Basically im making this form on microsoft forms for registering for my dnd campaign (Its a private one btw so no you cant join it) and I want to know what Ive missed, I already added in registering for classes, if somebody wants to spectate or play, if they will swear to absolute secrecy of my home address, pc name, pc gender, pc age, pc species, pc alignment, (I also recommended against the evil alignments) if anything would interfere with the time they go to my sessions, and yea what should I add
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My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
Is this an online or in-person campaign? If online, there's no reason to include your actual home address. If offline, and you're concerned about people being trustworthy, is there possibly a neutral place to meet, or the home of a player who is comfortable to host games.
You should absolutely include things about the tone of the campaign you want to run, the general type (hack-and-slash, role-play heavy, survival, exploration), any home rules you want to include, that sort of thing.
But yea you have a good idea about how I should include the tone of the campaign
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My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
Probably a good idea if you're creating this sort of document anyway to include a list of possible trigger warnings and asking people if there's any topics that they'd rather didn't come up. If you google Lines and Veils you'll find a very common set of safety tools to cover this sort of thing
But yea you have a good idea about how I should include the tone of the campaign
If it is in-person, and you are soliciting random people from the internet then PLEASE meet in a public location for the first few sessions. The type of person who would do nefarious things with your home address / other player's info is the type of person who will have no problem lying on a form. There are lots of public places you could meet to run session 0 and some introductory sessions - cafes, pubs, parks, shopping malls, libraries, game stores, etc....
So, I have some experience here running games for folks I don't know. Usually this is in Game shops and cafes. Here's my list of things:
1. Are they over 18 (legally classed as an adult?) For me as a teacher, it's important due to professional standards. Moreover, you really shouldn't be having kids in an adult game and visa versa.
2. What experience do they have with TTRPGs in General? Players familiar with TTRPG systems in general should already have some awareness of things like roleplay, dice rolling, and even the difference between in character and out of character stuff.
3. What experience do they have with D&D 5e/5.5e in specific? This gives you an idea of how many players you're going to have to teach the system in particular. Given the spell and weapon properties in 5.5e, I'd recommend treating 5e players as new to 5.5e and going back to basics for greatest success. Other DMs differ on that point I know, just my experience of the new books.
4. Do you prefer games/books/TV/Film with main characters, teams, or ensembles? This one is my red flag. If a player tends toward main characters, my experience over the last few decades has been that they are going to be less likely to create and play characters that work well as part of a team. On my tables, the story belongs to the group, not an individual. So I'm seeking out solely ensembles and teams. Main characters don't work well at my tables. Your milage may vary.
5. Are players happy to use the safety tools I use at the table? I use X-Card system. It can catch triggers that even those carrying trauma may not be aware that they have - for me making it superior to consent/lines and veils. It's by far the least tedious, and the least amount of admin for both players and DM. If you prefer a different set of safety tools then ask if players are happy/agree to use said safety tool.
6. Do players agree to treat each other with mutual respect? Players who discriminate against other players, bully, harass, abuse, or otherwise create an uncomfortable space for their fellow players will be removed from the table and the group with no warning. I personally believe that adults shouldn't need a warning not to be a d***, so I don't issue warnings. If someone is harassing or uses slurs toward fellow players, there isn't a second chance. They don't belong at my table. Again, your milage may vary.
7. Do the players agree to any rules of conduct that the venue itself has? Many venues do indeed have rules of conduct, so important to draw player attention to these.
8. In combat, would you prefer to play a character who: - Uses offensive tactics - Immediately throws a high damage spell - Uses defensive tactics - Rushes into combat even if other characters don't follow - Provides support and healing - Lays traps, ambushes and tries to even the odds This question largely is to try and get a feel for the balance of the group that you might end up with. It's by no means a guarantee, but should give you a feel for player preferences. I always include at least on answer that will throw up a red flag for my table styles.
9. In social situations, would you prefer to play a character who: - Is eloquent and charismatic - Stays quiet, but pays attention to everything around them - Tells jokes, does tricks, or other entertaining stunts - Keeps a hand on their weapon, just in case it's a trap - Intentionally acts obnoxiously to throw the other people off - Observes behaviour, and asks questions to root out lies and mistruths Again, this is to get a feel for the character preferences of the group. Again no guarantee, and again always throw in a few red flag answers.
