Etiquette & Protocol (E&P for short) is an occasional feature where I answer thorny out-of-character (OOC) manners questions about gaming and game groups. Why? Because, my dear gamer-ladies and gamer-gents, outrunning/outwitting/outgunning BBEG & Co will be ever so much more fun, if the game table isn’t turned into a soda-bottle and sourcebook mêlée field.
Today, as Gamer Nation Con V approaches, I present some tips for making con gaming more pleasant for all. There is plenty of advice already on the internet on how not to catch and spread “con crud” or gross out people with one’s “con funk” (excuse the uncouth terms). Thankfully the latter isn’t a problem at GNC! So I am focusing on the little things that make the game play more fun. This is advice for playing/running games at any cons, not just GNC, so I do discuss several things that I have never witnessed or heard about happening at GNC, because they do happen at other cons.
Yes, the Gamemastering chapters of many core rulebooks do cover table rules and etiquette. But the focus there is mainly on groups where people know each other and regularly get together, as opposed to people who are often strangers (or have never before met in person) sitting down at the same table. Now there is overlap in the two scenarios–cheating or arriving late come to mind. However, things that might be okay at your own real/virtual table with good friends, such as in-jokes, can quickly ruin a con game.
Also a big Thank You to Ian Houlihan and Andy Johnson, who contributed tips for this column!
1) DBAD or Don’t be a D—! Straight from the Order 66 hosts’ mouths. In fact, you may want to err on the side of more politeness, since you will be playing with people who don’t know you very well–if at all–which ups the chance of misunderstandings. Also, don’t overuse strong profanity. Speaking of profanity, remember that different cultures, even those sharing a language, may not agree on whether a given term is unacceptable or just another swear word.
Finally, harassment and any sort of bigotry are not just DBAD violations, they are things that shouldn’t be tolerated at a con or anywhere else. Don’t just shut it down in the moment, let the organizers know about it as well so they can shut it down permanently.
TL;DR: Just DBAD, and take Ian’s advice to, “Respect everyone at the table.”
2) Be on time. Most con games are only 4 hour slots, plus many players will have another game/event/plans right afterwards, and the table will probably be needed for another game. So lateness and lots of chatting is a big deal. If you are running late or can’t make it, let someone at the con know if possible, so the GM can give your seat to someone else. Andy pointed out that timeliness is still important once the game starts. Be ready on your turn so you can play more of the content.
Try to arrange your schedule so you have (more than) enough free time before your game for food and other bio-breaks, checking your phone, chatting, and getting to the game a few minutes beforehand. Being on time is doubly important if you are the GM/organizer. If you’re GMing, consider avoiding back-to-back games so you have time to make sure all your materials (and thoughts!) are in order. Planning a 10 minute bio-break in the middle of your session, to lessen the chances of someone needing an emergency break, is a good idea, too.
3) Ignore thy electronics! And other distractions. For the love of polyhedral dice, Stay. Off. Your. Phone/tablet! Nothing will annoy everyone else at the table more. (I know at least one GM who is considering a phone ban at his sessions because it’s so disruptive.) What if you do get a call/text? It’s probably okay to quickly check and see if it’s urgent, but if you do have to take it, excuse yourself from the table.
Don’t be a distraction when you aren’t in a game. Resist the temptation to hang out and kibbitz, or stop and talk with a friend who is in the middle of a game. Also, cons are loud enough; don’t add to the noise by yelling.
4) Honesty is the best policy, and not just when it comes to the dice. If you’re a player, be honest about how familiar you are with the game/system. “Played once or twice, 2 or 3 years ago” is not “experienced,” except perhaps for Toon or Munchkin. And it’s really okay to say you aren’t familiar. Giving new games a try is part of the fun of going to a con. Andy says, “If you’re trying out a new game, let the table know. Someone will probably be willing to help you through it.” Ian adds, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to clarify something.”
GMs, you should also be honest in the game description, whether it’s pre-registered or pick-up. If there are adult themes or potentially upsetting scenes, say it’s “Mature Content,” give a trigger warning, or specify a minimum age.
5) Speaking of game descriptions, GMs, start your session by setting the expectations and table rules. (Ian calls this a boilerpoint.) In addition to table rules (phones, bio-breaks, dice apps, etc.), if you are using any house rules/mechanics, this is a good time to cover them.
6) No “book diving” or “rules lawyering” by players. Both of these are annoying at best, rude at worst, and always waste time. Andy also advises con GMs to get comfortable GMing without book diving, as it slows the game down. (He suggests if you get stuck, “rule in the player’s favor. That way, if you were wrong there’s nothing anyone can get worked up over.”)
7) Don’t take over! If the GM really needs someone to look up a rule or advise how to adjudicate something, she will ask. If she doesn’t ask, no matter how inexperienced the GM is compared to you, it’s not your job in this game. If an inexperienced player asks for help, he just wants some assistance (kindly worded). He isn’t asking you to run his character, move his tokens, or take over his bridge station. With a new player, it is a kindness to offer help–but again, don’t take control away from her.
8) Thank the GMs and game runners. They put in a lot of work on their games–whether it is running an RPG or getting the Artemis Starship Simulator set up. So thank them!
Of course, the overall rule is Everyone Have Fun! Gamemasters and players alike. And I hope you have fun at GNC V or whatever cons you go to this year and always.
Linda Whitson
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