Fistful of Dice Teaches Kids About Role Playing Games

What are RPGs?

RPGs, or role playing games, are games that involve playing as a character in a fictional world. The characters are often created through a detailed process according to the game rules. Typically decisions and actions are made via chance and resolved by rolling various dice. Each game has a  "Game Master"  who tells the story, moving the game along, and acting on behalf of other entities that inhabit this world.

How to play an RPG

There are three varieties of RPGs

1. Table Top RPGs (TTRPGs) - This is the original incarnation and remains popular. Players are guided through discussion and dice rolls, using maps and miniature figures to keep track of progression. Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is the most popular and well-known TTRPG.
2. Electronic - While there are a variety of forms, by far the most well-known are massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG). In these, players create a character and interact with others online in a massive fictional world.  The world is persistent, meaning when a player logs out, the world continues to simulate the passage of time. The world server can then host other players, changing according to their actions. World of Warcraft (WoW) is the most popular MMORPG.
3. Live Action (LARP) - In live-action role plating games, players physically inhabit their characters through costume, make-up and props. Gameplay takes place in a real-world setting where players interact and resolve actions through pre-set rules.

What's a good beginner's RPG game?

Paul Juliano from Fistful of Dice recommends the following games:

1. Glaive
2. Lasers and Feelings
3. Mausritter
4. Scum & Villany
5. Many local libraries carry D&D and other game books as well