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Cruelty-Free D&D? (Patreon)

Published:
2023-02-22 23:40:33
Imported:
2026-06
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Videos

Content

What happens when a vegan is offended by meat in a D&D game? Should the GM change their campaign world? PDM analyzes the situation.

Before you comment, watch the whole thing. No knee-jerk responses until you've seen it! That said, PDM s interested in all the comments.

Files

Previews only

Cruelty Free D&D.mp4

Comments

Joel A.

Oh! You did a vid on this? Noice 🤗

Gregory Helding

A balanced presentation as usual. I like how you pointed out that the chef player may have been being a wangrod. I also thought the Deathbringer outro was gold.

RUNEHAMMER

without watching this, another step in the descent of click-bait topics

Drago Russo

Good evening, PDM. A pleasure to watch your videos as always. Before I get into my comments, YES you need to edit the part where the DM says, "Well you can go play Monopoly". That needs to be edited big time. It makes the DM sound like a jerk and it could be perceived as you letting people think that you would say something similar. We all know you enough that you would NEVER do that. But we are your patreons and NOT the crazy masses on YouTube. You should say well then you can play some other campaign that fits your style, etc.

GM James

Hi professor! Great video. Honestly, probably the most measured take on this kind of subject that I've seen yet.

Bryan Stephens

My wife likes shows like NCIS and CSI. I spent 25 years in community mental health and in no way do I want to watch shows with damaged people like that being portrayed. So I don't watch them. What I don't do is demand she not watch them. I don't watch them with her. I am all for respecting players actual traumas. A vegan making a big point about animals being eaten is no different than a Christian saying they don't want "false gods" in the game. If the universe has a pantheon, I don't think I need to change it for that one person. My game is not for them. On the other hand, when I built a world knowing I would have such a player, I made a Christian analog God in a clearly analog to Europe. Veganism is, at is core, a spiritual choice. As such, it has the weight for people of religion. That might well make it incompatible with a game. I just asked a GM to change something because it would bother me based on something going on in my own life. Nothing as big as this, and he agreed. It won't effect the game other than color and nuking a storyline he had. So, I get it. Not every game is for every person. That is just the facts. I would be wary of wholesale game changes for a new player. They joined an existing game. Joining and demanding changes is how it starts. I agree with the quote that you give: This seems to be the pattern. Maybe not for this player. Unfortunately, too many people use their sensitivity as a way to force others to change. Personally, I find veganism to be a rich person's luxury (compared to the average wealth in the world). It is as easy a moral pose as we take against child labor today (because we can). However, I don't want to ban someone for just that. I think you were balanced and did a good job with this. The players in this game are more accommodating than our group would have been. It is a fantasy. We are adults and we play Call of Cthulhu as well as Pathfinder, Champions and other games. Sometimes they are pretty darn dark. Anyway, I don't think I would change anything.

Drago Russo

Now for my comments. I read this on Reddit and my initial reaction was jeez. But then the story evolved and I thought well that is a nice story actually. A group coming together and having an adult conversation for the betterment of the group. That is refreshing. I also like how you did both sides because as a PRO DM, I DO decide or pick and choose who plays with me. Generally speaking people who are willing to pay do not cause issues. However, I have had people leave of their own accord after a session, stating, "not my style of play." I love it because it weeds out the ones who don't like my style, the setting, other players, etc. I recently had a guy that told one of my long time players that her character that plays a firbolg that does not identify as male or female, as one or the other because his character is like from the Victorian period and would not understand genderless people. And he went on and one about it so after the game he went on and one and I politely said that he can find a D&D game back in time and transport himself to England hundreds of years ago. Thank you as always for the video that I believe players and DMs need to watch to understand that we should always discuss everything as a group and if it is not a fit for the DM or player, well, there are other tables.

Ron F.

PDM I think the video is fine, a measured approach. But, If you are that concerned about stepping on a landmine then maybe this isn't a topic to put a video out for? Or find a way to reframe this conversation?

Brent Tomlonovic

I think it was a good, well reasoned and stated video. Some people will always take it to extremes, especially on the internet. Overall I think the points are well stated and fair to everyone. For my part, I have ran lots of public play games at my local store, literally hundreds. I have never had many issues with this. However, the games I run publicly are very different than the games I run in private. I try to keep them light and approachable in terms of content. I avoid overly graphic scenes and steer away from heaps of violence. Despite my public games being very different in tone from my home games, I have had some of my favorite sessions in those public games. It is also tricky for me in public games I run because I am also a store employee, so I have to be relatively diplomatic. I have to be very careful with kicking people out of those games. Obviously, if someone is horribly disruptive I can give them the boot. It has made me become much better at compromise and negotiation than I might otherwise have been. It is at times a real challenge to run a game where all are welcome and I can't just pick or choose my preferred players.

Nick

I think there is a fair amount of hypocrisy in this as they aren't at all worried about killing humans which is a much bigger issue in the real world. Personally I also think if you have so much trauma an imaginary hog or dog triggers you that badly you should get help dealing with your trauma before you play an RPG. Said vegan wouldn't even come to my house as I have a freezer and fridge full of animals my wife and I personally hunt and clean haha

Gregory Helding
>>102522323

Click bait is about the content, not just the topic. This is actually a thorough discussion of one example of a real world situation faced by DMs. The topic is discussed from all angles and you come away with useful information and some tools to help you deal with this. It’s not at all click bait.

Terry Barney

I am wanting to hear about the Lost City Campaign.

RUNEHAMMER
>>102522323

I'm sure PDM brings the deep think, appreciate that holler Gregory, but 'click bait ' is by definition that which entices click, not whatever lies beyond. Regardless of that discussion, this pearl-clutching stuff is, to me, not creativity.. it's gossip

Joel A.
>>102521534

Just listened while driving home. Well balanced. Love the use of examples. Especially personal ones. Brought up issues I've had to deal in the past Especially at cons. And the counter-argument was excellent. Again, too many of today's gamers forget the GM has a stake in the game. Only change is would drop the Monopoly reference. Even I felt it may be a snark and can see it as a lightening rod in Comments. Overall, another great vid for this ongoing hobby we call ttrpg.

