Covenants

OOC

Last major update: 2022-10-10

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.

Everyone

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: paramilitary operatives 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.

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 honor and respect that. We try use our game to increase our understanding and empathy, and try to avoid simplifying or trivializing the experiences of victims and survivors.

6.C. We understand that there may be survivors among the DM, players, or those close to them. We try to honor and respect that.

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.

10.A. We understand that role-play can reveal private information, to other players and even to ourselves. We try to treat such revelations with respect and care.

10.B. We understand that voice or webcam can reveal private or awkward information or disruptions. We don't judge or gossip about such revelations.

10.C. When in doubt, what happens at the table stays at the table.

Players

Every player agrees to the following.

20. I try to play a character who acts as a professional paramilitary operative 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.

20.B. I try to pay full attention when information is being shared or plans are being made. If something is unclear, I ask questions. I may take notes, especially on my part. This minimizes my need to have the plan or my part repeatedly explained.

21. If I'm uncomfortable with one or more mature themes/content or complicated moral questions, I know 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 tries to demonstrate respect for the character(s) in charge, through their words and actions.

22.A. I understand that when someone plays a leader, it makes the DM's job easier.

22.B. I may offer my opinion during a discussion, but regardless of my opinion, I follow the plan during an operation.

23. When I learn useful information, I try to share it with the team.
24. I try to attend every session, including logging into Discord and Fantasy Grounds 10 minutes early. I play for the whole session.

24.A. I understand that the DM is happy to make exceptions for extraordinary life circumstances, such as illness or major life events. I just need to communicate.

25. I try to practice the behaviors of "Make Edgewar Better" (see below).
26. I usually play with a webcam on.

26.A. I understand this helps the DM and other players connect and communicate with me.

26.B. I understand that I don't need to be on open mic or voice activation, and that I can turn my webcam off as needed (e.g., eating, interacting with family).

27. My PC has clear motives that closely align with the team's work (and not just their personal agenda). I frequently demonstrate my passion and commitment to the work.

DM

The DM agrees to the following.

40. I try to guide and reward playing a character who acts as a professional and as part of a team.
41. I 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: Make Edgewar Better

This is general advice to help the DM make Edgewar better.

1. Demonstrate that this is your preferred activity. For example, it shouldn't seem like this is just something you do if there's nothing better available.
2. Give the game as much attention as you can. If you frequently seem distracted, it hurts the game.
3. Engage with the setting, lore, themes, and issues. See: Please Care
4. Know your abilities and the rules to use them.
5. Talk in character often. You don't need a special voice but that's a bonus.
6. Demonstrate interest in other PCs, including their past, present, and goals.
   1. Actively try to connect on shared pasts, interests, or activities.
   2. Look for ways to collaborate with other PCs, on big or small plans or projects.
7. Suggest a plan rather than waiting for others to make one.
8. Engage with NPCs.
9. Limit your meta comments and jokes, especially anything that breaks the 4th wall, and especially during dramatic moments.
10. Practice being comfortable with silence.
    1. Silence is an important part of communication. It is a key component to collaboration. When you practice active or empathic listening you have to become comfortable with quiet. You need silence to plan your response because you aren't planning while the other person is talking. -Angela Stahl
11. No disclaimers: Don't apologize for your ideas and other creativity. Don't deprecate (e.g., "this isn't very good") or add caveats (e.g., "I know this is a trope").

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

Appendix: Webcam Etiquette

• It's OK to turn off your webcam as needed (e.g., eating, talking with a family member, low bandwidth)
• Please don't judge or gossip about what we might see on camera (e.g., messy room)
• Please don't take/share screenshots or screen recordings without everyone's permission