A content, consent, and

safety toolbox for successful

collaborative play

by Beau Jágr Sheldon

est. 2013
2023 Final Edition

briebeau.com/scriptchange
thoughty.itch.io/script-change
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Script Change
A content, consent,
and safety toolbox for
successful collaborative play
Designed by Beau Jágr Sheldon
est. 2013
Layout by Beau Jágr Sheldon
2023 Final Edition
briebeau.com/scriptchange
thoughty.itch.io/script-change

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International

License, with credit to Beau Jágr Sheldon/Thoughty.
Email beau.j.sheldon@outlook.com to ask further questions or consultation about
using Script Change in your game or convention materials!
If Script Change isn’t for you and you want to try another tool, or you’d like to
see some of the inspirations for Script Change, download Thoughty’s Calibration
Tools resource https://thoughty.itch.io/refsheet for free.
All my love & many thanks to John W. Sheldon & Thomas Novosel.
To the supporters of Thoughty’s Ko-Fi & Patreon, thank you for supporting the
development of Script Change! Special thanks to Clayton Notestine for the layout
for Script Change’s previous version.

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Script Change
Players can use debriefing tools after scenes
Foreword or sessions like the Highlight Reel and Wrap
Meetings. The Eject button helps players
Script Change is a toolbox of content, consent,
feel comfortable with exercising agency to
and safety tools designed using research and
engage with play. The Bonus Features are
experience in the tabletop games community
supplemental tools for play like Montages, the
and with leadership expertise. These tools are
Red Carpet Walk, Storyboarding, and more!
suitable for use in any play environment or
social engagement, whether digital or analog, Script Change can be paired with other existing
therapeutic or casual! or custom made calibration & safety tools.
These tools are commonly called calibration
tools in education and games, but many call Maximize the Benefits
them content, safety, or consent tools, so Tools like Script Change work best when
all terms are acceptable to use based on you gain consent from all players before you
your needs. start play and establish a social contract with
each other about basic boundaries like what
Reasons to Use Script kind of games you want to play, scheduling,
expectations of table behaviors, and what
Change calibration or safety tools you want to use.
Tabletop games are exciting and can take us Players who are informed, consenting,
on adventures we otherwise might not have. and enthusiastic about the game are more
However, they can include topics that some empowered to have the best play experience.
people aren’t comfortable with. Some people Always introduce Script Change before
might want to play a grittier game that digs character creation and worldbuilding.
into the grindhouse style of action, or one that
has sex and romance, while others might want Use the tools as needed to address player
to have the gore and guts or sexual content backstories where the details might get too
happen off-screen. gritty or goofy, setting elements like aliens or
zombies, and themes like betrayal or grief.
Sometimes we aren’t ready when this Establishing boundaries early makes it easier to
happens. Sometimes people don’t know all maintain them during play.
their boundaries yet. Maybe they do, and
they just aren’t expecting to kick down the At any point during the game, if a player or
door and find something that makes them facilitator/Game Master (GM) finds that they
scared or uncomfortable. are uncomfortable with the subject matter or
actions happening in the game, they can call
To help with these situations, calibration and for a Script Change.
safety tools like Script Change are available!
The core Script Change tools are called
Rewind, Fast-Forward, Pause, Instant Replay,
and Frame-by-Frame with Slow Motion. There
is an establishing tool called the Editor’s Notes
to help guide content.

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In addition to content & boundaries, Script Script Change should become part of your
Change can help manage tone and roleplay dialogue and what you do in play. It’s important
during scenes. If the tone has gone too to remember, you aren’t each other’s therapists,
comedic or too dramatic, call for a Rewind. but that doesn’t mean you can’t respect each
You can also Rewind if someone is pulling other’s boundaries and listen to each other’s
punches and not making the game as intense concerns. To make things easier, the facilitator
or dramatic as you want! If you feel like a scene should explain the tools, then write the tool
has gone on long, you can call for a Fast- names & symbols on index cards or print out
Forward. Best of all, you can always use Pause the sample Script Change cards.
when you need a break.
In this text, the first tool detailed is the Editor’s
To return to play at any time, say Resume. Notes, which is intended for use during
preparation and start of play. It is followed by
Script Change can also be used for mechanical detailed descriptions of the Script Change tools
results if everyone playing agrees to it. There and some frequently asked questions. Script
are times when one bad roll, or one potential Change is free for personal use.
consequence, would be enough to make a
game unpleasant or even upsetting. For any professional use, such as
in your own game text, follow the
So long as the group agrees to use it in Creative Commons license and credit
this context, it’s okay to Rewind a roll or Beau Jágr Sheldon/Thoughty and link to
Fast-Forward a scene that requires more briebeau.com/scriptchange.
mechanical structure than players have the
energy or enthusiasm for, and instead come to
a consensus (through conversation or using a
randomizer) about what happens and how the
characters and world are affected.

Eject Button
Script Change is a tool that can help you feel safer and have more fun, but if you ever
discover that the tools aren’t being respected or that your boundaries & needs aren’t being
respected, it is always okay to leave the table.
If you can communicate to your table whether you intend to return, that’s great! But, in some
situations where others have broken the social contract (including bigotry or prejudice),
emotional or physical harm, or any situation where you feel unsafe and can’t trust your
fellows to support you, change, or behave better, or if you have immediate physical or
emotional needs, it’s okay and recommended to eject.
Put your wellbeing first—there is always another table!