Andrew

So much to say here. When I begin running a campaign, I tell my prospective players that if it can happen in a Stephen King novel, or a George R.R. Martin novel, it can happen in my game. If it can happen on the 6 o'clock evening news, it can happen in my game. Sanitized versions of stories in fiction and in gaming just don't interest me for long. Maybe a one shot for kids--but I couldn't hang out there for very long. I'm just not there anymore, and haven't been in a long while. I want my games to feel like HBO's Rome, or Game of Thrones, 13th Warrior. When I think of describing the effects of dragon breath, I try to capture what being caught in a napalm drop in Vietnam must have been like. I have my anti-paladin modeled on Ted Bundy, for instance. So if a vegan said something like this to me, where they were uncomfortable with animals being eaten in the game--I wouldn't be upset with them, but I would respectfully state where I'm coming from. As I'm a history enthusiast, actual historical representation is very important to the immersion and interest for me as a DM. In an agrarian 5th-17th century style of world, people have a very different relationship to animals than they do today, and that's part of the feel I'm really trying to capture in my world. Animals are vital for day to day survival. They are beasts of burden and food sources, hunting partners and vehicles and weapons of war. And gently as possible, I would say perhaps I am not the right DM for them. It's not personal--it's just a bad fit.

John
>>102523313

I had a similar thought about "if my child has been bitten by a dog." I'd personally say this was a nice safe way to engage in some systematic desensitization. By asking others to change, you are essentially saying you can't afford them the privilege you demand for yourself . In this case things worked out, but I have to wonder how long before more "I demand x" starts up.

Bagel-Man

Really nice video, I liked your comparison with the dog trauma. Overall, I think you did a really good job portraying both sides of the argument. Keep up the great work!

Jim Van Cura

You can't change the people around you, but you can change the people around you. I have a few comments. 1) Veganism is a product of modern privilege. If you are hungry you will eat anything that's edible. 2) It's medieval fantasy. I doubt there were vegans during the dark ages and 3) The issue I have with people who "request" things like this is that they want control over everything they encounter. Right now it's, "Don't cook the pig." Tomorrow it's, "Firearms are bad. Your game supports the NRA." Or whatever they come up with. As a coincidence, I am currently reading The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. Appeasing these sort of attitudes may seem sympathetic, but the reality is that when this person is met with real atrocities they will react the way we see kids in colleges who are shouting down the dean, rioting, and canceling those they disagree with. When you look for offenses you see them everywhere whether implicit or explicit. Play the game you want to play and don't be bated by those who are trying to control the narrative. Don't feed the trolls!

David Ford

Mmmm, baby unicorn. That’s good eatin’. On a more serious note that was a good analysis of the issue. I’m one of those DM’s that is only comfortable running games for close friends. I’m going to be running some games at a local Con later this year and I’m a bit freaked out about it because of the issues you raised here. I’m curious as to how this would be dealt with for one shots where I’ll probably never see these players again.

SJBehindtheScreen

I agree with others it's a balanced perspective in your video. But in the world of the Internet (not the same as reality) the small handful of DMs this would help will be lost in the shouts of those who think your balanced perspective is a crime against their person and their world at large. It can be a tough subject, and I'm saying a no-win one to discuss. The constant message of "each table must decide what works for it" is truth that you can put in a lot of other videos.

Nick
>>102523313

Yeah some of these people easily become tyrants. That said if they can find a table that works for them and plays WotC sponsored safe Wizard prom feel free. That isn't DnD though.

Nygfan

This is a two way street

Nygfan

mad PDM said, I feel if you can’t play a character that does not share all of your views are you even role playing?

Nick
>>102526464

Few people hunt or raise/slauter their own food. I think it's a big and important part of humanity we have lost touch with.

Daniel Defazio
>>102523313

I love bison. Any in that freezer? Actually, my vegan daughter WOULD come to your house. You're not hunting simply for sport, but for food. SHE wouldn't eat it but would say "you do you." She lives in Nebraska, BTW, so vegetarians are few and far between. And her boyfriend eats meat as well.

Daniel Defazio
>>102523855

It's coming. Zargon is on my desk. I start painting him tomorrow. The campaign probably begins in May. the episodes will air on Patreon in July.

Daniel Defazio
>>102527416

I say at the start: "MacDeath features murder and child murder--because that's what Shakespeare wrote. If this makes you uncomfortable, this is not the game for you."

Daniel Defazio
>>102523077

Hi Ron. You are wise. My thinking is people will click on it. Even if they hate me, comments are video fuel. I'm not worried about comments from unhinged people. There are always those on the Internet. I'm concerned that I don't come off like a jerk to reasonable people like yourself.

Nick
>>102523313

Mostly Venison and Goose sorry! If you like summer sausage I made a mean one out of goose

Daniel Defazio
>>102522325

I considered it and changed it. You are right. It might be interpreted as sarcastic, even though I actually enjoy Monopoly! Thank you!

Jonny Himes

Awesome! This video addresses some questions I've been pursuing with my students about the ethical dimensions of a game in which your PC holds traits or beliefs antithetical to your own, or does things you'd never do yourself in real life. You made good points about what PCs might eat or the gods they believe in being far different from what players do in their own real lives. Certainly, there are "triggers" for some people about past trauma that we all should be sensitive to, but if a player routinely tries to censor the content for everyone else, they might be using the game as a platform for their beliefs.

Staffaramus

Liked how you gave the full story (as much as you could) and how there was a compromise. If the Chef was over the top that was one thing and as you stated keeping this player was seen as a priority. Having a clear idea if the game was already Grim Dark would also have been helpful - yet it is reddit so not all the details are shared. After this video I started looking online for questions to ask during Session 0 to avoid those triggers. Someone who had been assaulted would be something they know and could "mark" on a checklist, but not everyone knows what will cause a triggered reaction.

Frank Lee

Depends on how cool the person was. If they're a value add to the group and you like them being around, or if they really make RPG sessions fun, you should be more understanding to their concerns. And if it can result in your group hugging and learning, then all the better. If they're a person who's so-so, maybe has a bad attitude bubbling just under the surface, then you really have to weigh their motivations and if you feel they're being adult enough for your table. I once listened to a podcast of Call of Cthulhu enthusiasts who had a segment about calling out other players at the table who said things that were offensive. Those types of people would be dancing on very thin ice if they started complaining. I don't think a GM refusing to be curtailed in their game has anything to do with artistic freedom. It's just about being a reasonable adult with common sense. No one should let a person who is over-sensitive, and you definitely can be over-sensitive, push them into situations that aren't reasonable and aren't guided by common sense.

Telarr
>>102522325

I agree about the "go play monopoly" statement. It feels a bit snarky and harsh. I agree with the reasons Drago stated so I won't repeat them , but it also feels like gatekeeping. There is plenty of scope in TTRPGs for people to find their niche. It's one thing to say "My DMing style probably isnt' compatible with you" but we should never be saying " this hobby isn't for you"

David Lake
>>102526953

I was going to post something but I read this. He said everything I was planning on posting and more. Ditto this!

