
Sound silly? It's not. In every online system, people use a pseudonym or nickname. It's not at all unusual to find that people have layers of names in the lifestyle. So, they may have a "lifestyle name" of Trigger and then, when you know them better have a casual name of "John" and yet when you see their driver's license you may be startled to find out their real name is "Sam". Asking someone's real name isn't a silly question at all. For those in the online communities like this one, sharing your real name is one of the most intimate acts possible.
So, you're about to play with someone. You're going to be in private, perhaps bound and helpless, completely in the control of a person on whom you'll depend to remain safe. Don't you think at least knowing their name is a good thing? I do. (Oh, by the way, yes, my real, actual, true name *is* Chris.)

Sound like too much? It's not. You might want to share yours too. Feel uncomfortable sharing your true name? Then think twice about playing in private. If you can't trust someone to know your real name, why on earth would you trust them to tie you and then release you and to keep you safe? If you're not ready to share your name, and they're not ready to share their name and you're still keen to play, then consider doing so in a public setting in a dungeon or public playspace. You're actions will be monitored there and your basic safety will be assured by the dungeon master.
|