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Editor’s Notes
The Editor’s Notes is a collaborative tool Mark this rating on a sheet of paper or
that helps players to set expectations and document labeled “Editor’s Notes,” where
boundaries that can be referenced over the you’ll also record the specific content players
course of play. It has two major parts: choosing want to keep to minimal description, embrace,
a rating for content and identifying content & or avoid called “Picks, Squicks, & Icks”
tone to calibrate with Script Change tools. described on page 6. Ensure there is a
place on the Editor’s Notes to record any tools

Ratings that should be used if this content comes

up unintentionally, as well.
Choose a rating to follow for the content of your
scenes and story as you play. Standard film
ratings like the “MPAA Ratings Reference” on
MPAA Ratings Reference
page 6 can help to guide the content you Rated G: Limited realistic violence, no sex,
include in your sessions, including violence, no gore or intensely distressing content,
sexuality, and overall intensity. During this no swearing.
discussion, consider how you want to handle Rated PG: Some violence, limited to no gore
things like use of swearing, sexual content, or distressing content, romance without sexual
violence, and gore, and even content that might activity beyond kissing, mild swearing possible.
just be stressful or distressing. If a different
rating system works for you, just make sure Rated PG-13: Mild to notable violence, mild
everyone agrees to what the system means. gore, notable distressing content possible,
some sexual content without full details, most
It’s okay to have a more complex or varied casual swearing allowed.
rating for different content, too. For example, a
table totally okay with swearing may not want Rated R: Realistic described violence and gore,
to have detailed scenes of intimacy, so your intense distressing content possible, realistic
language use could be rated R, while you stay described sexual content, swearing allowed.
G-rated for described intimacy.
Players may have varying levels of comfort with
different content, but it is best to set your rating
based on a common consensus that respects Find a printable Editor’s Notes
everyone’s boundaries. If you prefer a different
page at the end of this document!
film rating system from the following reference
that is more familiar to your group, just make
sure everyone is familiar with it or has the
ability to reference it.

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Picks, Squicks, & Icks Picks

Before character creation or any active play, Picks are content elements
discuss specific content people want to avoid, that players want to explore
encourage, or handle with care categorically, like bittersweet tones or
such as depicting alcoholism or memory loss. romantic elements but could
No one is required to contribute, but everyone include things like exploring specific types of
should feel welcome to identify content that conflict in scenes or an overall theme for the
could influence their experience. story like unrequited intimacy or lost causes.
Using Instant Replays can help encourage this
Keep the discussion open and welcoming content as the story continues!
to help players feel comfortable for the
best experience. Be considerate, because
people often are just trying to make sure Squicks
everyone has fun—and customizing content Squicks are gross or
helps that happen! unpleasant things that make
you feel uncomfortable, like
List this content in a place that is accessible stepping on bugs or people
to all players, along with any preferred tool getting sick to their stomach.
use if the content were to come up, including These are often handled with Rewind to revise
options like using Rewind to redo scenes or a a scene, or Fast-Forward to fade to black and
Fast-Forward to pass over the content. Do not leave the details out.
record the names of the concerned players
alongside these subjects—they apply to
everyone at the table, not just contributors. Icks
Icks are the elements players
Content players want to avoid should be
want to avoid entirely. These
represented by Squicks (content that is
can be triggering, traumatizing,
uncomfortable, gross, or distasteful) and
scary, or just distressing, but it
Icks (content that is triggering, traumatizing,
could also represent plot elements that players
scary, or distressing). Content players want to
are bored with. If you are playing in a fantasy
encourage because it is fun, exciting, or just
world for your relationship but don’t want to
interesting can be identified as Picks.
encounter elements of bigotry, or if you’d like
Be willing to negotiate, be respectful, and make to play the story without talking about sex at
sure to consider all the Picks, Squicks, & Icks in all, those would be Icks that you record, and
this discussion and during the game. everyone actively avoids in play.

When players use Script Change, if a new topic If Icks come up accidentally, you can use
comes up as an issue, it should be added to the Rewind to revise the scene or Pause to discuss
list as appropriate. If Picks, Squicks, and Icks the topic being brought up and make changes.
conflict, err on the side of safety and put them
on the list that prevents them from doing harm.

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Script Change Tools

If you want to skip over unpleasant content—
Pause maybe you want the sex scene to fade to black,
want to skip the gory details, or even just want
To use the Pause tool, say Pause or “I need
to skip to the next point in the story to keep
to Pause.”/”Can we Pause?” out loud, tap
pacing interesting—ask for a Fast-Forward.
the Pause card, or type II in the chat.
The narrative continues wherever the players
Pauses can be used when things are too
would like to go after the content is passed
intense, but you still want to continue playing
over, and references to that content should
the scene. With a Pause, discussing the
have limited description going forward unless
content isn’t required, but can be useful and is
the player who called the Fast Forward is
recommended if it won’t cause additional harm.
comfortable with more detail.
When a Pause is called, players should end all
game activity until the player who called it asks If you elect to use Script Change for
to resume, or until a consensus to return to mechanical effects, remember that when
play is reached. It is often helpful to set a time you Fast-Forward any scene that would
to return to play or check back in at the table if typically require using mechanics, the table
players need to step away. should come to a consensus about how the
mechanical effects play out and/or make a
After a Pause, choose to Rewind or Fast-
narrative adjustment that addresses the needs
Forward, or use it as a break in the action
of the player who called Fast-Forward. This can
before play resumes without changes or
help to ensure fairness in play for everyone!
omissions. Pause can also be used to call
for bio breaks—restroom, hydration, and so
on—or to discuss a topic and try to address
any related needs.
Rewind
To use the Rewind tool, say Rewind
or “I need to Rewind.”/”Can we
Fast-Forward Rewind?” out loud, tap the Rewind card,
or type << in the chat.
To use the Fast-Forward tool, say Fast-
Forward or “I need to Fast-Forward.”/”Can Rewind allows you to revise the content of past
we Fast-Forward?” out loud, tap the Fast- or currently occurring events in the game. If
Forward card, or type >> in the chat. something has already been said or done that
you take issue with, ask to Rewind to a specific
Fast-Forward allows content to be part of the
point, and play can start again. Try to be clear
story without providing a full description. When
what content is the issue and work together to
you ask for a Fast-Forward, you are asking
see where the story should go from there.
to skip to the end of a scene or over content
within a scene without erasing or undoing the Generally, this should be used for smaller
events or content. This allows those elements adjustments, addressing specific issues that
to be a part of the story, but means they aren’t can be fixed through brief discussion and
described in detail and can keep the game making different decisions in a scene. If players
focused on what you want to have played out. Rewind, small changes might have a big
impact. It is vital to explore the least harmful
and most caring way to approach changes.

