Safety Tools
Roleplaying games provide a chance at escapism, an outlet for creativity, and a unique opportunity for collaboration. They are also, however, often largely improvisational. Because of this players can be exposed to potentially upsetting or distressing scenarios. Safety tools give groups an easy way to cut these scenarios short or even avoid them all together.
The most important part of collaborative gameplay is communication. Disruptive players, uncooperative characters—the first step to solving every problem is almost always communication. When using safety tools it is the Narrator’s responsibility to educate the table on their importance and how to use them, and a player’s responsibility to make themselves heard and to utilize the implemented safety tools properly. Without proper communication and collaboration between players and the Narrator, safety tools cannot effectively do what they’re intended to do.
What Are Safety Tools?
During improvisational, collaborative play, situations may arise where one or more players and even the Narrator are stressed, uncomfortable, or just not having fun. Safety tools provide an easy way to check in with each other, learn where one another's boundaries lie, and can help navigate difficult situations when they arise.
Consent and Boundaries
Everyone has their own personal boundaries, and those boundaries may be different for every table that person plays at. It’s important for the Narrator to learn where each player’s personal boundaries lie and to respect them. In some instances—such as when roleplaying difficult situations—the group may benefit from getting consent from each player individually before moving forward with the scene. Crossing a boundary without consent, whether intentional or not, can have devastating effects on the group as well as the players themselves and should be avoided.
Discovering each player's boundaries can be done in multiple different ways. Some players may be comfortable having a frank discussion, while some may appreciate the privacy of being able to fill out a form or survey instead (see the back of the book for the Consent Checklist form). Even seasoned players and table regulars can benefit from these methods as having their boundaries respected can greatly increase anyone’s enjoyment of the game.
Respecting boundaries is an important part of group play for everyone involved. When boundaries aren’t respected or lines are crossed without consent, a group can quickly fall apart. While the reason behind a boundary might not be known, it is always best to assume that others have a greater understanding of their own lived experiences and mental health—pushing someone to explain the reasoning behind their boundaries is at best rude and at worst can potentially retraumatize someone.
Here are some topics that Narrators should consider when acquiring consent from players or determining boundaries: harm to animals, harm to children, blood/gore, body horror, insects, religious horror, possession, romance (on an individual basis, between PCs, between PCs and NPCs, sexual content, explicit scenes), pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage, sex work, child abuse and exploitation, homophobia, transphobia, racism, sexism, terrorism, war, xenophobia, genocide, slavery, people trafficking, life-threatening illness, mental illness, suicide, physical abuse, substance abuse, psychological abuse, self-harm, starvation, dehydration, torture, natural disasters, gaslighting, police, government aggression, claustrophobia, paralysis or restraints, mind control, cults.
How to Use Safety Tools
Implementing safety tools for the first time can be stressful, and Narrators may be worried at how other people in the group may react to them. It is important to remember that safety tools are here to increase the enjoyment of the game for everyone. If someone is distressed by certain content in the game, that can impact their fellow players; why not just avoid said content and keep the fun going, instead?
To ensure they can be as effective as possible, safety tools are best used in conjunction with other safety tools. This isn’t to say that they are ineffective on their own, only that using multiple safety tools helps ensure the group’s safety and enjoyment. For example, using Lines and Veils provides great groundwork for the game, while also using the X-Card allows a group to catch anything that might have fallen through the cracks during planning. It never hurts to have a backup plan, especially when dealing with sensitive content.
The best time to implement safety tools is prior to character creation and the start of a game. Session zero is an invaluable safety tool which can provide the perfect opportunity to address and begin including other safety tools. The second best time to implement safety tools is now—the Narrator can do it before the next session, or even turn a mid-campaign session into something similar to the session zero. It’s never too early to introduce a group to safety tools, but it can be too late when situations that might have otherwise been prevented cause a group to break down.
Safety Tools and Online Play
While most safety tools include information on how to use them in an in-person game, it can be difficult to figure out how to implement them in an online environment. To implement tools like the X-Card or Scene Change, groups can utilize a program's chat features or use a form of direct messaging to activate the X-Card or call for a scene change. Safety tools like lines and veils can be done through messages, private chats, or even online forms.
