Introduction to Pen and Paper Roleplaying Games

What is it?
A roleplaying game takes elements of video games, board games, books and
movies and combines them with:
- Imagination
- Social interaction
- Problem solving
- Improvisation
- Creative thinking

They are collaborative storytelling

games using pens, paper and special
dice in a unique fictional space with
3-6 players and a lead storyteller.

These spaces are usually something

akin to the worlds of Lord of The
Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars,
Harry Potter, etc and are collectively
imagined by the group as they play.

The spaces have their own landmarks, history, cultures, people, beasts, and are
created by the lead storyteller, sometimes referred to as a referee. The decisions
the players make in-game affects the world and all its inhabitants.

The game can be played in a single session, aptly called a ‘one-shot’, or can
expand into a ‘campaign’ over weeks, months or even years like a TV show.

How do you play?

Players start by creating fictional characters that will inhabit the space, just like
they would in a video game.

But unlike video games, the player’s characters or PCs for short, will act as
living breathing people with their own goals, ambitions, voice and emotions that
can and will be vastly different to the person playing them. The task of the
player is to play the role of the
character and make decisions on their
behalf, hence the term “roleplaying
game”.

They can be played in the first or third

person, with players either stating ‘I
(as the character) would like to climb
the rope’, or ‘Rodney (the character’s
name) would like to climb the rope’.

How does the game start?

The lead storyteller sets the scene by describing the immediate surroundings to
the players, and then asks the important question to the group, “what do your
characters want to do?”.

Based on the demands of the PCs, dice are

used for resolution of uncertain tasks,
especially tasks that are risky or dangerous
in-game. The results of the dice are
interpreted by the lead storyteller who now
updates the surroundings through narration
and the cycle repeats. A simple yet infinitely
creative story starts to unfold as a result.

Players will work together in groups called

‘parties’, playing a role in a team
environment to overcome obstacles that
prevent them from completing their in-game
goals.

A typical game might include:

- talking with a nobleman during a masked ball to eliminate suspects in a
cat-and-mouse style murder case
- exploring a submerged ancient castle for a stone tablet to complete a
puzzle, only to realize you’re not the only thing in the water…
 - Trying to fight your way out of a fortress as it crumbles, dashing through
the trees to avoid arrow fire from the bounty hunters on your trail
- Winning your fair share of coin in an illegal boxing ring located on the
shabby outskirts of the town as the drunken crowds cheer you on

How/when does the game end?

The session may end when the
players’ current objective is met,
or when they decide to return
home after a long day out
adventuring. It may also end at a
decisive moment where the
players are up against near
impossible odds and it’s uncertain
how they’ll proceed.

Characters in the game can and will succumb to debilitating illnesses, crippling
exhaustion, and accidental or unintended deaths but ultimately the story
continues and the player is encouraged to learn from the experience, create a
new character and jump right back into the action.

What do I need to play the game?

The only things that are required to play
are an open mind, kindness, and
imagination. The rest can be acquired
later, such as dice, pens, and guidelines.

Players should always treat other players

as equally, fairly and supportively as
possible. Their characters may clash, but
players should always acknowledge that
it is a fictional game, and that the ultimate goal is to have fun as a group.

Some players may enjoy the game with or without certain others and that is
important to recognise, respect and account for.
Why should I play a roleplaying game?
These sorts of games can be immensely entertaining, creatively engaging,
provide useful lessons on empathy and imagination but most importantly, they
are at their heart, a social game.

Players will need to talk to each other, work through

problems together, and support each other’s goals if
they wish to survive and thrive in the game world. This
builds self-confidence, resilience and organizational
skills in a safe space where failure is part of the
overall story.

Who can play the game?

The game is intended for all ages, with basic levels of
numeracy, memory and literacy involved in general
play. The content explored in a game is tailored at an
age-appropriate level in order to provide the best possible experience for the
players at the table.

More mature player groups can deal with adult themes, deeper characters with
fears, flaws and vices, and difficult or morally grey situations where there may
be no real right answer, only consequences.

When and where is it played?

The game is played at a table. When 3-6 players can play at the same place and
time, the sessions can run from 1-4 hrs in a drop-in/drop-out style, or depending
on level of engagement. Generally, a public area that is central for all involved is
preferred.

And that is an introduction to pen and paper roleplaying games!

Thanks for reading!