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When the default Rewind tool is used, it is
accurate to say that what originally happened is Instant Replays
not canon to the story and that you’re creating To use the Instant Replay tool, say Instant
new content. However, you can frame this Replay or “I’d like an Instant Replay.”/”Can
differently in game, framing it as a dream or a we do an Instant Replay?” out loud, tap the
movie-like prediction of a possible outcome. Instant Replay card, or type !< in the chat.
Players can even ask for a perspective change
in the original scene, or for it to be framed in a Instant Replays are used immediately after
way that is safer for them. a scene to go over what happened out of
character. When you ask for an Instant Replay,
Discuss together how you feel about summarize the events of the previous scene
handling Rewinds, and what you want a from an out-of-character perspective, or ask
Rewind to mean in the narrative. another player to do so. Each other player
Final rulings reside with the person who may add missing details or highlight what
called for the tool to be used—in some cases, they thought was important in the scene. It is
people may want to just say it didn’t happen a metagaming tool but can be useful to make
and there’s no narrative representation. If this sure everyone is on the same page.
is what is safest for them, respect that—just This is particularly great when you’re
like you should respect people in different doing intense social scenes or if you have
scenarios asking to have it be represented as a a longer scene that has important items
part of the fiction, if they are the one who called throughout. It is great for brief check-ins
the tool. after any tools are used, any necessary
It’s important to note that the experiences record keeping or narrative confirmation,
happened in real life—whether it was triggering reinforcing positive experiences, & calling out
content or just simply off-tone, do not erase Picks that players want to see.
people’s experiences. Script Change is a
meta-toolbox and must acknowledge reality
regardless of the fiction.
Frame-by-Frame
To use the Frame-by-Frame tool,
If you elect to use Script Change for say Frame-by-Frame or “I need to use
mechanical effects, remember that when you Frame-by-Frame.”/”Can we use Frame-by-
Rewind any mechanical effect, you typically Frame?” out loud, tap the Frame-by-Frame
Rewind to before you took the action that card, or type I> in the chat.
prompted the mechanical effect, and must take
a reasonably different action going forward. Frame-by-Frame lets players express that
This helps to ensure fairness in play! they want to take it slow moving through the
next scene. When a player calls a Frame-by-
Frame, you are indicating that the upcoming
scene may be new, sensitive, or even just a
topic you’re unsure about, and you are letting
everyone know that you want to move carefully
through the scene.
The player calling Frame-by-Frame should say
“play” or “resume,” tap the Resume card, or
use the Resume emoji/symbol to indicate that
regular play can resume.

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While using Frame-by-Frame, continue
introducing the topics or content originally Two Thumbs Up
planned, but Pause occasionally to check in To use the Two Thumbs Up tool, signal
with the player who called the Frame-by-Frame two thumbs up with your hands at another
to ensure they’re still okay. This allows the player, ask them “Thumbs up?” out loud to
opportunity for that player to feel safe using gain their attention, or send the two thumbs
other Script Change tools without feeling like up symbol to them in a chat and watch for
they’re interrupting the game. their response.
Frame-by-Frame may also be announced at the When you check in with a friend, one way to
start of a game or session so that when these do so quietly is to ask them for Two Thumbs
subjects are encountered, everyone can take Up, just like rating a movie. To use this tool,
it slow. Consider making notes of these topics raise your fists with two thumbs up. Hold them
on index cards for reference or putting them up in a place where your friend can see and
in the Editor’s Notes. This tool is useful when gain their attention without raising your voice
players are purposefully encountering content and disrupting play, or message them in chat.
that they’re sensitive about, or when they They respond using their thumbs and fists
experience new topics or content in-game. or symbols in a chat.
All players should be considerate of each
other’s needs, even if not all players are Two-Thumbs Up Signals
sensitive or new to the topic.
• Two Thumbs Up. All okay and having fun!
• One Thumb Up. Okay, but could use
a Pause.
Slow Motion • Two Fists. Managing myself, could use
Frame-by-Frame can be used as Slow Frame-by-Frame.
Motion to focus on something intense, • One Thumb Down. This scene or content
meaningful, or cool. For example, is hard, could use a Fast-Forward.
players could use Slow Motion during a
romantic scene to linger on the way one • Two Thumbs Down. This scene or
character’s hand brushes against the content is not okay, could use a Rewind.
other and how each character reacts. If they need help, it’s okay for you to call a tool
They could use it in an action sequence out for them, without even naming them. If
to keep focus on tasks like defusing a the facilitator asks for a reason, you can call a
bomb, or even to describe characters Pause to talk to your friend privately. If you’re
walking away from a victory to savor unable to use hands or fingers, try alternative
the win. Enjoy the good parts and the solutions like tapping, angling something
challenging parts of every encounter, up and down, or sharing it digitally. The
and take your time! thumbs up can be represented with emojis or
written out in digital chat.

Resume
After calling any tool for use, once the issue
raised is resolved and you’re ready for play,
just say “Resume” or “Play,” tap a Resume
card, or use a > symbol in chat.

