A Game Master (GM, DM, Referee, Storyteller, Narrator, Handler, “some other words that make sense”) has a duty to their players which is discussed elsewhere.
There is content everywhere about how to create a setting, a story, a way to engage the player(s) with the narrative and immerse them into the world of the game. There is an entire niche industry dedicated to it!
What is often forgotten is the responsibility a player has to their GM and to the other players at the table. Which brings us here…
Every table will have different expectations for themselves, getting too specific here could be a looooong list, we’ll keep it more generalized.
Leave the Serious, Unpleasant Stuff at the Door
You know when you go home for the holidays and everyone is there… even that one cousin. The one that can’t stop with the politics, and the religion, and the trending ideologies and isms of the day. The one that doesn’t know their audience at all?
Don’t be that guy, you showed up here to play your hobby, enjoy it. All the absurd and upsetting things can be placed in a tidy little box to be picked up later (or not). It can be hard to let go of those things, at least give it a shot.
Come Prepared!
Players sometimes don’t know the rules of the game they agreed to play. Shocker, I know, but it has to be said because it happens all… the… time.
A good GM has probably spent a good deal of time preparing for the game. It’s a terrible feeling for a GM to sit down and find that players haven’t bothered reading a single rule or learned how to even play their character. Learn how to play the game you have agreed to play.
This is particularly true with someone brand new to the hobby. It is assumed that they came to learn and should come with any questions they have. Likewise, it is the job of veteran players to take the new ones under their wing, give them advice and guidance.
It should also go without saying that dice, reference materials, writing utensils and character sheets should be brought (unless you play virtual, of course).
Communication is Key
This goes along with coming prepared, in that communicating with your play group is often part and parcel with coming prepared.
Can’t make it tonight, or going to be late? Tell someone BEFORE you’re supposed to be there, not 30 minutes later or at all. Common courtesy is important.
Are you having trouble understanding the game or what is happening? Ask the questions you want answered.
Understand that your GM makes the game ruling. You can make a case for something, but if they say “no” accept it and move on. One of the worst mistakes a player can make is holding up the game and wasting the other people’s time with a drawn out argument.
Bring a Snack!
Snacks are good, they’re practically a requirement unless you play somewhere publicly that doesn’t enjoy happiness.
While playing in person, though, you might want to find out about things like food allergies.
While playing virtually, please don’t chew in the microphone. This isn’t an ASMR convention after all. Unless it is, then slurp and chew away!
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