Literary Role Play Terminology

Some people call it "text-based" or a Role Play Game (RPG), but after engaging myself in what I affectionately call "Literary Role Play" I've come to realize that it isn't a game at all, and though it is in fact done through text, it is often written out in the style of a novel. There is an entire glossary all it's own of the specific terminology used, and the purpose of this article is to shed some light on that.

Some of you may be thinking, "What the heck are you talking about?" Well, to start off I'll give a brief overview of the type of role playing that I'm referring to. It's specifically online, but not a PC game. By taking turns in chat rooms or instant messaging, individual people write out the actions and dialogue of their own character. After they put a portion of their own narrative, their role playing partner reciprocates. By taking turns, a scene is played out, and in most cases a plot is developed. But, aside from the proper use of words and grammar (I hope), there are less than proper words and acronyms used.

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Literary Role Play Terminology:

RP - Role Play. (Bet you couldn't have guessed that one!)

OOC - Out Of Character. Anything that is apart from the action taking place within the story or with the characters.

IC - In Character. Anything done through a character's voice or actions, through the narrative, etc.

((...)) or {...} - OOC bubbles. Used in the middle of a role play session to keep ooc discussion from being mixed with ic writing.

Mun - The person behind the keyboard, the player of the character: You. Often, when real names aren't given, a person will be referred to with their character's name with the added suffix -mun. Example: Your characters name is Fergi. You would be referred to as Fergi-mun.

SL - Story Line. Though this refers to the unfolding plot, this is generally used for groups. If someone has a Twilight role play group, they might call it a Twilight SL
, but give it their own unique name (which is a good idea if your starting a storyline based on something popular enough to be used by everyone else...). IE Midnight Passion, a Twilight SL.

Canon - An already established character from a movie, show, book, comic book, etc. being played through role play. For example, Tony Stark from Iron Man or The Phantom of the Opera.

RPG - Role Play Game. To some, this is just another name for literary role play. Though I don't like it because, technically, it isn't a game. It's just creative writing.

MB - Message Board. Forums are often used for RPing, and is very convenient for those who can't meet online for live role play.

PB - Play By, Picture Based. The real definition is debatable, but it all means the same thing. This is the actor, or picture, used to portray your character. Though it isn't necessary to have a character picture, its sometimes more fun. Let's say you're using Orlando Bloom for an alien who's half Vampire half hamster. You would call Orlando your PB.

IRL - In Real Life. Usually used when referring to... well, real life (RL).

Chars - (pronounced "cares") Short for "character". "Charries" is often used for female characters, though it can be used for men as well.

Mod - Moderator. The owner and manager of a role play group or storyline. A good moderator is important to keep organization is a group of RPers, so often they will have Co-mods to help out.

Log - Any saved copy of a role play session, whether it is from the chat room or instant messaging. (I, personally, have saved hundreds of RP logs.)

*...* - Used for actions. Asterisks work well in ooc talk for if you want to have a goofy "mun action." For example, someone may imply tackling you by typing out, *tackles*. Simple concept, I hope... *cough*

::...:: - Colons. Often doubled, but not always, many people use colons to separate their character's actions from their dialogue. Every RPer's style differs, but this has always been the most basic style used.

Rhydin - Anyone who has been role playing prior to about five years ago will know what this is. Rhydin was the name of the fantasy world in which just about all RP took place in settings such as taverns, inns, and enchanted forests. It's all but faded now, only existing from a few exclusive RP groups who keep it alive.

SIM - This is.... I honestly don't know. What I do know is that it's a form of RP. Having never done it myself, I have no idea what differentiates it from other role play.

I think new role play jargon and acronyms are invented everyday, and with millions of people doing it, it's more than likely there are plenty that I forgot or have never heard. Also, the definitions are according to my personal experience. In any case, I hope this is helpful and enlightening!