Adrian Webster

I agree with Runehammer that the title is too clickbaity and will likely attract combative youtube trolls. I would also point out that dietary restrictions like no meat have a very long rich history and is not really a modern concept. it may have gained in popularity recently but many societies had groups that shunned eating meat, swore to non violence etc. so the argument that it is ahistorical doesnt hold water. not to mention that meat is expensive so others didnt eat meat out of necessity. does that apply directly to a fantasy game? no, but it does apply to these kinds of arguments.

Howard Kingston

So if a Vegan player hacks up a sentinent plant monster say a vegepygmy and eats it are they a 'Vegannibal' because those don't exist in the real world what happens if it was a vegan chef playing chopping up those poor little mushroom children and sticking them in pot I think all things can be taken one way or another. That's why I stick with playing with close friends only.

Adrian Webster
>>102526953

There were definitely people in the middle ages and most other times who forswore eating animals. Lent? that was temporary but others took it further into a lifestyle. Hinduism, ancient greece and rome etc. plenty of examples.

Doug Bush

Wow! What an incredible video! You make the best TTRPG content out there and videos like this are exactly why I'm a Patreon. Love the video as is.

Matthew Crismali

I find this content helpful and the reddit example both surprising and encouraging. Thank you for sharing this story and for putting together this video in which you thread the impossible needle. Great job PDM!

Andrew
>>102526464

Thanks. It's something I've given a lot of thought to. And while safety tools are important--sometimes DM's need permission to be able to say, "we're just a bad fit."

Masterhit

I think you nail it PDM - play with a group that you are comfortable with and understand your players. I mean this is basic day-to-day advice to follow, know your audience. I deliver spiders out of my house and choose not to eat certain commonly-consumed animals, yet I enjoy 80's slasher films, bleak sci-fi, and other violent shows, books, and media. We all have our limits. Mine are generally to do with children or sexual situations. Kids can die and 'bad' things can happen to women (or others), but certain things 'are worse than killing' and some descriptions need not be made explicitly. I'm longwinded... anyway it all comes down to Wheaton's Law ... don't be a ----. If you aren't meshing, be cool and deal with it with kindness and maturity.

MrGunn

Firstly, I don’t think you should air this on the YouTubes, I think you should stay well clear of these culture wars issues. Secondly, I agree with Runehammer, I see no need for this clickbait, stay focused on the creative. Thirdly, I thought you were going to blow up the channel, not chase the YouTubes algorithm, click bait indeed.

MrGunn
>>102522323

Right on Hankerin, well said, folks are inclined to defend their hero, but in this case I feel PDM has missed the mark for the click.

MrGunn
>>102523077

PDM, I thought you were blowing up the channel not following the algorithm.

Lee Caddick

The knee-jerk reaction comment was absolutely crucial in this case - I was in the middle of mentally constructing a 'how dare they!' rant. You offered a much kinder and more reasonable approach than I would have - but lately I find myself looking for a fight far more often than I used to and I'm now questioning that instinct. It's a tricky one for sure. The core members of my group have been playing since before the pandemic (and we were an MMO guild before that) and they play like a party of sociopaths (as is tradition). They're very used to each other and the humour is quite often close to the line and I'm not specifying which side of the line. Ironically I feel quite protective of their freedom to be spontaneous - or rather OUR freedom to be spontaneous. With that, all I can do when new players join is to say 'try it for a session, if you hate the vibe then no hard feelings if you don't want to stick around'. So far some people have stuck and some haven't. I would be reluctant to change the whole dynamic of a long-standing group to benefit someone who may just not stick around anyway. New groups, absolutely fine with whatever ground rules people can thrash out in session zero - I'm a creative enough person to work around people's no-no places.

knghtbrd

I see two angles to approach this issue from, and you did both. I think you covered them both. I still expect people to at least start typing their angry comments before you get there even though you've asked them not to. You might perhaps forestall that by saying at the outset you're going to discuss what they asked for separately from their aversion to fiction contrary to their worldview. Then again, it's Youtube… The argument that more will be demanded later on … well, I've seen people dismiss that as a "slippery slope". You didn't do that, which is good because the people making that argument are generally at the bottom of that slope already, having witnessed it happen several times like that already. People who believe it is their moral obligation not only to choose a correct path, but to force others to do the same … tends to find additional— —Okay I gotta stop myself right there and say that I typed "wr" before I realized I was typing "rights to wrong" above. That's NOT WHAT I MEANT to type, but it's funny enough I'm gonna just stop typing now.

knghtbrd
>>102534235

Catholics "don't eat meat" on Fridays during Lent. They can eat fish. And you'll often hear "Fish isn't meat?" because the point of the proscription isn't about vegetarianism, it's about eating the foods of the poor, even if you are rich. Historically it wasn't much of a sacrifice to the poor since they couldn't get "meat" anyway. It remains "meat" because of capital-T-Tradition, but you occasionally see folks going out to the fancy seafood restaurants on Friday during Lent to "not eat meat". Th-they kinda missed the point, just a little! :laughing:

knghtbrd
>>102523077

Mrs. PDM wants to redecorate the game room. Gotta make more videos!

knghtbrd
>>102526953

You're right Adrian that people did forswear eating meat during Lent and on Friday the rest of the year. (That's changed in modern times to Friday during Lent.) The reason it was so easy was that these were the foods of the rich, not the poor. The nobility could eat meat (and often did even on Fridays—then as now not everyone who professes a religion obeys it!

Elated Muse

Professor you once again speak truth and say it well. Thank you 😊

Jay
>>102522323

Hankerin and MrGunn I'm compelled to agree. This sort of social conflict stuff doesn't interest me. Game dynamics, crafting, miniatures, story structure, new game mechanics, or innovative concepts are all good and why I'm here. I already have significant experience in conflict management for hundreds over my career and don't feel the need for life coach advice. To be clear, the video isn't bad. I just don't care about the subject matter. Nor am I offended by any of the discussion. I just don't care about other peoples drama. Maybe some will find this video useful and that's fine. However, I feel a need for something more practical I can use at my table. So no one need be offended by not finding this of any interest.

