Covenants

This is an OOC page.

Last major update: Sep-9-2021

A role-playing game like Edgewar can be an extraordinary space for excitement, creativity, and friendship. These covenants help us be intentional in sharing what we want and achieving it. I always welcome feedback and suggestions to improve these covenants and/or to improve our experience.

Basic - All

The DM and all players agree to the following.

1. We are here for everyone to have fun.
2. We buy into the vision of Edgewar: a team of professionals working together to do good.
3. We understand that we are all volunteers co-constructing an experience. We understand that the DM and players often spend their own money and out-of-game time to make the experience better. We try to behave accordingly.
4. We try to distinguish IC vs. OOC (In Character vs. Out of Character). This especially means staying positive OOC as long as IC choices are within the vision of Edgewar.
5. We try to embrace a "Yes and" attitude towards role-play: we try to build on others' creativity rather than halt it.
6. We understand that Edgewar includes mature themes/content. We try to treat these themes/content with respect and care, to honor real victims and survivors. We recognize that there may be survivors among the DM, players, or those close to them.

6.A. Mature themes and content may include: gender and sexuality; pregnancy; body image; disability; bullying; racism, sexism, and other discrimination; alcohol and other drugs; mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, antisocial personality disorder); sexual assault; abuse; slavery; murder; policing, the justice system, and incarceration.

6.B. We understand that real people experience these themes and content, in all their messiness and harm. We try to respect that. We try use our game to increase our understanding and empathy, not simplify or trivialize the experiences of survivors.

7. We understand that Edgewar includes complicated moral questions. We try to debate these questions with mutual respect and care. We may disagree IC or OOC about a particular question, but we try to minimize lasting OOC tension or other discomfort.
8. Every PC can be a main character. No player needs to change their character to make another character's story work.
9. We try to balance the time and attention every player and their PC gets.
10. We try to respect every individual's privacy and dignity. We understand that role-play can reveal private information, to other players and even to ourselves. When in doubt, what happens at the table stays at the table.

Basic - Player

Each player agrees to the following.

20. I try to play a character who acts as a professional and as part of a team.

20.A. I understand that the DM doesn't want to run unprofessional actions, party infighting, or evil actions.

21. If I'm uncomfortable with one or more mature themes/content or complicated moral questions, I can communicate with the DM. I can do this before or after such themes/content come up. I don't have to explain the reasons for my discomfort, but I can.
22. If I am playing a follower, then my character will try to demonstrate respect for the character(s) in charge, through their words and actions. I can offer my opinion during a discussion, but regardless of my opinion, I will follow the plan during an operation.

22.A. When I learn useful information, I will try to share it with the team.

22.B. I understand that when the DM asks someone to play a leader, it's to make the DM's job easier and to promote fun for everyone. For example, having a leader helps fulfill the vision of a team of professionals working together.

Basic - DM

The DM agrees to the following.

40. I will try to guide and reward playing a character who acts as a professional and as part of a team.
41. I will try to maintain our table as a safe space for mature themes/content and complicated moral questions. This especially includes adjusting the game when a player is uncomfortable. It also includes keeping confidential anything a player shares about these matters, including who was uncomfortable or their reasons.

Appendix: Professionalism

What does it mean to be a team of professionals?

Yes

1. Earn the trust of the leader and rest of the team
2. Make calm arguments using evidence
3. Follow orders
4. Stay in formation and with your buddy
5. Follow Rights and Responsibilities

No

1. Threaten the leader or a member of the team
2. Make ultimatums
3. Ignore orders
4. Ignore formation and your buddy
5. Ignore Rights and Responsibilities
6. Show up late to a meeting
7. Storm out of a meeting