A role playing game is, at its most basic, a grown-up version of Make Believe. It can be as simple as a conversation between two people who each pretend that they are someone else. On the other hand, a game can include complex rules with many source books, pencils, character sheets, dice, and miniatures. Some people enjoy Live Action Role Playing, or LARPing, in which they might dress up as their characters and act out the actions they perform. No matter what form it takes, these games can be a fun, entertaining way to spend time with friends.
There are as many different types of role playing games as there are different types of people who play them. A typical game includes a story teller, or game master, who leads the action, and a number of players who take on various roles or characters. From that point on, the game can change and grow to encompass the furthest reaches of the players’ imaginations.
Because a role playing game is an exercise in imagination, the story often takes place in another world or at another time. Common settings include fantastic worlds of dragons and magic, futuristic space adventures spanning multiple planets and galaxies, or alternate versions of our own world, where vampires and werewolves prowl the night. Players usually act as heroes or adventurers, and they might work together to save a town or to seek their fame and fortune.
Most role playing groups follow a particular set of rules, developed by a number of different companies. Some popular game systems are Vampire: The Masquerade, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, and Warhammer. Each of these role playing game systems has its own rule books and may require special dice. Many role playing groups prefer to use miniatures to represent their characters. Books, dice, and miniatures, as well as many other optional items such as maps and adventures, can be purchased at most game and hobby stores. LARPers don’t always dress up, but those who do can find costumes online or may prefer to make their own.
There exist some rumors that role playing games are evil, or that only immature people with poor social skills play them. In reality, they are a very social activity enjoyed by people of all ages. A key demographic of these games is 20 to 30 year-old, successful adults. The games are a fun, creative hobby, and role playing groups are notoriously friendly and welcoming to new players. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to slay a dragon, explore the moons of Mars, or rescue a town from a zombie invasion, you can experience it yourself role playing.