Ryan W

I agree more with the second half and bonus content of video. Its best to stay friends and not play with that person. You don't have to and don't need to, there are plenty other things to do that you can agree on and have fun with. I do believe in knowing your players and respect is just a given on both ends. That said, I am very cautious about bringing in new players for these reasons, unless we get to know them better. I like to chat with a potential new player and discuss our game during conversation and get a good feel to see if they are a fit with our group and its playstyle. My friend's new girlfriend ending up being like 'one of us' and an excellent player. Bringing in a player who has sensitive issues could end up making the group resent that player and ruin the game. It is just best to avoid that altogether and not have any issues.

Ryan W
>>102526953

Agree, and more often than not, in my groups experience, this is just someone who is picking an issue to be sensitive about. They have that right as we do too to not deal with that. Don't be a prisoner in your game. It's not escapism anymore.

robert fransgaard

Super balanced view. Really well done. I'm glad you took DMs sensitivity and ability to enjoy the game into account as well.

Richard White

Hi PDM, we’ll balanced and I think you covered this from all angles. One suggestion I’d make and I don’t believe you covered this off, if the player doesn’t like animal suffering, it might be a nice narrative arc if their was a villain who was cruel to animals, who the PCs got to thwart. That could feel particularly satisfying.

Graymaulken

If you are worried about offending someone, don’t be. Just be yourself. If you try to please everyone you’ll end up pleasing no one. There’s ALWAYS gonna be someone who doesn’t like or agree with what you said, but being hurt or offended is on them, not you. Present what you have to say and as long as you are polite about it, people should respect that whether or not they agree or not. Now, with that being said, this whole “topic” to me is nonsense. This isn’t a gaming “problem” that needs to be brought to light, its a personal issue within that gaming group. Stories like this just tend to rile people up because no matter which side you’re on, you think your side is right. Personal matters should be resolved personally and not publicly, and if you need help with a personal matter, then ask someone privately, just like the vegan in this story did. This “story” should have never been made public IMO.

knghtbrd
>>102543909

That is really important. I have friends who believe/do/want things I don't agree with. And that used to be okay. Somewhere along the line a bunch of people decided it wasn't and the Internet became an uglier place as a result. In the earlier days, people were even respectful to those expressing opinions they didn't agree with on the Internet. They even had debates about what facts were without descending into ugliness. (Oh, ugliness did happen … but it was not an expectation.) So far, I don't think a corporation has figured out how to package up and sell that kind of nostalgia, or they would have by now.

Daniel Defazio
>>102522323

Much respect. It's not pearl-clutching. My interest in this topic is legit. I find the psychology of RPGs as fascinating as the rules. And ALL my thumbnails are designed to get people to click. Every one.

Daniel Defazio
>>102522325

Wise advice. That's why I asked for it. It wasn't meant as snarky at all. But what I think does not matter. I need objective eyes. Thank you.

Daniel Defazio
>>102523077

I'm not following an algorithm. I legit find this topic fascinating. If I just wanted clicks I'd talk about Kyle Brink.

Daniel Defazio
>>102523077

Last night Mrs PDM mentioned January was our highest month from google Adsense. I told her it's not going to last.

MrGunn
>>102540706

Interesting or not, I don’t think the lemon is worth the squeeze in this case

Drago Russo
>>102540706

Mr Gunn, good morning to you. I like reading your comments as always, however, I think you are missing a key point here. PDMs take is more of an educational video for our ever growing hobby. Remember that right now we have an influx of new players to the TTRPG hobby and they need guidance. Otherwise, our hobby will begin to look like a twitter feed, lol. Seriously, I think it is an excellent example for new players and DMs alike to understand that there should be open communication with everyone and at the same time, as a DM you should also feel free to run the settings that you want and not be afraid to tell someone that maybe this setting is not for them and be polite by declining them at your table. THIS is the point of the video in my opinion, and it needs to be on YouTube.

Drago Russo
>>102528069

That is kind of the whole point of roleplaying is it not? We are supposed to pretend to be something that we are not. Of course some people take that too far and want to go to dark places which always makes me wonder if there is more there in the subliminal. Scary stuff, lol. Great point.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu aka Amazonian Frisbee Wrestling

Hey PDM, hope your weeks going well! Any more advice on how to kindly remove a player from a group? One of my best players has a significant other who "wants" to play but never pays attention and 3 sessions in hasn't come up with a name for their character.

Barry Donnelly

I like the bit about DMs benefiting from safety tools and having the right to play the game to their own enjoyment too. DMs are not administrators of other players fun. We’re all playing together and the artistic vision is the emergent property of everyone’s input. The Dark Sun analogy is spot on. In my house rules I let my players know that if they have any hard lines or topics they would like to avoid or not RP to let me know in a text. I also say that I can’t guarantee that their request will be fulfilled if I think it does too much harm to the games fiction. I say no hard feeling and we can play in the next campaign. DMing is hard and takes a lot of personal time between sessions and I’m not going to do it if I’m not happy or excited to run the world.

Graham Kane

Excellently balanced and well thought out analysis. Unlike some other commenters I don't think this topic is clickbait at all, it's something that needs to be discussed with an ear to both sides when it occurs. It's the kind of thing that can wreck games (and friendships) if it isn't handled correctly. It's all too east to say people are becoming too sensitive but the triggering of trauma is very real and RPG's are as likely, if not more so, to cause triggering than movies or TV. Now I see a lot of DM's saying that this isn't and shouldn't be their problem but I for one don't want to be responsible for upsetting people I'm supposed to be running an enjoyable game for. I was also expecting a Reddit horror story but I was delighted to hear it was resolved in a mature manner, rather than either side having a knee jerk reaction and telling the other to get lost. The vegan player was obviously able to convey their point of view in an appropriate and the players also had the good grace to meet them half way. Personally, I don't see the solution as being unreasonable at all. I think watching too much of CritCrab makes you expect the worst from players! You made an excellent point about how the chef player may have been behaving. I personally wouldn't allow a player to describe how they killed, gutted and cooked an animal! I wonder how many of these horror stories omit how the player with "unreasonable demands" was treated in the first place. Your comment about DM's having the right to air their own grievances is incredibly important and often overlooked IMHO. The only thing I would consider changing is the "monopoly comment". As someone said it may come across as sounding harsh. Maybe change it to recommending another RPG that is light on violence and heavy on fluffy creatures? We know they exist! One final thing, I was very disappointed that you don't have Deathbringer dismembering a Tabaxi at the end. After all, they're not real-life creatures!

Daniel Defazio
>>102558892

Lol. The tabaxi would be be too provocative. I removed the Monopoly comment. It came across as too snarky--although it was not meant to be.

