A role-playing game (or RPG for short) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting.

Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, structured decision-making or character development. The narrative is usually guided by a Game Master (sometimes known as a GM, or Dungeon Master (DM) in fantasy settings). Actions taken within the narrative succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines. These successes or failures can help build upon the narrative at the Game Master's discretion.  

At least that's what Wikipedia says...

How we see RPGs

As humans, we are born storytellers. From the time we learn to talk as children to the time we rest easy in our rocking chairs, we're sharing stories of our lives, our experience, our successes, and our failures. 

That's exactly what an RPG is - Storytelling. But, instead of playing the role of yourself, you're playing the role of a character, often times one that you've created. 

Skilled GMs will craft a setting where your can take your character and explore in a safe environment. Sometimes, that exploration can take many different shapes - exploring a world of the GMs creation, working out thoughts and feelings you have, or getting to make deep connections with people you only thought you knew before.

What most people find once they have played an RPG is that the game tends to extend past the rules, past the dice, and the confines of the game table. RPG groups can creates friendships that last lifetimes, shared experience that reach deep into our human memory banks, and a imbue passions we never knew we had.  

Low Risk, High Reward

Believe it or not, there are people out there who take their in-home games and share them with the world. a quick Twitch.tv will find you a host of games. However, I'm a fan of the content produced by Felicia Day's Geek and Sundry.  The collection of actors, artists, and writers that make up the staff and crew at GnS do an outstanding job of bringing characters of their own creation to life on camera. Go check them out and get hooked on a show like Critical Role or Shield of Tomorrow!

RPG SYSTEMS We Like

With any game out there, there are usually a set of rule that you've got to follow to make the game fun. While there are (literally) hundreds of RPG systems out there, here are a few that I have either played or seen played that I would recommend. 

Star Trek Adventures by Modiphius (affiliate link) - Geek and Sundry uses this system to run the RPG show Shield of Tomorrow, lead by writer, master story teller, and GM Eric Campbell.

Dungeons and Dragons, 5th Edition by Wizards of the Coast - Critical Role is described as a "bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors playing "Dungeons and Dragons". Run by the amazingly talented DM Matt Mercer.