Thread CW: Sexual assault, abuse, similar topics in a TTRPG context

Regarding the recent events around the Far Verona podcast and the subsequent discussion regarding sensitive/triggering topics in TTRPGs, I've retweetwd a pair of threads by @Delafina777 and @DyingStylishly. >

The first, by Jessica, covered the levels of violation involved in such events at the table, and how these kinds of subjects and events (in-game) should never happen at the table: sexual assault, emotional/mental abuse, etc. That they have no place in RPG play.

The second, by DS, was a reaction to the first, as someone that enjoys incorporating and exploring those topics in games they play in, and how she and her groups have done so in a safer, mutually positive way for the groups in question.

Here's the thing: Both threads are true, and both threads are useful.

"But wait, the first said 'never do the thing', and the other said 'you can do the thing and here's how'?? How can they both be true and useful?"

They can because they are suited for different audiences.

A third grade science textbook that says "atoms are made of electrons, protons, and neutrons, the smallest possible division of matter" and a 300-level particle physics textbook that goes on and on about quarks and bosons are both true and useful - to their intended audiences. >

Clarification from Jessica to be aware of as I ramble through this and you all read it: https://twitter.com/Delafina777/status/1246188588078784512?s=20

To continue:

It's about the level of knowledge and understanding of the subject the audience has, and how that sets up their ability to learn and understand more complex applications of that subject.

And in this case, the subject is consent. One that our society not only under-educates us on, but *mis-educates*. >

Which means a lot of discussion and education around consent issue and consent violation is having to be about unpacking such mis-education and starting to instill the most basic principles of consent.

This echoes several years back, when sexual assaults on college campus became of national topic, and the resultant education programs for incoming freshmen.

The things those programs taught about consent and how to apply it are critically important - and incompatible with many forms of kink or sex work or the like.

Programs like that - and Jessica's thread, are not really even Consent 101, but Remedial Consent.

Jessica's "Never have an NPC sexually assault a PC" is the kind of thing that is dead obvious to anyone that's put a bit of thought into things - but still needs to be said, sadly.

And it's *because* it still needs to be said that it needs to be presented as a hard "Never Go Here."

The people that don't already know that is the case need to learn it first, and as part of and following on learn *why* and some point down the road after truly understand and internalizing the "why" and getting further into empathy, agency, and all the things that underpin >

consent can they potentially be ready to arrive where Cavegirl is, where having an NPC on PC sexual assault (or equivalent "hard no WTF" event) is something that can occur at a table and everyone there be onboard with.

Because it's not just a matter of having the tools, but knowing how to use them, and *why and to what purpose*. The tools don't *replace* trust, they are *used* by trust.

(Not done with this thread, just needing to fous on other things for a bit.)