do then we can make things as sandbox-like as possible while not being //completely// in the vein of, "hey, guys, this is what I have prepped so this is what we're doing tonight, okay?" | The reality is, most games are not pure sandboxes or railroads but a hybrid of the two. There is usually an understood set of limits at the table (or there should be), and if we keep to warning ahead of time what players want to do then we can make things as sandbox-like as possible while not being //completely// in the vein of, "hey, guys, this is what I have prepped so this is what we're doing tonight, okay?" |
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| ==== Saturday Night Special ==== | ==== Saturday night special ==== |
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| <WRAP indent><WRAP parchment>"Here too, the role of the ‘Saturday Night Special’ cannot be overemphasized. Aside from the deliberately or randomly determined ‘normal’ contents of Underworld areas, it is interesting to develop large complexes inhabited by special beings. These should have special histories, and players should hear legends of their existence on the surface. Their abilities and treasures should be individually devised, since these add interest and spice to the game..." | <WRAP indent><WRAP parchment>"Here too, the role of the ‘Saturday Night Special’ cannot be overemphasized. Aside from the deliberately or randomly determined ‘normal’ contents of Underworld areas, it is interesting to develop large complexes inhabited by special beings. These should have special histories, and players should hear legends of their existence on the surface. Their abilities and treasures should be individually devised, since these add interest and spice to the game..." |
| <WRAP indent><WRAP indent>-- //Empire of the Petal Throne//, page 100</WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> | <WRAP indent><WRAP indent>-- //Empire of the Petal Throne//, page 100</WRAP></WRAP></WRAP></WRAP> |
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| In the classic game //[[https://tekumel.com|Empire of the Petal Throne]]// the [[#set_piece|set pieces]] of the Tékumel Underworld are known as "Saturday Night Specials," and were called such because players would often approach these special encounter areas during weekend play sessions when sufficient players could gather to tackle them. Essentially, these are the interesting, static encounters to be found in the Tékumel underworld presented as a particular zone in a [[#megadungeon|megadungeon]]. As such, I may call the set pieces of any large dungeons (or wilderness areas, or even city encounters) this from time to time myself. | In the classic game //[[https://tekumel.com|Empire of the Petal Throne]]// the [[dict>set_piece|set pieces]] of the Tékumel Underworld are known as "Saturday Night Specials," and were called such because players would often approach these special encounter areas during weekend play sessions when sufficient players could gather to tackle them. Essentially, these are the interesting, static encounters to be found in the Tékumel underworld presented as a particular zone in a [[dict>megadungeon|megadungeon]]. As such, I may call the set pieces of any large dungeons (or wilderness areas, or even city encounters) this from time to time myself. |
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| There are a lot of gamer stereotypes. Unfortunately, they're largely true, and we've all been at least one of these at one point or another. (Have I mentioned that you can certainly be more than one of these at a time?) | There are a lot of gamer stereotypes. Unfortunately, they're largely true, and we've all been at least one of these at one point or another. (Have I mentioned that you can certainly be more than one of these at a time?) |
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| Amongst them are the [[#cat_piss_man|cat piss man]], [[#know-it-all|know-it-all]], [[#min-maxer|min-maxer]], [[#munchkin|munchkin]], [[#powergamer|powergamer]] and [[#rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]]. None are desirable or tolerable. | Amongst them are the [[dict>cat_piss_man|cat piss man]], [[dict>know-it-all|know-it-all]], [[dict>min-maxer|min-maxer]], [[dict>munchkin|munchkin]], [[dict>powergamer|powergamer]] and [[dict>rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]]. None are desirable or tolerable. |
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| | {{anchor:total_party_kill}} |
| ==== TPK ==== | ==== TPK ==== |
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| {{ :meta:tpk.jpg?direct&220|That's gotta hurt.}} | {{ :meta:tpk.jpg?direct&220|That's gotta hurt.}} |
| A __T__otal __P__arty __K__ill. It's named for what happens when the whole party gets wiped out from an encounter or event (combat, a trap, starvation, whatever). TPKs (and character death in general) aren't unheard of in [[#old-school_gaming|old-school games]]. | A __T__otal __P__arty __K__ill. It's named for what happens when the whole party gets wiped out from an encounter or event (combat, a trap, starvation, whatever). TPKs (and character death in general) aren't unheard of in [[dict>old-school_gaming|old-school games]]. |
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| The thing is, players shouldn't take them personally. They happen. Unfortunately, a lot of new-school players who are used to lengthy character builds and will get butthurt instead of just rolling a new character (which may take all of ten minutes in [[#classic_d_d|classic D&D]]) and getting back in the action. | The thing is, players shouldn't take them personally. They happen. Unfortunately, a lot of new-school players who are used to lengthy character builds and will get butthurt instead of just rolling a new character (which may take all of ten minutes in [[dict>classic_d_d|Classic D&D]]) and getting back in the action. |
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| Excessive TPKs may tend to point towards either very poor gameplay by players or a [[#killer_dm|killer DM]]. | Excessive TPKs may tend to point towards either very poor gameplay by players or a [[dict>killer_dm|killer DM]]. |
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| ===== V ===== | ===== V ===== |
| == Image Credits == | == Image Credits == |
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| Images for [[#cat_piss_man|cat piss man]], [[#old-school_gaming|the "old-school" gaming grognard]] and [[#rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]] by [[http://darransims.blogspot.com/2007/11/cartoon-rpg-characters.html|Darran Sims]]. | Images for [[dict>cat_piss_man|cat piss man]], [[dict>old-school_gaming|the "old-school" gaming grognard]] and [[dict>rules_lawyer|rules lawyer]] by [[http://darransims.blogspot.com/2007/11/cartoon-rpg-characters.html|Darran Sims]]. |
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