Frederic Schmitt

If I had a person at the table that feels honestly uncomfortable about certain contents I would 100% make adjustments. I myself dont like grafic violents (anymore) and my players prefer RP-solutions more than killing stuff. I want to notice that the title of the video could be changed to "Cruelty-Free TTRPG's" because this is not a DnD only thematic.

Glumer Games LLC

Jordan Peterson would have a field day with this. Bottom line for me: don’t make demands of others to have things your way. What if the chef player then makes the exact opposite demand? Hmm? Don’t be the player who has to have it your way to play.

Jay

PDM, although this subject really doesn't interest me much, I realize that some others may come to appreciate it and find it useful. Also, I wanted to state that you did an excellent job of addressing this issue in its entirety. It was very well scripted and thought out. My hope is that some people take your advice and are respectful of others. Also, some with little to no experience in dealing with such issues may find this content gold. That being stated, I sincerely hope and you don't get too much flack when you post it on YouTube but I think it will be will likely be a Shizzer show in the comments section. Its not hard to see that such matters may be contributing to the DM shortage as discussed by Ben Milton (Questing Beast). There are way too many pressures placed on the DM/GM in running a game such as life coaching and there are people who would rather not have to deal with all those responsibilities. Anyway, looking forward to more practical stuff for the game table like the Lost City. Great job and good luck.

Daniel Defazio
>>102534713

Thanks, Doug. It's not to everyone's taste, but I've discovered that variety is part of what makes DungeonCraft what it is.

Jay
>>102540706

MrGunn, you do make some solid points yet PDM is looking for new subscribers to grow his channel and that means eyes on his YouTube videos. So subjects like this may be a bit edgy and perhaps we may not find interest in them. Never-the-less, he is competing for views which equates to $$. Yes, it is by definition click-bait. Headlines, thumbnails, ect that make a person click on it as they have not yet seen the content within. Still, I find the best way to determine if an arguments are solid is to argue on behalf of the opinion you disagree with and then see if you still disagree. I'm not saying you should change your opinion. I'm saying look at both sides as objectively as possible and see if you still hold the same view. If you do, then you have already made your opinion and arguments stronger. If not, well then you may have changed your mind. The way I see it, if the channel is going to address mainly social issues, I will likely loose interest in the channel and move on to something else but that hasn't happened yet. Large corporations like to speak out on hot social issues to get attention which in turn tends to sells products. This is no different. Greed is what drives ambition for companies to expand. What they do when they get too big or too greedy is another story. I'm looking at you Hasbro.

MrGunn

These days there is a lot of talk and focus about people's feelings, traumas, and triggers, real or perceived injustices and how they should be accommodated. Conversely there does not seem to be enough discussion about reasonable feelings and boundaries nor assertiveness and conflict resolution training. Just because you feel a particular way does not give you carte blanche to articulate your feelings or make them everyone else's issue to accommodate you. Manners are about making people feel comfortable, however, they cut both ways. Personally, as a new player I would never ask a group to change their play style to suit my tastes. If you feel so strongly about killing imaginary animals or imaginary cooking them that you feel entitled to ask everyone else to change their game, maybe it is a you problem and you should stay away from that group. After giving this issue some thought, I think I know what bothers me about the video; the video leverages a click-baity culture wars issue, veganism and animal rights, to initiate a discussion about negotiating tabletop boundary issues. In my opinion, the video falls short because it tries to present a balanced picture of that particular group's issue and its resolution, when the video should be focused on providing real world examples of 'How To' successfully navigate conflict around sensitive issues. Yes, I understood what PDM was trying for, I just feel this time he missed the mark because too much time was spent on the cruelty free D&D story and not enough on the How To of successful conflict resolution. In closing, the thing everyone is seemingly struggling with these days is that societal boundaries seem to be in state of constant flux, today it is this group demanding we stop violating their boundaries and tomorrow it will be a different group, all of them pointing to some historical or current event trauma, trigger, or injustice; ergo no one knows how to behave correctly without someone seemingly being 'outraged'. I have not done the research to know if my perspective is a recent or historical phenomenon. Are we still just arguing about the same things we always were, i.e. whether dresses are too short and we can see women's ankles or if women should be allowed vote or should we ban drinking on Sunday's. I suspect all our current societal 'controversies' are the same, only the internet has allowed individuals a greater ability to sound off their opinion and less time for everyone else to absorb the plethora of new ones.

MrGunn
>>102569076

Great post Jay. Loved this: "There are way too many pressures placed on the DM/GM in running a game such as life coaching ..." YES, YES, YES! a game is not supposed to be free therapy!

Jay
>>102575322

Yes, since my return to the United States I've had a clear view of how the Overton Window has been shifting from reasonable discourse to straight up insanity. It may be an over simplification yet the way I see it knowing what your players generally want in the game and letting them know specifically what you are willing to provide seems to address most of this. New players can become a source of anxiety for some as you never know if they are going to meld well with your group or game style. It seems easer to stick with people you already know but not always possible. Again, the pressure on the DM/GM to attempt at keeping everyone happy. Not always so easy.

MrGunn
>>102575322

As usual Jay, great points! I agree, setting boundaries in session zero is critical. Having a session 0.1 may also improve the outcomes when adding new players to an established group. BTW, well done, I had to look up the term, Overton Window, as I had never heard it before. I agree, the pressure on the GM to keep everyone 'happy' is immense! A lot of people who play TTRPGs fall into the, let us say; eccentric category. Some of the more eccentric use gaming as a way deal with issues in their personal lives; whether that be a sense of powerlessness or escape from reality. These 'that guys and gals' demand the GM and other players cater to their eccentricities and provide a therapeutic environment for their issues, rather than view the game for what it actually is, a vehicle for casual fun. Most GMs derive pleasure from running the game and bringing joy to their players, most do this for free, to make unreasonable demands on the GM and others is narcissistic hubris; get over yourself!

Daniel Defazio

I thought I did give real-world examples. We'll see how YouTube reacts.

MrGunn
>>102540706

Jay your statement assumes you believe the other side's starting positions are reasonable. To quote some extreme examples where the other side is wrong; I cannot support Nazism, Stalinism, or the KKK.

MrGunn
>>102580599

Yes, you did give examples, but I feel you focused too much on the vegan story, and not conflict resolution. As to the YouTubes: Welcome to the Thunderdome, are you not entertained! :D

jnlsn family

Nope, knee jerk reaction is the same as when I made it to the end. I would tell that player to find another game. Comparing veganism to the trauma of a dog attack is a false equivalence. Now that we've solved this pressing issue can we please get to Lost City?

