Lines and Veils

Content Notice:

Before joining one of my games, please carefully review the game description for specific content and thematic warnings. Some themes and elements are integral to the setting or storyline and may be uncomfortable for certain players. These may include sensitive topics like human sacrifice in Tyranny of Dragons, or elements such as vehicular violence, gunplay, substance use and abuse, sex work, despair, and hopelessness in my campaign setting Death Mesa.

While player comfort is a priority, certain mature themes are central to these worlds. If any of these subjects are areas of concern, I encourage open discussion prior to the game. Ensuring clear communication and understanding among all participants helps create an enjoyable and immersive experience without conflicting expectations.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Lines

Content that is off-limits and will not appear in the game. Are there any themes, topics, or actions that you prefer not to be included in the game at all? Are there any types of violence or harm that you do not want to see in the game? Are there any specific phobias (e.g., spiders, claustrophobia, heights) that should be avoided? Would you like to avoid the inclusion of certain real-world issues (e.g., racism, sexism, discrimination)? Are there any forms of supernatural or magical elements (e.g., possession, body horror) that are uncomfortable for you? Do you want to avoid themes related to mental health issues (e.g., trauma, PTSD)? Are there any specific genres or tones (e.g., horror, dark fantasy) that should be left out of the game?

Veils

Content that can be present but "off-screen" or lightly described. Are there any topics that can be mentioned in the game but should not be described in detail? Would you prefer that certain actions (e.g., torture, intense physical violence) happen "off-screen" rather than being described? Should sensitive subjects (e.g., romance, death, injury) be handled with a fade-to-black approach or minimal description? How comfortable are you with the inclusion of morally gray characters and situations? Should these be explored lightly? Are there any emotional or psychological themes that should be hinted at but not deeply explored? Would you prefer a lighter tone in certain aspects of the game (e.g., humor, relationships) while keeping others more intense? How would you like sensitive material, such as loss or grief, to be approached in the story?

General Safety and Consent

How would you like to be informed about potential content that could be upsetting or uncomfortable before it comes up in the game? Do you have any preferred ways to signal discomfort during the game (e.g., using an "X-Card" system or pausing the session)? Are there any adjustments or accommodations that would help make you feel more comfortable during play (e.g., breaks, content warnings)? Is there anything else you want the Game Master or other players to know about your boundaries or preferences for in-game content?

My Lines and Veils Submission

Below you can read the body of the email I received after submitting my Lines and Veils as the GM. This includes how I like to handle uncomfortable topics and disruptions at my table.

Sent via form submission from Game Grotto

Name: Nick Grotto

Email: gm@nickgrotto.com, accepts marketing: true

Lines: Child Abuse, Explicit Descriptions of Sex, Explicit Rape, Non-consensual Sexual Violence

Veils: Sexual content is ok behind closed doors, abuse/exploitation of weak or defenseless entities will only occur as acts of villainy to be stopped from happening or continuing

General Safety and Consent: I (The Game Master) prefer to gracefully move away from or rewind and retcon uncomfortable topics.

I allow the use of X-Cards but prefer players speak up. It is a sign that players feel Empowered at my table.

I will not condone conversations about players' philosophical differences over personal sensitivities at the table.

Player's personal opinions/feelings are respected, and conflicts will be resolved in a manner I see fit outside of the sessions.

I have and will privately admonish or remove disruptive players.

I have and will privately listen to and respect the concerns of players who feel uncomfortable in session.