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Constructive feedback is great for plot choices,
Highlight Reel feeling imbalanced in character focus, and even
To use the Highlight Reel tool, ask the mechanical disagreements. Use Wrap Meetings
group “Can we do a Highlight Reel this to talk about what could be improved, and how
session?”/”Can we use the Highlight Reel the game impacted the players or facilitator.
every session?” and take turns sharing Everyone is an equal in this conversation.
any highlights. During Wrap Meetings, it’s important to address
A Highlight Reel is at the end of the session. anything from the session that needs more
This is a strictly positive thing, and the intention discussion, even if it might be a hard topic.
of the tool is to allow players to point out things No one should be pressed to reveal their
they liked about the session. personal trauma or any intimate details, but
they should be able to address issues about
Each player should have the opportunity to anything that comes up.
mention a specific scene or interaction they
liked in the session, including the facilitator. Script Change tools are to be used in the
moment and after the fact, so you can use
Since it’s inevitable that players might have Rewind if content comes up during the session
negative or constructive feedback for the game, and use the Wrap Meeting to discuss that
it’s suggested that all sessions have a Wrap content further if everyone is comfortable.
Meeting as an optional tool—for emotionally
intense games they’re heavily recommended. If someone is uncomfortable contributing
during the Wrap Meeting, let them send an
email, note, or have a later discussion to follow
Wrap Meetings up to make sure everyone is comfortable and
informed. This lets people address topics more
To use the Wrap Meetings tool, ask the
safely and reduces repeat errors.
group “Can we do a Wrap Meeting this
session?”/”Can we use the Wrap Meeting Again, if you plan to share something potentially
every session?” and take turns responding triggering, warn people so they can be safe.
to some of the Wrap Meeting prompts, Respect if they need to excuse themselves.
or use the Bloopers & Outtakes reels to
structure conversation.
Wrap Meeting Prompts
Wrap Meetings are an opportunity for the group • What is a way you would improve an
to go over anything that happened in the game, experience you had during the game today?
from constructive to negative. It’s good to
develop a habit of talking these things through. • What emotions are you feeling and how do
People might want to talk about in-game action they connect to the session?
that went over their boundaries but didn’t feel • How can other players support you in
comfortable stopping with a Pause or Rewind. addressing anything in the game, including
Script Change calls?
This should be a supportive environment, and
• What lessons do you have to carry forth from
no one should tell someone their feelings are
the session today?
wrong, even if there is disagreement about how
to manage conflict or gameplay. • Share a positive thought from today’s
session and share an area of improvement
for future sessions.

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Examples:
Bloopers & Outtakes “I feel really sad that I raised my voice, and I
Bloopers and Outtakes are an optional Wrap could use some reassurance that no one is
Meeting focused on constructive criticism, still hurt by my outburst.” (When players seek
improvement, and emotional sensemaking. reassurance, the facilitator should encourage
Bloopers generally lean towards, “Hah, what others to participate and do so themselves.)
a whoopsie!” vibes, while outtakes are more Or, “I am worried about redoing the conflict
serious, like conflict, inappropriate use of Script scene, could we ensure my character has the
Change tools, or emotional harm. Allow for four same mechanical effect?”
reels of sharing as detailed further in the text.
Remember, it’s okay to use a Pause to break at
Reel 3
any point. If things run late, ask players to note Players who share in this reel should use
things down on index cards and hand them to “I” statements to address any constructive
the facilitator to bring up the next session. You criticism or conflict in the game. Use extreme
canuse this tool remotely via email or a chat. care in this but try to let players state their
thoughts and share their experience.
Reels for Bloopers & Outtakes Examples:
Reel 1 “I felt afraid when we went into the dark forest
Players who share bloopers should use “I” and when I asked for comfort, I felt dismissed.”
statements and focus on their own actions in Or, “I felt like another player was trying to use
the first round of sharing. the mechanics against me and would like it
Examples: revisited through discussion or a Rewind.”
“I feel like I overreacted in the scene where we Reel 4
were in the haunted forest. I need to work on
my behavior when I’m agitated. I’m sorry.” Players who share in this real should still
use “I” statements, but take special care to
Or, “I want to Rewind the social conflict from understand each other, using Pauses if needed
mid-session because I was distracted. Could to cool off, and respond by taking ownership of
we redo the scene at the start of next session? the hurt they caused (on purpose or not) and
genuinely commit to any need for change that
Reel 2 makes reasonable sense.
Players who share in this reel should continue
Examples:
to use “I” statements, but instead address
emotional sensemaking about how the “I should have checked in on you in the forest.
bloopers in reel 1 made them feel, including Next time, I’ll use Two Thumbs Up.”
other players’ reflections. Or, “I’m sorry my actions made you feel
manipulated. The game seems to encourage
it and I got swept up. Can we Rewind and
keep our advancements?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the point of Do I have to explain
Script Change? everything?
If you’re playing a game with people, you It is always a good thing to explain to
should always discuss consent first. Ask what other players and the facilitator what is
everyone is okay with, and what they’re not. bothering you during the session or with
Establish expectations of the game—tone, a specific piece of content.
content, story elements. Script Change
addresses when troublesome elements This prevents recurring issues by making it
come up in game or when issues no one clear what you want to avoid or change. If you
expected arise. are truly uncomfortable detailing the issue,
that’s okay, just identify the specific item that is
an issue so it doesn’t come up again.
How do I call for a
If you need to talk about it, you can ask for
Script Change? a Pause to explain what’s going on, and the
Just say the tool name like “Rewind,” or “Fast- other players should listen. It is also good
Forward,” type the tool name or symbol into to discuss topics that come up at a Wrap
chat, or raise or tap a Script Change card. Meeting. Remember to respect each other in
It’s often best to integrate these phrases how much you ask of each other, and keep
into a sentence, like “Could we Rewind that in mind that their capacity is just as other
statement? My character probably wouldn’t players or possibly friends. You should all be
say that!” Or, “I have to Pause, this is a little generous to each other and understand each
intense.” Or even, “It feels like the right place other’s limitations.
for the scene to end, could we Fast-Forward?” During this discussion, if you plan to share
In digital or written communication, you can anything potentially triggering of others’
use the shorthand symbols to indicate which traumas, make sure to warn people so they can
tool you’d like to use. be safe for themselves.
If a player needs to excuse themselves so you
Chat Symbols can address the topic, be understanding.
> Resume
|| Pause How do I know people
>> Fast-Forward
<< Rewind will take it seriously?
!!< Instant Replay The players and facilitator should read or
|> Frame-by-Frame listen to how Script Change works and
2TU Two Thumbs Up* agree to the terms before playing. Script
Change is designed to be above the game’s
*Use 2TU, 1TU, FSTS, 1TD, 2TD, or use emojis. narrative, tone, content, and can even override
mechanics should the group agree to it. It also
After calling any tool for use, once
things are resolved, just say “resume,”
is above roleplaying and behavioral differences.
tap the card, or use a symbol.

