The DMs Code: What Do We Owe Our Players?

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. 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.