D&D House Rules: RESPECT

We have embarked on an amazing adventure of collaborative storytelling and cooperation courtesy of the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Teaching and playing this game with youth in our community over the last 20 years has been a dream come true for me. The game has evolved so much in its forty year existence and one particularly positive effect is the prevalence of the RPG safety toolkits and consent checklists. 

In a game of unlimited imagination, some players actually have limits. I know I do.

But lets start with the House Rules for my space. My rule as a host, educator, and Dungeon Master is this: Respect.

  • Respect yourself: Encourage yourself, attend to your physical and emotional needs

  • Respect others: Help others enjoy the space and the game

  • Respect my space/time: My time, resources, tools, and attention are valuable.

What I do not allow in the game world and/or at the game table:

  • Flagrant character violence against humanoids or fellow adventurers (“murder hobos”)

  • Talk of killing indiscriminate or innocent victims, family or fellow characters

  • Talk of sexual acts or rude language

  • Bullying or intimidation that extends beyond the character, to the player

Social encounters are equally important as combat encounters, so I also expect careful negotiation and fair judgment. These encounters encourage the player's characters to navigate potentially dangerous situations or find out more information through careful questioning and insight. 

I focus on encouraging the players to think of playing D&D as a transferable skill. Players will learn new ways to make friends, gain confidence, invite a creative process, write and tell stories vividly, manage and organize strategic thinking, focus, and most of all explore identities that are not their own as they build out and play characters capable of tremendous feats of heroism and bravery.

These skills are transferable to all the arts, to life, and to maintaining a healthy happy attitude and imagination.

I hope you are enjoying your adventure.

Ben

Next
Next

What is D&D? A Beginners Guide for Parents