Curse of Strahd (level 1 to 10)

Internet

Computer

Microphone

Discord

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“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire. 

Roleplay Heavy

“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.

Combat Heavy

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Gothic Horror

Fantasy

For long games or stressful content, having built-in breaks allows the group to stay focused and process content. This time can be used for bio breaks, conversation, or any other necessities.

Breaks

Debriefing is a way to reflect on the game. Identify possible issues, highlight the good parts, and work through potential emotional bleed.

Debriefing

Lines and Veils set the boundaries of the games. Lines are hard limits for content the group doesn't want to participate in, this means that content will not be in game, referenced in game, or alluded to. Veils are soft limits, meaning that when the content arises it might be mentioned, but not described, or it could mean that when the content shows up, it results in a “fade-to-black”.

Lines and Veils

With this technique, when triggering content comes into play, they can discuss with the group, take a break, and express their needs or wants for how play should continue. After the discussion ends, play should continue to account for the requests.

Luxton Technique

The Luxton Technique Discussion involves having an open conversation about triggers at the table. It is not possible to identify every trigger, but this provides a good-base for the GM. In addition, there must be no pressure to go into detail or justify a trauma trigger.

Luxton Technique Discussion

This checklist is used to set expectations and content boundaries before the game starts, and allows players to select from multiple existing triggers, or add their own.

Monte Cook RPG Consent Checklist

Open-Door is an assurance that anyone in the group can take a break from the game for their own safety and well-being without judgement. This should be made clear to the group.

Open Door

Session 0s are used to start the game, opening up with communication, setting expectations, and discussing any safety tools that will be used at the table.

Session 0

Stars and Wishes are used to reflect and discuss feedback in a positive way. Stars are used for things that participants enjoyed in the game. Wishes are things that participants would like to see in the future. Both players and the GM can express their stars and wishes to make the game better.

Stars and Wishes

X, N, and O Cards are check-in tools. X-Cards are used to indicate that a participant is uncomfortable with the current content, often resulting in a change, rewind, or skip of the aforementioned content. N-Cards can be used by participants if they feel content is heading towards an X card, often resulting in a change or a “fade to back”. O-Cards are used to check-in on the group and ensure that everyone is comfortable continuing with the content.

X, N, and O Cards

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Curse of Strahd

Hi! I'm Marie! I've been playing DnD since the age of ten and play 5e for years. I like adventures filled with roleplay and emotions and bring creative and interesting stories to the table. Sometimes wacky, sometimes serious, it's gonna be rollercoaster of emotions!