3 Gear Games Code Of Conduct

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✦ Your Friendly Local Game Store · Laurel, MD · Est. 2019 ✦

⚙ 3 Gear Games ⚙

Code of Conduct

⚙ Play · Explore · Transform · Belong ⚙

⚙ Our Promise to You ⚙

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The 3 Gear Game Room exists because of its people. Every person who walks through our door — whether you're a seasoned dungeon master, a first-time board gamer, or someone who just wandered in curious — deserves to feel genuinely safe, welcomed, and celebrated.

This Code of Conduct is not a list of rules imposed on our community — it is a shared agreement. It reflects who we are, what we stand for, and the kind of space we are collectively building. When you join us, you become part of that agreement.

❧ The gears are already turning for you here. ❧

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⚙ Our Core Values ⚙

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🎲 Everyone Has a Seat at the Table

3 Gear Games is committed to being an inclusive, affirming space for people of all identities and backgrounds. We actively welcome:

⚙ People of all races, ethnicities, and national origins

⚙ People of all genders, including non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals

⚙ People of all sexual orientations — proud supporters of Tabletop Gaymers & HoCo Pride

⚙ People of all ages, from kids and teens to seniors

⚙ All ability levels — total newbie or campaign veteran, you belong here

⚙ People of all religious backgrounds, spiritual paths, or no faith at all

⚙ Neurodivergent folks and people with disabilities

⚙ All body types — everyone fits at our table

🤝 Respect Is Non-Negotiable

Disagreements happen. Bad dice rolls happen. But treating people with basic human dignity is never optional. We ask everyone to:

⚙ Use welcoming, respectful language with everyone — staff, fellow players, and guests

⚙ Respect people's names and pronouns without question or comment

⚙ Keep criticism constructive and kind — attack ideas, never people

⚙ Recognize that people come from different backgrounds and lived experiences

⚙ Accept "no" gracefully — whether it's declining a game, a conversation, or physical contact

🎯 Play in Good Faith

The best gaming experiences happen when everyone is engaged with a spirit of generosity, curiosity, and playfulness.

⚙ Teach new players willingly and with patience

⚙ Welcome all skill levels at your table — we all started somewhere

⚙ Avoid gatekeeping, bad-faith rules-lawyering, or making others feel unwelcome

⚙ Celebrate others' wins and include newcomers whenever possible

⚙ Unacceptable Behavior ⚙

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These behaviors are incompatible with our values and will not be tolerated in person, at events, or in our online spaces.

🚫 Harassment & Discrimination

⚙ Verbal, physical, or digital harassment of any kind

⚙ Discriminatory jokes, slurs, or language targeting any identity

⚙ Unwanted physical contact or ignoring stated boundaries

⚙ Deliberately misgendering or dead-naming anyone

⚙ Intimidation, stalking, or non-consensual photography

🎲 Toxic Gaming Behavior

⚙ Deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct to ruin others' experience

⚙ Aggressive trash talk, taunting, or demeaning language at the table

⚙ Cheating or rules manipulation intended to exclude others

⚙ Monopolizing tables or equipment to shut others out

🏠 Harm to the Space

⚙ Damage to store property, games, minis, or the game room

⚙ Theft of any kind

⚙ Bringing illegal substances onto the premises

⚙ Conduct creating unsafe conditions for staff, volunteers, or guests

⚙ Disruptive soliciting or recruiting during events

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⚙ At Events & Game Tables ⚙

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Whether it's a weekly meetup, RPG campaign, one-shot, creative workshop, or our annual 24-hour Extra Life Gameathon — here's how we keep every event great.

👥 For All Participants

⚙ Arrive on time; let organizers know if plans change

⚙ Communicate openly about comfort levels before play begins

⚙ Honor the spirit of the game and the table's agreed-upon tone

⚙ Clean up your space — return games, discard trash, tidy your area

🎭 For Game Masters & Facilitators

⚙ Establish a Session Zero or table norms conversation

⚙ Be responsive to player comfort; willing to adjust or pause when needed

⚙ Create space for all players to contribute and feel heard

⚙ Reach out to store staff if a situation arises you're unsure how to handle

🛡️ Table Safety Tools

⚙ X-CARD

Any player can tap or call "X" to skip or adjust content at any time — no explanation required, no questions asked.