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When a group chooses to use Script
Change, they agree to use it before Is Script Change just for
starting the first session, ensure everyone
understands the rules, and accept that content?
as a “meta” tool (“beyond” the game), No way! You can (and should!) use Script
Script Change must be honored. Change to help calibrate tone and roleplay,
too. If the tone has gone too comedic or
If a player repeatedly brings up content too dramatic, call for a Rewind. You can
that’s been identified as a Squick or Ick, it is also Rewind if someone is pulling punches
appropriate to ask them to leave the table— and not making the game as action-filled,
even permanently. If a player won’t respect or as drama-filled, as you want!
the Script Change tools, explain that they’re
violating the social contract and agreement If you feel like a scene is going on-and-on and
at the start of play, and feel free to step away is making the game boring, you can call for a
from the table or ask the the other people at Fast-Forward. Best of all, you can always use
the table to handle it. If the facilitator is the Pause when you need a break.
problem, speak to the other players for support.
Script Change can also be used for rules or
A show just isn’t a show without a full cast, mechanical results if the group agrees to it.
and the facilitator is just as responsible for There are times when one bad roll, or one
the content of the game as the players. potential consequence, would be enough to
make a game unpleasant or even upsetting.
Never feel pressured to do something that you So long as the group agrees to use it in this
feel violates your boundaries and know that context, it’s okay to Rewind a roll or Fast-
using Script Change supports your right to feel Forward an unnecessarily long combat.
safe and comfortable when playing games. If
you want to press forward, the best option is to
speak plainly about your concerns. What if I’m not
If you trust these people enough to be willing to uncomfortable but I think
game with them, they should respond with care
to you saying, “Hey, I don’t feel comfortable.” someone else is?
If they don’t, then you have a bigger problem You can use Script Change tools on behalf of
that needs to be approached with a longer other players! If you notice your friend is acting
dialogue—or by ending the dialogue. uncomfortable and something is happening in-
game that might be causing it, it’s okay to use a
If you encounter an issue where you are afraid
tool to either check in with them (like a Pause)
or uncomfortable using Script Change tools
or to directly address the content (like Rewind
with your group, but you feel that the group
or Fast-Forward).
works well, it’s possible that Script Change is
not the right toolbox for you, and you should You can also use the Two-Thumbs Up check in
consider finding an alternative option. tool to gauge if someone needs help.
You may find that altering Script Change tools It’s okay for you to use a tool and say that
for your group would work best, which is a you feel like it might be making people
great option to get to know the best methods uncomfortable, and not put any direct light
for you and the people you play with! on the person in question, or to just say you
personally don’t want to see that content.
Sometimes we step up for other people,
and it makes the game a better experience!

13
 14

Recognition
Thank you to my partners, John W. Sheldon The Eject Button is partially inspired by the
and Thomas Novosel, for their support of me, concept of The Door is Open, a tool that
my work, and Script Change over the many originated in the Live Action Roleplay space
years it has been developed. It would never with Eirik Fatland introducing it and Jason
have been possible to make this without you! Morningstar teaching it to the communities I
played in during the 2010s. The concept is one
Thank you so much to Clayton Notestine for the that people call a few different things, but for
layout in the last version of Script Change! me, framing it as an immediate, unquestioned
Rewind is loosely inspired by the “Try a act to step away from a space that isn’t
different way” card in Archipelago by Matthijs welcoming, safe, or enjoyable for you is really
Holter. It has been refined to suit the needs important. I wrote about stepping away from
of Script Change and revisited based on The games and groups on Gaming as Women in the
Luxton Technique. It was also inspired by early 2010s, and this is just a codified point of
rewinding in films, rewrites in film scripts and that same thought process.
fanfiction, and similar situations. Thank you to Kimberley Lam for the
Pause was an extrapolation and rejection of the reinterpretation of Frame-by-Frame, Slow
X-Card tool by John Stavropolous. The X-Card Motion and allowing me to inlcude it. Thank you
is an excellent tool, but it caused a triggering also to Kit la Touche for the reminder to include
response for me as a player, so I explored an Six Degrees of Connection, lost in my files!
option that would better for me. Pause is also Thank you both for always supporting me.
the safe word I use for BDSM and to cope with The rest of the tools in this toolbox may be
PTSD and anxiety, and is a feature of movies inspired in the deep depths of my brain by
and television to help viewers control content. other things, or perhaps by behaviors I’ve
Lines and Veils by Ron Edwards inspired the developed or desire in play. I have tried to
bundling of picks, squicks, and icks (initially do develop the tools in original ways that suit
wants and don’t wants), however, they actually the theme of Script Change. I have never
were more deeply inspired by boundaries attempted to directly crib a mechanic—I
established in BSDM communities and try to design everything to suit my personal
fanfiction writing communities, and function perspective and my view on how content can
by using specific tools to respond to topics be handled to make environments more safe,
that arise. rather than expecting perfect safety.

