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: 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. 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.

Roster Player

Each player who wants to be on the roster 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. I may offer my opinion during a discussion, but regardless of my opinion, I follow the plan during an operation.

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

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

Core Player

Each player who wants to be a core player agrees to the following.

30. I agree to the "Roster Player" covenant.
31. I try to arrive at every session 10 minutes early and play for the whole session.

31.A. If I'm often late or absent, I understand that the DM may remove my Core Player status.

31.B. If I'm absent without communicating with the DM, I understand that the DM may remove my Core Player status.

31.C. 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.

32. I try to practice the behaviors of "Make Edgewar Better" (see below).
33. I usually play with a webcam on. I understand this helps the DM and other players connect and communicate with me.
34. My PC has clear motives that align with the team's work. I frequently demonstrate my passion and commitment to the work.
35. I maintain short- and long-term goals for my PC, including Wheels and other downtime activities. This might include relationships with NPCs, personal projects, research and development, business activities, political activities, etc.
36. I understand that leadership rotates among the Core Players. I cheerfully serve as Red Leader, Green Leader, or Swift Leader when it's my turn.

Basic - 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. It's not just something you do if there's nothing better available.
2. Give the game as much attention as you can. Don't be distracted.
3. Engage with the setting and the lore.
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, and 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.

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