The GM's code of Ethics? What should it include?

[Merkuri]

I could reword it so that it goes something like "Avoid any behavior which will lead your players to posting a thread on ENWorld asking if you are a bad DM." Because that was really what I was aiming at.

So basically you're saying, "Don't do bad things."

 

[Vegepygmy]

Thou shalt not fudge.

 

[Hussar]

Try to remain within the rules as much as possible. Instead of simply going with your gut, take a minute to see if an applicable rule actually exists.

Above all, be consistent. If something worked a particular way last week, it should work the same way this week or there should be a very good reason why not.

 

[Cadfan]

- Thou shalt remember that the players are you FRIENDS, not your subjects or minions, and treat them as such.

- Thou shalt remember that a plot line which to one person is heavy drama for the serious and mature gamer is, to another, the DM railroading them into something that sickens them and which ruins the fun of the game. Always remember that "mature" plotlines are easier for people not directly involved in that issue in real life. Black gamers may be less interested in roleplaying a minority in a heavily racist society than a white suburbanite. Your jewish player may not want to roleplay a character trapped in an orc-run holocaust of elves in death camps. If you ever post anything online complaining that your female player is extremely upset that you had an NPC rape her character and that you just can't figure out why she's being so oversensitive and immature, please spontaneously combust.

 

[genshou]

Thou shalt not suffer a ninja to live. Or anyone wielding a katana. Or a drow, especially annoying dual-wielding 'but I'm a good Drow' ones. Or a half-dragon/half-anything.

Is thread-crapping really necessary here?

 

[Vrecknidj]

Thou shalt not fudge.

Dunno about this one. There's a reason I use a DM screen....

Dave

 

[Kae'Yoss]

- If offered sexual favour in exchange for advantages from a player of your favourite gender, have a good time! (you said ethic, not moral )

Other than that, the salient parts have been given:
- If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- The goal is for everyone to have fun. If that is the case, you're playing "right"
- Don't make a habit of fudging rolls, and don't make it obvious if you do.
- Never consume an energy field larger than your head. (wait, wrong list)

Thou shalt not suffer a ninja to live. Or anyone wielding a katana. Or a drow, especially annoying dual-wielding 'but I'm a good Drow' ones. Or a half-dragon/half-anything.

Oh, sorry. That's part of the RBM Code of Ethics.

Keep it fun for everyone, *including yourself*.

So the two are the exact opposite?

Really, I have to agree with genshou here. This sort of hate and disallowing others to have fun isn't liked here. You'll find more who think like that on the Wizards boards.

 

[green slime]

Is thread-crapping really necessary here?

There is that word again! Nobody seems to be able to tell me where it is possible to do a proper threadcrap. I really need to threadcrap.

And on the topic of the thread:

GM's code of Ethics: don't sleep with the other player's girlfriends before, during or after the session, just because you can. At least wait until the campaign is over.

 

[Umbran]

Thou shalt not fudge.

See Mouseferatu's comments above - the ability to occasionally bend or break the rules should always remain a tool in the DM's arsenal. A good DM knows how not to abuse it.

 

[Particle_Man]

Thou shalt not suffer a ninja to live. Or anyone wielding a katana. Or a drow, especially annoying dual-wielding 'but I'm a good Drow' ones. Or a half-dragon/half-anything.

Are you using reverse psychology? Because reading this is causing me, for the first time ever, to want to play a good-aligned half-dragon drow ninja that dual wields katana.