Here are some tools and mechanics that we recommend to help support players and GMs in One More Multiverse (and other roleplaying) games.
Template:
Clone & edit as you like!
Session 0 Checklist
A session 0 is a dedicated time before you start playing a game where players can build their characters and become familiar with the rulebook. Have a conversation about things like game details, inspiration, player/GM expectations, discomforts, and pet peeves.
Session 0 can be a way for GMs and players to share expectations and build trust before getting in game. You might talk about:
Relevant topics might vary depending on your game. Here’s an extended list of topics from HazeZero on Reddit.
Lines and Veils
These are to set boundaries on content in a game. Lines are hard limits on content that should not be engaged in. Setting up a line means that content won’t show up in the game at all. Veils are soft limits, things that are ok “behind a curtain” or when they “cut-to-black.” Setting up a veil means that the content might be in the game but not spotlighted or described in great detail. Lines and veils can be adjusted as needed throughout the game.
You can use this template of the RPG Consent Checklist to gather lines and veils. It is recommended that these are anonymous.
Some examples of what may be a line or veil include: sexual violence, body horror, spiders.
Breaks
Make a plan for how many breaks you’ll take in a session. We recommend at least one 15-20 minute break for every 2 hours of play. Players should be encouraged to ask for additional bio breaks or discussion breaks as needed.
X, N, O Cards
X, N, and O cards are check-in tools.
The X card should be used if someone is uncomfortable with the content in-game. When the X card is used the group can change, rewind, or skip the content. The N card can be used at any point if a participant feels like they are headed towards an X. The O card can be used at any point if a participant wants to express they're okay with the current content.
When the O card is used, the group is ok to continue with the content. They can also regularly be prompted by a “O?” asked out loud or in the chat to check-in if everyone is still ok.
Click this button to access the X, N, and O cards in chat OMM
Debriefing
Plan to take 10-15 minutes after the session to recap and discuss play, check how everyone's feeling, and see if anyone needs support.
This can also be an opportunity to affirm play (eg. “I loved your character acting this session”) or solicit specific feedback (eg. “did the combat feel too long?”). If people feel tired after a long session, plan to ask for feedback asynchronously.
We recommend Roses, Buds and Thorns for a simple and effective structure.
We have learned so much from thoughtful members of our TTRPG community, and would love to see these practices become ubiquitous in gaming as a whole!
Our team’s understanding of support tools has been especially shaped by:
TTRPG Safety Toolkit, co-curated by Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk.
Support Tools Compilation by @rpgnatalie on Twitter. We especially love Natalie’s section on “Why Does Support Matter?”
Lines and Veils were designed by Ron Edwards
The X card was designed by John Stavropoulos
The O card was designed by Kira Magrann
The N card was designed by Mysty Vander and Adam Cleaver, based on the Support Flower by Taylor Stokes
<aside> 🔮 This document is maintained by christina#0229 on Discord. Please reach out with any comments or additions.
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