Guide to Tabletop Role Playing Game (RPG) Etiquette

Playing "Dungeons & Dragons" and other tabletop role playing games (RPGs) can be a rather intimidating experience, especially to those unfamiliar with other forms of role playing games. Like all games and subcultures, the tabletop RPG hobby has a set of etiquette to follow. While each group is different, these key basics will help you (and your character) succeed at any experience level.

Basic Etiquette

From the opening night of the latest "Harry Potter" movie to 'lay on' at a LARP (live action role playing game), some geeks and gamers are notoriously late or flaky when it comes to attendance. Although tabletop gaming is a hobby and not like attending work or class, it's only polite to show up on time and prepared. If you're running a game, it's your duty to keep everyone informed of any changes in gaming schedule (cancellations or rescheduling).

Notifying your GM about your absence or lateness in advance can also allow him to alter the plot. If you're playing the main tank (warrior who can absorb a large amount of damage) and you're going to be an hour late, the GM may consider presenting a battle later in the game so the adventuring group-and your character-can be more effective.

Just as it is polite to bring snacks, drinks or dessert when you're heading over to a friend's house to hang out, it's a kindness at a tabletop gaming group, especially if the group meets regularly at the same person's house. If you're tight on money, consider buying an inexpensive item like a gallon of soda or a bag of potato chips.

Materials

Whether you are a new or experienced player, you should bring your own materials. This includes pencil, eraser, character sheets, player handbook and dice. You can purchase a dice set for $10-$20 in a local gaming store. Some games may also require that you bring a miniature. You can purchase and paint a miniature (figure representing your character) for $25 or less.

If you are an experienced player, consider bringing extra materials to lend to new players. This is kind as it can be pricey to buy all necessary materials at once, especially before a player knows whether she is committed to the hobby.

Meet and Present Expectations Prior to Initial Game

Before heading to a new game or starting an adventure with a new group, it's your responsibility to ask about what's expected with you. Here are some things to know:

• Are you expected to bring a completed character sheet, or is the first session reserved for character creation?

• Ensure that the DM/GM (Dungeon Master/Game Master) prefers you to start your character at the beginning.

• Know any restrictions on character races, classes, professions, equipment and more.

• Does the group consist of new or experienced players? If you are the only new player, how much information about the rules are you expected to fully understand?

Game Knowledge

Tabletop role playing games are varied in structure, content and rules. Most games have a decent learning curve as each character race, profession, class and skill has its own rules and effects. It's useful to know that many tabletop games run on a D20 system, meaning they require a set of dice and most of your character's attempts at successful actions will occur with a roll of a 20-sided die.

If you're new to tabletop RPGs, it might be helpful to request a one-on-one intro session with your GM. In such a session, you can practice playing the game without putting your actual character at risk. You can also learn about key terms such as initiative, skill, feat and the different types of magic, weapons and common NPC (non-player character) enemies you may encounter in any given setting.

Unless you're the type of person that can easily read and memorize rules, the best way to learn about tabletop gaming is to talk to someone who has already played before. You can also check out some free online videos demonstrating game play.

You can absorb the ambiance of a particular game setting by watching movies. If you're playing a high fantasy tabletop, check out a "Lord of the Rings" movie or book. Fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien used and standardized many fantasy elements found in other fantasy settings in that series.

Avoid Cross Roleplaying

Cross role playing (also known as CRP) occurs when a role player uses knowledge acquired out of game and out of character to complete an action in the game.

For example, let's say Tina and Melissa are preparing to participate in a game of "Dungeons & Dragons" and Tina gives Melissa a ride to the game. On the way, Melissa discloses details about her character's background. While Tina (the player) is free to know this information, her character is assumed unaware of the information until the character is told (unless there is a pre-existing agreement, such as the characters being sisters).

In all forms of role playing games (including LARP, tabletop and online text-based role play), it is considered extremely bad form to use out of game knowledge in the game. This is particularly upsetting when a GM or player has spent a great amount of time thinking up an original plot, only to find the game's suspension of disbelief destroyed because someone used out of game knowledge.

While this happens accidentally from time to time, it is considered especially rude to do this intentionally and may result in your expulsion from the game.

A related point: Don't take negative actions or failures that occur in the game personally. If someone insults your character, it is not an insult to you. Similarly, take note if you risk offending another player by being too abrasive in the game. You may need to tone down your role playing or in-character banter.

Player Involvement

Just as people like different types of movies, each role player has preferences concerning role playing games. Some players prefer fantasy to a "Star Wars" RPG; some like combat while others may prefer immersive role play, singing a song in character or even coming to the game in costume. Because preferences are so varied, it's important to be patient during parts of a game you may not prefer.

Rules Calls and Rules Knowledge

The GM has final say on rules calls as they occur. Sometimes it's necessary to prohibit actions or bend the rules to further the plot. If the rule in question is of minor consequence, a GM may simply make an arbitrary rules call instead of pausing the game to find the answer in the book. The intention is always to facilitate enjoyable role play.

In some instances, you or another player may have more game knowledge than other players or the GM. Even if you're new to tabletop role playing, you may have more accurate information about the setting than other players (especially if you are playing a game based off of a movie or book, like the "Star Wars," "Wheel of Time" or "Serenity" RPGs).

While it is okay to chime in occasionally with rules clarifications to facilitate continuous game play, it is considered rude for a player to constantly correct a GM or other players. If a player is new, the GM or an assigned player should consistently assist the new player.

Overall, a game played completely 'by the book' is not enjoyable when players and GMs are corrected each turn.

Character Roles

Players sometimes discuss the roles of their characters with the GM or with each other (when permissible) prior to the initial game, especially if players are expected to come to the game with completed character sheets. This is helpful in creating a well-rounded group of adventurers.

However, if you received the honor of playing your preferred character class last time, it's polite to let someone else have a chance to play that character type at the start of your next campaign or adventure. You should always work with your GM to create a character you feel comfortable playing that also fits the needs of the group and story.

Ageism and Sexism

Unfortunately, ageism and sexism is an issue in many role playing groups. RPGs are supposed to allow each player to step into the shoes of someone that they are not. This means that a young player might opt to play a wise wizard or a female player may aspire to be a Xena-like warrior.

Despite this, discrimination is a continual problem among role players. Just as it is impolite to stereotype people's skills and abilities on the sports field, in the work place or in the classroom, it's equally disruptive to the cohesion of a role playing group.

Please note that it is not unusual for a player to portray a character of a different background, gender or sexual orientation.

On a related point, if you would like to try something different but aren't sure if you're ready, chat with your GM about your options. It's her job to help you. While tabletop role playing games require time and patience to learn, playing them can be a rewarding and social experience. Joining a role playing group is an effective way to meet new friends with similar interests. That said, not every person will fit in with every role playing group. If you find this is the case, consider trying a different group. The right fit is out there.