Trigger Traps, Not Players
The game worlds of Dungeons & Dragons are harsh places full of conflict, evil beings, plagues, disasters, slavery, and other terrible things, but it is a game and so it should still be enjoyable even if everything isn’t all sunshine and roses. If by any chance there’s any particular topic which would be uncomfortable for you, advise the DM—at the beginning of the session, during a break, in a handwritten note, via email or text, through Discord or Facebook Messenger, whatever. Some topics are largely unavoidable in the chosen campaign and setting, such as war, violence, and “fantasy racism” (e.g. most surface dwellers immediately assume all orcs are evil; most dragons believe themselves to be superior to all other beings), so consider if these issues will be uncomfortable for you. If something does come up which is a trigger or a hard stop, please inform the DM immediately—but discretely—so that the topic can be changed or its detail or impact minimized.
If a sensitive topic/trigger is broached, send a message to the DM via Discord with a reminder, if the topic was previously discussed, or to ask for a break if the topic has not been previous been covered so that it can be dealt with promptly and safely before gameplay resumes.
Aside from these safety tips, keep the following guidelines in mind:
1
Wheaton’s Law: Don’t Be A Dick
No, being a jerk isn’t good roleplaying, it’s being a jerk. It’s being a jerk when “method actors” pull that crap, and it’s being a jerk when an amateur thespian does it, too.
2
No Hate Speech or Bullying
Seriously, don’t. The current D&D campaign involves characters of many different races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and we expect players to respect different races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities themselves. Yes “fantasy racism” is a thing (“All dark elves are evil, right?”) and your character might have some inclinations that direction given their own heritage or backstory; no, it should not carry over in any weird way to the real world (“No, and neither are all orcs.”)
3
No Gatekeeping
While experienced D&D players are welcome, this group is intended to teach D&D to players who are new to the game (or new to the 5th edition ruleset), and who want to play in an environment where other players are respectful of the learning curve. The DM is a 25-year veteran of 3rd/3.5 edition rules, but is likewise new to 5th edition, so the expectation is that we are all learning as we go.
4
Communicate Attendance Issues Promptly
If you are suddenly unable to make it to a session, please update your attendance and/or send a message via Discord or Facebook Messenger. D&D is difficult to play with fewer than four characters, and a session may need to be canceled if not enough players can attend.
5
Women Primarily But Not Exclusively
This D&D group was originally created within a women-only local group, but men are welcome to join the D&D group so long as they follow the rules and are both aware and comfortable with the idea that they are going to be in a female-dominated environment. This includes your jealous significant others: if she’s not comfortable with you hanging out with a bunch of women, please don’t bring that drama to us.
6
Adults Primarily But Not Exclusively
This D&D group was originally created within a women-only local group and originally met at a venue with a bar, but people under 21 are welcome to join the D&D group so long as they follow the rules and they (and their parents, if under 18) are both aware and comfortable with the idea that they are going to be in an environment where adult topics and language may come up in gameplay.