roolipalette

Roolipalette is a term that emerged from online communities, particularly those focused on tabletop role-playing games and collaborative storytelling. It refers to a player's deliberate selection and utilization of a specific set of character archetypes, tropes, or narrative roles that they consistently employ or enjoy playing. Rather than a fixed or formal designation, a roolipalette is a personal and often evolving collection of character types a player finds themselves drawn to.

These roles can range from broad categories like "the stoic warrior," "the wise mage," or "the charming rogue" to more niche or meta-specific concepts tied to particular game systems or storytelling styles. For example, someone might have a roolipalette that includes "the morally grey investigator," "the comic relief sidekick," or "the reluctant hero forced into action." Players might develop a roolipalette over time through repeated play, identifying patterns in the characters they create and the kinds of stories they gravitate towards.

The concept of a roolipalette is not about limiting oneself, but rather about understanding one's own preferences and how they contribute to a group's dynamic and the overall narrative. It can be a tool for self-awareness as a player and can also help other players and game masters understand the player's typical contributions to the story. While not a formal game mechanic, the roolipalette is a recognized aspect of player agency and personal style within many TTRPG communities.