GM Manifesto [updated 3-30-19]

Rules of the Game

Life comes first.
I completely understand that not everyone, including myself, will be able to attend every game due to various reasons. All I ask is that you notify me as soon as possible. If more than half of the team is going to be out, then the game may be cancelled depending on where and what we are doing. I will do the same and notify everyone as soon as I can if I will not be able to run the game.
Its just a game.
I put a lot into this rule. Cheating will not be tolerated, if you have to cheat at a roleplaying game, then this game is not for you. If you are caught cheating, then you will be asked to leave the game. Please no OOC personal attacks against other players or the GM. We are all adults and if there is an inter-player conflict, then that will need to be resolved outside of the game. If the attacks are not stopped, then one, both or all parties involved will be asked to leave the game.
No PVP Fighting.
This rule comes with a few caveats. At times, characters with differing goals/motivations will come into conflict with each other. In fact, this WILL HAPPEN. If there is a conflict between the characters that results in violence, then all parties and the GM need to agree to allow it. What we don't want to see is a player that just has their character randomly attacking other characters just because "its what his character would do".
GM Trumps All.
I say this because I don't want to have a game session fall into a rules argument. I am human and will be bound to make a mistake or two along the way. However, when I make a ruling in game, then that is how it will be. If there is a disagreement with a ruling, then please discuss it with me after the game. A retcon correction may be made if necessary and/or a house rule created.
Bad Things WILL Happen
I will do things that will not be nice to your characters. I am going to use things that they have done in the past and things that are done in the present against them. They will be put in situations where they will have to make difficult choices and those choices will have consequences. I will use and abuse your contacts and those deemed as family (or close to you) in your backstories. Please don't take this personally if/when it happens to your characters, it's all part of the game. The setting is very dangerous and dark and bad things happen to people all the time. But also know that I will NEVER set out to intentionally kill your character.

Related to this is the GM has creative control when it comes to some aspects of your character. This does not mean that I choose how you progress your character. This means that, through the course of the campaign, things may happen to your character that are unexpected. In some cases, major changes will be discussed with the player ahead of time.
Adult Subject Matter
There has been some subject matter that has arisen in games that are adult oriented and may be considered NSFW (Not Safe For Work). All attempts will be made to keep these discussions out of the actual gameplay, however, in some cases a 'toned down' discussion may be needed. This content would been designated to separate Discord channels. If you do not want to view or read this content then please let me know privately and I will block it for you.
Holiday Hiatus
I do take a break from all games during the holidays to spend time with my family and recharge. Generally, this begins in December and last through New Years Day. Advanced notice will be given on when the exact dates will occur. During this time, of course, payments will not be expected and sessions will not be played. However, I will still remain available, if needed, through the Discord server.
Recording Consent
While I do not stream my games, I do record them for personal use and review.
Expectations

What will be expected from the players:

Punctuality -- Please be on time or provide as much advanced notice if you will be late or missing. I will do the same.
Tools -- A working mic and decent internet connection
Communication -- As your GM, I am personally obligated to assist you with any issues that you have regarding this game. If your not having fun, I want to know what I can do to make things more fun. I cant fix what I don't know about.
Knowledge -- Please know your characters and their abilities. I completely understand that there is a learning curve to this system and expect that there will be knowledge gaps. However, if you are a spellcaster, please know the basic functions of how to cast a spell.
Patience -- I do know the rules of the game, however, I am human and forget things. There will be times when I will need to look something up or have to make an on-the-spot decision.

What will I will provide:

A private server on Discord for both text and voice. Roll20 will be used for displays and the rolls, the voice will be using Discord. Separate channels will be set up for different topics.
A campaign blog on my personal domain. On this blog, I will be posting the following:

Session Posts -- Recaps of the sessions. I award bonus experience for 'In Character' post responses to the session's events from your characters point of view.
Side Session Posts -- Recaps of side sessions, such as character solo quests
Behind the Curtain Posts -- These are metagame posts of things that are going on behind the scenes. What was that guard doing when the party convinced him they were with the maintenance crew? This is the sort of stuff that would be here. Again, its metagame information and out of character, but still enjoyable.
Fluff Posts -- Much like the Behind the Curtain posts, these are more for building stories and to enhance gameplay.
Campaign Lexicon -- A wiki that is set up for character usage and will grow as the campaign grows with more and more content on places you have been, people you have met, etc.
Group Asset Spreadsheet -- Also a simple spreadsheet to track things like the party's shared assets.
Character Stories -- If desired, you can author posts that are various stories on the who, what and why of your character.
Campaign Calendar -- A public calendar with character activities, regional holidays, character birthdays, etc.

PLEASE NOTE:

Character Creation Clinics

Assistance with creating and fleshing out characters.
Character advancement planning
I allow players to make minor changes (the concept must remain the same) after a few session of playing. For example, if you decide to shift a few skills around or decide that the feat you originally chose just doesn't fit after all. They can be swapped out for others that fit the core concept better.

Fun, Exciting and Detailed Sessions and Story Arcs

I build campaigns as a series of story arcs that are character-centric. What I mean by that is your characters actions, both good and bad, will build on each other as a story arc progresses.
As a GM, I feel it is my job to work with everyone that is at the table to create a great story. I am open to working with nearly any concept and any type of story, all I ask is that we work together.
I have been called a 'high maintenance' GM because I go above and beyond and ask a lot of questions. I will put as much into the campaign and your character's story as you do. If you want to acquire an ability, item, etc, I will work with you to craft a story around it and make it happen during the session or a side session. If you want to write side stories about your character's exploits during downtime, I can make that happen.

Payment Details

Payments

Players will be making all payments will be made through PayPal at the rate of $10.00 (USD) per session. Payments are due atleast 48 hours prior to the start of each of the game sessions, unless other arrangements are made with the GM.

Refunds

Payments are non-refundable up to 48 hours prior to and after the game session starts.
Players that drop out of the game entirely, and give atleast 48 hours notice prior to the game session, will receive refund of charges for any unplayed sessions. If no prior advanced notice is given, or given within 48 hours of the session, then payment(s) will be non-refundable.
If a game session is cancelled or rescheduled for some reason, then the payments made for that session will carry over to the next scheduled session.