in Tabletop games G is for…
Game Group
Your gaming group is that special bunch of people you regularly play with. They might be friends, family, or even a local meetup group. The dynamic of a game night often depends as much on the people as on the games themselves. Some groups prefer competitive play, others are all about storytelling and cooperation. If you find a good one, treasure it—there’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of a regular game night.
Game Master (GM) / Dungeon Master (DM)
The GM (or DM in Dungeons & Dragons) is the storyteller, referee, and world-builder. They set the scene, control non-player characters (NPCs), and guide players through the adventure. While the GM shapes the world, they don’t dictate the story—the players’ choices influence what happens. Some GMs stick to published adventures, while others create original worlds. Every GM has their own style, from rules-focused strategists to those who prioritise roleplay and improvisation.
Games Workshop
If you’re into tabletop gaming, you’ve likely heard of Games Workshop. The company behind Warhammer and Warhammer 40K has been shaping miniatures and war-based RPGs for decades. They pioneered grimdark storytelling, where hope is a rare commodity and war is eternal. Their worlds are as much about narrative depth as they are about tactical combat.
GMPC – Game Master Player Character
This refers to a character controlled by the GM who is treated as a player’s character. GMPCs can be controversial—if done poorly, they can steal the spotlight from players. However, some GMs include them as helpful guides or plot devices to support the party without overshadowing the real heroes. I have run several games and never have i felt the need or draw to play a GMPC.
Goon
Also known as a minion, a goon is a low-level enemy often used in large numbers to challenge players without posing a major individual threat. Goon squads are perfect for cinematic fights, where heroes can cut through hordes of enemies in dramatic fashion.
Greyhawk
Often called the “original” Dungeons & Dragons setting, Greyhawk is where it all began. Created by Gary Gygax, it offers classic medieval fantasy with deep political intrigue and legendary dungeons. It may lack the high-magic feel of Faerûn, but its rich history and complex factions make it a favourite for old-school players who prefer a more grounded, sword-and-sorcery feel.
Grok
To grok something means to deeply and intuitively understand it. If you grok a game, you don’t just know the rules—you get how the mechanics interact and what strategies work best. The term originated from a 1960s sci-fi novel (Stranger in a Strange Land) and was later embraced by the tech world before filtering into board game jargon. It’s that moment when a game just clicks for you.
GURPS
Want to roleplay in any time period, genre, or reality? GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) gives you the tools to build any setting you like. From hard sci-fi to fantasy, it’s a system that prizes flexibility. The downside? You might need a calculator for character creation, but the trade-off is complete creative freedom
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