Updated 2026-06-17 · 6 minute read
RPG terms
GM, DM, Keeper or Referee: the person who presents the world, handles rules questions and plays non-player characters. Player character: a character controlled by a player. NPC: a character controlled by the GM. Campaign: a linked run of sessions with continuing characters or consequences. One-shot: a self-contained adventure, usually played in one meeting.
Session zero: a planning conversation before play starts, used to discuss tone, characters, safety, schedule and expectations. Rules-light: a game with fewer procedures and quicker resolution. Crunch: detailed mechanics, options or tactical rules.
Dice and play terms
D20, D6, D10: shorthand for dice with that number of sides. Check or test: a roll to see whether an uncertain action succeeds. Advantage or bonus: a rule that improves the chance of success. Critical: an especially good or bad result, depending on the game.
Wargaming terms
Skirmish game: a miniatures game with a small number of models. Army game: a larger battle built around units or formations. Line of sight: whether one model can see another for shooting or abilities. Terrain: scenery such as buildings, hills, ruins and woods. Scenario: the mission or battle situation being played.
WYSIWYG: short for "what you see is what you get", meaning a model visually shows its equipment. Proxy: a stand-in model used to represent something else. Counts-as: an agreed substitute, often used for conversions or unavailable models.
Painting and modelling terms
Primer: the first paint layer that helps later paint stick. Basecoat: the main colour on an area. Wash or shade: thin paint that flows into recesses. Drybrushing: using a nearly dry brush to catch raised detail. Varnish: a protective finish. Conversion: a modified model built from parts, sculpting or kitbashing.
Card-game terms
Deck: the cards a player brings to a game. Booster: a randomised pack of cards. Singles: individual cards bought or traded directly. Format: rules for deck size, legal cards and event structure. Draft: a format where players choose cards from packs and build decks on the spot.
3D-printing terms
STL: a common 3D model file. Slicer: software that prepares a file for printing. Supports: temporary structures that hold difficult shapes during printing. Resin: liquid material used by detailed miniature printers. FDM: filament-based printing, often used for terrain and larger parts.
Store and event terms
FLGS: friendly local game store, often the hub for events, preorders and noticeboards. Organised play: publisher or store-supported events with shared rules. Demo game: a teaching game, usually shorter and more forgiving than a normal session. League: repeated play over several weeks with standings or achievements.
Useful next steps
For more context, read What Is A Tabletop RPG?, What Is Miniature Wargaming?, What Are Trading Card Games? and What Is An STL File?.