My Table's Social Contract

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.