RPG Lexica:MNO

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Munchkin

One of the most controversial terms in RPGs. A good argument could be made that it means "any player I don't like", but most people reserve the term for a specific type of bad player...

My own definition: a player who, through inexperience or immaturity, disrupts the game to the detriment of the other players, usually by any or all of the following:

• Creating a character that's inappropriate to the setting (Classic definition: A munchkin is someone who, in a game of courtly politics and intrigue in 16th century France, wants to play a ninja.)
• Insisting his character either is or has to be the absolute best at everything he does.
• Roleplays poorly, seeing his character (and the other characters) as mere game pieces, without personality or motivations beyond advancing in the game.
• Relating to the last one: approaching all problems, obstacles, and frustrations with violence as a first resort
• Attempting to "win" the game, even at the expense of the other players, in situations where it would be inappropriate.

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