Types of Safety Tools
There are numerous different safety tools out there, some of which may work in similar ways. It is up to the Narrator to determine which safety tools are the best fit for their table, and to implement them properly. When the person running the game embraces safety tools themselves it can help their group warm up to the idea faster and make the experience go smoother!
Session Zero
In roleplaying games a session zero is the equivalent of a job interview. It is one of the most useful safety tools, as it allows players to communicate what they expect from a campaign and what type of game they actually want to play. Below are just a few ways that a session zero can improve the game:
- Allows the Narrator to prepare a story that aligns with player expectations.
- Encourages collaborative character creation which can improve a party’s synergy in all pillars of play.
- Provides a great opportunity for players to introduce themselves, potentially for the first time, and can help determine if players are a good fit for the game.
A session zero can take place at any point during a campaign, but is the most useful when done beforehand in conjunction with character creation. It can be used as an opportunity to address things like boundaries, preferred play styles, campaign flavor, and table rules. It can also be used as an opportunity for making a truly cohesive adventuring party, and for the Narrator to work the characters' stories into their world.
Even if the Narrator feels like some of the subjects covered in a session zero don’t apply to their group, discussing things can yield surprising results that merit changes which make the game better. When planning to utilize other safety tools, a session zero is the perfect place to introduce them and lay the groundwork necessary for them to be successful.
Open Door Policy
The safety tool that requires the least effort is something called an “open door policy”. What this means is that players are able to leave the table or game without judgment as long as they do so in a non-disruptive way. When using this policy, the Narrator should almost always do so in conjunction with other safety tools as this method does little to solve the root of the problem.
When using an open door policy, it is best to make sure players understand exactly what that means. At some tables it may mean “feel free to leave, whenever, for whatever reason without explanation!”, while at others it may mean “let us know when you feel like you need to leave the table.”
Lines and Veils
The most effective method of determining boundaries is having lines and veils determined by each player, prior to the start of a game or campaign. Multiple checklists for determining lines and veils are available online, or the Narrator may even choose to customize a checklist for the group or the campaign.
Lines. Lines are something that is a hard boundary for a player, and should be excluded from the game with no questions asked.
Veils. Veils are often softer boundaries, which are something the player may be comfortable dealing with in game as long as it isn’t explicitly described. When dealing with veils, it is usually best to take a fade-to-black or fast-forward approach.
When determining a group’s lines and veils it’s best to do so one-on-one to maintain each player's privacy, or through the use of private checklists. While this doesn’t have to be done prior to the start of a game, the earlier on it happens the better. The most common way to utilize this method is by asking players to fill out a form, marking various elements as a “line”, a “veil”, neither, or even as prefered content. This allows the Narrator to save their players’ answers to reference later during a game, or while plotting out the story in advance.
The Narrator should never argue with a player on what they consider a hard line and what they consider a veil. If the lines and veils a player sets would greatly interfere with the planned game, it’s possible that campaign (or even group) isn’t the best fit for that player. Lines and veils aren’t set to ruin fun or make a game boring, they are set to protect a player, their enjoyment of the game, and their mental health.
During the course of a game, a player’s lines and veils may change. This is normal as someone becomes more comfortable with a play group or their situation changes, and means it is important for Narrators to periodically check in with their players.
The X-Card
Of the simpler options, the use of X-Cards is the most popular. This involves a card with a large X which is placed on the table in reach of all players. If someone at the table becomes uncomfortable, all they have to do is touch or raise the X-Card. After someone touches or raises the card, the Narrator and other players should immediately alter the scene by transitioning to a new one or changing what is happening. The player who activates the X-Card should never be questioned on their reasoning, and the game should continue as normal.
When introducing the X-Card it is important to remember that the introduction can be as important as the card itself. The Narrator should make it clear that the goal is for everyone to play together, that the group is more important than playing the game, and that the X-Card is simply a tool that allows everyone to take better care of each other.
