The following is the social contract I have my table adhere by. Written up as a literal contract. Anyone who wants to join my table must agree to follow these tenets. This includes me, hence the section on Rule 0 and Rule Yes.
Rule 0.
The answer is no. DM veto. DM fiat. DM is director and
god. Rule 0 is extremely powerful, and has equally extreme consequences. Used
incorrectly, it can ruin jobs, friendships, and even marriages. It comes with
the incredibly high responsibility of using it as rarely as possible- never, if possible. Remember: “He who lives by the sword dies by the
sword.” and “Though a gentleman
carries a sword, a true gentleman need never use it.” These people are your
friends. Treat them like it.
The Rule of Yes.
Nothing grinds a game to a halt faster than a no
ruling. Nothing frustrates more than being told a brilliant idea is no good.
Nothing creates animosity between participants more than a closed door policy
on new ideas or rule interpretations. A no ruling usually results in someone
pulling out the source material looking for clarification. It slows things
down, it's a distraction, and it’s no fun. Saying no is lazy. Learn to say yes,
challenge yourself and your players to be more creative. You'll become a better
DM, your adventures will appear more compelling, and players will come back
each week craving more. Unless the idea is clearly absurd, say yes. If you
don't care, say yes. If it makes sense, say yes. If you don't know, say yes. It
will change your gaming life. Your
players will love you for it.
The Rule of Cool.
The limits of the “willing suspension of disbelief”
for a given idea are directly proportional to its coolness. Remember
Bellisario's Maxim: "Don't look at
this too closely..." also remember the gamer's version of the MST3K
Mantra: "It's just a game; I should
really just relax." Whenever a DM botches things in a weird or quirky
way, assume "A Wizard Did It".
The best way to use the RoC, is to watch player reactions. If a sudden shift
happens where everyone's mood changes for the worse, or if people are suddenly
disinterested or distracted, then something very uncool has happened, or
something very cool has failed to happen. Simply claim Rule of Cool, and then correct the situation using Rule 0.
The Rule of Uncool.
Games are never worth anger. If it sucks, then FUCKING
stop. And I cannot stress the cursing enough. Seriously, bad play is worse than
no play at all. If people are mad, sad, bored, confused, frustrated, upset,
arguing, leaving, distracted, or otherwise just not into the game and having
fun, then for the love of yourself and your friends, stop the stupid game, and
TALK IT OUT.
The Three Precious Rules.
Platinum:
One should treat others as they would treat themselves.
Gold:
One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
Silver: One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated.
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