Jay
>>102540706

To be clear, I'm not disagreeing with you or arguing for you to change your point of view. This is advice many of the great debaters use to prepare for a presentation to make a stronger case. Your not wrong yet most already know enough about those particular issues to make judgement as they are knowingly abhorrent. Social issues such as the one here also have some validity to them even if we don't like most of what they represent as they are part of a divisive cultural revolution. If you ask yourself what they would argue and see it as objective you can easily counter what is invalid or undesirable while still acknowledging what is valid. Just my two cents but if it doesn't help so be it.

Jay
>>102575322

Agreed on all points here. Also, when a polite request of at changing something becomes demanding that it be enforced is exactly where a valid position becomes hostile and authoritarian.

Jay
>>102569076

Based on this discussion thread of your fans one can only imagine. Yet, I bet you will get a lot of attention.

B. J. Boyd

I appreciate the example of how the troops worked it out amongst themselves. However a part of me still has to ask how far is to far? I get avoiding graphic details or depictions of the darker side of life. But how do we play a game of heroes if there are no wrongs to right, villains to defeat, or monsters to slay? We can’t encounter evidence of evil through oppressed villagers, burned homes, or mistreated pets - even in the service of giving players a chance to put these things right?

Clegg Ivey

One of the most compelling examples was the group of youngsters that are only too happy to dismember their enemies because, thank god, they've never had to experience that in real life. Of all the hypotheticals and examples you used, that one stuck with me. Nice work.

James Archer

I run a Darksun campaign now and I've had this issue come up. Instead of veganism it was over bioessentialism. We both politely agreed to part ways.

Jay
>>102522748

Very insightful and you make excellent points here Bryan. I couldn't agree more.

Don Stockley

When I saw the title I thought it was a video about not being a bunch of Murder Hobos and was how to run a game without killing anything. Maybe a topic for future video?

Frank Matthews

This was a great video. Simple trick I’ve used in the past is if things are getting dicey, I say “time out” and ask everyone to put their heads down and close their eyes. Then I ask “if you are uncomfortable with the way this scenario is going, please nod your head”. If even ONE of them is uncomfortable, we take a break and discuss. Even in close friendships, there are parts of us and past traumas we don’t openly talk about. Maybe if you’re playing with extremely close friends you’ve had since childhood this can be an exception, but never the rule. Another thing to bring up, and again these are all my opinions, is generational differences. I was born at the end of the millennial and the beginning of generation Z. We had VHS for a short period before DVDs took over, and I thought that the OG iPod was the biggest leap in technology I would see in my lifetime… and my voice hadn’t even dropped yet. For probably a good number of you all here, your experiences with D&D/Warhammer began in those same stages of life back in the late 70’s/early 80’s… and part of me envies you and yearns to find a time machine so I too can spend late nights playing D&D and eating pizza with my best friends. For me, the closest comparison was Modern Warfare 2 (the good one) where I would eat an entire box of pizza and chug mountain dew alone staring at my TV screen. By the time I first played D&D in college, the game masters and players wanted to tell all kinds of different stories. One table at my games club wanted to play a lot of intrigue/role-play scenarios, while the other next to it ran 3.5 TPK’s with dry-erase markers, grids, and miniatures. The whole culture around the game has changed. I understand the sensitivities from some of today’s players. I also understand why some older players would chuckle. I remember running a single session with a group who doesn’t play anymore, but they’re still great friends. Since that session, they all live different lives. One of them got married, another is studying to become a doctor, another is living their truth as a trans woman, another is nonbinary, and I’m still the unemployed piece of garbage who’s using his time to write this while on the toilet instead of applying for more jobs. Some things never change! If I were to run a game for that exact same group of people, I absolutely would run session zero. People evolve, and we can’t stay stagnant. Heck, our bodies replace all cells within us every seven years or so. TLDR: Session zero is a must unless you’re of the lucky few who plays with the same group of people today as you did forty years ago, and even then it’s never a bad idea if it’s been a while. Happy gaming!

Ben Chance

What? Nuance? On the internet? In all seriousness, great analysis. Loved the Deathbringer joke at the end.

Scott Spears

I think you did a good job at being sensitive but tempered that with "you don't have to play with everybody" well. I could could feel your nerviousness a little as your treaded on modern, unstable ground. I teach part time in a college theatre deparment and I have to think before I speak at times. I think it, overall, has made me a better person and more understanding. Anyway, good job. I know you will get some flak for it but the majority will see where you are coming from.

Andrew
>>102575322

For me, the problem with the general thrust of the online discussion is that it focuses on player accommodation, and not enough on what GMs expect and want from their own games. I used to tell players--"my world, welcome to it." There are simply things I won't bend on, and never will. I had a player who wanted to run a tabaxi as a player race recently--I told her that it brought up visions of the Thundercats for me, and that just wasn't the feel I was going for. If she wants to run a game where that's an option--great! It's her world, she can do what she wants with it. With the vegan example for instance, what happens if one of the other players decides to have two war dogs? This is a really common thing for mages--using dogs at low level to be that last ditch defense between them and the enemy, when all the fighters are otherwise engaged. What happens if a knight decides to have his horse, (which they really did--anytime you watch something like the Lipizzaner stallions--all those maneuvers are derived from real battlefield tactics knights used in combat) attack with hooves and bites in combat? Now, I always tell players that their animal companions are usually going to be cooked once fireballs start flying. At low levels, dogs can mean the difference between a mage living and dying. I've heard it suggested that animal companions have some kind of plot armor in game to accommodate "no cruelty" players. That's game breaking in so many ways---and nothing makes much sense anymore. A dragon can torch a village, where infants were cooked in their mother's arms as her own muscles melted off her bones, but somehow the family milk cow and the sheep they kept for sheering were perfectly fine?

James C

Situations like this remind of Aesop’s fable of a father and son taking a donkey to town to sell. They end up losing the donkey because they were listening to everyone they met. The morale being, “if you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.” Just make sure everyone is on the same page and you certainly don’t have to play with everyone. If your tastes don’t match, no reason to make compromises that may result in bitterness. It’s okay to find a new group.

Mighty Zeus

"It's a baby unicorn." lmao

Adam Maag

Balanced take. I disagree with folks who say this has no value past the scandalous subject. This is a video that talks about respecting both your players and your gm. Nothing wrong with that.

MrGunn
>>102595448

Bioessntialism, now there is term, God save us from academia.