The X-Card is not a replacement for communication, but a tool to help facilitate it. After the X-Card has been activated, the Narrator should always check in with the group as a whole. Is everyone having fun? Is it time to take a break to process what happened?
The X-Card was designed by John Stavropoulos and is used here with permission (more information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/x-card-rpg).
Script Change
Another popular safety tool is the script change, which involves the implementation of film ratings (or another rating system) to outline the “audience” the table is playing for, and uses tools based on media controls to influence the game. A player who expects an R-rated game is likely going to want to play very different scenarios than a player who expects a PG or PG-13 rating for their game. It is also one of the most in-depth safety tools, and comprises several different tools.
Ratings. To utilize this method, the Narrator first determines what rating the game they plan to run would have, then asks the players what rating of game they’re wanting to play. If the ratings don’t line up, players are asked to elaborate on what boundaries they associate with the Narrator’s rating and their own, as people can have different ideas of what a rating like PG-13 or R implies. If the ratings fall too far apart, it may not be the best fit to play that game together. If they differ only slightly, the Narrator should modify the planned game so that it can be enjoyable for all of the players.
Squicks, Icks, and Picks. Content that players absolutely do not want to encounter should be recorded in the Narrator’s notes as squicks, which are things that merely make a player uncomfortable, and icks, which is content that may be triggering, traumatizing, or distressing. Content or gameplay elements that players do want to encounter should be recorded in the Narrator’s notes as picks, which can help them shape the direction of the game.
Change the Script. The core tools of the Script Change are fast-forward, frame-by-frame, pause, rewind, and resume, but additional tools can be included such as highlight reel, instant replay, and wrap meeting. To make things easier, each player should have an indeX-Card for each tool to be used in a similar way to the X-Card. To call for a script change, players can simply say “rewind”, “pause”, and so on, or they can tap or raise the appropriate script change tool.
When asking for a script change players can be as descriptive (“Could we rewind that statement? I don’t think my character would actually say that!”) or as vague (“I’d like to fast forward this scene.”) as they like. Like with other safety tools, there is no expectation to explain the reasoning behind requesting a script change. After resolving the script change, a player can simply say “resume” to continue the game as normal.
Rewind. A rewind can be called for to help someone catch information they might have missed, or to address an issue that couldn’t be addressed during play. Rewind can also be used to rewind entire scenes, at which point the content that has been rewound is no longer considered canon and the group is creating a new story.
Fast-Forward. A fast-forward can be called for when a scene has reached a logical conclusion, or a player wishes to skip difficult content. It can be used to end a scene or encounter, or for larger gaps when necessary and discussed with the Narrator.
Pause. A pause can be called for when a player needs a minute to process difficult content or an intense scene. A pause can also be called simply for bathroom breaks, snack breaks, or to discuss something that might have come up during play. When the player who called for the pause is ready to play, they should say “resume” to let the table know to continue.
Frame-by-Frame. Frame-by-frame can be called for to let the Narrator and other players know to take it slow through a scene. It could be due to difficult content, or even just something a player is unsure about and would like to approach cautiously. Once the player is ready for regular play to resume, they should say “resume” or “play” to let the table know to continue. Topics that a player would like to handle frame-by-frame can also be addressed at the beginning of a game or privately with the Narrator.
Highlight Reel. Using the highlight reel tool takes place at the end of a session, and is intended to allow players to point out things they liked about the session. Each player should get the chance to mention something they enjoyed and the Narrator should as well. This tool is intended to be strictly positive and should focus only on the good parts of the session.
Wrap Meeting. This tool provides an opportunity for the group to discuss the rest of the game that wouldn’t be addressed during a highlight reel, and also takes place at the end of a session. This can be used to get clarification on information, address problematic content, or even address problem table behaviors. While a wrap meeting does not need to be strictly positive, like the highlight reel, it should be a supportive environment where players can feel comfortable talking about issues that may have arisen during play.
