Code of Conduct
Unless otherwise specified, the games we run, the communities we are responsible for, and the projects we are involved with will operate under this code of conduct.
Our tables are a safe place where everyone is welcome to play games, have fun, and tell amazing stories together.
We Expect…
-
Everyone to be kind to each other, to apologize for inadvertent mistakes, to exhibit adult behavior, to avoid spoilers, and to take responsibility for their own actions.
-
All of our players to share time at the table and make sure everyone gets the DM spotlight, to work together, and to cooperate generously.
-
That everyone will invite new players, pitch in to help them learn the game, and cut them some slack while they’re learning.
-
People to treat the DMs, the other players, the organizers, and the venues that host our events kindly and with respect.
-
Folks to know their own boundaries and to politely assert them.
-
DMs and players to adapt the game to respect other people’s boundaries.
-
Everyone to respect and be tolerant of other people, their in-game choices, and their characters.
-
People to avoid excessively vulgar, sexual, or overly mature language and themes and to be aware of the maturity levels and sensitivities of your group.
-
Roll dice clearly, have complete log-sheets, and communicate plainly what you’re doing in-game.
-
Ask questions and speak up if there’s something going on that you are unhappy with.
-
Work together so all players have a great time.
-
At conventions, try to get six hours of sleep, two meals, and one shower every day.
Please Be Polite
-
If you must take a phone call, or talk to someone, or do parenting duties, please do so away from the table.
-
If your attention wanders from the game, or you are getting sleepy, ask for a brief table break to walk around, get a drink, and refocus.
-
Share space at the table and give everyone room for their stuff.
-
Clean up your area and push in your chairs when you’re done. Don’t make the organizer clean up after you.
-
Ask before touching other people or their stuff.
-
Follow the DMs lead and avoid arguing over rules.
-
Avoid excessive cross-talk that is not relevant to the adventure being played.
-
Arrive to games a little bit early and be ready to play on time.
-
If you are going to be late or miss a game, please let the DM/organizer know as early as possible.
What Is Not Acceptable
-
Racism, sexism, homophobia, religious slurs, ethnic slurs, and other forms of bigotry.
-
Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, race, age, regional discrimination, political, or religious affiliation.
-
Espousing racist, anti-religious, anti-ethnic, or other hate-mongering philosophy.
-
Inappropriate and non-consensual physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, sexualized comments or jokes as well as inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcome sexual advances.
-
Stalking, cyberstalking, or unwanted attention. If someone tells you to go away and never talk to them again then leave them alone.
-
Violence or threats of violence. This includes bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, physical or verbal threats, intimidation, griefing, and harmful, threatening, or abusive language.
-
Cheating.
-
Theft.
-
Lewd or generally offensive language, conduct, profanity, or gestures.
-
Disruptive behavior.
-
Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behavior.
What You Should Do
-
Alert the DM and/or organizer if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct.
-
If something is going on in the game that you are uncomfortable with (for instance, a description of violence or an intense roleplaying scene) let the DM know what is making you uncomfortable so they can adapt. If the DM is unable or unwilling to resolve this issue, please escalate the issue to the organizer.
-
If you see unacceptable behavior, and if you feel safe doing so, even if you're not the recipient of it, plainly state to the other person “please stop doing [clearly define the unacceptable behavior].” (Or, "hey, that's not cool!" or "yo, we don't do that here!") The majority of the time, bad behavior stops if you publicly and clearly ask for it to stop. If you do not feel you can talk to the other person, then let the DM or the organizer know as soon as you feel safe doing so. You will be believed and we will make it right.
-
If someone asks you to please stop unacceptable behavior, then stop. It was likely unintentional and a brief apology will set things right.
The X Card
-
If the game makes you in ANY way uncomfortable, then please slip the DM a note with an X on it, hold up a piece of paper with an X on it, or make an X with your arms in front of your face.
-
We will change the content to adapt to what makes you comfortable. If you feel like advising us what to avoid, that is helpful, but not required.
-
You are fully empowered to ask the table to take a brief break at any time for any reason.
What We Will Do
-
We may ask you to stop unwanted behavior, to ask you to leave the event, and also to ask you to never return to any of our events without refunding any payments you have made.
-
Bad behavior will be reported to whatever organizing body exists so that they are informed of what happened.