Social Contract
What is a social contract?
A social contract is how we agree to act when we play. Many of these things you may think should be unspoken rules. That’s a good thing. This is just so we have it all down as clearly as possible.
Dungeons and Dragons 2024 - Popularized in Stranger Things D&D is a fantasy tabletop role playing game, aka a collaborative storytelling game where a group of people sit down and tell a story together with the added random element of dice. Find the core rules for free HERE
What game is the group playing?
It is a high fantasy game with some horror. I imagine it will be light, and fun, but not everything that happens in the world will be nice.
How "realistic" will the game be?
I always blend realism with fiction, so there will always be room for storytelling flexibility. The first priority, next to safety, is a cool story, everything else is flexible.
How long will the game Last?
This game will last 3 games with a full session 0 at the beginning. It will be a self contained arc, and I’m hoping it will leave the door open for continued play.
How will sessions be scheduled?
We will pre-schedule our month of gaming, they will all be on sundays at 7:00 PM.
Where will sessions be hosted?
In the High Sabbath speakeasy below Little More
What will happen if a player is late or can't attend a session?
If someone is not present we will discuss if the game can continue without them, generally erring on the side of going ahead.
Typically if a player isn’t there, I omit their character from the fiction to avoid unnecessary friction. I make an exception if they are central to the plot moment in which case I or another player will play them.
For the financial expectations, see my Cancelation Policy
What safety tools will be used?
I use the x card, lines and veils via consent checklist, and will check in with the table or take a break or have a breakaway conversation to clear up issues.
What is the process for bringing a new player into the group?
If your party is at the 6 player cap, they can join the wait list to be added to your table if someone has to drop out. If there is a space the new player will be given a free hour long one-one-one session zero during either during the cocktail hour of a game, or at another time scheduled between them and their DM, and then they will be introduced into the game with the character they create!
What is the process for a player leaving the group?
Let me know as soon as you can by email or text. (miles@milesawaygames.com)
Do any players have specific needs or preferences that other players will accommodate?
Let me know ASAP.
Do players play to win?
No, we play to tell a story and have fun with friends.
But we do play hard, meaning that we engage with the story, the fiction, and the game actively and with the intention of success.
Generally speaking in TTRPGs, (D&D Included) there are three goals, Save, Solve, and Survive. In some games you only get to pick one, in D&D I try to force you to pick two, and fight to get all three. I love stories where you have to pick your battles, and you cannot win them all. Plus failure makes for amazing and memorable stories.
How cohesive should the player characters be in the party? (For example: Can party members work against each other? Can they split the party?)
I am flexible here, but most competitive play will have to happen openly, meaning if your character has conflicting objectives to another character you have to work with the table as a whole to tell a cool story, not to win.
I love splitting the party, but I’ll be clear if I think you’re doing it so much you’re heading in a game breaking direction.
What is the role of the players?
Show up on time, be kind, be curious, be engaged, listen, communicate. be patient with other players and the GM.
How much table chatter will there be?
Table chatter is a fun part of the game, but too much can kill the game. TTRPGs are conversations, not monologues, so we should all be engaging. If you find yourself hogging the spotlight, try to share it.
What is the role of the GM?
I facilitate the storytelling, help everyone have fun, and manage the crunch of the game. I am the guide, but not the master of the table.
I will fudge dice rolls if I think it will make a significantly better story, or save someone from having their game ruined by fickle fate.
You’re paying me to storytell, not be a calculator.
How much should the players know and understand the rules and the setting of the game?
No familiarity with either is necessary. We will build and reveal much of the setting at the table, and the rules are guidelines. A grasp of them is helpful, but unessential.
How lethal will the game be for player characters?
Death is a possibility, but in this 3 game arc, unlikely.
What kind of conflicts will appear in the game?
Violence over land and food, greed, familial betrayal and politics. If it is in Lord of the Rings or Dune, you’ll find it here.
How will the group respond if the social contract is violated?
If you feel another player is violating the contract, let me know in private, and we can have a conversation about it.
If you feel I have violated the contract let me know immediately. All social contracts are a work in progress but I want to stick to this contract as best I can. Correction is most welcome and will help me get better.