Hello, my name is Ryan. I'm the writer at Dungeons With Dragons.
I wrote an article about my code of conduct for running a DM game, along with some other tips Session 0 related. I thought I'd share the rules I use in my Discord server, which I think has done great for me. These rules from my Discord can always be translated into table rules for real-life games.
I'm still running my games to this day from a year ago after implementing them!
That said, what are your D&D Table Rules? How would you enforce those rules, or do you have any stories? Is there anything you must do during your session 0? I'm curious to know.
1. Be Considerate Both in and out of character! Although it can be fun to play a character who pushes buttons at times. D&D is a cooperative game where we all work together to have fun! Avoid disruptive gameplay.
2. No Metagaming Just because the player knows, doesn't mean the character does. Ask the Dm first if you feel like your character does. Ask the Dm first if you feel like your character knows this kind of information before making assumptions.
3. Share The Spotlight Some people love roleplaying their characters, doing so comes naturally to them. Others not so much. Make conscious effort to share the spotlight with the others to make the game more fun!
4. Ask For Consent Most people understand how important it is to respect others in the table. But not everyone knows it is just as important to respect the characters. Make sure the individuals/concerned are on board with what is happening!
5. Rules Favor The Players If there is a ruling that is not clear during in game, the rules favor the player until then. There are some mechanics that need extensive reading in RAI and RAW, its best to search on a ruling after the game in order to not disrupt gameplay and have no lingering disputes.
6. Have Fun D&D is a role playing game, the most important thing to have is fun. Enjoy the game! feel free to be creative in how you want to do your actions.
In addition to the wonderful list provided by Lolths_Bane, here are some others I use:
Damage, when halved, is rounded down against monsters (as normal) but rounded up against PCs.
It’s okay to use skills, etc. against other PCs as long as nobody takes it personally.
For critical hits against monsters, the first set of dice are automatically maxed out, only the second set gets rolled. (I also use max HP for all monsters, so it’s balanced). Monsters roll all dice on a crit (as normal).
The following principles will guide every play session.
We are all at the table to share fun.
We will create a safe place for all to game in.
Every player has a voice and will be heard and respected.
We will be present and remove distractions from the table.
I focus on conveying the mindset everyone should bring to the table vs. listing for every instance that could go bad. I also use an X card, but prefer the CoC language to be simple.
@ Lolths_Bane I really like rule #5 there. Giving weight to the players is an excellent ruling to keep the game fun and prevent arguments until the issue is properly researched. Nicely done!
Hello, my name is Ryan. I'm the writer at Dungeons With Dragons.
I wrote an article about my code of conduct for running a DM game, along with some other tips Session 0 related. I thought I'd share the rules I use in my Discord server, which I think has done great for me. These rules from my Discord can always be translated into table rules for real-life games.
I'm still running my games to this day from a year ago after implementing them!
http://dungeonswithdragons.blog/2023/09/11/my-dnd-code-of-conduct/
That said, what are your D&D Table Rules? How would you enforce those rules, or do you have any stories? Is there anything you must do during your session 0? I'm curious to know.
1. Be Considerate
Both in and out of character! Although it can be fun to play a character who pushes buttons at times. D&D is a cooperative game where we all work together to have fun! Avoid disruptive gameplay.
2. No Metagaming
Just because the player knows, doesn't mean the character does. Ask the Dm first if you feel like your character does. Ask the Dm first if you feel like your character knows this kind of information before making assumptions.
3. Share The Spotlight
Some people love roleplaying their characters, doing so comes naturally to them. Others not so much. Make conscious effort to share the spotlight with the others to make the game more fun!
4. Ask For Consent
Most people understand how important it is to respect others in the table. But not everyone knows it is just as important to respect the characters. Make sure the individuals/concerned are on board with what is happening!
5. Rules Favor The Players
If there is a ruling that is not clear during in game, the rules favor the player until then. There are some mechanics that need extensive reading in RAI and RAW, its best to search on a ruling after the game in order to not disrupt gameplay and have no lingering disputes.
6. Have Fun
D&D is a role playing game, the most important thing to have is fun. Enjoy the game! feel free to be creative in how you want to do your actions.
In addition to the wonderful list provided by Lolths_Bane, here are some others I use:
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Code of Conduct
The following principles will guide every play session.
I focus on conveying the mindset everyone should bring to the table vs. listing for every instance that could go bad. I also use an X card, but prefer the CoC language to be simple.
@ Lolths_Bane I really like rule #5 there. Giving weight to the players is an excellent ruling to keep the game fun and prevent arguments until the issue is properly researched. Nicely done!