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Tabletop Role-playing Games Guide

A guide for Tabletop Role-Playing Game resources

Welcome!

Tabletop Role-playing Games (TTRPGs) are usually games where several people get together to play. One person acts as the Game Master and the others create their own characters to take part in the adventure. These games are all about working together and telling a story as the players go along. Players often roll dice to see how well their actions turn out, which can lead to surprising twists in the tale.

This guide starts with resources to help play the game and is filled with advice for both Game Masters and the other players.

From there, it is organized into the type of setting the game is in:

  • Any Setting- is where the rules can be used for any world setting the players want.
  • Fantasy Settings- are games that are filled with magical spells and mythical creatures.
  • Horror Settings- may have elements of science fiction, fantasy, or realism, but the emphasis is on the adventure being scary.
  • Other Specific Settings- are games that do not fit into any of the other categories but have their own unique worlds.
  • Science Fiction Settings- are games that have robots, spaceships, or other futuristic technology.

 

Each section includes information on available rulebooks from the library, internet resources to help play the game, supplementary media for inspiration, and a segment titled "Actual Play," where people can listen to or watch individuals play the respective game.

Please explore our curated collection to view our entire diverse selection of tabletop role-playing games.

Terms For New Players

For players new to the world of Tabletop Role-Playing Games, some of the words may be new. Each game may have its own new words, but here are some of the most common ones that will be used in this guide:

  • Actual Play- The term used for videos or podcasts of people actually playing the game. Others can watch actual play to enjoy the story and may see actual dice rolls but Actual Play series tend not to explain game mechanics.
  • Character sheet- The pieces of paper that have all the information for a player's character for easy reference during play. Sometimes this is digital instead of physical paper. Some systems may not need character sheets.
  • Game Master/GM- The "GM" is the Game Master (or Gamemaster). Sometimes this role has a different name, depending on the system. For example, in Call of Cthulhu, this role is called the "Keeper". However, they all refer to the person in charge of running the game. This is the person who sets the challenges for the players, tells the story, rolls dice for the enemies, and more. This guide will always use the term "Game Master" or "GM."
  • Ruleset/System- The rules framework utilized by a game can vary significantly. For instance, Dungeons and Dragons operates under a distinct set of rules compared to Vampire: The Masquerade. Additionally, certain rulesets are specifically designed for particular settings, such as Vampire: The Masquerade, and are intended to be played exclusively within those contexts.
  • TTRPG- An abbreviation of "Tabletop Role-Playing Game." This guide outlines various TTRPG games. They tend to focus on character creation according to specific rules. Then the players engage in a narrative experience by making their own decisions and utilizing dice rolls to determine outcomes of their actions.

Content Disclaimer

The information contained in this content represents the views and opinions of the original creators. Such content does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the University of Wisconsin Superior. The appearance of video content on this site does not constitute an endorsement of UW-Superior or its affiliates.

Please be advised that some videos may or may not include strong language or sensitive topics; we recommend using personal discretion when viewing them.

Library Materials and Open Access

The library subscribes to a number of resources that can be accessed by users with their UWS credentials. This guide also showcases several freely available Open Access resources available to all -- look for the globe icon  to note these. 

UWS Students and Community Borrowers all have access to physical materials.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Please be advised that published and library resources, including resource and identification guides, are typically subject to Copyright and/or Intellectual Property Rights. Quoting, reproducing, and other representation of contents should always follow appropriate citation and acknowledgement practices. In other words, if sharing materials in print or other media, please ensure proper credit is given. 

Original written content is licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0.

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Questions? Please reach out to askref@uwsuper.edu