10. Do you prefer games with: - Serious tone - Light hearted tone - Dark Horror Again judging player group preferences. Tailor the responses to your campaign style.
11. Please provide your first name and a way of contacting you (phone, e-mail, whatever they prefer). If you use discord, or whatsapp groups or whatever to contact your players maybe ask if they're happy to use that app for being told about the game times and dates or cancellations etc.
It's not a perfect list but it works for me. Take anything that might be helpful to you. Ditch the rest. Every table is different though, every DM is different.
So, I have some experience here running games for folks I don't know. Usually this is in Game shops and cafes. Here's my list of things:
1. Are they over 18 (legally classed as an adult?) For me as a teacher, it's important due to professional standards. Moreover, you really shouldn't be having kids in an adult game and visa versa.
2. What experience do they have with TTRPGs in General? Players familiar with TTRPG systems in general should already have some awareness of things like roleplay, dice rolling, and even the difference between in character and out of character stuff.
3. What experience do they have with D&D 5e/5.5e in specific? This gives you an idea of how many players you're going to have to teach the system in particular. Given the spell and weapon properties in 5.5e, I'd recommend treating 5e players as new to 5.5e and going back to basics for greatest success. Other DMs differ on that point I know, just my experience of the new books.
4. Do you prefer games/books/TV/Film with main characters, teams, or ensembles? This one is my red flag. If a player tends toward main characters, my experience over the last few decades has been that they are going to be less likely to create and play characters that work well as part of a team. On my tables, the story belongs to the group, not an individual. So I'm seeking out solely ensembles and teams. Main characters don't work well at my tables. Your milage may vary.
5. Are players happy to use the safety tools I use at the table? I use X-Card system. It can catch triggers that even those carrying trauma may not be aware that they have - for me making it superior to consent/lines and veils. It's by far the least tedious, and the least amount of admin for both players and DM. If you prefer a different set of safety tools then ask if players are happy/agree to use said safety tool.
6. Do players agree to treat each other with mutual respect? Players who discriminate against other players, bully, harass, abuse, or otherwise create an uncomfortable space for their fellow players will be removed from the table and the group with no warning. I personally believe that adults shouldn't need a warning not to be a d***, so I don't issue warnings. If someone is harassing or uses slurs toward fellow players, there isn't a second chance. They don't belong at my table. Again, your milage may vary.
7. Do the players agree to any rules of conduct that the venue itself has? Many venues do indeed have rules of conduct, so important to draw player attention to these.
8. In combat, would you prefer to play a character who: - Uses offensive tactics - Immediately throws a high damage spell - Uses defensive tactics - Rushes into combat even if other characters don't follow - Provides support and healing - Lays traps, ambushes and tries to even the odds This question largely is to try and get a feel for the balance of the group that you might end up with. It's by no means a guarantee, but should give you a feel for player preferences. I always include at least on answer that will throw up a red flag for my table styles.
9. In social situations, would you prefer to play a character who: - Is eloquent and charismatic - Stays quiet, but pays attention to everything around them - Tells jokes, does tricks, or other entertaining stunts - Keeps a hand on their weapon, just in case it's a trap - Intentionally acts obnoxiously to throw the other people off - Observes behaviour, and asks questions to root out lies and mistruths Again, this is to get a feel for the character preferences of the group. Again no guarantee, and again always throw in a few red flag answers.
10. Do you prefer games with: - Serious tone - Light hearted tone - Dark Horror Again judging player group preferences. Tailor the responses to your campaign style.
11. Please provide your first name and a way of contacting you (phone, e-mail, whatever they prefer). If you use discord, or whatsapp groups or whatever to contact your players maybe ask if they're happy to use that app for being told about the game times and dates or cancellations etc.
It's not a perfect list but it works for me. Take anything that might be helpful to you. Ditch the rest. Every table is different though, every DM is different.
