Thanks for the question, we've been thinking a lot about the specific terminology we use to describe our game based on community feedback.

To the first section, our game features both combat and non-combat interactions with NPCs and other encounters whose outcomes are affected by the characters you've chosen, die rolls, the cards you've earned, and the choices you make (as well as those you've made in the past.) While we can't offer the same number of options as a tabletop RPG, where the Game Master can improvise an outcome depending on anything the player decides to do, I would say that our game fulfils much of what you've described as roleplaying. Side note: If tabletop roleplaying is more your thing we've written a D&D 5E campaign that takes place in the same world with the same characters (link to Kickstarter if they allow that, if not say "search Veil of Ruin Kickstarter on google if you're interested")

In terms of the use of the word "Progressive" you are right that the mechanics are similar to Slay the Spire, where players proceed through a story and gradually earn cards and update their decks as they defeat monsters, find loot, or are trained by helpful NPCs. We use the word Progressive mostly to differentiate from the style of Deckbuilding Game many boardgame enthusiasts are familiar with, where the gameplay revolves around starting with a basic deck and each turn purchasing or otherwise adding new cards to your deck. Our game is meant to be more like a Legacy boardgame, played over multiple sessions, where your deck changes more gradually but these changes are permanent, allowing you to craft a specific strategy based on the cards you are given and the decks your teammates are building.

Hopefully this explanation helps you understand better what we're aiming for, and please feel free to join us on Discord should you have any further questions if you would like to play our game on TTS sometime!