Does a good DM need a Code of Ethics? Long-time listener, Dr. DM himself, Jason, brings Tony, Chris, and Dave a question that reaches beyond rules and encounter design: when a player dominates the spotlight, cheats, crosses a boundary, or simply stops having fun, what responsibility does the DM have to act?
The 3 Wise DMs discuss the DM’s influence over the table, the responsibilities players share, and the value of setting expectations before play begins. Along the way, Tony recalls a treasure dispute that went spectacularly wrong, while the group considers character agency, honest feedback, and Shadowdark’s “Pact” of goodwill, respect, and fellowship.
If the podcast player fails to load, click here to listen to the audio.
2:45 Dr. DM’s question about a DM Code of Ethics.
5:54 Spotlight sharing, cheating, and when a DM should intervene.
7:58 DM Chris distinguishes table etiquette from professional ethics.
11:58 The elegance of Shadowdark’s “The Pact.”
14:15 Character conflict vs Player conflict.
19:11 Curating your table.
22:35 “Back in the Day with DM Tony”: Treasure gone wrong.
27:07 Fairness, Session Zero, and a shared responsibility for the fun.
29:43 Player agency: how to handle when a character’s goals are sidelined.
37:23 Checking in with players: The Open Door Policy.
40:15 Players responsibility for raising concerns with the DM.
41:40 Final Thoughts.
Got a Question?
3 Wise DMs mission is to help DMs with problems that you can’t find answers to in the rulebooks. If you’ve got a question or a problem, visit the website and enter it in the “What’s Your Problem” field. Or reach out to us at 3wisedms@gmail.com.
Join the Conversation!
Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube as well, and please, feel free to share with your friends or anyone else who rolls funny-looking dice!
Need Dice?
If you’re in the market for dice (and who isn’t?) visit our affiliate link at FanRoll Dice and enter code 3WISEDMS10 to get 10% off your entire order.