Two Thumbs Up was inspired by the OK Check- A hammer is only effective when used
In Tool—I liked the concept, but it did not have correctly, and there are many different kinds
enough granularity for my personal preferences of hammers. Script Change is a toolbox and is
and I wanted something different. When I was used as such—with different tools for different
introduced to the OK Check-In Tool, it used an jobs, used to different intensities, never meant
OK sign like in scuba diving, and I found this to be one-size fits all as is.
resource explaining it using thumbs up several Thank you for respecting the work that has
months after my design of Two Thumbs Up. I made Script Change a complex and modular
fully recommend using OK Check-In if it works tool that extrapolates on what I experienced as
better for you! a player and designer. I hope it serves you well.

14
 15
u s s
n re
F
o
B tu
e a Script Change
Bonus Features
All of the following tools have been in common This is a good opportunity to highlight the
use in many games, often as house rules or emotions each character is feeling as the
personal preference, and it’s likely mechanics session ends, and is a good lead up to
like these are codified with different names reviewing stats or character advancements.
or even purposes. These are for expanding The facilitator should leave space here for the
fun, helping with remembering aspects of kind of chatter players would experience while
the game, and similar purposes adjacent to watching the end credits of a movie—sharing
Script Change in that they relate to content moments of enjoyment or anxiety, anticipation
and calibrating your experience. or hopes for what the next session could bring.
Aside from Freeze Frame, which was included It can be fun to drop some of these elements
in Turn (2019) as “Snapshots,” none of into the freeze-frame, like describing their
these are pulled from any specific source. character looking off frame as there’s a knock
Any crediting for professional, academic, or at the door, and then holding that moment for
commercial use of these tools to Script Change the next session to open the door.
is only to help players find this text with
Thoughty’s specific perspective if they wish to
learn more, not to claim original development. Montages
A montage is a series of brief, described

Freeze-Frame scenes or moments of narrative or action

without extensive roleplay or dialogue, typically
To help cement the state of the characters fully defined by the narrator with consent of
and world at the end of the session, end other contributors. The series of scenes can
each session by framing snapshots of each have a related tone, story element, character,
character and what they’re doing—just a set piece, or other theme as a guide or
freeze-frame. This could be something like a overall arc.
spaceship taking off, opening the door to find
the wrong person inside, or even walking away A montage does not require extensive details or
after a fight—all just little blips in time, frozen, a specific length of time, but should articulate
to remember for the next session. any important details as part of the description.
Script Change does not recommend including
The facilitator and players should collaborate mechanical tests in montages, but if it
to detail these scenes, with the players whose brings more fun to the players as a whole,
characters are the subject of the Freeze- include them as feels appropriate.
Frame having the final call on any preference
disagreement. Freeze-Frame can be especially
useful when you have multiple characters
diverging or on separate paths, but always
gives a chance to make sure everyone knows
where they stand.

15
 16
u s s Applying montages in
o n re Vignettes
B tu tabletop games can have a

e a big effect! A facilitator can Vignettes are brief but evocative short scenes
F describe a montage where narrated or briefly roleplayed to allow players to
events are happening in multiple express and explore more of their characters,
places to different people to help the story, and how the world in their game
move the story forward, advance time, or any works. Any player can use a vignette at any
other purpose that would benefit from small time, but vignettes can also be used as a group
bits of widely sourced narrative information. It’s tool to give each player a moment to shine
important to gain consent from players if any of while they share a scene, or to wrap up at the
their characters are used in the montage. end of sessions or campaigns with a glimpse
Players can also participate in montages by into what happens next.
each taking turns contributing scenes. This tool works by setting aside a session or
For example, take turns around the table portion of the session in which players do
describing a brief scene with ambiance like short scenes that allow a small window into
what kind of music to imagine playing or the their character’s story, their hopes for the
sounds of the landscape and detailing the upcoming arc, an accomplishment or failure, or
emotions of the scene, but limit any dialogue or a vulnerable or unexpected moment.
action to a single back and forth. It can be fun to theme the series of vignettes
This can impact tone, illustrate what is with concepts like “Unexpected Victories,”
important to characters, and even build the “Lost Loves,” “A Break From It All,” and other
world around the characters. If a player wants flexible but engaging prompts. This can be
another player’s character to be in a montage a great place to reveal information about a
scene, they should gain consent and be clear character that may not have come up in play
about their intent. Everyone can contribute to before, but the player wants to share.
these short series of scenes or moments and Each player should get a turn, including the
enthusiasm makes it even better! facilitator, to allow the most chances to build
the story and expand the experience of play. If
a player or the facilitator wants another player’s
character to be in a vignette, they should gain
consent and be clear about their intent.

16
 17
u s s This should be a celebration of your
o n re Red Carpet
B tu experiences playing, having a moment to be

