1. Out-of-Character - Here are the guidelines for Out-of-Character performances:

a. Real World Stuff - Please do not talk about current real world political and/or religious situations at the gaming table. However, people can talk about these subjects during the breaks - but should use caution not to offend anybody. In addition, as the GM, I will not include references to current real world political or religious situations in the campaign world. Furthermore, it's okay to talk and joke about some Real World topics (comic books, movies, etc.) during the game, but please try to watch these conversations when interacting with NPCs (see b.).

b. Out-of-Character Conversation - When your character is interacting with elements of the game (NPCs, monsters, puzzles, etc.), anything you say as a player, will be "said aloud" by your character. There are only two exceptions to this rule:

1). Game Mechanic Questions - When it is a players turn, they can ask questions regarding game mechanics. Answers pertain to the Rules as Written (RAW).  Other players will not give out advice. Discussions on game mechanics are subject to the One Minute Rule (see c.).

2). Game Mechanic Corrections - Other players and the GM can give out game mechanic corrections during the game. Again, they will not give out advice and discussions will be limited to the One Minute Rule (see c.).

c. One Minute Rule - If it takes longer than 1 minutes to look up and/or discuss a rule (GM included), the GM fiats it, makes a note of it, and the game moves on. A sandglass timer will be used in these situations. After the game, we look up the rule and post it online or discuss it during our next game.

2. In-Character - Here are the guidelines for In-Character performances:

a. General Standards - When In-Character, please do not depict excessive violence or sexuality, limit scenes of drug/alcohol use, and try to refrain from frequent use of strong language. When in doubt, think of the ESRB rating of "T" or the MPAA rating of "PG-13".

b. Whispering and Sign Language - If you wish to say something to your party without being heard, you can whisper to anyone adjacent to you. In addition, characters can use sign language (like the Drow variation) to communicate with each other. However, if there are any NPCs present, they may get a Perception check to see if they understand the message (whispering) or at least inquire about it’s meaning (sign language). Whispering is also subject to scrying.

c. Talking During Combat - Talking is a Free Action, but it can be used to an extreme. Please limit talking in combat to simple instructions. For example, "I need healing!" or "Mage, blast the Ogre!" would be appropriate. No elaborate battle strategies during combat. In addition, when it is another player's turn, please do not comment on their decisions (unless there are game mechanic questions or corrections -- see above). For example, a fighter engaged in battle will not know where the mage centers a fireball. And a cleric may not notice another character's health. Look at it from the perspective of your character. Than ask yourself if he or she would have the means to sense any potential danger.

d. Delaying & Initiative – The Players and the GM need to know what they are going to do on their turn. If they don’t know what they are going to do, they are automatically delayed (see page 288 of the PHB for more information on Delay). However, they may need to clarify a rule – in which case we have one minute to discuss it and/or look it up (see One Minute rule above). If they take longer than one minute, their turn is than delayed.

e. An Eye Towards Teamwork - Despite your character's alignment or a "that's what my character would do" perspective, players and their characters should make an effort towards working together as a group. Please refrain from Player Versus Player (PVP) combat. Characters can argue and/or do non-lethal damage to one another, but doing lethal damage or killing player characters during PVP is unnecessary. Teamwork assists with character survival and creates an overall good-natured game.

f. When a Character Dies - As a GM, I do not believe in vendettas against players and intentionally killing off characters. I like to see characters progress as we game. However, due to the nature of the game, character deaths will inadvertently happen. Therefore, please do not get exceedingly attached to them. Nothing kills game atmosphere more than a morose player mourning the death of his/her character.  See Character Death & Retirement below.

3. Dice – Any die rolled off the table doesn’t count and will be re-rolled. Any die that is even questionably cocked will be re-rolled. 

4. GM's Assistants - As a GM, I need some help from time to time.  At the table I keep an Initiative Tracker and Condition Tokens.  

a.  To My Left  - I may enlist whoever is sitting to my left to assist me with the Initiative Tracker.  This involves recording initiative and keeping track of effects in the game.

b.  To My Right - Additionally, I might call on the person to my right to help me with the Condition Tokens (page 277 of the PHB) to mark PC & NPC minis on the battlemap.  They might also help me move minis around the battlemap.

4. Most Important Rule - Have fun! I believe in playing with friends. If any personal disagreements or emotions flare up, the best thing to do is take a deep breath (seriously) and let them go. However, if the feelings remain, please see me after the game or email me. Keep in mind this is only a game and that we are all here to have a good time.

1. Observation – Many actions use dice to randomly determine the outcomes of certain actions (roll playing). However, I still want to retain the story as created by the GM and the player's imagination (role-playing). Therefore, we will balance the two out.

2. Implementing Role-Playing - Role-playing can be approached in a variety of different manners - usually depending on the player and GM's comfort level. There is the "Performance Approach," the "Literary Approach," or a combination of the two.

a. The Performance Approach involves you assuming the role of the character or NPC and making choices as if you were that person. For example, when encountering goblins the player says, "I take out my longbow and prepare for battle." You may use voices or mannerisms to help simulate this role. It is similar to acting but without the portrayal of location. Instead, it uses the suggestion of location.

b. The Literary Approach involves you referring to the character or NPC by name and describing what they are doing in a narrative fashion. In the same example above, the player would say, "Anduin takes out his longbow and prepares for battle." Usually voices and mannerisms are absent from this approach. In addition, it is usually more objective than the Performance Approach.

c. Alternatively, you may choose to combine both approaches. Again, it all falls into your comfort level.

3. Role-Playing a Skill - Instead of just announcing that a character is going to use a certain skill, we will try to describe that action to the rest of the group. This can be used in the various role-playing approaches listed above. By taking this approach, it requires a little more creativity from the players, as well as the GM. However, it also makes each game more memorable.

a. For example, instead of just saying "I use Bluff" a player might say, "I lie to the city guard and tell him that I was minding my own business when this smelly, drunken half orc decided to pick on me. For no reason, he threw me on a table, breaking it, and a bar fight ensued (when in fact the character started the fight by calling the half orc ugly)." 

4. GM Group Stat Sheet** - To decrease repetitive inquiries, the GM will maintain a Group Stat Sheet. The sheet will be broken down into two parts: Defenses and Passive Checks. Passive checks will include Insight & Perception. Please keep your character sheet up to date and inform the GM if your character has had any permanent or temporary changes to these scores.