The End of an Era: Fantasy Legal Disclaimers Bid Farewell to D&D
Last year, Wizards of the Coast celebrated the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic tabletop role-playing game that has captivated generations of players. As part of the festivities, the company released updated versions of its core rulebooks: the Players’ Handbook, the Dungeon Masters’ Guide, and the Monster Manual. While these new editions aimed to be the definitive versions of these essential tomes, a notable omission has left some fans feeling a tinge of disappointment: the absence of the fantasy legal disclaimer.
In the past, D&D rulebooks have featured a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer that warned players of the potential consequences of their reckless actions within the game world. These disclaimers, often written in a humorous and slightly archaic style, served as a playful reminder that the decisions made during a game of D&D could have unpredictable and sometimes hilarious results.
For example, one such disclaimer read:
"Disclaimer: Wizards of the Coast is not responsible for the consequence of splitting up the party, sticking appendages in the mouth of a leering green devil face, accepting a dinner invitation from bugbears, storming the feast hall of a hill giant steading, angering a dragon of any variety, or saying yes when the DM asks, ‘Are you really sure?’"
These disclaimers added a touch of whimsy and self-awareness to the game, acknowledging the inherent dangers and absurdities that come with adventuring in a fantasy world. However, with the release of the latest D&D rulebooks, these disclaimers have vanished.
According to Polygon, which has rounded up all the fantasy disclaimers from over the years, the last example of the Fifth Edition fantasy disclaimer appeared in July 2024’s Quests From the Infinite Staircase. Jeremy Crawford, D&D’s principal Rules Designer, has confirmed that "fantasy legal disclaimers are no more."
While the fantasy disclaimers may be gone, Crawford assures us that other, slightly more overt Easter eggs can be found throughout the latest D&D books. These include cameos from characters in the original Saturday morning cartoon show from the 1980s.
The removal of the fantasy legal disclaimer has sparked mixed reactions from the D&D community. Some fans have expressed disappointment, seeing the absence of the disclaimers as a loss of a beloved tradition. Others have welcomed the change, arguing that the disclaimers were unnecessary and detracted from the immersion of the game.
Ultimately, whether or not one misses the fantasy legal disclaimers is a matter of personal taste. They were certainly a unique and amusing feature of D&D rulebooks, but their removal does not diminish the game’s essential qualities. As D&D continues to evolve and adapt, it will undoubtedly find new ways to provide players with both entertainment and warning.
In Defense of the Fantasy Legal Disclaimer
The fantasy legal disclaimer was more than just a humorous addition to the D&D rulebooks. It served several important functions:
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It acknowledged the inherent risks of the game: D&D is a game of adventure and danger. Characters can die, be maimed, or go insane. The disclaimer reminded players that they were responsible for their own actions and should proceed with caution.
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It added a touch of whimsy: The disclaimer was written in a tongue-in-cheek style that poked fun at the game’s more outlandish elements. This helped to create a lighthearted atmosphere and reminded players that D&D was meant to be enjoyed.
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It fostered a sense of community: By sharing these disclaimers with each other, players became part of a larger D&D community. They could bond over their shared experiences and laugh at the absurdity of their misadventures.
In Favor of the Change
While the fantasy legal disclaimer had its merits, there are also valid reasons for its removal:
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It was unnecessary: The disclaimer was essentially a restatement of the obvious. Players already knew that they were responsible for their own actions and that the game could be dangerous.
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It disrupted the flow of the game: The disclaimer appeared at the beginning of the rulebooks, where it could interrupt the reader’s immersion.
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It was outdated: The disclaimer was written in a style that was reminiscent of older editions of D&D. It didn’t fit well with the more modern tone of the latest rulebooks.
Conclusion
The removal of the fantasy legal disclaimer from D&D rulebooks is a change that will likely be met with mixed reactions. Some fans will miss the disclaimers, while others will welcome the change. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include the disclaimers is up to Wizards of the Coast. However, it is clear that the disclaimers have played an important role in the history of D&D, and they will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by players for years to come.
