Games' Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Players, Pawns, and Power-Ups

11. The Code

84 11 The Code Every gaming table has different customs and traditions for the players around it. Some follow the laws of common sense, some do not. Violation of these customs usually doesn’t mean a ban from the table, but it certainly may net the offending player a few disapproving looks. Here are some commonly held customs, or at least some that are acknowledged by most tables. 1. LEAVE YOUR BAGGAGE AT THE DOOR Most gaming groups are friends away from the table. This is fantastic when it comes to dealing with various issues that friends are always needed for. That said, the gaming table is not the place and that evening’s session is not the time to deal with the heavier problems created by real life. Most groups have a difficult time scheduling a gaming session, juggling the varied schedules of everyone involved. While it may sound crass that no one really wants to hear how Ted is handling the divorce when it is time to sit down and roll some dice, the fact is it’s rude to bring the problems each person is facing to what is supposed to be a social and happy event. If Ted really is having problems, he either should simply not attend that night’s session or seek out the help of his friends before or after the session. Ted might actually appreciate the fact that he can escape from The Code 85 his problems for a short period of time. Now, if such sensitive personal issues do come up, it is equally as rude to dismiss them in favor of the game. You may find yourself dealing with such baggage, and you should try to be sensitive to the problem, but also look for a way to not have the discussion last too long. Which is much easier said than done. The same is true when it comes to socially unacceptable personal behaviors. Everyone has their personality quirks, and at some point they become annoying. Players need to be aware of who they are and the things they do. In a recurring and very personal event such as a weekly gaming session, certain habits can easily become magnified to the point where the others around the table are driven crazy by what might easily be a minor foible. These habits and traits can run the range from mild, such as cleaning one’s nails or simple body odor, to the offensive—like passing gas or nose picking. The bottom line? Be conscious of yourself and your surroundings , kind, helpful, and ready to have fun! 2. KNOWING YOUR QUOTES AND JOKES Geek culture is rife with references to numerous movies, television shows, books, and more that are important to those that embrace it. It’s always good for gamers to know and be familiar with pop culture, and more important, reference it as often as is acceptable during the session. It would be considered unusual for a session of Dungeons & Dragons to pass without someone quoting a line or two from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (a very important “gamer movie”). Usage of these in-jokes and movie quotes isn’t just good for a quick laugh, but it also helps cement the bonds among people who share these common interests. Like with any social subculture, knowing that others are “just like you” helps to ease the awkwardness and raise the confidence level when dealing with others who don’t understand or, worse, don’t like that particular group. 86 Games’ Most Wanted™ This of course doesn’t mean any player unfamiliar with certain shows or movies enjoyed by others in the group should feel left out. There are just as many gamers who have never watched an episode of the recent incarnation of Battlestar Galactica as there are who haven’t watched Doctor Who. In reality, this is an opportunity to expand your cultural horizons and perhaps check this stuff out. Maybe you can see what all the fuss is about—either you’ll end up joining in or you’ll decide that these other players have wasted their time watching garbage. But at least you’ll know what all the references are about. 3. CHARACTER KNOWLEDGE ONLY, PLEASE There is generally a vast difference between what a real, live player knows and what a character created on paper knows. A player may create a genius...