With a little polish, even these facts can be relevant. That said, it really bothers me when players violate simple courtesies, and it's a little rampant with my current group. I think it bears mentioning that there should be a set of rules that gamers, as a whole should follow. It's simple stuff, really, that you would think is common sense.
Regrettably, I find that common sense, even amongst gamers, is not so common. In my time gaming, I have seen many things I consider as taboos, foibles being pounded on, and numerous cases of gross misconduct. I think it's about time that we, as gamers, have a basic set of rules to abide by.
- Everyone is playing the game to have fun. This is critical, as I have seen my fair share of gamers grossly violating this simple rule, ruining the fun for everyone. Sure, it can be a bit tedious, with all the work your games master (dungeon master, storyteller, what have you, the role’s terms are interchangeable) puts forth preparing a game that everyone can enjoy. Don't just go in to rip the fun out of the game. I know, broad topic, but use your imagination in making it fit your own situations. In short, it's the golden rule of "Treat others how you wish to be treated."
- Respect your GM. It's a bit odd, me saying this, but you are a guest of the GM. Treat them as such. Even if you are actually the host, treat the GM like they are hosting. After all, they are the ones running the game. And even if nobody can claim host status, the GM has precedence. The games master is going out of their way to give players an entertaining game session, with all the strings attached. It's not so easy, compared to the player's job, who need only worry about developing their own character(s) and showing up.
- Your GM is God in the campaign and session. What he says, goes. As a GM, I have an open policy where I accept debating a rule or subject (within reason). My players will know this, but if your GM wants to run things by the book, they are entitled to do so. Show them that respect.
- Your fellow players are people, too, and deserve respect, as such. One suggestion is pretty obvious: "If it's not yours, don't take it." I refer to stuff like players' handbooks, "lucky dice," favorite pencils, stuff like that. Ask to use their stuff. With the exception of dice, they likely are willing to share.
- Don't be a complete mooch. What does that mean? it means that it is OK to come every now and again with only your wits, but if the GM is providing food week after week, it can get tedious, frustrating, and taxing on the GM's budget. If you aren't able to bring food or drinks, at least chip in to ease the financial burden, or stick to water.
- I don't do live-action role playing, but even LARPers have their own needs. Because LARPers quite literally wear their characters, don't do something that will cause a complete mess of the costume they are wearing. This includes blood packs, squirt guns, and other things like that. Generally, everyone will be happier for it, and you probably won't need to show up to the next LARP session in a full-body cast.
- This relates to the GM being equal to God in the campaign, but don't forget that the game doesn't happen without you and your input. After all, it wouldn't be a game if it was just the GM doing things. That said, if you find something you dislike, be it how a player acts or the way the GM went about in enforcingf a rule, bring it up with the GM. Let them know what's up, and try to talk it out. (Do so after a session or during a break, though. You don't want to slow the game down at a critical point for your character, do you?)