Before I answer these things, I wanted to say something to Agilemind. Its my real life friends that will join, not random people from the internet. I trust them and they trust me. Its not that I have trust issues, I do think they will keep my home address a secret, I just want to make sure. And I dont want to do an online call.
1. Under 18, but over 13. As I said, its my real life friends. Same goes for me.
2. They have good experience.
3. Shouldnt be a problem, the first time when I did a campaign I knew pretty much nothing, but the DM taught us along the way and it worked really well.
4. Im indifferent to what the main character is in media, but your right, I shouldnt make a PC the center of attention (If thats how your saying it).
5. I'll take care to not trigger any trauma, im going to add a question where they can say any sort of trauma they have (And they dont have to say it, although i'll recommend it, and I wont say whatever trauma any players may have) and sure, i'll do an X-Card system. It sounds like it'll work really well.
6. They'll (Probably) usually not be mean to one another, I'll probably do a 3 strikes system, but I should think about it more.
7. As extremely implied, im not going to be playing in a venue (I might be getting the definition wrong).
8. Yeah your probably actually recommending questions to me, i'll stop now,
If you are, then sure i'll take some questions you recommended, thanks.
My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
Yeah your probably actually recommending questions to me, i'll stop now,
If you are, then sure i'll take some questions you recommended, thanks.
To be clear, the spirit intended was that this is what I do. Use or scrap whatever you feel appropriate.
That said, when dealing with trauma lines/veils and consent forms can be tricky. Asking for traumas and traumatic triggers in particular can be even more difficult. As someone with a considerable amount of trauma in their past, and having worked with folks with trauma - asking outright is often not the best move. As an example, I didn't discover some of the things that were causing the trauma to resurface until I worked through that trauma with the help of a professional. If you are all under 18 then realistically this probably isn't an area in which you folks have the experience or skills to be dealing with (yes there are exceptions, but in all seriousness that's rare). You should not then be asking outright for people's traumatic triggers.
I'd also pull out something here - if this is a group of your friends why on earth are you making them 'register' for your campaign? It really isn't needed. If you know these people in real life, and they are actually friends the usual stuff really isn't needed. If I were to run a game night for my friends all that's needed is 'hey is everyone free for a game night?' For an ongoing D&D game it'd be more like 'I'm running a D&D game on Thursday nights, is anyone interested?' (This was true even back as a 13 year old playing D&D in the school library)
I wouldn't even worry about what characters they're going to create, especially if they have experience with the game(s). Which is why my response assumed that you didn't know these people.
Now granted, I'm autistic so my definition of 'friend' is somewhat different to other people's. That said, all of my friends have my address and phone number because if they are a friend I trust them. If you're worried about them not respecting your address and where you live or such like they probably can't be called friends. Though I say this as an Autistic 39 year old teacher here...my definition of 'friend' is possibly different to yours.
Oh ok, for a group of friends, then that's completely different. You'll know most things already. In that case I'd suggest more things related to what they want out of the game, e.g.
How do you like to solve problems in games?
Kick down the door and kill the bad guy
Use tactics & strategy to get the upper hand
Talk it out and come to a peaceful solution
What kind of story are you most interested in?
A wide-ranging story where we travel to different places and see different things.
A long-time story where we develop relationships and build reputations.
A high-pressure life & death fast-paced adventure.
A funny silly story with time to relax go on lots of side quests.
A dramatic story where my character is altered and changed through their experiences.
What do you not want in the story?
Periods where nothing is happening
Serious topics reflective of real life challenges.
Depressing, dark, no-win scenarios
Ridiculous silliness that doesn't make sense.
Lots of negotiating / talking to people - just let me fight the monster.
Long complex puzzles
What is your favourite part of D&D?
Fighting monsters
Role playing my character
Solving puzzles
Interacting with fun NPCs
Pets! Raising & training exotic creatures.
Loot - finding cool unique magic items.
Levelling up / getting more powerful.
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Basically im making this form on microsoft forms for registering for my dnd campaign (Its a private one btw so no you cant join it) and I want to know what Ive missed, I already added in registering for classes, if somebody wants to spectate or play, if they will swear to absolute secrecy of my home address, pc name, pc gender, pc age, pc species, pc alignment, (I also recommended against the evil alignments) if anything would interfere with the time they go to my sessions, and yea what should I add
My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
...