e a proud of everything you’ve done in game, with

F Walk good faith engagement from all participants.
Even done remotely, the energy can be
A Red Carpet Walk is an end-of-
maintained by respecting each other’s time
campaign mirror of an award show
and letting everyone get the chance to be
“red carpet” moment where players get a
excited, and leaving space for more complex
chance to be in the spotlight, talk about their
discussions in the future or after the Red
experience of play, and give other players the
Carpet Walk has allowed each player and the
chance to ask questions about their character,
facilitator to have the chance to be positive.
the story, and the choices they made in play.
It is helpful to frame this tool positively, and Storyboarding
empower the group to explore challenging
questions and decisions throughout a Whether you play traditional roleplaying
campaign to show the growth and enthusiasm games with world-spanning campaigns or
of each player. Whether this is a more casual low-preparation one shots that hit the spot,
conversation or players choose to cosplay, there is often an opportunity
share ephemeral content like character sheets as a facilitator and as players
or memories, or jump right into character for a to think about what you want to
post-campaign after-party, use this opportunity get out of the experience.
to pass the microphone around (figuratively or Script Change provides you
literally) and make everyone feel like a star! with some overarching meta
Take turns highlighting their favorite parts of tools to help plan and prepare,
the campaign, sharing how their characters then respond in time, for tone, content, matters
grew and changed “behind the scenes” of consent, and means to make experiences
(away from the table or in their minds), and more fun! Storyboarding allows you to get
taking questions from other players about more specific, become the authors of your own
their actions and what they got out of the stories, and set up sweet arcs in time.
experience. If the group is all comfortable with Storyboarding is more of a complex activity
doing so, this can be combined with dressing than a basic tool, which is why it’s a Bonus
up as their characters or even each other’s Feature for people who want to delve a
characters, or putting on something that feels little deeper into making the most of their
good (an outfit, music, whatever that happens experience. It isn’t about planning out events
to be) to make the exchange more special. moment by moment, scripting dialogue, or
forcing anything to happen.
Use Storyboarding as a method to hit emotional
and narrative beats, and to balance combat,
action like heists or tracking, and social
or story encounters without action.
The following section (page 18) includes more
information on storyboarding, including basic
necessities for use in games.

17
 18
u s s Plan out some example sessions or arcs
o n re Necessities for
B tu by placing the elements in different orders,

e a Storyboarding: keeping in mind things like session length or

F how it impacts an arc’s climax if you might
• Completed Editor’s Notes have to delay a session or two if games get
• A method of recording text rescheduled or need to be canceled.
that can be rearranged (index cards, text
This does not have to be perfectly followed, as
document, etc.)
it’s meant to guide intention, but if you find the
perfect mix, it’s awesome to pursue it!
How to Storyboard You can record these potential arcs so that the
Once you’ve chosen what you’re going to facilitator can reference them, and come back
play and reviewed the kind of content, tone, to them at a later date if you feel like something
and tools you want in your game, have a has been sidelined or set aside, for any reason.
conversation as a group to discuss: This means that players who tend to forget
• Emotional arcs you enjoy, things, or those who will put aside their goals
to follow the group, can still have a reference
• What balance you want of combat,
for how they want to be included that allow
general action, emotional storytelling, and
other players and the facilitator to help them be
worldbuilding (within the mechanical &
engaged and prioritized.
fictional constraints of your chosen game),
• What sort of play experience you want to tell Everyone gets off track occasionally, but
in the time you have (slow burn, high intensity, having a Storyboard with options (or, if
building up to the boss fight, short arcs, etc.), you prefer, a specific plan!) can ensure all
players get a chance to speak to their goals
• Which story or play elements are the most
and desires for play, including the facilitator,
important to the group,
and if you’re reaching burnout, you have
• How much you want to see of individual arcs templates to reference.
versus group activity, and
• Potential schedule or activity limitations This is something that can even be valuable
that could require shorter or rescheduled for solo play or generic plans for convention
sessions, like work schedules, vacations, gaming, done either as an individual or as part
health concerns, etc. of a group. If you want to create a consistent
experience for playtesting, demonstrating, or
As you have this discussion, write them down. sharing games, Storyboarding what you want to
Once you’ve covered the topics above, you present in a short session or arc can help a lot
can talk about how everything fits together. to focus the experience.
Think about how the facilitator and players
can use these ideas to reach the emotional
goals for both players and characters, and how
to get enough action to satisfy each player
without burning out.

18
 19
u s s
o n re Six Degrees of Connection
B tu
e a
F Lots of players rely on Once you have the beginning elements, follow
relationships in tabletop these steps.
roleplaying games to help the
stories and action make sense! One of the 1 Make a circle in the center of the map and
best ways to help everyone understand label it with either a location like a town or
the relationships between characters is building, an event or group that involves all
a relationship map. of the main characters, or a thematic uniting
concept like “freedom” or “anarchy.”
Many people have used relationship maps in 2 Connect the main characters to the map
games! The method recommended here is a using connecting lines, placing the names
simple exercise to help build a relationship map of the characters in circles or squares and
and answer questions about the characters and using the distance from the center element
the world they are in. This can also be used for to show their intensity of connection to
themes, locations, and events if desired! that element.
To use Six Degrees of Connection, you’ll need Are they from the location? Are they very
a visual way to represent the connections, passionate about the cause? Did the
whether this is a hand drawn map or a event have a smaller impact on them than
digital method of drawing the elements and the other characters? All of these are
relationships. Try to use a method that will be questions that help decide how closely they
accessible to all players, including considering are connected.
factors like whether players will be able to view 3 Connect the characters to each other
it or might need a description if they have any with direction lines to show important
vision related disabilities. relationships, indicating mutual relationships
To start, list the player characters and any with lines that have arrows on both ends, and
known major characters managed by the one-way relationships with lines that have
facilitator or other important characters that arrows only on the receiving end (toward the
aren’t the main player characters, like familiars. recipient).
For non-character maps, use locations, themes, Write a one or two word phrase along the
or a generic term like “elements” if you want to line to indicate the nature of the relationship,
mix these together. For secret elements, use anything from “positive” to “spurned lover”
a number or other reference if you choose to to “enemy soldier.” These can be crossed
place them on the map. out and rewritten as play proceeds!

