RPG experience giving insight as preparation for life

RPG as a system is being modeled as a simulation or rather virtualisation of the real world. Therefore it is very transparent and easy to apply the insight we gain from playing and constructing RPG as “preparation for life” into our everyday living.

In this case, the structure of the model, and the elements which it is comprised of as well as the relations between these elements are of critical interest to us.

RPG Character Sheets – examples of structure models

The Human Standard for Creation of Virtual Cultures, Races, Ethnie

Seeing as virtual cultures are a part of a virtual environment (world) the logic they must abide by as a part of a network of corresponding elements, is always drawn according to rules and standards acquired from real cultures and races and their cultural and social relations.

DnD, relations of Virtual Races by physical size and bulk

HumanStandard

All the specific changes of characteristics that make any virtual race or culture into a truly unique element are in fact based on changing the human potential norm.

Possible extreme Possible extreme

VirtualCulture

1

SpecificVirtual

Environment1,2,3…n

World map placementClimate

The (4) seasonsSoil qualityRecources:

Wood, stone, ore, Plantlife, animals

…

GlobalVirtual

Environment

Day and Night cycleNumber of SunsColor of the sunsNumber of MoonsCycle of MoonsStars in the sky

…VirtualCulture

2

VirtualCulture

3

VirtualCulture

n

Physical attributes

Mental attributes

Social attributes

Belief

Knowledges

Skills

Communication

Schematic view of Virtual Culture elements in reliance to the Virtual environment

Cultural elements

Culture relations

In the concept of RPG so far, the difference between race and culture is in fact blurred because virtual cultures are commonly created as virtual races of a specific cultural type. Virtual Race should however be a part of the Virtual Culture, an element the Culture is made of.

Depending on the RPG system there are different ways of handling specific trait constelations

Races / Cultures in RPG

The question that arises is how do we define Virtual ethnicity in respect to Virtual Culture and Virtual Race.

Physical attributes Mental attributes Social attributes

VirtualRace

Skills Talents Knowledges

Charisma

Manipulation

Appearance

Coolnes

Intelligence

Wits

Wisdom

Perception

Strength

Dexterity

Vitality

Stamina

Virtual Race Diagram

Virtual ethnicity describes social boundaries which are constructed under the assumption of a common genealogy, cultural forms such as language, religion, customs, tradition, common history, folklore and common geographical history.

SpecificVirtual

EnvironmentVirtualEthnie

2

VirtualCulture

1VirtualEthnie

1

SpecificVirtual

Environment

VirtualCulturem…my

VirtualCulturen…nx Local Custom

Local History

Folklore variants

Cultural form variants

Local Custom

Local History

Folklore variants

Cultural form variants

Virtual Ethnie Diagram

Trough the insight given by the transparency of the model the main focus of the education naturally becomes the understanding of racial, cultural and ethnic differences. In this case it becomes uniquely transparent that despite their differences in attributes traits and constellations of characteristics, they are all in fact the same, seeing as they exhibit the same kinds of behaviour.

Different Races enacting same behaviour

RPG is thus teaching us the understanding of social and cultural diversification in viewing the different as specific constellations that form unique elements of equal value. Therefore RPG is a modern educational technology for promoting multiculturalism and racial tolerance.

RPG as an Educational means

Thank you for your attention.