Is this an online or in-person campaign? If online, there's no reason to include your actual home address. If offline, and you're concerned about people being trustworthy, is there possibly a neutral place to meet, or the home of a player who is comfortable to host games.
You should absolutely include things about the tone of the campaign you want to run, the general type (hack-and-slash, role-play heavy, survival, exploration), any home rules you want to include, that sort of thing.
Its in-person.
But yea you have a good idea about how I should include the tone of the campaign
My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
...
Probably a good idea if you're creating this sort of document anyway to include a list of possible trigger warnings and asking people if there's any topics that they'd rather didn't come up. If you google Lines and Veils you'll find a very common set of safety tools to cover this sort of thing
If it is in-person, and you are soliciting random people from the internet then PLEASE meet in a public location for the first few sessions. The type of person who would do nefarious things with your home address / other player's info is the type of person who will have no problem lying on a form. There are lots of public places you could meet to run session 0 and some introductory sessions - cafes, pubs, parks, shopping malls, libraries, game stores, etc....
So, I have some experience here running games for folks I don't know. Usually this is in Game shops and cafes. Here's my list of things:
1. Are they over 18 (legally classed as an adult?)
For me as a teacher, it's important due to professional standards. Moreover, you really shouldn't be having kids in an adult game and visa versa.
2. What experience do they have with TTRPGs in General?
Players familiar with TTRPG systems in general should already have some awareness of things like roleplay, dice rolling, and even the difference between in character and out of character stuff.
3. What experience do they have with D&D 5e/5.5e in specific?
This gives you an idea of how many players you're going to have to teach the system in particular. Given the spell and weapon properties in 5.5e, I'd recommend treating 5e players as new to 5.5e and going back to basics for greatest success. Other DMs differ on that point I know, just my experience of the new books.
4. Do you prefer games/books/TV/Film with main characters, teams, or ensembles?
This one is my red flag. If a player tends toward main characters, my experience over the last few decades has been that they are going to be less likely to create and play characters that work well as part of a team. On my tables, the story belongs to the group, not an individual. So I'm seeking out solely ensembles and teams. Main characters don't work well at my tables. Your milage may vary.
5. Are players happy to use the safety tools I use at the table?
I use X-Card system. It can catch triggers that even those carrying trauma may not be aware that they have - for me making it superior to consent/lines and veils. It's by far the least tedious, and the least amount of admin for both players and DM. If you prefer a different set of safety tools then ask if players are happy/agree to use said safety tool.
6. Do players agree to treat each other with mutual respect? Players who discriminate against other players, bully, harass, abuse, or otherwise create an uncomfortable space for their fellow players will be removed from the table and the group with no warning.
I personally believe that adults shouldn't need a warning not to be a d***, so I don't issue warnings. If someone is harassing or uses slurs toward fellow players, there isn't a second chance. They don't belong at my table. Again, your milage may vary.
7. Do the players agree to any rules of conduct that the venue itself has?
Many venues do indeed have rules of conduct, so important to draw player attention to these.
8. In combat, would you prefer to play a character who:
- Uses offensive tactics
- Immediately throws a high damage spell
- Uses defensive tactics
- Rushes into combat even if other characters don't follow
- Provides support and healing
- Lays traps, ambushes and tries to even the odds
This question largely is to try and get a feel for the balance of the group that you might end up with. It's by no means a guarantee, but should give you a feel for player preferences. I always include at least on answer that will throw up a red flag for my table styles.
9. In social situations, would you prefer to play a character who:
- Is eloquent and charismatic
- Stays quiet, but pays attention to everything around them
- Tells jokes, does tricks, or other entertaining stunts
- Keeps a hand on their weapon, just in case it's a trap
- Intentionally acts obnoxiously to throw the other people off
- Observes behaviour, and asks questions to root out lies and mistruths
Again, this is to get a feel for the character preferences of the group. Again no guarantee, and again always throw in a few red flag answers.