Jay
>>102575322

Hey Andrew I hear what your saying. Some GMs like to make their games cater mainly to the players. Others want players to participate in the worlds they build and make characters within certain parameters. I fall somewhere in the middle. I suppose it all comes down to what the GM and the group are willing to put up with. As we know, no two tables of TTRPGs are ever really the same in the way of rules or playstyle. The way I see it is if I'm hosting, prepping, providing books and materials, coordinating with players for game sessions, developing content, terrain, story arch's, explaining the rules, and a ton of other stuff I likely forgot to mention the least the players can do is go along with the expectations I have set forth in session zero as far as genre, game mechanics, house rules, and so forth. The GM has a lot that gets dumped on them but lets not forget they are also playing the game and are there to have fun as well. If they were just playing the enemy the GM would drop a few gods on the first level characters and call it a day. GM wins! Yet that isn't the point. The GM is also playing the game as a different kind of player. So yeah. I hear ya. Any last minute "Oh by the ways" that should have been addressed in session zero will be dealt with summarily and not to accommodate a single player over that of a group. Yet that's just my two cents.

MrGunn
>>102599923

“…and ask everyone to put their heads [sic] down and close their eyes.” Confused are you meaning this to be facetious; if no, were there juice boxes and nap times too?

Jay
>>102595409

I believe that was a group of young girls which I kind of find a bit shocking. Guess that explains all the Barbie graveyards. lol

MrGunn
>>102602687

I forget, was that the fable where we get the phrase: F’em if they can’t take a joke? ? Enjoy your roast unicorn 🤣🤣🤣

Jay
>>102602687

Short, direct, and makes a good point. Great post.

MrGunn
>>102575322

Lipizzaners are from Portugal and their training program is simplicity itself, you just stick a cattle prod… Misquoted Captain Ramsey, aka Gene Hackman - Crimson Tide. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Jay
>>102526953

Great job Jim. This one knocked it out of the park. Also, thanks for the tip. I think I'll check out that book. On the subject, you might want to check out what Yuri Bezmenov said about the subversion of America through academia. There are still some YouTube videos on this from the 1980's. Everything he stated is pretty much hitting the mark these days. This link is a short video of it but there are longer versions out there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEefbbApuaE

Robert DeLuca

Well said Prof… I am late to the party, but I deal with people all day as a cop. I keep it simple… be considerate to others and yourself. It usually doesn’t cost you anything, and if it does gracefully bow out.

Jim Van Cura
>>102526953

Adrian, much agreed. I think the difference however, is that veganism wasn’t the “religion” it is today. I doubt people 500+ years ago were anti leather shoes or whatever. That said, play the game you want to play. If you have friends who have a situation you are sympathetic to then certainly work within their wheelhouse like the bitten by dog scenario. Otherwise, if the person trying to dictate your game at a convention or wherever is upset, they can move along. I think that is the message PDM was trying to convey. I think we both agree, but I just wanted to clarify my point.

Frank Matthews
>>102599923

If it’s a group of people who know each other well then it’s not something we do, and we hardly have these issues in the first place. If it’s a bunch of new players, it’s a good way to poll the group and not have anyone feel like another player would target or harass them for speaking up.

Frank Matthews
>>102540706

Commenting on this separately from the previous thread, and I mean no transgression. Appreciate the conversation! CW/TW in the below text: I think this video belongs on YouTube for the very reason of it being a /fairly/ benign (not invalid but there’s way way worse) subject matter: the vegetarian/vegan player doesn’t want depictions of real-world pets being harmed in a made-up fantasy game. It’s a great stand-in for other triggers, boundaries, and past traumas that many people don’t want at their tables such as: overly-graphic and gratuitous depictions of violence, violence towards innocent civilians, violence towards children, consensual sexual relations, non-consensual sexual relations, discrimination and hatred towards marginalized groups, discrimination and hatred towards religious groups and creeds, slavery, genocide, suicide, mental health issues, disabilities and disorders, and so on and so on… in my opinion all apply in the same sentiment of this video. The vegan example shown in the video is a fairly safe substitution (remember: YouTube loves demonetizing) to convey the larger meaning: if someone is uncomfortable with the content of your role-playing game… either address it as a group and come to a compromise where everyone can move forward, or turn that person away from your table for that game/altogether without being rude to them. Any group can allow or not allow whatever content they choose. It is the right of each group to play the game they want to play at their tables, so long as everyone there acknowledges and is comfortable with that ahead of arrival. If one or more players have objections, then that’s a decision y’all need to make. I’ve played with a great deal of people from different walks of life, especially some who are socially awkward and don’t easily pick up on social cues and norms. Sometimes they’re unknowingly being toxic despite meaning well, and other times a player is being a flat-out menace. And of course, there’s plenty of people that have valid sensitivities that necessitates a discussion of what content is allowed and not allowed at the table. This video serves as a gentle reminder to help players and game masters navigate whenever a dispute over subject matter arises.

MrGunn
>>102540706

Frank, I appreciate the time you took to respond. However, I am going disagree to a certain extent, for too long we have allowed ‘victimhood’ and people’s ‘anxieties’ to drive the conversation. I am not talking about real issues like sexism, racism, physical or mental disabilities; I am referring to the self-centered sense of entitled victimhood and social justice posturing displayed by so many these days. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is read or hear about people’s self-pitying triggers and traumas and how we have to feel sorry for them and how everyone has to accommodate them and give them hugs. Geez-o-Pete what a bunch of simpering narcissistic malarkey. I have my own triggers (clearly this being one of them🤪🤣🤣🤣) and traumas, but I try leave that shizzle at home and not burden others with my mental crap. Got anxieties, triggers, and traumas, hire a therapist, talk to friend, talk to your bartender, but for God’s sake regulate yourself. If you cannot deal with life in a make believe game then maybe you shouldn’t be playing that game. In closing, if you told me to put my head on down on a table and close my eyes, and asked if I was uncomfortable about something, I would tell you; I’m a grown up, stop trying to infantilize me, and to get a grip.

Jack Byers

Very well said. I think it doesn't get stated often enough that not every game is for every player. People have different preferences, and even the same person might just want to play something different from time to time. No big deal. As a gamemaster, yeah you should inform everyone in advance what sort of game you'll run and try and iron out some redlines for players ahead of time. Ultimately though, you don't have to run things you don't want to. I don't mind a little compromise, but if a player is in major disagreement with what I want to run, then I am more than happy to pc under them. If they don't want to gamemaster, then they just have to accept that the game will not necessarily align with their preferences.

