The RPG Dictionary: A Guide

to the Language of Tabletop

Games
Welcome to the RPG Dictionary, your comprehensive guide to the vast and varied language of
tabletop role-playing games. This resource covers the essential terms, jargon, expressions, and
idioms used by gamers across different systems and communities. Whether you're a seasoned
Dungeon Master or a curious newcomer, this dictionary will equip you with the vocabulary you need
to navigate the world of RPGs with confidence.

by Casal Brivio
Glossary of Common RPG Terms
The world of RPGs is filled with its own unique vocabulary. Understanding these terms is essential
for navigating game sessions, reading rulebooks, and interacting with other players. Here's a
glossary of some of the most common RPG terms:

Character Sheet: A document that outlines a player's character's stats, abilities, and background
information. This document serves as a central reference for all aspects of the character during
gameplay.
Dungeon Master (DM): The player who guides the game, creates scenarios, and adjudicates rules.
The DM essentially narrates the world and ensures the game flows smoothly.
Roleplaying: The act of embodying a character and using their personality, motivations, and
skills to interact with the game world and other players.
Dice: Polyhedral dice used to determine outcomes in RPGs. Different dice types represent various
aspects of the game, such as skill checks, attacks, and damage.
Campaign: A series of interconnected game sessions that tell a larger story or explore a specific
world. Campaigns can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Session: A single instance of playing an RPG, usually lasting several hours. A session typically
involves a group of players working together to solve puzzles, complete tasks, and progress the
story.
Critical Hit/Fumble: A particularly successful or disastrous roll on the dice. Critical hits usually
result in extraordinary outcomes, while fumbles often lead to embarrassing or detrimental
consequences.
Experience Points (XP): Points awarded to players after completing tasks or achieving milestones
in the game. XP can be used to level up characters and gain new abilities.
Level: A character's rank or tier, reflecting their experience and capabilities. Higher levels
typically grant access to new abilities, spells, or skills.
Jargon and Slang in RPG Communities
RPG communities have developed their own unique slang and jargon, often based on specific games,
systems, or genres. This slang can be confusing for newcomers but can also add a sense of
camaraderie and shared understanding among experienced players. Here are a few examples:

Metagaming: Using knowledge of the game system or world to make decisions that would be
impossible for the character to know. For example, a player might metagame by choosing a
specific action based on their knowledge of the upcoming encounter.
Min-Maxing: Optimizing character creation to maximize their abilities and minimize their
weaknesses. This can be seen as a strategic approach or a lack of creativity, depending on the
context.
Powergaming: Focusing on maximizing character power and achieving victory in combat, often
at the expense of roleplaying and story elements. This approach prioritizes mechanics and
optimization over immersion and storytelling.
Railroading: When a DM heavily guides the players through a predetermined plot, limiting their
freedom of choice and exploration. This can be frustrating for players who prefer a more open-
ended and player-driven experience.
Deus Ex Machina: A plot device where an unexpected and seemingly unrelated event dramatically
alters the course of the story. This can be used effectively to create surprises, but overuse can be
seen as lazy storytelling.
Mechanics and Systems Terminology
RPGs are built upon intricate systems of mechanics and rules that govern the game world.
Understanding the language of these systems is crucial for effective gameplay. Here are some
common terms:

Attributes: Basic characteristics of a character, such as Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom,

and Charisma. These attributes influence a character's abilities and skills.
Skills: Specific abilities or talents a character possesses, often based on their attributes. Skills
represent specialized knowledge or proficiency in certain areas, such as combat, social
interaction, or crafting.
Modifiers: Bonuses or penalties applied to rolls based on a character's attributes, skills, or other
factors. Modifiers can affect the outcome of actions, skill checks, and combat.
Saving Throws: Tests of a character's ability to resist certain effects, such as magic, traps, or
diseases. Saving throws are often based on specific attributes or skills.
Action Economy: The system that governs how many actions a character can take during a turn.
Action economy can be complex and can influence the flow of combat and other events.
Hit Points (HP): A character's health or vitality, represented by a numerical value. HP decreases
when a character takes damage and is depleted when a character is knocked out or killed.
Armor Class (AC): A character's defense rating, representing their resistance to physical attacks.
Higher AC makes it more difficult for enemies to hit a character in combat.
Character Creation Vocabulary
Character creation is a fundamental part of RPGs, where players design their own unique characters
and define their roles within the game world. Here's a glossary of terms related to character
creation:

Race: A character's species or ancestry, often determining their physical characteristics, abilities,
and cultural background. Some common RPG races include humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, and
goblins.
Class: A character's profession, specialization, or role within the game world. Different classes
have unique skills, abilities, and combat roles. Examples include fighter, wizard, rogue, cleric,
and bard.
Background: A character's history, profession, and motivations. This can be used to create a more
immersive and engaging character, providing backstory and context for their actions.
Alignment: A character's moral compass, representing their attitude towards good and evil, law
and chaos. Alignments can be used to guide character actions and conflicts in the game world.
Stats: Numerical values that represent a character's abilities and attributes. Common RPG stats
include Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
Feats: Special abilities or bonuses that characters can choose to gain during character creation or
progression. Feats can enhance specific skills, grant new abilities, or improve existing attributes.
Multiclassing: The ability to combine elements of multiple classes, allowing characters to
diversify their abilities and playstyles. Multiclassing can lead to unique and powerful character
builds.
Roleplaying Expressions and Idioms
RPGs are all about immersing yourself in a story and creating memorable moments through
roleplaying. Here are some common expressions and idioms used in RPGs:

