One of the first things we need to address before Session Zero is the Game Master.

By now hopefully everyone is familiar with what a Game Master is and what they do. We know the GM is often the giant cog on which most TableTop RolePlaying Games run. The GM is somewhat akin to a parental role when it comes to building a game, nurturing it along, and making it exciting from one week to the next.

What we often forget about the GM is that we are people, too. That means we have to eat, sleep, and (gasp) do things outside of our games. Some (Most?) GMs have jobs, significant others, children, extended families, taxes, etc as well.

Here’s the thing. We can’t do anything for anybody anywhere when we’re sick from physical or mental illnesses. We catch colds, flu-vid, strep throat, and so on just like anyone else. We suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and other mental health concerns just like other people, too. An unfortunate number of us have chronic or long term health problems that make it so we have to miss game sessions from time to time.

I’m not a doctor or a psychologist, so I can only repeat what has been said to me by any number of them. You can’t take care of other people, obligations, even your tabletop roleplaying group if you’re out sick. I’d also add that it would be lovely if your fellow players understood that your needs have to come before the game.

I came from a bygone era where the game was everything. People didn’t call off unless they physically couldn’t make it to the game. I had friends with the worst cases of the flu I’ve ever seen not call their game off. They didn’t even go to class or work because they were so sick, but damned if they were calling off Dungeons & Dragons. One of my friends wouldn’t give up until everyone else cancelled and I walked her back to bed. I’ve also had the entire group catch the creeping ick because players refused to call off. Sharing is caring, I guess.

One of the other things I want to emphasize is if your chronic health conditions could impact your game, please let your players know up front that you might have to cancel. Try to give notice if possible. No, it’s not always possible. Also let them know if it’s okay to perform a well person check on you if you’re unresponsive. (Diabetes patients can probably relate.) You might even want to tell your group; if you feel you can trust them, if you have chronic neurodiverse or mental health issues when someone can check on you when you cancel. (I know someone whose gaming group literally saved his life that way.)

It’s tough to talk about. No one wants to be the reason the game session got held up for the week or had to be rescheduled. I get it. But sometimes it’s better to miss a week and get enough sleep to stay functional than many of the grimmer alternatives. Let’s all take care of ourselves and one another.

Thank you for being here with me today. I appreciate you. Keep it real, but please strive for positivity, too. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy in your life.