Safety mechanics are tools that let players check in with themselves and each other. They provide a way to pause, step out, or adjust a scene if someone is feeling overwhelmed—emotionally or physically—or simply needs a break.

We use these systems to support emotionally intense and challenging roleplay. Safety check-ins ensure that competition, tension, or antagonism doesn’t bleed into real-life hurt or player-versus-player hostility.

OK Check In

The OK Check-In is a tool to communicate about player well-being without interrupting the game.

One player makes the OK hand gesture toward another to ask if the other player is ok. The other player responds with one of three hand signals.

Thumbs up – The player is doing good.

Flat/wavy hand – The player isn’t sure how they’re feeling or is somewhere in the middle. Check in with the other player and slow down intense scenes.

Thumbs down – The player is not okay. Roleplay should stop, and they make need to leave the scene. If you need assistance, feel free to get a GM.

🚫Flashing the OK hand gesture back isn’t a sign that the player is doing well—it means they haven’t stopped to check in with themself.

No player should ever be pressured to explain why they’re not okay. You can let your co-player know you’re open to listening if they want to share, but the choice is entirely theirs.

When to use the OK Check In

If you’re concerned another player might be in out-of-character distress or that they might not be having fun, check in with them. Are they crying in a corner because they’re actually feeling hurt, or because they’re enjoying having their heart broken by a Nosferatu fuckboi? Did they just lose focus and sit down super quickly because the player needs water, or are they acting out the effects of blood loss?

You can also check in if a player seems to be on the sidelines of the game rather than engaged with other players. Maybe they’re taking a moment to themself, waiting for someone they want to talk to, or just vibing in a nice costume. But they could also feel overwhelmed or need a little help moving their story along.

Feel free to come to a GM if you or another player needs assistance.

Look Down Mechanic

Use the look down mechanic if you need to step away from a scene at any time, without explanation or consequence. To use it, the player shields their eyes, looks down, and quietly leaves the space to take care of whatever they need—whether that’s emotional, physical, or otherwise.

If someone uses this signal, others should not follow or question them.

The Door is Always Open

You're always free to leave the game for any reason, no explanation needed. If possible, we appreciate a quick heads-up.