Disability Questions for Players

July 8, 2022
As our heroes fight the hydra, we see just some of the variety of symptoms represented in this book. The paladin has a prosthetic arm to assist with their amputation. The barbarian rages from their wheelchair, providing mobility for their paralyzed legs. The ranger, whose body is more accustomed to an aquatic environment just as someone in the real world may be more comfortable in a quieter or darker sensory environment, finds ways to compensate and keep fighting. The wizard’s vitiligo may not be thought of as a disability, nor should it be, yet many in the real world experience severe discrimination due to unusual skin pigment — how many celebrities, corporate executives, or politicians do you know with visibly irregular skin?

(This chart can be given to players before starting a campaign in Session Zero or when discussing implementing these mechanics mid-campaign.)

We will be using disabled characters in this RPG, just as you meet them in real life. We all experience this differently. Maybe you personally experience some. Maybe a loved one has or had a disability. Maybe some of these, as a result, will cause painful memories.

We want you to have fun.

What disabilities will take the fun out of the game for you? Think about what you’re ok with in player characters (PCs) that you’ll play with every time. Think about what you’re ok with in non-player characters (NPCs) that you meet sometimes. Talk about specifics with the game master (GM). Ask if you don’t understand a term. You can change your mind at any time in the future. This list is not exhaustive, just broad categories that are often difficult for people to encounter. Feel free to list others below.

Disability Type OK for PC OK for NPC
Atypical Movements    
Body Difference    
Confrontational Personalities    
Hallucinations    
Loss of Senses    
Loss of Control    
Emotional Disturbance    
Parasites    
Personality Changes    
Reality Disconnect    
Skin Disease    
Degenerative Diseases    
Fluid Discharge    
Memory Loss    
Identity Loss    

Please avoid these traits or disabilities (See the Table of Contents if desired for others):