If any subject matter or situation is likely to cause problems for you as a player, and you would rather not see it at all in this adventure or campaign (i.e. it crosses a line for you), or wish to limit how they are used but not ban them outright (i.e. you would draw a veil over it), please let me know privately which of these elements are problematic for you and we will work together to find a solution.

In the course of play, there may be a situation not covered here that makes you as a player uncomfortable. This tool can help us handle those situations that we couldn’t anticipate.

Don’t be afraid to use it, and when you do, use it immediately. On a physical table top, touch the card on the table. On a virtual table top that does not already offer such a tool, say “X-Card” in audio comms, or type it in chat (repeatedly if necessary). You need not explain why, but you may if you like. We will pause the scene, and if you would like to discuss the matter privately we can take a break to do that.

You can use it to object to a totally incongruous element just introduced that clashes with the setting. You can use it because you don’t feel like dealing with certain subject matter today. There are other ways to use it.

It is better to use it than to suffer privately for not having done so. You are a valued player at this table and as DM I want to ensure that you stay and play and have a good time.

These safety tools are not perfect, and they are not the only ones out there, but I believe they help us maximize the drama we want while minimizing the drama we don’t.

It should go without saying, but you must not use or abuse player safety tools to help you or your character “win.”