What are your table rules?

[Jupp]

I think most rules are self-established. At least that is the case in those groups I play in. None of the DMs I know of actually has those rules written somewhere, they just came into action over time and people (more or less) stick them since then. And since there are always exceptions to the rules and roleplayers are of chaotic alignment by nature it doesnt matter a bit if those were written rules or not You try to follow the rules but no one gets angry if there's the occasional slip. It's a game after all and there are already enough rules in the books.

 

[Zappo]

Well, we have a few unspoken rules. Some are obvious, some... are not.

1) You roll the dice towards the center of the table, not towards yourself.

2) You don't put your glass near the edge of the table, or near the laptop.

3) You leave one chair free.

4) Davide will not play kenders, especially in non-Dragonlance campaigns.

5) Keep the noise down. After 9 PM, keep it downer.

 

[Thanee]

I have only one rule, which isn't even clearly spelled out, more of an unspoken rule... be a mature person!

Bye
Thanee

 

[diaglo]

4) Davide will not play kenders, especially in non-Dragonlance campaigns.

but... i want to... read the story hour in my sig. i found a DM with SuXX0r on his forehead.


edit: you'll have to ask Olgar about the rulz when he is DM.
for the game i referee i have a document. 0) have fun 1) all rolls visible on the table 2) be prepared

 

[fusangite]

I have only one rule, which isn't even clearly spelled out, more of an unspoken rule... be a mature person!

Thanee, I've never agreed with you more. If one needs rules with elaborate carrot-stick consequences just to get people to show up on time, something is wrong with the group. If one needs rules to regular conversation at the game, again, this is a sign of real problems with the gaming group. If one is gaming with people so inconsiderate as to light up in a non-smoking home or commit one of the other infractions listed in the initial post, no amount of rules is going to sort things out.

 

[pogre]

D. Time – Players should begin definite actions for their characters within 15 seconds after the character comes up in the Initiative Order. If not, the character will be assumed to be delaying. Some allowance will be made for players with less familiarity with the rules.

Really the only hard and fast rule I have had to spell out is similar to this. Except in my game you have to institute your action within 6 seconds or I bump you down in initiative. The rest of our "rules" are understood - although no eating would be blasphemy at our table.

 

[pogre]

Thanee, I've never agreed with you more. If one needs rules with elaborate carrot-stick consequences just to get people to show up on time, something is wrong with the group. If one needs rules to regular conversation at the game, again, this is a sign of real problems with the gaming group. If one is gaming with people so inconsiderate as to light up in a non-smoking home or commit one of the other infractions listed in the initial post, no amount of rules is going to sort things out.

Not necessarily, rules can be just a way to make sure everyone is on the same page and has the same expectations for the game. It in no way reflects some sort of inherent flaw in the group.

 

[GlassJaw]

I have only one rule, which isn't even clearly spelled out, more of an unspoken rule... be a mature person!

Amen. This covers almost every type of rule you could think of.

I would be very leery of joining a group that handed me a list of table rules. No eating? An XP penalty if I'm late? What if there was an accident on the highway and I couldn't make it on time? I don't want to feel like I have to sign a contract to join a game.

Since I host the game, I do ask that the players keep my place relatively clean and help me clean up afterwards. And while I do usually have some refreshments on hand, I like that each player brings some snacks or beverages once in a while.

The only actual gaming "rule" I have is to give everyone a chance to participate. I don't like players that try to control all the action and other's players characters.

 

[MonsterMash]

Thanee,

That really sums it up.

With the group I'm gaming with we don't have hard and fast rules as we don't need them, but I can see if I met a new group or particularly was part of a newly formed group then formal rules might be needed.

 

[Mystery Man]

No farting on the DM.


Yes, you read that correctly.