Roll for it: When a player makes a dice roll to determine the outcome of an action or skill check.
Saving throw: A dice roll made to resist a specific effect, such as a magic spell or disease.
Taking the initiative: When a character acts first in a situation, usually in combat.
In character: When a player is roleplaying their character and speaking from their perspective.
Out of character: When a player is speaking about the game mechanics or making suggestions to
the DM, not as their character.
Gotcha!: A playful expression used to point out a successful deception or clever trick.
Meta-knowledge: When a player uses their knowledge of the game system or world to make
decisions that would be impossible for their character to know.
Behind the screen: When a DM is making decisions or consulting the rules behind the players'
view, often literally behind a screen.
A twist of fate: An unexpected event or change in the story that alters the course of the game.
Game Master Lingo
Dungeon Masters, or GMs, are the storytellers and adjudicators of the game, leading the narrative
and ensuring the game runs smoothly. Here are some common phrases and terms used by GMs:

Narrate: To describe the scene, the actions of the players, and the events of the game world. GMs
use their imagination to create a vivid and immersive experience for the players.
Adjudicate: To make rulings on the game's rules, resolving disputes and ensuring fairness. GMs
need to be familiar with the rules and be able to apply them consistently.
Describe: To provide detailed information about the game world, characters, and objects, helping
players visualize the setting and understand the environment.
Set the scene: To establish the setting and atmosphere for a game session, creating a mood and
context for the players' actions. This can be done through verbal descriptions, music, or props.
Worldbuilding: To create a detailed and believable game world with its own history, geography,
cultures, and lore. GMs invest time and creativity in building a world that feels real and engaging
for the players.
Improvise: To adjust the game on the fly, responding to player actions and unexpected events.
GMs need to be able to think on their feet and adapt to the flow of the game.
Guide: To direct the players through the story, providing hints, clues, and challenges to keep
them engaged and moving forward. GMs should strike a balance between providing guidance and
allowing players freedom of choice.
Combat and Encounter Phrasing
Combat is a frequent element in RPGs, where characters engage in tactical battles against foes. Here
are some expressions and terms related to combat:

Initiative: The order in which characters act during a combat round. The character with the
highest initiative goes first, followed by the others in descending order.
Attack roll: A dice roll made to determine if a character hits their target in combat. Success
usually requires rolling above a certain threshold based on the target's AC.
Damage roll: A dice roll made to determine how much damage an attack inflicts on a target.
Damage rolls are often influenced by the weapon used, the attacker's strength, and other factors.
Hit points (HP): A character's health or vitality, represented by a numerical value. HP decreases
when a character takes damage and is depleted when a character is knocked out or killed.
Armor Class (AC): A character's defense rating, representing their resistance to physical attacks.
Higher AC makes it more difficult for enemies to hit a character in combat.
Flanking: When two or more characters attack a target from different sides, often resulting in a
bonus to their attack rolls.
Disengage: To break away from a combat encounter and retreat to a safe distance. Disengaging
often requires a successful skill check or action.
Critical hit: A particularly successful attack roll that inflicts increased damage or grants a special
effect.
Fumble: A disastrous attack roll that can result in unintended consequences, such as missing the
target or harming an ally.
Worldbuilding and Lore Lexicon
RPGs often feature intricate and detailed worlds with rich histories, cultures, and lore.
Understanding the language of worldbuilding is crucial for appreciating the depth and complexity of
these fictional universes.

Lore: The accumulated knowledge and history of a world, including its mythology, legends, and
important events. Lore can provide context for the game, inspire story ideas, and add depth to the
setting.
Geography: The physical layout of a world, including its continents, oceans, mountains, forests,
and other features. Geography can influence the culture, resources, and challenges faced by the
inhabitants.
Cultures: The distinct ways of life, beliefs, and traditions of different groups within a world.
Cultures can range from ancient civilizations to modern societies, each with unique customs,
languages, and social structures.
Politics: The power dynamics and relationships between different factions, groups, or nations
within a world. Political conflicts, alliances, and intrigues can drive the plot and create challenges
for the players.
Magic: The system of supernatural forces and abilities that exist within a world. Magic can range
from ancient rituals to powerful spells, influencing the environment, society, and the characters'
abilities.
Technology: The level of technological advancement within a world, ranging from primitive tools
to advanced machinery. Technology can influence the economy, infrastructure, and the
characters' capabilities.
Mythology: The stories, beliefs, and myths that have shaped the history and culture of a world.
Mythology can provide insight into the values, beliefs, and fears of the inhabitants.
Conclusion and Resources
The RPG Dictionary is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning the language of tabletop
role-playing games. It provides a comprehensive glossary of terms, jargon, and expressions,
covering various aspects of the game, from character creation to combat and worldbuilding.

While this dictionary covers many essential terms, the world of RPGs is constantly evolving and
expanding. To stay up-to-date with the latest slang, terminology, and trends, consider exploring the
following resources:

Online RPG Communities: Websites and forums dedicated to RPGs, where players share their
experiences, discuss rules, and create content. These communities are a great place to learn new
jargon and interact with fellow gamers.
RPG Rulebooks: The rulebooks for specific game systems provide detailed explanations of the
mechanics, terminology, and rules of the game. These books are essential for understanding the
intricacies of a particular RPG.
RPG Podcasts and Videos: Many podcasts and videos are dedicated to discussing RPGs, news,
strategies, and creative ideas. These resources can provide valuable insights and introduce you to
new terms and concepts.
RPG Conventions: Gatherings of RPG enthusiasts where players, designers, and publishers come
together to play, discuss, and celebrate the world of tabletop games. Conventions offer a great
opportunity to learn from experienced players and expand your knowledge.