What Are Safety Tools?
Safety tools are techniques that GMs and players use to check in with each other before, during, and after a session. They make sure everyone at the table feels safe, supported, and comfortable with the direction of the game.
DiceBreaker made a wonderfully detailed video of why these types of tools are helpful to have a great game for everyone:
Are Safety Tools required on StartPlaying?
Yes. All GMs on StartPlaying are required to use at least one safety tool in their games. When creating a Game Template, you must select at least one safety tool from the checklist before your template can be approved.
Think of safety tools as player retention tools too — when players feel safe and like their boundaries are respected, they're far more likely to keep booking with you.
What Safety Tools does StartPlaying recommend?
The three most commonly used safety tools are the X Card, Lines and Veils, and Stars and Wishes. Together they cover the beginning, middle, and end of a session.
For a full library of additional tools, see the TTRPG Safety Toolkit. Itsa community-curated resource compiled by Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk.
The X Card
The X Card is an in-session tool. Any player or GM can use it at any point during a game to signal that content needs to be removed, changed, or skipped with no explanation required.
Ways to play the X Card:
Say "X Card" out loud
Type "X" in the chat
Tap an X Card on the Virtual Tabletop if one is present
Hold up a piece of paper with X written on it (if on video)
Cross your arms in an X shape (if on video)
When an X Card is played, pause and clarify what content is being flagged, then change, retcon, or remove it as a group. The player who used the X Card does not need to explain why, and no one at the table can argue against it.
The X Card was designed by John Stavropoulos. Full documentation is available here.
Lines and Veils
Lines and Veils is a pre-session tool used to establish content boundaries before the campaign begins.
Lines are hard limits. Topics behind a Line cannot appear, be referenced, or be discussed in the game at all. Think: "don't cross the line."
Veils are soft limits. Topics behind a Veil can exist in the game's world but must not be described or played out in detail. They happen "off screen."
Before or at the start of the first session, have all players and the GM add their Lines and Veils to a shared document that everyone can access and edit, ideally anonymously.
Like the X Card, no one can argue against a Line or Veil being added. If someone places a topic behind a Veil that another player would prefer behind a Line, it moves to Line.
This document is a living resource. It can be added to at any time and should be reviewed at the start of every session.
Lines and Veils was developed by Ron Edwards.
Stars and Wishes
Stars and Wishes is a post-session tool used at the end of each session to gather feedback in a positive, forward-looking way. Go around the table and ask each player for one Star and one Wish.
A Star is something they enjoyed! A moment, decision, encounter, or piece of roleplay that made the session great.
A Wish is something they're hoping for in the next session, or something they'd like to change, like a narrative direction, pacing adjustment, or anything that would improve the experience going forward.
Stars and Wishes are especially useful for session prep, since you'll already know what each player is hoping to see next time.
Other Safety Tools
If you want to use different Safety Tools or want to add more tools to your game, you can look at the TTRPG Safety Toolkit. There are 9 additional tools you could use in your game!
Being familiar with many different kinds of Safety Tools allows you to be more flexible and use the tools that best work for everyone at your table. After all, every table is different.
Do Safety Tools replace having a conversation with players?
Nope! Safety tools facilitate the conversation, they don't replace it.
The structured format of tools like Lines and Veils makes it easier for new or introverted players to make their needs heard, especially in a group setting. You can't use safety tools correctly without also having open communication at your table.
Are Safety Tools censorship?
Not at all!
Safety tools aren't about suppressing ideas or sanitizing your game. They're about ensuring that everyone at the table consents to the subject matter at all times.
Players who sign up for your game know some of what to expect, but no one can predict everything that will happen. Safety tools ensure ongoing consent throughout the game.
Can I use Safety Tools if I'm running a horror game?
Absolutely! Safety tools are especially valuable for horror and dark-themed games. The goal is to put characters in uncomfortable situations, not players. Knowing what content is off-limits actually gives you more freedom to lean into everything that isn't.
For example, if a player has placed zombies behind a Line, you know you can go all-in on every other kind of monster.
What do I do when someone uses a Safety Tool?
The most important thing is to thank the player for speaking up. Don't ask why they used the tool or argue against it. If you need clarification about what content to adjust, it's okay to ask briefly and respectfully.
Depending on the situation, you may want to call for a short break - especially if the tool was used at an intense moment. After the session, check in privately with the player to make sure they're okay.