Contraband: Dice are often considered contraband, as they can be used for gambling, so inmates often create their own spinners or use other improvised methods for rolling.

Limited Resources: RPG books, maps, and other materials can be expensive and difficult to obtain, and some prisons outright ban them.

Censorship: Mailroom censors can scrutinize materials sent to inmates, potentially confiscating or rejecting RPG-related items.

Improvised Solutions: Inmates often creatively improvise solutions to overcome these restrictions, such as drawing their own maps or crafting spinners from paper and typewriter parts.

Social Interaction: RPG can foster friendships and a sense of community, which can be particularly important in the isolating environment of prison.

Creativity and Escape: The game provides an outlet for creativity and allows inmates to escape the monotony and harshness of prison life.

Therapeutic Value: RPG can serve as a form of therapy, allowing inmates to explore their emotions and experiences through their characters and the game's narratives.

Lifelong Learning: Some inmates have reported that RPG has helped them develop life skills, anger management, and drug counseling skills.

Some prisons have banned RPG or role-playing games altogether, citing concerns about gang activity or the potential for disruptive behavior.

In some cases, RPG has been used as a tool for rehabilitation and therapy, while in others, it has been seen as a form of escapism that could hinder inmates' progress.

In Texas, some inmates on death row have used RPG as a way to cope with their isolation and the weight of their sentences.

One former inmate, Micah Davis, described how he and other inmates had their own table in the dayroom and played RPG regularly.

Some inmates have even created intricate maps, character sheets, and campaign notes, showcasing their creativity and dedication to the game.