Roolipelien

Roolipelien is the Finnish term used to refer to role-playing games, encompassing both tabletop or pen‑and‑paper games and live‑action role-playing games (LARP). In these games players assume fictional characters and collaborate to tell stories within a defined rules framework, guided by a game master. The category also includes digital and online RPGs, though the term is most commonly associated with traditional tabletop play.

History and scope: Roolipelit emerged in Finland alongside the global role‑playing hobby, gaining popularity during the 1980s and 1990s through translated rules, Finnish publications, local clubs, and conventions. Finnish players use a mix of internationally published systems and original Finnish supplements. One notable event is Ropecon, a large Finnish tabletop convention held in Helsinki, which has served as a hub for players and publishers.

Gameplay and systems: A roolipeli session typically involves characters with attributes, skills, and equipment, a game master who narrates and adjudicates rules, and dice or other mechanics to determine outcomes. Campaigns may be standalone adventures or long‑running arcs. Genres vary widely, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery; many games use generic or cinematic rulesets, while others are designed for specific settings. LARP is one form in which players physically enact roles.

Impact and community: Roolipelien foster collaborative storytelling, social interaction, and creative problem solving. The Finnish scene includes clubs, schools, libraries, and online communities that publish adventures, translations, and homebrew rules. The hobby continues to influence game design, fiction writing, and fan culture in Finland and beyond.