General Rules

Thank you for being here. We're going to tell an awesome story, together. Here are some rules for us as players to help foster the experience we want. (For the purposes of these rules, "players" usually includes the Dungeon Master.)

1. This game is a Safe Zone. Players and characters with a variety of differences are welcome (e.g., gender identity, affectional orientation, disability). This especially means that, out-of-character (OOC), certain language is almost always unacceptable when used in a negative/pejorative way (e.g., gay, fag, retard, rape). If a player's choices threaten the Safe Zone, the DM will privately talk with the player. The DM reserves the right to ban a player from the game.
2. This game is rated M for Mature. In-character (IC), a player-character's (PC's) language and behavior can include swearing, prejudice, gratuitous bloodlust, or what-have-you. Some story themes and events will be Mature (e.g., slavery, torture, the ugliness of war). OOC, players should treat such themes with appropriate gravity, out of respect for victims in the real world.
3. This game is welcoming to new players (e.g., new to tabletop role-playing games, new to D&D). Questions are welcome. Honest mistakes are forgiven.
4. Respect other people's creativity. In general, if what somebody wants to do with their character doesn't harm your character, then think twice before criticizing their choice. If you need an extended explanation of this rule, then this probably isn't the right game for you.
5. This is a PvE game (Players vs. Environment). No PC can seriously harm another PC, usually. There will be optional IC opportunities for PvP combat (e.g., fight pits). But the fundamental story is about a party of heroes working together, not fighting amongst themselves. Rogues and such can sometimes target other PCs with malicious actions (e.g., picking a pocket) (DM's choice), but players are encouraged to self-moderate such behavior because it can hurt other players' enjoyment of the game.
6. The PCs don't have to all be friends. They will often need to work together as a team, but co-workers aren't necessarily friends.
7. You can often get away with more if your character is clever, your narrative is imaginative, and/or your storytelling is vivid.
8. The DM welcomes feedback. I want to get progressively better.