⚙ LINES & VEILS

Lines are topics that will not appear in play at all. Veils are topics handled "off-screen." Establish both before play begins.

⚙ OPEN DOOR POLICY

Any player may step away from a session at any time, for any reason, without judgment or explanation.

⚙ Online Spaces & Discord ⚙

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Our Discord server and social media are extensions of our physical space — the same standards apply. When participating online:

⚙ Be kind and constructive — text lacks tone, so assume good faith first

⚙ Keep discussions in appropriate channels; check channel topics before posting

⚙ No spam, unsolicited self-promotion, or flooding channels

⚙ Do not share personal information about others without their consent

⚙ Report concerns to moderators directly rather than escalating publicly

Discord is a third-party platform. Always practice safe internet habits and never share personal information with strangers.

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⚙ How to Report a Concern ⚙

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We know it can be hard to speak up. We promise to take every concern seriously, act with discretion, and protect those who come forward.

🗣️ In Person

⚙ Speak directly to Stewart, Lena, or any staff member on duty

⚙ You don't need all the details — share only what you're comfortable with

⚙ If you feel unsafe, remove yourself first and find staff when you can

📧 By Email

⚙ Reach us privately at 3geargames@gmail.com

⚙ Emails are read by owners only

⚙ We will respond with care and follow up as appropriate

✦ What Happens After a Report

⚙ All reports are kept confidential to the extent possible

⚙ We will listen and ask questions only as needed

⚙ We do not require proof to begin a conversation — we take concerns seriously from the start

⚙ We will follow up with the reporter when it is appropriate and safe to do so

⚙ Consequences ⚙

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We want to resolve situations in the least disruptive way possible. Responses are proportionate to the behavior.

Private Conversation — A direct conversation and request to change specific behavior, with clear expectations going forward.

Formal Warning — A documented warning with explicit expectations. Further incidents will result in escalation.

Temporary Suspension — Removal from the store, events, or online spaces for a defined period of time.

Permanent Removal — Permanent ban from 3 Gear Games events and community spaces. Severe incidents — including physical violence, credible threats, or hate-based harassment — may result in immediate removal and, where appropriate, law enforcement involvement.

Our priority is always the safety of our community. We reserve the right to act quickly when someone's wellbeing is at risk.

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🌿 Causes We Champion 🌿

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Tabletop Gaymers

A nonprofit promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by championing the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community through tabletop gaming. We are proud sponsors and supporters!

Visit Tabletop Gaymers ✦

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Extra Life

Every year we game for 24 hours straight to raise funds for children's hospitals through Extra Life. We've raised thousands of dollars for kids in need — and we're not stopping!

Support Our Team 💙

⚙ Our Commitment to Growth ⚙

We are a small, community-run shop and we don't claim to have everything figured out. We are committed to learning, listening, and improving. This Code of Conduct is reviewed regularly — feedback is always welcome at 3geargames@gmail.com.

⚙ Find Us Everywhere ⚙

📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🎮 Discord 📅 Meetup 🦋 Bluesky

Questions? → 3geargames@gmail.com

Code of Conduct v1.0 · 2025 · Building your community through tabletop games

Show your love → @3GearStudios · #3GearGames · #TabletopGaming

3 Gear Games ◆ Location: 25 C Street, Laurel MD 20707 ◆ 443.604.3578 ◆ Hours: Wed-Fri 1pm -9pm | Sat 1pm-10pm | Sun 1pm -8pm

As of 9.24.26 We will no longer be taking CCG/TCG preorders for any products except for Magic the Gathering. A reminder for everyone with Pokémon preorders: This next set for the 30th Anniversary Celebration is releasing in waves, so not all of the product will arrive on the official release day. We're working hard to fulfill every order we can as stock comes in. Refunds will be processed only after the final wave of product ships in early December