19
 20
u s s 4 Add in circles that
o n re Emotion Mapping
B tu relate to the story

e a during this initial state Another way to use circle mapping like this is
F and during play to show for planning emotional experiences in games,
any organizations, locations, called emotion maps, using large circles to
events, or themes that represent the emotions you want to highlight
connect characters, and use the mutual and focus on, medium circles for emotions
connection or one-way connection lines to you want to be present but less dominant, and
indicate those connections. small circles to show what emotions you want
Leave space for development in play, to minimize and keep to the background, if they
but ensure you have some elements on appear at all.
the map that could cause the emotional In emotion maps, you don’t need to use
or entertaining experiences you want, connecting lines, but you can use the distance
like locations where characters gather between the circles and their proximity to each
to celebrate or events that caused a other to indicate if they may affect each other.
rift in the party. This can help to get a concept of what players
5 Use smaller circles to add facilitator or facilitators want out of a specific game
characters and background elements with campaign or session, but allow flexibility in how
dashed lines instead of solid lines. During the emotional experiences are achieved!
play, these lines can be made solid if players
decide to bring those background elements
to the foreground, such as if a background
facilitator character became a love interest
for a player character!
6 Use symbols or colors (or both) on the lines
and circles to indicate characters or other
elements that players want to keep more
static - like a long term friendship that they
don’t want to disrupt without consultation,
or a pet that won’t ever be threatened, or a
building that can never truly be destroyed.
A star or highlighting color is great for this!
Use a different symbol or color to indicate
the inverse - if a duo is headed toward
heartbreak or the party wants to take down
their own organization from the inside,
this is a great way to set that goal and
aim towards it.
Keep the map on hand to refer to it during
sessions. Update it and change it as the
group feels is appropriate. This tool can help
you keep track of how relationships have
changed over the course of a campaign
and is a useful reference if you have time
between sessions of play!

20
 21
u s s
o n re Top Reviews Example Top Review
B tu
e a An additional step to the Questions
F standard Wrap Meeting or play Are there any moments from the
debrief is a follow-up some time previous session/game that were really
after the game or session ends, before the engaging for you or made you feel
next event. Top Reviews are simply that follow- more included and connected?
up, where the facilitator and players have an
opportunity to process their experience and Did any part of the play experience leave you
give feedback with some distance. feeling left out, confused, or without support?

Whether using a shared digital chat space Are there any feelings lingering from the last
that allows for private messaging, text groups, session/game that you want to talk about?
email, or face-to-face conversation, players
Are there players you feel you don’t get to have
should be encouraged to reach out to each
enough in-character time with, or that you want
other (with consent from all involved) to share
space from?
their feelings about the game experience
and ask about ways to have even more fun in Is there any way I can highlight your unique
future play. The facilitator can use this same value in the game more?
process to talk to players individually, and it is
recommended to check in with all players to Are there any environmental changes (location,
give them a chance to give input. temperature, lights, sounds, furniture, etc.) we
need to make to ensure you have more fun?
When asking these questions, it’s best to do so
one-on-one if you can, and make sure that you Are there any accessibility tools or changes to
respect any player’s desire for their answers to the calibration tools we’re not currently using
remain private between you (player to player that would improve your play experience, or
or facilitator to player). Even if they express ones that we have that we should use more?
frustration or other strong emotions about Is the schedule for our events still
the game or another player, it is important to working for you, including how long we
maintain trust with each other. are playing, what time we’re playing, and
If any players want to keep a Top Review how often we are playing?
private to the facilitator, that’s okay! Is there anything in the game that you want to
explore more mechanically?
Is there anything in the game that you want to
explore more narratively?
What do you want for your character after
experiencing this session? Has it changed
since before the session?

21
 22
u s s Encourage players to share It is important that if a player chooses to leave,
o n re
B tu when (or if) they’re ready blame not be placed on the player at risk, and

e a and let them know that if that everyone at the table understands the
F they change their mind and boundaries set on harmful behaviors. Getting
need help addressing the issue, feedback from each other is really valuable to
you will support them. not only help solve problems, but to seek out
ways to enjoy the play experience more, and
If there are conflicting Top Reviews that might engages players to think about the game when
lead to conflict, encourage each individual to it’s not happening, building excitement and
address it directly if they can or have a third encouraging more enthusiasm—and that is
party mediate the conversation outside of worth all the five-star reviews!
regular game time. An exception to this is if
it is clear that one player is specifically being
bigoted, prejudiced, predatory, or otherwise
harmful to another.
In this situation, ensure that the player at risk
is comfortable with you addressing it before
taking action and find out whether they want to
totally disengage, if an apology and changed
RADICAL
behaviors would be okay, or if they just want
temporary space.
When you have consent from the player at risk,
address the issue with the player in question
and offer them the options that are appropriate
for resolution, which (in the cases of harmful
behaviors) should include potentially being
excluded from future sessions to avoid further
harmful behavior.
Whether a player who has caused harm is
allowed to return to play should be decided
by the group as a whole with consideration for
changes in behavior, whether they have tried
to apologize or resolve it to the comfort of the
player at risk, and the comfort of the player at
risk for them returning to play.

22
 23
Script Change: Editor’s Notes
Use this sheet to record your Picks, Squicks, and Icks from the Editor’s Notes before play. Update
it as needed to address any newly identified elements. If it is appropriate for the element, note
any specific tools players would like to use if one of these elements comes up, like Rewind or
Fast-Forward for Squicks and Icks, or Instant Replay for Picks!

Picks Tools Picks Tools

Squicks Tools Squicks Tools

Icks Tools Icks Tools

23
 Script Change is a multi-function content, consent, and
safety toolbox for collaborative creation and gameplay, useful
for tabletop roleplaying games, board games, live action
roleplaying games, and even collaborative video games to
help guide group decision-making.
This toolbox has been called “the single most important
innovation in RPGs,” and is used by game designers, players,
and facilitators in recreational, educational, and therapeutic
play around the world.
PLAY safer AND have more fun with Script Change!

Designed by Beau Jágr Sheldon

est. 2013
Layout by Beau Jágr Sheldon
2023 Final Edition
briebeau.com/scriptchange
thoughty.itch.io/script-change