STORYTELLER SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The term "storyteller system" refers to a narrative framework or tool used in role-playing games (RPGs) to facilitate storytelling and game mechanics. It was first introduced in the game "Vampire: The Masquerade" by White Wolf Publishing in the early 1990s, but has since been adapted and used in various other RPGs.
At its core, a storyteller system is designed to prioritize storytelling and character development over mechanical gameplay. It emphasizes collaboration between the players and the game master (often referred to as the storyteller) to create a rich and immersive story-driven experience.
The storyteller system typically involves a dice-based resolution mechanism, where players roll dice to determine the success or failure of their character's actions. However, instead of relying solely on complex rules and calculations, the system encourages role-playing and narrative-driven decision-making. The game master acts as the referee and narrator, interpreting the dice rolls and guiding the story accordingly.
In a storyteller system, players are encouraged to create intricate and well-rounded characters with rich backstories, motivations, and relationships. The system often incorporates character traits, abilities, and skills, which provide a framework for character progression and decision-making within the narrative.
Overall, the storyteller system aims to offer a flexible and immersive storytelling experience, which allows players to actively participate and shape the narrative, while maintaining an element of chance and unpredictability through the dice mechanics.
Etymology of STORYTELLER SYSTEM
The word storyteller system is a phrase that combines two separate terms: storyteller and system.
The term storyteller has its etymology rooted in the Old English word stoeger meaning narrator or one who tells a story. This term evolved into storyteller over time, representing someone who engages in the act of telling stories.
The word system comes from the Latin word systema, which means a whole compounded of several parts or members. It entered the English language in the 17th century and refers to a set of connected or interdependent elements or components working together as a unified whole.
When combined, the phrase storyteller system refers to a structured approach or framework for storytelling. Its etymology is a combination of the historical development of the words storyteller and system.
