1. The Roles at the Table

🎭 Players

• Each player creates one character (a hero, scoundrel, wizard, cyborg, etc.).
   

• You decide what your character says and does.
   

• You role-play their personality, goals, and reactions.
   

📖 Game Master (GM)

• Describes the world, locations, people, and dangers.
   

• Plays all non-player characters (NPCs).
   

• Decides when dice rolls are needed and what happens as a result.
   

 

2. Create a Character

You usually choose:

• Concept – Who are you? (gunslinger, knight, hacker, alien…)
   

• Abilities/Stats – Strength, agility, intelligence, etc.
   

• Skills & Powers – Shooting, magic, hacking, stealth.
   

• Gear – Weapons, armor, tools.
   

Your character sheet is your reference during play.

 

3. The Core Loop of Play

Most RPGs follow this rhythm:

1. GM describes the situation
    

   • “You enter a dusty frontier town at sunset…”
      

2. Players say what they do
    

   • “I scan the street for trouble.”
      

   • “I head into the saloon.”
      

3. Dice decide uncertain outcomes
    

   • Roll + skill/stat.
      

   • High roll = success, low roll = failure or complication.
      

4. GM narrates the result
    

   • “You spot armed men watching the door.”
      

5. Repeat
    

This loop continues for exploration, social scenes, and combat.

 

4. Dice & Rules

• Dice add chance and tension.
   

• Rules keep things fair and consistent.
   

• You don’t need to memorize everything—the GM helps.
   

Think of rules as guidelines, not restrictions on creativity.

 

5. Combat (When Things Get Dangerous)

Combat is usually more structured:

• Everyone takes turns.
   

• You can move, attack, use abilities, or help allies.
   

• Dice determine hits, damage, and special effects.
   

The goal isn’t just to win fights—it’s to make the story exciting.

 

6. Role-Playing (The “Acting” Part)

You can role-play as much or as little as you like:

• In character: “I don’t trust this deal.”
   

• Out of character: “My character is suspicious.”
   

There’s no wrong way—comfort level matters.

 

7. Progression & Rewards

Over time, characters usually gain:

• Experience points (XP)
   

• New abilities or powers
   

• Better gear
   

• Reputation in the world
   

Your character changes because of the story.

 

8. The Most Important Rule

🎯 Have fun telling a story together.

You’re not competing against the GM.
You’re collaborating to create memorable moments.