What is TRPG?
basics

What is TRPG?

Read time: 5 min
Last updated: 2025-01-11

An easy-to-understand introduction to Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TRPG) for beginners, covering the basics and appeal of this unique gaming experience.

What is TRPG?

TRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) is a game where players collaborate using words and imagination to create stories together. Unlike video game RPGs, it progresses through human communication rather than computer processing.

Basic Components

A TRPG consists mainly of the following elements:

  • Game Master (GM) - The narrator and referee of the story
  • Players - People who play the main characters in the story
  • Rulebook - A book containing the game's rules and systems
  • Dice - Tools to determine success or failure of actions (mainly d20, d6, etc.)
  • Character Sheet - A record of player character abilities and stats

The Appeal of TRPG

1. Infinite Freedom

Unlike video games, players can try any action they can imagine.

Instead of just "opening this door," you can "enter through a window," "break the lock," "negotiate to have it opened," and countless other options limited only by your imagination.

2. Cooperation and Story Experience

Working together with companions to overcome challenges creates a unique story that only you can tell.

3. Character Immersion

Creating your own character and immersing yourself in that role during adventures is a unique charm of TRPGs.

How to Play TRPG

Step 1: Character Creation

First, create the character you will play.

  • Name, appearance, personality
  • Ability scores (strength, intelligence, charisma, etc.)
  • Class/Profession (warrior, wizard, thief, etc.)
  • Background story

Step 2: Scenario Begins

The GM describes the setting of the story, and the adventure begins.

GM: "You stand at the entrance of an ancient forest.
     An eerie sound echoes from between the trees..."

Step 3: Declaring Actions

Players declare what their characters will do.

Player: "I proceed cautiously deeper into the forest"

Step 4: Dice Roll

Dice determine the success or failure of actions.

  • Roll a d20 - A 20-sided die
  • Compare to target number - Difficulty set by the GM
  • Interpret results - GM narrates the outcome

Step 5: Story Progresses

Based on the dice results, the GM describes the story and moves to the next scene.

Differences with AI GM

In this app, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) serves as the GM.

Benefits of AI GM

Traditional TRPGAI GM TRPG
Human GM requiredSolo play anytime
Schedule coordination neededPlay whenever you want
Need to learn rulesAI handles rule processing
High barrier for beginnersBeginner-friendly

What AI Enables

  • Available 24/7
  • Instant scene image generation
  • Automatic complex calculations
  • Gentle guidance for beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Isn't TRPG difficult?

A: Beginners are welcome! The AI GM in this app will gently guide you. You don't need to memorize all the rules perfectly.

Q: How long does it take?

A: A typical session lasts 2-3 hours, but this app has a save feature so you can pause and resume at any time.

Q: Can I play alone?

A: Yes, with an AI GM, solo play is possible. Multiplayer with friends is planned for future updates.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics of TRPG, read these guides next:

  • About AI GM - Characteristics of the three GM personas
  • Character Creation Guide - How to create compelling characters
  • Dice System - Detailed explanation of judgment mechanics

Are you ready? Let's begin your adventure!