The 7 Minute GM Safety Card*
No Table Safety Tool is perfect and all work better in conjuction with other methods. The best place to use this tool is aa game at a convention or store where you may not have time to do a full deep dive Session 0 or the group doesn't have a good way to review a Consent in Gaming Form (or similar).
The 7MGMSC* allows players to quickly and clearly communicate a message to the GM (or another player) without breaking the action (the exception being “Cut!” which is designed expressly to interrupt whatever is going on).
* - Got a better name? We'd love to hear it.
Using the Card
To use the card, hold it up so that you can read the message you wish to convey. That means if you are looking at the words “Awesome! More like this please!” you are displaying the Trophy icon, which is much easier to recognize across the length of a table.
As a rule, there's no need to say anything when you use the card. The GM (or the player you are communicating with) may give a small acknowledgement (a nod, a raised finger, etc) but the card is designed not to interrupt play.
The house rule
There's is one icon (the “You Are Here”) which is intended to be used to communicate a need specific to that table – or even to that evening. The meaning of this icon should be clearly communicated to anyone who might encounter it or it loses its effectiveness. For example, I play at a local gaming café and the staff use it to let us know when we're at 20 minutes to closing.
AMPERSAND
It's OK/I'd like you to add other players into this scene
Sometimes we want to spread the love around and the GM doesn't know.
CLAPPERBOARD
Cut RIGHT NOW
Stop talking. Don't end the sentence, the thought, or the scene. No explanation or justification necessary.
This can also be used from Player to Player as well as Player to GM
trophy
Woo Hoo!
I am loving this! Great job and please keep doing what you're doing. Can be used Player to Player too!
BE RIGHT BACK
Not a crisis, I just need to step out for a second.
I'll be back as soon as I can. This is usually for stuff like you need to take a phine call, a bio break, etc.
CUPPA TEA
Can we take a break soon?
I need a quick rest break and I don't want to go off by myself and miss the action. Besides, a everyone can use a nice cup of tea, can't they?
YOU ARE HERE
[Local Rule]
Every table is diffeent. If we missed something you need to communicate, use this icon. This isn't a "Wild Card"; make sure everyone at the table agrees what this means for your group.
CHECK
Enthusiastic Consent
Even though my character seems to be having a miserable time, I – the player – am loving every minute of this and want to assure you all is well.
IRIS
Fade to black
We are approaching material that I don't want to play. Please bring this scene to a close and move to something else.