Safety Tools
Before we wrap this up…
Role-playing games are a unique medium. They entertain with the interactive challenge of card and board games as well as the narrative of books and movies. They are about stories, full of drama and catharsis. As such they often touch on dramatic, emotional topics that some will find triggering.
We strongly recommend the use of safety tools. This can be as simple as discussing what boundaries to expect, and that all players need to do is raise a hand if something bothers them, but we suggest going over a few options explicitly — players may be surprised at how deeply something disturbs them.
While GMs may not want to give away a surprise plot twist, content warnings are always a good idea. Take a few minutes to discuss Patrick O'Leary's CATS: Concept, Aim, Tone, and Subject matter.
Clarify the group's lines and veils — things the group just won't do, or might happen "off screen". Establish an open door policy so players know if something triggers them they can leave the scene to let the others play through it without them, and then meet back up with the party later.
Consider these tools a sacred trust. If someone misuses them, don't play with them any more.
Now go play, and enjoy yourselves.