Bloopers and Outtakes. Like highlight reels and wrap meetings, bloopers and outtakes should be used at the end of a session. This tool focuses on constructive criticism, and self-improvement. Bloopers should have a funner, “whoopsie” vibe, while outtakes are more serious things like conflict or emotional harm. When using this tool, the Narrator should allow for 4 “reels” of sharing:
- For the first round of sharing, players who share bloopers should use “I” statements. An example would be, “I overreacted to this scene.”
- When sharing in this reel, players should continue to use “I” statements, but instead include statements about how the bloopers from reel 1 made them feel.
- During this reel, players should use “I” statements to address constructive criticism or conflict within the game. Let players state their thoughts and experiences, and remind everyone to use extreme care in how they might respond.
- Players should continue to use “I” statements, while trying to take special care to understand each other and owning any hurt they may have caused.
At any point during the sharing of bloopers and outtakes, players and the Narrator can call for a pause. This can be used to take a break and allow people to cool off, or to address a situation that may have come up more in depth.
The Script Change Tool was designed by Beau Jágr Sheldon and is used here with permission (more information can be found at briebeau.com/scriptchange).
Collective Understanding
With the variety of games available, even when only counting tabletop roleplaying games, it is inevitable that players from different backgrounds will have different ideas on how to best play any game. With this tool, the Narrator can ensure all of their players are on the same page and hopefully avoid the clashing of playstyles.
The point of using this tool is to create a clear picture of the game being played, not to attempt to find a way to combine incompatible playstyles. Prior to the beginning of a campaign, the Narrator and players should get together, in real time, to ask questions and go over a checklist to define the campaign. This can be done around the table in person or digitally so long as everyone can discuss and make choices together. Once together, the group can work to determine which choices work the best for the game, and why. If two players, or the players and the Narrator, do not agree on the same fundamental things this tool will not help discover common ground that isn’t there—what it will do, however, is let the Narrator and players know prior to the beginning of a game whether or not this is the right group. For each choice, only one answer should be chosen. There is room for negotiation of course, but all choices should be made as a group as the results will determine the kind of game being played.
For some choices there may only be one answer that works for the game being discussed. In these cases that should be made clear when discussing that question to ensure all players are comfortable with it. Checklists to use with this method can be found online, or the Narrator can make their own with options that are tailored specifically to the game. When making a checklist, make sure to touch on the following points;
- Is the point of playing to win?
- Are the players expected to work together? Pursue personal goals? Work against each other?
- Is the Narrator expected to wing it? Be prepared for anything? Provide a challenging game?
- Are the players' roles to follow the story? Make their own story?
- Is the relationship between the rules of the game and this campaign important? Unimportant? “What rules?”
Another way to ensure players are on the same page with their playstyles is to include different scenarios, and responses to those scenarios, as choices and answers on the checklist.
Did all of the players choose the same answers or at least agree on most of them? If so, great! If not, the Narrator may need to find another group, or find another game for this group to play together. If the Narrator finds that the tone of the game shifts dramatically after a couple of sessions, or several sessions down the line, consider running through the checklist with the players again. Just like with setting lines and veils, a player’s (or Narrator’s) preferences and playstyle may change over time.
Something Went Wrong—Now What?
Eventually, regardless of how well safety tools have been used, something will inevitably happen. Players don’t always get along, characters don’t always work together, and the Narrator doesn’t always have all of the answers. When dealing with these situations it is important to remember that the players are only human (we assume).
If a difficult situation arises in a group, the Narrator should try to remember the following advice:
- When discussing difficult topics or navigating arguments, it’s best for all parties involved to use “I” statements. This involves saying things like, “I feel,” and, “I think,” rather than “You did,” or, “You said,”. This helps avoid placing blame and can help to keep situations civil.
- The Narrator should dissuade players from confronting others in front of the group, as it puts them on the spot and can make it harder to achieve the desired outcome. If the issue is relatively small, the Narrator may try approaching the other player privately to have a discussion about what happened. For bigger or more distressing issues, the Narrator’s role might be to mediate group discussions to address the problem in an oblique manner that doesn’t alienate anyone involved.
- Stepping back and taking a break, even during a session, can allow everyone time to calm down and let the group approach the problem with new eyes.