Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) are a form of gaming that allows players to create and control characters in a shared story. In this article, we will explore how tabletop games work and what makes them such a compelling form of entertainment.
Tabletop Roleplaying games work by having a person act as the narrator of the world and nonplayer characters. Player characters are usually the heroes of the game world that the GM has created. The GM then hopes they work their way through his story using dice, player-made characters, and some form of tabletop(virtual ones exist for those not near each other).
Tabletop roleplaying game basics
Tabletop RPGs are typically played with a group of friends, where one person takes on the role of the game master (GM) and the others play as characters in the game world. The GM creates a story or setting for the game, while the players control their characters and make decisions based on the scenario presented.
The game is played using dice to determine the outcome of actions taken by the characters. Different dice are used for different types of actions, with the most common being a 20-sided die (d20). Players roll the dice and add any modifiers based on their character’s abilities or skills to determine whether they succeed or fail in their actions.
How tabletop games work: Creating a character
One of the most exciting aspects of tabletop RPGs is creating a character. Depending on the game players are given a set number of points or attributes or the game system uses a random roll option. Either process allows players to create unique characters with different strengths and weaknesses.
Part of character creation includes choosing a race, class, skills, equipment, maybe spells, and others depending on the game. These choices are intended at making players pick areas they are good in and others they aren’t. When playing with a group this really helps each person have a sense of belonging as they are good in areas others aren’t.
Playing the Game
The game begins with the GM presenting a scenario to the players, the cliche opening is: you are sitting at the bar in the inn. Players are free to make choices and take actions within the game world, and the GM responds by narrating the consequences of those actions.
Combat is a common element of tabletop RPGs(though too often over-emphasized), with players engaging in battles against monsters, villains, or other characters in the game world. It is usually resolved using dice rolls, with players and monsters taking turns attacking and defending.
Combat often involves a roll for initiative to see who goes first. When that is decided you typically state your actions and then roll dice to see how well you pull that action off. Most games have attack and defense options so even if someone goes before you, there’s still a chance for you to stop them from hitting you with a defensive choice.
The game continues until the story is completed or the players decide to end the game. Most tabletop RPGs are designed to be played as ongoing campaigns, with characters developing and growing over multiple sessions. However, you can play one shots(an adventure designed to start and finish in one game session) either with a personally made character or with pre-made characters.
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How tabletop games work: Picking the game
Whether you start by looking at game settings first and then finding a group is totally up to you. Most people playing in person first find people that play tabletop roleplaying games often at a local gaming store. If you don’t have one, or can’t make it often, then a virtual tabletop is a great choice.
What kind of genre do you like most? Are you a fantasy fan, science fiction fan, horror, or another game fan? There are many games available to pick from in any of these genres.
Some common games picked are Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, and Pathfinder.
Less commonly known games include Earthdawn, Magitech Chronicles, Breach, Rifts, Palladium Fantasy, and many more. Regardless of the game picked the basics of how tabletop games work applies to them all.
For those that like Rifts check out our reviews section for insight into each book. If you are new then consider the Rifts Ultimate book, and perhaps the New West for you cowboy types, or Rifts Phase World for you space travelers.
How tabletop games work: Choosing a location
Where you play can make a big impact on how much you enjoy playing. I recall playing at the library fairly often because it was free of lots of people, and there was usually plenty of space. Sometimes having a neutral place is best as going to someone’s house has its own challenges, not that it’s bad (in fact it may be the most comfortable option).
If you are looking at virtual tabletops then you can play from just about anywhere yourself. Options like Roll20 can be accessed from your phone, tablet, and of course computer.
How tabletop games work: Deciding game type
What game types are you used to? Most of us started playing while teenagers fell into a habit of doing a lot of combat. This often got referred to as hack and slash. Which may totally be your kind of game.
Others like to have more social interaction. Whether you focus your characters on some sort of noble’s power plays, or as merchants, it’s just not combat-centric.
Another option that isn’t talked about much is that of play-by-post. Sometimes you don’t have the energy to get into character and act things out. This is a great option for those that like writing and want to create a story with others.
Adventure games are a game type that is focused more on story progression. For this kind of game, it’s best if you don’t let yourself get bogged down in the minutia of combat details, NPC interactions, and sometimes even game rules. Whatever game type you decide on make sure everyone is on board with it and know these are only some of those available, we haven’t played them all.
Conclusion- How tabletop games work
Tabletop roleplaying games offer a lot of possibilities for storytelling, character builds, and group socializing. Players and GMs work together to create a shared story with some elements of chance usually dice rolls, though some games have cards or other options.
The possibilities for adventure are endless though they do take time to create. You can reduce the time involved by using modules that are pre-made adventures. You can also use online tools to help with the game creation process or even character creation.