Jay
>>102540706

Well said MrGunn. Victimhood is far too often linked to identity politics or fringe ideologies and used as a cudgel to force others to make changes for malicious reasons all while attempting to seem virtuous and calling it Social Justice. Make no mistake, many but not all of these people are often driven by the need for attention they otherwise wouldn't get. Some are activists who behave like the Brown Shirts of National Socialist Germany (acronym NAZI) and use violence while claiming to be suppressed or victims. They sometimes use tactics like to trolling others and are known to be the useful idiots of a political agenda or ideology who strive by any means necessary to squash dissent through subversion and the cancelling of those they find apostates. Don't be so easily fooled by the seemingly moral rhetoric. They understand Saul Alinki’s published “Rules for Radicals” and accuse others of exactly what they are doing. In many instances these people are lying and have no triggers whatsoever and just enjoy the power they wield over others who believe their cleaver ruse. As if there are no cases of a so-called vegan later caught eating a burger or other meat product. That has happened quite a bit with some YouTuber vegans and exposed for the grifters they are. As for those with actual issues who make reasonable requests rather than tyrannical demands, the DM/GM can declare a simple caveat or disclaimer to those who may be suffering from trauma, mental illness, or easily triggered by expressions of graphic violence, fictitious animals or monsters being slaughtered that this might not be the group or game for you. Seriously, this game is primarily driven by make-believe violence typically in a world of horror and depravity. Just a simple read through the rules shows characters is made for combat. The primary difference is if the person makes a polite and reasonable request with realistic expectations or do they demand you accommodate them lest you be branded a baddie or some type of racist, sexist, misogynist, zenophobic, homophobic, or transphobic in an attempt to shame you. There is no wonder there is a DM/GM shortage. They have enough on their plate just setting up and running a game. Who wants to deal with hurt feeling of social issues and moral arbitration in the real world. This is supposed to be an escape for everyone not just to perpetually offended.

Frank Matthews
>>102540706

The head down (not on the table) eyes closed was a separate discussion and that’s just my house rule. Nobody has to use it, but it’s there if anyone sees value. I can count the times I’ve had to do that on one hand thankfully, but I’m glad we did because otherwise people would leave the game and start slinging mud about the other players and myself. Certainly you can roll with it and text each player after the game is over, but that could lead to drama and he-said-she-said. I like to respectfully cut it at the head and fix things before a problem arises. You do you, and I never said you have to adopt my methods. I know a film director who makes some small but outlandish films and it’s difficult for him to find actors who are comfortable with lengthy and violent gore scenes involving their character, often appearing in the nude, and so on. For every one person who’s on board there are ten rejections. I respect his vision yet also tease him about how if he made romantic comedies instead of horror films he and his producers would have an easier time with casting 😂 That being said, I’m still glad this video was made and published. Some people have more access to players who are interested and therefore may need to accommodate some sensitivities when new members come in. Others have one or two consistent and close groups and may not need to worry about this and can run murder-hobo pillage-the-village campaigns. Have fun either way.

Frank Matthews
>>102540706

Last that I’ll add: if your game is an OSR title, there’s a high likelihood that many of these players are coming from 5E and probably excited for One DND. I hope we don’t want to scare them away from all OSR entirely and have them running back to WOTC like a lost puppy, and that we want to knock it out of the park and keep our community growing. The probability of the content in your game being so profane and obscene is rather low, however if you’re faced with a player who has objections, don’t just laugh at them and give them the boot at first. Talk to them! Yes some are going to be asking for too much, but the occasional boundary isn’t going to strip away the essence of the game. They are the future, and if we fumble the ball we further damn our community.

john seddon

Dear PDM. I think that this important safety debate came across as sensitive, kind, balanced and impartial. It recognised the validity of the participants beliefs and values. I loved deathbringers dark humour at the end. I appreciate the bonus content where you described the range of different GMs from those who could play with anyone to those who would only play with close friends. Thank you for putting this out there. It’s food for thought x

Jeff Krus

Hey PDM.. Another great video!!! Too me it's just common sense. This is what the story, campaign, or adventure and it will have this embed in the story, if any objections let me know and will try to accommodate as best as possible. BTW what brand of that Vegan Protein Mix is that?

MrGunn
>>102540706

Jay, interesting response, there are two ideologies here some like the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP based on hate of the other, and another more like the Cheka and the Council of Peoples Commissars which promises utopia but delivers hell; two sides of the same coin, both demand uncritical obedience to dogma. I liked your quote: 'The perpetually offended' reminds me of a certain relative.

MrGunn
>>102540706

Frank I have appreciated our repartee, I look forward to future interactions.

MrGunn
>>102667557

Jeff, it is Orgain brand Organic Plant Based Protein Powder. Good brand, you can get it from CostCo for a good price.

samurguybri
>>102526953

The were many, many fast days in Anglo Saxon(Christian Era) England people were vegetarian for long stretches of the year. Many Ethiopian Christians are the same and go through long cycles of only eating non meat foods. Some groups of Buddhist monks in various parts of Asian and associated lay folk , scads of folks in India are vegetarian . While veganism is a modern expression of this ,these ideas have been in the wider world cultures for millennia.

samurguybri
>>102553836

Great take, but I think people do wonder about how to handle situations like this and can’t always talk to others about it. It is happening in a very specific context: that of TTRPGs, so it has quite a few nuances and shades that are worthy of discussion.

samurguybri
>>102558892

I think our society has grown in that we can talk about trauma and understand that it happens to many folks. I think figuring out how to support people and be open with our traumas in a social situation is still in its infancy and is still quite messy. We need to take care of each other and try to help each other through the whole dynamic.

samurguybri
>>102595409

My very kinda and compassionate daughter almost always wanted to play bad guys.RPGs give you a chance to explore stuff that you can’t in real life, I guess.

Christopher Sievers

100% thought it was a perfect video to address the issue.

Paul Zinke

An absolutely stellar video that would help any RPG Player/GM! It's a must watch.

Ed Krystowski

Poignant and a well done video. Our game is for everyone at the table, not just the most boisterous ones. Safety rules are to ensure everyone has fun, not to allow the game to become one player's personal pontification soap box for how everyone at the table should live their life. I like bacon IRL. If you don't like it boycott Stop & Shop. Don't lecture me at the game table.

Reddawg

yup nip it in the bud. big question is if the crew makes consessions...then what will the vegan do to be fair in concessions. if you get a vegan menu....then im pure cannibal murderhobo.