What are your table rules?

[cybertalus]

No one is to mark on my battlemat with anything other than a pen I have handed them.

Other than that, I think Thanee's rule covers about 98% of everything else.

 

[Jeff Wilder]

Some of the rules must have been implemented for a reason. Are there players in your group that you don't get along with or something? Are there players you don't trust or know very well?

I really don't understand how a rule encouraging punctuality has anything to do -- at all -- with not getting along with players, not trusting players, or not knowing players. That's a truly bizarre leap.

The rule came about because there are two players who were consistently late for no good reason. We get along fine with those players, trust those players, and have known those players for years -- shocking, I know -- but nothing else seems to motivate these players to leave their home in time to make it to the game. Since the rule came into play, their punctuality has markedly improved.

The game is supposed to be fun. Punishing a player for something that might be out of their control isn't fun for anyone.

Again, this is a bizarre leap. First, I refuse to believe that anyone is consistently late due to circumstances beyond their control. Second, if they're occasionally late due to circumstances beyond their control, 50 XP/level is hardly the equivalent of a flogging. They can make it up by, for example, agreeing to do a log of a session. Third, waiting for chronically tardy players, week after week after week ... that's what I consider "no fun for anyone."

A few people have mentioned that they wouldn't game in a group with such "uptight" codified rules. I find that both interesting and gratifying, because I wouldn't have a player in my game who wasn't willing to make a concrete commitment to certain rules, especially the commitment to showing up for the game, and showing up for the game on time. So it works out nicely.

 

[Galethorn]

Rule 0: We’re all here to have fun. If you’re not having fun, figure out why. If it’s something that you, the DM, or the other players can’t fix, then maybe you should think about whether you really want to play the game. As well, this means you don’t do anything to make the game less fun for the other players. Period.

Rule 1: Don't talk while the GM is.

Rule 2: Be respectful of the other players.

Rule 3: Keep the table free of unnecessary clutter.

Rule 4: We'll break for 15 minutes after each hour of gaming (with exceptions, like if the pizza arrives, or we're in the middle of a short fight), so that everybody can chat about out-of-game stuff, use the bathroom, and update their loot.

Rule 5: Keep OOC conversation at a minimum when the game is going.

Rule 6: Do your best to know the rules of the game.

Your failure to follow these rules will result in the following;
• The game will run less smoothly
• People won’t have as much fun
• It will be your fault

 

[CalicoDave]

Not even if you cast polymorph/summon monster?

Bye
Thanee

Looking up for summons or polymorph is fine. What isn't OK is:

DM: It's a Dark Naga.
PC: Oh, what's that do? *Grabs Monster Manual*

 

[Evilhalfling]

Lets see unwritten rules
1. Chris will be late
2. smoking is only allowed outside.
3. bring drinks at least 1 per three weeks
4. It is my goal to steal chris' dice
(to be returned at close of evening)
5. mistakes must be corrected within one round.
6. do not taunt the birds, hampster or fish
7. Do taunt the kitten

 

[Testament]

1. No retro, you forget a bonus or buff? Tough.

2. 10 seconds to call an action, unspecified to resolve it. Otherwise you lose your action.

3. The "Shut up Ben!" law. The GM is always right, even when he's wrong.
3a. "Munchkin Monarch Trump": if Carl or Eng-Seng make a rules call during a Ben moment, their call stands. Both players have almost memorised the PHB.
3b. But know the damn rules for what you can do!

4. Smoking shall be done OUTSIDE.

5. No-one leaves to anywhere other than the toilets or sleep during a fight. (The sleep provision is in there since one of my players does shift work).

6. All spell-lobbers must have the PHB. If you wish to use a spell from another book, bring it yourself. Prints or photocopies are permitted.

7. Bring something to drink or eat.

8. After 11, keep it down

9. "Shut up Bryce" law. Keep the OOC chatter to a minimum. Unless its funny and at least remotely appropriate.
9a. When I punch the reality button, back to game.

10. "Shut up Kev" law. I don't run a hack fest. You don't like it, there's the door.

 

[The Shaman]

All I need to know I learned from Jerry Springer:

1. All foods at the table must be deepfried. Even the vegetables. Especially the vegetables.
2. All players should expect to hook up with others in the group at some point. The details of said hook-up should be revealed at the worst possible time in-game.
3. Profanity will not be accepted - I have an airhorn and I know how to use it
4. Nudity is fine however. Skimpy, ill-fitting clothing is strongly recommended. This means you too, fellas.
5. I'm the GM - I have the mic. Any questions about that should be directed to the big bald guy standing by the door.
6. If you have a dispute to settle with another player, feel free to use the furniture, but leave my game books out of it.

'til next time, take care of yourself, and each other.

 

[Null Boundry]

I always find it rather sad that people actually need to write these things down for a group.

 

[sjmiller]

I always find it rather sad that people actually need to write these things down for a group.

I think the only time I have written down game table rules was for this current gaming group. I did this because their last DM was, shall we say, a bit inconsistant. I wanted the players to know that I had rules that the DM (that would be me) is going to follow. Since I am following the rules, so should the players. When you have been spending a number of years dealing with a DM who is arbitrary, biased, and a tad paranoid you want to hear that the new DM is not like that.

 

[GlassJaw]

Second, if they're occasionally late due to circumstances beyond their control, 50 XP/level is hardly the equivalent of a flogging

But why is it necessary at all? Is just seems arbitrary. Again, it's punishment (regardless of how small) for doing something that is supposed to be fun.

I refuse to believe that anyone is consistently late due to circumstances beyond their control

Being late for circumstances beyond your control and consistently late are two different things. If someone is late every week, then sure, I can see some kind of action would need to be taken. I would probably start with talking to that player out of game and keeping it out of game. But if someone shows up late and says that there was an accident on the highway, what's wrong with just giving them the benefit of the doubt?