10. Do you prefer games with:
- Serious tone
- Light hearted tone
- Dark Horror
Again judging player group preferences. Tailor the responses to your campaign style.
11. Please provide your first name and a way of contacting you (phone, e-mail, whatever they prefer).
If you use discord, or whatsapp groups or whatever to contact your players maybe ask if they're happy to use that app for being told about the game times and dates or cancellations etc.
It's not a perfect list but it works for me. Take anything that might be helpful to you. Ditch the rest. Every table is different though, every DM is different.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
Before I answer these things, I wanted to say something to Agilemind. Its my real life friends that will join, not random people from the internet. I trust them and they trust me. Its not that I have trust issues, I do think they will keep my home address a secret, I just want to make sure. And I dont want to do an online call.
1. Under 18, but over 13. As I said, its my real life friends. Same goes for me.
2. They have good experience.
3. Shouldnt be a problem, the first time when I did a campaign I knew pretty much nothing, but the DM taught us along the way and it worked really well.
4. Im indifferent to what the main character is in media, but your right, I shouldnt make a PC the center of attention (If thats how your saying it).
5. I'll take care to not trigger any trauma, im going to add a question where they can say any sort of trauma they have (And they dont have to say it, although i'll recommend it, and I wont say whatever trauma any players may have) and sure, i'll do an X-Card system. It sounds like it'll work really well.
6. They'll (Probably) usually not be mean to one another, I'll probably do a 3 strikes system, but I should think about it more.
7. As extremely implied, im not going to be playing in a venue (I might be getting the definition wrong).
8. Yeah your probably actually recommending questions to me, i'll stop now,
If you are, then sure i'll take some questions you recommended, thanks.
My name is sirpengthegood, and im extremely cultured (atleast in videogames and stuff), and Ive been playing DND since I was 11. I have my own dnd campaign universe, set in its own universe, being dubbed as the ''Choloredverse'' (although its setting is mostly similar to forgotten realms).
I alsooogohiwg0wgtwtg-g-wg---- [ERROR, DATA DOES NOT MATCH WITH YOUR CLIENT]
There is no more data beyond this point. It is recommended to sign out.
...
To be clear, the spirit intended was that this is what I do. Use or scrap whatever you feel appropriate.
That said, when dealing with trauma lines/veils and consent forms can be tricky. Asking for traumas and traumatic triggers in particular can be even more difficult. As someone with a considerable amount of trauma in their past, and having worked with folks with trauma - asking outright is often not the best move. As an example, I didn't discover some of the things that were causing the trauma to resurface until I worked through that trauma with the help of a professional. If you are all under 18 then realistically this probably isn't an area in which you folks have the experience or skills to be dealing with (yes there are exceptions, but in all seriousness that's rare). You should not then be asking outright for people's traumatic triggers.
I'd also pull out something here - if this is a group of your friends why on earth are you making them 'register' for your campaign? It really isn't needed. If you know these people in real life, and they are actually friends the usual stuff really isn't needed. If I were to run a game night for my friends all that's needed is 'hey is everyone free for a game night?' For an ongoing D&D game it'd be more like 'I'm running a D&D game on Thursday nights, is anyone interested?' (This was true even back as a 13 year old playing D&D in the school library)
I wouldn't even worry about what characters they're going to create, especially if they have experience with the game(s). Which is why my response assumed that you didn't know these people.
Now granted, I'm autistic so my definition of 'friend' is somewhat different to other people's. That said, all of my friends have my address and phone number because if they are a friend I trust them. If you're worried about them not respecting your address and where you live or such like they probably can't be called friends. Though I say this as an Autistic 39 year old teacher here...my definition of 'friend' is possibly different to yours.
DM session planning template - My version of maps for 'Lost Mine of Phandelver' - Send your party to The Circus - Other DM Resources - Maps, Tokens, Quests - 'Better' Player Character Injury Tables?
Actor, Writer, Director & Teacher by day - GM/DM in my off hours.
Oh ok, for a group of friends, then that's completely different. You'll know most things already. In that case I'd suggest more things related to what they want out of the game, e.g.