What is a TTRPG?

It's a question I often get asked, particularly by my family. Whilst pop culture such as Stranger Things or Community or The Big Bang Theory are making Dungeons & Dragons more mainstream, for those who didn't grow up with the game in their life, it's such a foreign concept that trying to describe on the spot is quite difficult. As an author, I have a simple solution: I'll write it down instead, and direct the inquisitive people to read, rather than listen. This will be a subjective view, but if my description succeeds in piquing your interest, then I consider that a success.

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The easiest way to describe a tabletop roleplaying game is to compare to boardgames.

Have you ever had a game of Monopoly where things have become heated and real emotion bleeds through into the game? Or a game of Catan where you start to embody the life of a settler, trading and bartering for resources? Those are the foundations of tabletop roleplaying games, where roleplay starts to shift to the narrative.

The overall premise - of any TTRPG, regardless of system used - is collaborative storytelling. A back-and-forth between the players controlling their playable character(s), and the "gamesmaster", who acts as the narrator to bring the world to life. The player says what their character wants to do something; the gamesmaster narrates the outcome. More "dramatic" actions usually involve some dice rolls to determine whether the outcome is a good one, a bad one, or something in between. The gamesmaster is the adjudicator of the rules but here's the thing that none of the games will outright say: the rules are meant to be broken. Fun for all is, at the end of the day, the aim of any game.

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And that's it! That is a TTRPG. But now we get into the different types of TTRPGs. Dungeons & Dragons is by far the most popular and easily accessible (D&D Beyond makes creating characters and absolute breeze) but what if that doesn't appeal to your niche? It is a game that mostly features traditional, medieval fantasy with magic thrown in, though it does branch out into space & sci-fi with campaign settings such as Spelljammer. But you're not obliged to stick to just those settings. The world of TTRPGs is vast and varied!

For horror fans, you have Call of Cthulhu. For heavy metal and/or apocalyptic fans, you have Mork Borg. For cosy fantasy, you have Wanderhome. the list is endless!

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Below I've listed my (current) favourite TTRPG systems out there, as well as links to them. I am in no way affiliated with any of the systems, but will jump at the chance to recommend them to people

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Draw Steel. Tactical, cinematic, heroic, fantasy. For those who like crunchy rules and fast-paced action. I've even written my own adventure for the system, Apotheosis! Available for free download at the link.

Mythic Bastionland. Inspired by Arthurian myths & legends. A rules-lite, exploration TTRPG. Gorgeous artwork.

Blades in the Dark. City-based gothic TTRPG inspired by industrial Victorian London. You play as a crew of daring scoundrels pulling of heists.

Pirate Borg. For anyone wanting to live their ultimate pirate fantasy. Described by the creator as "the worst pirate game ever made!".

And a bonus TTRPG that I am yet to play but adore the idea of: Stonetop. It's described as "hearth fantasy" and I have nothing else to share beyond that.

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​I hope you found this rambling overview of a TTRPG helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch! Or if this post is what gets you into a TTRPG, it would make my day to be told back.

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As always,

Yours irregularly, Richard.