Play party and dungeon etiquette for newcomers

Every space has house rules. Read them.

Member spaces and event hosts publish their rules, and most require a short orientation before your first visit. Rules vary, so the host's version always wins over anything written here.

Norms that are nearly universal

• Ask before touching anyone or anything that isn't yours. That includes people's equipment and bags.
• Don't interrupt people who are in the middle of something. Give them space and keep your voice down nearby.
• No photos, no phones out in the main space.
• Watch from a respectful distance, and move along if asked.
• Arrive sober. Most spaces don't allow alcohol, and none allow impairment.
• Clean up after yourself.
• You're never obliged to do anything. Attending and only socializing is normal, especially at first.

Monitors

Most events have volunteers, often called dungeon monitors or DMs, whose job is safety. They're the people to find if something looks wrong or if you're uncomfortable. They would much rather be asked a question than not.

Your first visit

Go to the orientation, go with a friend from a munch if you can, and plan to watch and chat. Nobody experienced will think less of you for it. Most will think more.