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rules:what_is_a_rpg [2025/06/25 19:27] – created Ron Helwigrules:what_is_a_rpg [2025/07/02 18:01] (current) – Ron Helwig
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 << rules:start ^ rules:start ^ rules:attributes >> << rules:start ^ rules:start ^ rules:attributes >>
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 # What is an RPG? # What is an RPG?
  
-Most of you reading this will have a good general idea of what an RPG is, but have you thought about it in detail? Have you considered just what core properties and rules are needed?+Most people reading this will already have some idea of what a roleplaying game (RPG) is. But it’s worth asking: *what parts are truly essential*?
  
-Since we want this system to be modular and flexible, we have thought about this in depth. We want to make sure that when you curate your own version of this system (see **curation page link here**) that you include at least the minimum components needed to have a successful system.+This system is designed to be **modular**. That means as a game master or group, you can **curate** your version of the game—deciding which rules and tools to include, and which to leave out. To support that flexibility, we’ve taken a close look at what really makes a roleplaying game work. 
 + 
 +This page explains the **core components** every RPG needs in order to be playable and enjoyable. You don’t need to use every part of the system we offer—many features (like Species, Body Types, Communities, and Backgrounds) are optional. But some elements are foundational. If you remove or change them, your version may no longer function as a true game. 
 + 
 +If you're interested in how to curate or build your own version, see [[:rules:customizing]] later in the handbook. 
 + 
 +---
  
 ## Core Components of an RPG ## Core Components of an RPG
  
-ToDo: put in the details of the minimal requirements, such as "must have a conflict resolution system"+Whether you're using this system as-is or crafting your own variant, a viable RPG needs the following: 
 + 
 +### 1. Conflict Resolution System 
 + 
 +At the heart of any RPG is a way to answer the question:   
 +**"Does this action succeed or fail?"** 
 + 
 +This is where **dice**, **tokens**, or other randomizers come in. They give weight to player choices and resolve uncertainty. 
 + 
 +> Imagine a group of kids playing "Cops and Robbers." One shouts,   
 +> _"Bang! You're dead!"_   
 +> And the other yells back, _"Nuh uh! I was behind a wall!"_ 
 + 
 +Without a shared rule for deciding what actually happens, it quickly devolves into arguing. There's no resolution—just competing claims. 
 + 
 +An RPG needs a system to **settle disputes**, **introduce risk**, and **enable suspense**. It doesn't matter whether it’s dice, cards, a Jenga tower, or coin flips—but something must be there. 
 + 
 +### 2. Character Definition 
 + 
 +Every player needs a character with a clear identity—both narratively and mechanically. At minimum, each character should have: 
 + 
 +- A set of **traits or stats** that determine what they can attempt and how good they are at it. 
 +- A way to **improve** over time, reflecting experience or growth. 
 + 
 +This could be a full build with multiple modular components (Domains, Species, etc.), or something much simpler—but characters must have **mechanical differentiation**. 
 + 
 +### 3. Narrative Authority 
 + 
 +In most RPGs, one person (the **Game Master**) describes the world, plays non-player characters, and decides when to call for rolls. 
 + 
 +Even in systems without a GM, someone must: 
 + 
 +- **Describe the situation** 
 +- **Call for conflict resolution** when needed 
 +- **Interpret results** and determine what happens next 
 + 
 +Without a clear source of narrative authority, the story can't move forward in a consistent way. 
 + 
 +### 4. World Assumptions 
 + 
 +A functioning RPG needs shared expectations about the world: 
 + 
 +- What genre is this? (Fantasy? Sci-fi? Post-apocalyptic?) 
 +- What’s normal and what’s strange? 
 +- What can characters reasonably try to do? 
 + 
 +The rules don’t have to provide a fully detailed setting. But players and the GM need a **framework** to make decisions and interpret events. 
 + 
 +### 5. Resource Management 
 + 
 +Interesting choices require trade-offs. Whether it's: 
 + 
 +- Health vs. danger, 
 +- Magic vs. fatigue, 
 +- Time vs. opportunity, 
 + 
 +...players need to **manage limited resources**. These constraints make decisions meaningful, encourage teamwork, and allow for both tension and triumph. 
 + 
 +--- 
 + 
 +## Optional Tools 
 + 
 +Many of this system’s features are useful but not essential. You can safely leave them out, especially if your setting or play style makes them unnecessary: 
 + 
 +- **Species**: Can be ignored if all characters are considered the same type. 
 +- **Body Types**: Flavorful and sometimes mechanical, but optional. 
 +- **Backgrounds & Communities**: Add depth and connection, but not required. 
 +- **Domains**: These are central to this system’s identity, but can be simplified or reimagined in curated variants. 
 +- We think **Team Actions** are great, but you might not. 
 + 
 +Other features are essential to play, but **can be replaced** with alternatives: 
 + 
 +- **Aspects** could be swapped for standard attributes and skill lists (like D&D). 
 +- The **d4 Dice Pool** could be replaced by a **d20 Test**, *Daggerheart’s* **Duality Dice**, or something else. 
 +- **Damage Thresholds** (Serious & Critical), along with HP and Stress, could be replaced by simpler or more abstract durability systems. 
 + 
 +--- 
 + 
 +## Final Thought 
 + 
 +At its core, an RPG is a structured conversation about imagined events. Players describe what their characters do. The GM (or rules) respond. Dice (or other tools) introduce uncertainty. 
 + 
 +This structure only works when there’s a **shared understanding** of how to make decisions, resolve actions, and move forward together. 
 + 
 +So curate boldly—but don’t forget the **pillars** that hold the system up.