Principles of Community

At Nevermore Game Club, in order to guarantee that we remain a safe third-space for all, please follow these general guidelines:

General Behavioral Guidelines
(“Be Excellent to Each Other” / Wheaton’s Law)

  1. Treat everyone with respect.
    1. Do not make demeaning or derogatory remarks to or about any person or classification of people present or otherwise – this includes verbal or written comments as well as images on clothing items or other accessories. 
    2. Attempt to learn and use people’s preferred names and pronouns
    3. Do not touch anyone without their permission – each new touch needs new permission until generalized permission is given. This would sound like “Unless I say otherwise, a hug from you is always welcome”
    4. Refrain from lewd gestures (e.g any number of hand gestures, you know what they are, as well as hip-thrusting, flashing, or other gestures with sexual connotations)
    5. Be respectful of others’ personal space and belongings
    6. Do not yell in anger and avoid yelling at all if possible because some people have trauma they are still working with.
    7. Ask before photographing others, and again before posting.
    8. Be aware of your audience (known and unknown) when using strong language
    9. If you notice that someone has not followed these guidelines, and you feel comfortable doing so, let them know what they have done, and how it made you or another individual feel. Feel free to speak with a staff member about troubling patterns of behavior. 
    10. If you slip up, take responsibility and apologize.  Everyone makes mistakes.  If you don’t learn from them, that is a troubling pattern.

A note specifically about role-playing games

Some players like to use RPGs to be able to behave in an “edgy” fashion with little consequence.  DMs and other players might impose consequences, from wagging fingers to booting a player from a party, inside and outside of the game, because behavioral standards exist inside and outside of games.  If a group of players chooses to play an “evil” game, the consequences are on everyone and truly, you probably all deserved them.
Troubling patterns of behavior may lead to temporary or permanent bans

Gaming Etiquette

  • What happens in the game stays in the game, with the exception of behaviors in section 1.
  • If you are playing a game, and you must leave, apologize and give some sort of reason.  If possible, find someone else to substitute for you.
    • As a corollary, if you have a hard time-limit, you might choose to refrain from playing longer games, or let everyone know in advance.
  • Avoid criticizing other players for their moves until you are ABSOLUTELY SURE they will not be hurt by it. (Criticizing your own moves may also disrespectful to yourself)
  • Praising other players is one of the most fulfilling aspects of gaming.
  • If you are bothered by losing to other players, lean towards cooperative games or let other players know in advance that this is a challenge you are working on. (this applies to all ages)
  • Certain games are specifically hard on some people because of direct player sabotage.  Be mindful of your limits and try to be aware of the feelings of others.

Joining Games

  • If you would like to be added to a game, approach a staff person for assistance! We LOVE introducing people to one another, and we frequently know who would welcome new players. If you would like to manage that yourself:
  • Many groups may welcome observers or additional players, but some may not.
  • If you plan to observe a game, ask first if it is okay. Make some sort of statement like, “I have been meaning to try this game, do you mind if I watch”
  • Wait to be invited to play, unless you know at least one player at the table. At which point you can say, “may I join?”
  • If someone asks to observe or play in your game, you do not have to say yes, but if you do say no, explanatory phrases like “we are almost done,” “We have a running rivalry,” or “maybe next time” go a long way.