on screen/off screen

I’m diving into new territory. Interparty romance. Two players want a bit more from their characters and they will do so off screen. I made this decision due to multiple factors, and player comfortability is one of them. I want the other players to still be comfortable at the table, and I want these two players to feel free to go as they see fit. 

This does not work for everyone! Before anything can happen, trust must be built first, and you must know your players well. It can create tension between players if they don’t trust you or each other, especially if the characters will become intimate. It is very important to have the players talk it out together to determine any sensitive topics or actions to avoid, and when the curtain needs to be drawn.

Some of the discoveries and the aftermath will be talked about on screen, when these two meet up with the rest of the group. I leave it mostly to them as to what will be discussed. Not all GMs are as lucky as I am, I have a table of gamemasters that can determine when and how much information is disclosed to the group. When I set up these “encounters,” I still give them a plot hook and often a plot twist. These moments give them something to share with the rest of the group that keeps them in “the know.”

Bringing it back on screen can present its own challenges though. I am not going to lie, I am nervous about sharing what takes place privately between these two characters. Constantly trying to watch for actions or descriptions that could be triggering to viewers is tough. So, as I navigate this new experience, I’ll try to share what I’ve learned. If you have done anything like this, please share your experiences.