Role‑Playing Game Glossary: Terms You Need to Know
Are you new to tabletop role‑playing games, or looking to deepen your knowledge?
Here’s a guide to all the key words and phrases you’re likely to hear around the table.
Getting Started: Essentials for New Players
When you begin playing RPGs, several terms will come up again and again during your sessions. It’s helpful to know what they mean.
Campaign
When you play a role‑playing game, you take part in what’s called a campaign. It’s organized by a Game Master and gathers several players. A campaign is made up of multiple sessions, usually spread over several days or weeks.
One‑shot
Sometimes a role‑playing game can be played in a single session of 2 to 6 hours with a Game Master and a group of players. Unlike a campaign, a one‑shot contains the entire story in one sitting: the beginning, the main events, and the conclusion.
Sandbox
A sandbox RPG is played in an open world where players can roam freely and interact with the setting however they wish.
Railroad / Linear Scenario
The opposite of a sandbox. A “railroad” scenario is very linear: players follow a path that is essentially predetermined, often used in one‑shot adventures.
NPC (Non‑Player Character)
These are all the characters encountered during the adventure who are not controlled by the players. NPCs are portrayed by the Game Master.
PC (Player Character)
PCs are the characters controlled by the players around the table. They are usually created and designed by each player so they fit into the world prepared by the GM.
Gameplay
This refers to the way the game is played and how characters progress throughout the adventure.
Lore
This term refers to the entire universe in which your campaign takes place. If you’re using the Amsel Suite, your lore is usually stored in Lore, our worldbuilding software.
Character‑Related Terms
To create consistent characters, players usually follow a few general rules. These help maintain coherence within the group.
Archetype
In many RPGs, players select a character archetype. This choice shapes the character’s story, base attributes, powers, and overall role in the game.
Skill
Often represented by a score or bonus, a skill indicates a character’s specific aptitude for performing an action.
Experience (XP)
Experience is gained over the course of the adventure. Characters earn XP by succeeding at actions, overcoming challenges, or completing objectives. XP is generally used to unlock new abilities.
Level
A level represents a character’s overall power. When enough XP is accumulated, the character “levels up,” granting more hit points, new skills, or improved attributes.
Attributes / Ability Scores
These are the fundamental traits of a character (strength, dexterity, intelligence, etc.). They define inherent capabilities, influence skills, and affect performance during crucial actions. Each game has its own system, but the concept is always the same: attributes are the foundation of the character.
Equipment
Everything a character owns: weapons, armor, tools, magical items, supplies, and more. Equipment plays a major role in a character’s abilities.
Dice‑Related Terms
Most RPGs use dice. Several terms are used to describe the different types of dice and rolls.
Dx
“x” represents the number of sides on the die. A D20 is a 20‑sided die, a D6 has 6 sides, and so on. RPGs often use several types of dice depending on the action.
Critical Failure
The worst possible result on a die roll—such as rolling a 1 on a D20. This usually triggers a particularly negative outcome.
Critical Success
The opposite: the best possible result, often a 20 on a D20. The action succeeds in an exceptional—and sometimes spectacular—way.
Game Master–Specific Terms
These terms refer to the Game Master (GM), the person who runs the game.
GM Screen
A standing panel placed in front of the GM. It hides the GM’s notes, dice rolls, and secret information. It also provides quick rules references for the GM.
Turn
A turn represents the order in which characters and enemies act during scenes, usually in combat. Each participant takes an action during their turn, according to an initiative order set at the start of the encounter.
Dungeons & Dragons–Specific Abbreviations
While there are hundreds (even thousands) of RPGs, Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most popular and has its own terminology.
AC
Armor Class – determines how hard a character is to hit.
HP
Hit Points – a character’s life total.
DC
Difficulty Class – the target number required to succeed on a check.
DM
Dungeon Master – the GM in D&D.
V, S, M
Verbal, Somatic, Material – spell components required to cast certain spells.
AoE
Area of Effect – used for spells or attacks that target multiple creatures.
D20 System
A rule system primarily based on rolling a 20‑sided die.
There are many role‑playing game–specific terms out there. Of course, you don’t need to know them all! You’ll naturally pick them up as you play.
