The X Card
What's it all about?
For many of us, gaming is about escapism within creative worlds and slay the proverbial dragon. As Game Masters we should aim to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all those who wish to take part and explore.
As you may, or may not know, tabletop role-playing is very socially engaging as the Games Master and the players' journey through the worlds weaving and creating the story of their epic adventures. During the ad-lib type banter and the improvisation, it may be possible for the game or action to go in a direction that can potentially cause out of character painful memories that exceed a person/s boundaries and disrupt the safe and comfortable environment.
The X Card is a tool that is especially helpful with new players, new role playgroups, or at conventions as the people that take part in the game have very limited or no information about other players' life experiences and what their boundaries are.
The X Card is an optional resource that enables both Game Masters and players to essentially 'edit out' such content from the game without confrontation or explanation by giving a 'fast exit' 'quick rewind retrospective tweak' of the story/action to ensure a supportive, safe and comfortable environment for all taking part.
This interpretation of the X Card is based on and inspired by Lloyd Gyan of Games on Demand.
How to use the X Card
The Game Master's Role
You can either provide a card to each individual at the table or have a large X Card in the centre of the table that is in easy reach of everyone taking part. Either way, it is important to introduce and show the X Card before the game starts, making clear its use, and purpose to help facilitate a supportive, and comfortable environment so all can safely enjoy the game without content that may distract from the fun or exceed boundaries.
From experience, the tone in which this card is introduced can set the starting mood of the game. If you are not sure of how to introduce it below is an example that I use whilst at conventions that may be a helpful guide:-
"This world that we are about to experience and explore is something that we all create together and I would like your help to make the game fun and enjoyable for everyone. So if anything takes place in the game that exceeds personal boundaries or makes anyone feel uncomfortable at any time, you can just tap or raise this card and we simply edit out and re-write the conversation/action or whatever was taking place during that time. No explanations or reasons need to be given. You simply tap or raise the card and the story is altered and the game moves on.
If there is ever an issue, anyone can call for a break and discuss things privately with me if they wish to. It is a choice that will be supported by all here and as I said before, the use of this card during the game does not require any explanation or reason. There is no expectation.
This card is here for all of us to support our self-care and to help keep a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for everyone so we can all enjoy the game and have fun whilst creating worlds and amazing stories, so thank you all in advance. Let's make this a great game."
Again, from my experience using the above example, people have generally felt re-assured knowing that everyone has control in how the story unfolds, and without judgement or questioning, they can support each other in creating a great story whilst having fun.
Use in "Short"
In short, the card is to be used during game time by anyone who feels uncomfortable with any of the content or discussion during the game and they simply:
- Tap or raise the X Card. No explanation needed;
- The Game Master will either re-write what just happened or move the story on;
- The Game Master may discuss this with the X Card user after the game has finished (or during a break if this has been requested by the X Card user) to ensure that the person is okay and is still having or has had an enjoyable time and also for feedback as to how they introduce or make better use of the X Card for everyone’s benefit in the future.
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