# Railroading

- Term: Tabletop term
- Canonical: https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/railroading/

> When a [Game Master](https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/game-master/) forces the story down a predetermined track regardless of players' choices, like a train that can only go one way. Usually a criticism, it describes blocked exits, invincible villains and plots that happen no matter what the characters do.

When a [Game Master](https://www.lanternhall.org/lexicon/game-master/) forces the story down a predetermined track regardless of players' choices, like a train that can only go one way. Usually a criticism, it describes blocked exits, invincible villains and plots that happen no matter what the characters do.

## Quick answers

**What does "Railroading" mean?**
When a Game Master forces the story down a predetermined track regardless of players' choices, like a train that can only go one way. Usually a criticism, it describes blocked exits, invincible villains and plots that happen no matter what the characters do.

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From The Lantern Hall (https://www.lanternhall.org/), a museum of fantasy literature and roleplaying games.