User talk:Grantor

This definition really side-steps the origin of the term.

As per the Urban Dictionary definition: "The typical protagonist of a fantasy role-playing game, who is a homeless guy who goes around killing people and taking their stuff. The term originated in discussions of tabletop role-playing games by authors seeking to create games aimed at styles of play not supported by traditional games like Dungeons & Dragons."

The original use of the word applies to ALL of the characters in D&D and other games, because the published scenarios set a template of two or three combat encounters leading to a boss fight, all loosely linked by a few skill roles or roleplaying. Literally, the "typical protagonist" means all of the players. Always without a permanent home, always resolving the problem of the villagers by killing the threat to their safety. Defending your home, finding a wife, becoming chieftain of your clan, to build a temple or wizard tower and tend to your followers and research. These are not stories you tell with D20 systems. Not in the generic adventures that they publish, designed for any characters to be able to run.