House Rules for My Table

During session zero, and before you start your first game with any group, make sure you establish your house rules and your expectations.
If your expectations aren't set, then each player will be expecting something different from you as the DM. Setting and establishing everything beforehand limits drama later on and ensures what type of game the players want to be a part of.

These rules are intended to reduce miscommunication and start out with everyone on the same page. The goal is creating a fun experience by working together.


So Here Are My Rules and Expectations

-No cheating. Fudging dice, faking stats, etc.

-No PVP. no killing or incapacitating PC's without consent.

-Results from a die roll can only be changed by the DM.

-Dice rolled on the floor don't count.

-Players are expected to share the spotlight and support other players. Don't Hog the spotlight. Sit back and allow other players to role play and use their skills without interruption.

-I expect players to know what dice to use.

-I expect players to be ready for their turns.

-I expect players to have a short backstory for their character and a character goal established before the first session.

-I expect players to pay attention and actively participate in the game.

-Keep side conversations to a minimum.

-Do not interrupt a scene when players or the DM are trying to role play. Wait for a scene or conversation to conclude before trying to start a new one.

-Critical hit rolls and calculating damage follow the rules in the 5e handbook.

-There are no automatic successes on skill checks when a 20 is rolled. Natural 20 critical hits only work with attacks rolls.

-The DM gets final say on how things work and what rules will be used. You can argue about rules after the game, but don't waste our time during play.

-I expect players to help each other out and support each other. Even in an evil campaign, the players should be working as a team.

-I don't worry about encumbrance rules, (within reason) counting rations and some other nitty-gritty rules.

-Be respectful to other players. We want a positive space for people to have fun.

-No charming, cursing, or otherwise trying to control other PC's. Special abilities and effects only work on NPC's. Players are there to play, don't take control of their characters unless you get a players consent and it's part of the story that the group agrees to tell.

-Any action will only happen in game if the DM says it does. This means that if the DM doesn't say it, or approve it, it doesn't happen.

-I know a guy optional rule. Where any player can make an NPC connection to get help in the current session or develop more of a backstory.

-Flashback scenes optional rule. Players can initiate a flashback scene to supplement their current actions. "Flash back to a week ago when I bribed a certain guard to let us get in with our weapons today"
"Flashback to my character writing a letter to the king, detailing the treasonous actions of a villain."