Discussion By Daylight: A Comprehensive Guide to Communication

Hello, all Fog-Dwellers! Do you struggle to understand what those Survivors are really telling you when they do strange things in a Trial besides generators and dying? Are you at a loss for how to read the cold, impassive actions of those merciless Killers that hunt you throughout the Fog? Perhaps you want to make sure you're not accidentally BMing, or want to know how to endear yourself to other players, Killer and Survivor both.

Fear not! This guide is here to help act as a dictionary and decode the way Survivors and Killers alike communicate with each other in the Trials. No longer will you wonder if that Myers is stalking you, or being friendly! No longer will Survivors misunderstand what you're trying to tell them when you simply randomly chase instead of hitting them! Interested? Read on...

Introduction

Welcome, Fog-Dwellers!

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Ghostface stalks his prey on the Title Screen...

This guide is a comprehensive look at Survivor and Killer "language" using in-game emotes and actions for Dead By Daylight, intended for use as a sort of linguistic dictionary for those who are curious, new to the Fog, old hands who want to guide people in the right direction, or just needing something to read while being hook-camped by Bubba.

And Who Are You, Exactly?

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Hello friend! My name is SidneyPrescott96/UrFavoriteScaryMovie, and I am a Nea/Ghostface Main in Dead by Daylight. I am a hybrid Main, playing both sides with fair regularity. I also Main most of the Stealth Killers in the game. I occasionally play other Survivors as well, sometimes, but mostly I stick with my Mains. Either way, I play a stealthier style of DBD and love a good cat and mouse round. My charms on both sides are always Pansexual Pride, a rotator, and Warrior Puppers, one cue to know it's me.

I also play under the following names as Killer:

• UrFavoriteScaryMovie as The Ghost Face
  
• Everyday is Halloween as Myers/The Shape
  
• A Delicious Oreo :3 as Sadako/The Onryo
  
• Heccin' Bing-Bong Boi as The Wraith
  
• MonsterInUrCloset as The Dredge
  
• Edgy Knife Teen as Julie/The Legion
  
• A Hellbound Heart as Pinhead/The Cenobite
  
• Wut The Demodawg Doin'? as The Demogorgon

And As Survivor:

• SidneyPrescott96 as Nea Karlsson, cosplaying Sidney Prescott
  
• InTownOnVacation as Cheryl Mason
  
• OldSkoolBabysitter78 as Laurie Strode
  
• Picolas Cage as Nicolas Cage
  
• Hex: Basement Spiders as Sable Ward
  
• Carmen Sandiego as Elodie Rakoto

As Ghostface, I have an ongoing pet project - for some time now I have been slowly amassing a collection of Survivor Mori photos, and am nearly finished. I currently only bring in Moris for him if I need you for my collection or I am just looking to have fun and give someone it as a treat. As of the time of this guide, I have the whole collection. If you play any upcoming new Survivors or Legendary Skins and we end up in a round together, I would love the honor of giving you my Mori. Stop by my screenshot collection if I do Mori you and say hello!

But Why This Guide?

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Honestly? I'm bored and have nothing better to do when I'm not stalking or trying to survive. And, as a Ghostface Main, I am in a unique position to easily communicate with Survivors as a Killer, which has made it easy for me to actually catalog certain behaviors done by Survivors towards Killers, or vise versa. As you have likely noticed if you've played this game for any length of time, there are some actions done by both Killers and Survivors to each other that don't seem to always make game sense. Shouldn't Survivors fear the Killer, and the Killer not show any mercy? This, though, isn't always what happens - sometimes a magical moment occurs in DBD where the players all try to communicate with what limited resources there are: a few emotes, head motions, and various Killer powers.

While everyone knows what something like a teabag means and is, it's been noted in my own Fog-travels that not everyone is on the same page about things like what is toxic or a tactic, when a crouch is a teabag or just a friendly hello, and what the Killer is doing when they are acting oddly. In the past, these were things that would have to be decoded on one's own, however with this guide, I offer a solution - a compendium of communication that you can use to help yourself and others communicate better in Trials, either with your fellow Survivors, your Victims, or the Killer themselves.

The Basics of Communication

Limited Options, Clever Workarounds

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After determining that neither party is a threat, a tamed and Friendly Trickster guards Nea as she works on a generator.

It can rather charitably be said that in Dead by Daylight, your choices of communication are... limited. Sure, some Survivors and Killers have voice lines, but for most people they are not audible to everyone and don't exist outside of the lobby or menu screens. Most Killers and Survivors don't even have voice lines, only making grunts, screams, cries of pain, whimpering, breathing, or other such sounds.

If you're a Survivor, you have a range of motion that is somewhat limited - you can crouch, move your head, and use two emotes for team purposes (pointing and waving closer). If you run certain perks, such as the coming Bardic Inspiration from the Dungeons and Dragons chapter, you can also communicate through perk animations. Unless you're in a Discord call though, you really have no means of communicating verbally in a Trial with anyone else. And as a Killer you have it even worse - except for a select few, most Killers cannot do even half of what Survivors do, including emotes or crouching. Some, like Pyramid Head, can't even do things as simple as move their heads, and must get even more creative.

Luckily, a sort of undisclosed communication has developed based around things that both Killer and Survivor can do, giving us the building blocks of communication! Over the course of many years, Eight as of this guide's publication, the community has found clever ways to use these building blocks and made their own languages, which I will dub Survivese and Killese for the sake of argument. In doing so, the community has also shown how ingenious it is. Like an alphabet, these building blocks are essential to understand in order to communicate properly. Let's discuss what these building blocks are.

Survivese Building Blocks

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Nea and Dwight using communication tools to enjoy a scary movie on The Game.

The fundamental actions or building blocks a Survivor can do to communicate are as follows:

• Crouching
  
• Pointing
  
• Waving
  
• Flashlight use (that is not to stun)
  
• Movement, either walking or running
  
• Shaking or nodding the head
  
• Wiggling (or not wiggling) while Downed or being carried
  
• Interactions with certain objects in the Trial (other than their intended purpose)
  
• Using perks in unintended or unusual ways

With some practice, you can use these to understand Survivese like a pro 1000+ Hour player in no time!

Killese Building Blocks

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Ghostface using his Crouch as a communication tool to enjoy a scary movie with a Survivor friend.

The fundamental actions most Killers can do to communicate are necessarily even more limited. However, like any language, some Killers have "accents" or "dialects" that come from having more range of motion (such as Ghostface or Pig) or less (such as Pyramid Head). These are in a separate section.

The fundamental actions or a building blocks that most Killers can do to communicate are as follows:

• Striking with one's weapon, also called Striking
  
• Movement, either walking or running
  
• Shaking or nodding the head (except for Pyramid Head who cannot do this)
  
• Downing Survivors
  
• Interactions with certain objects in the Trial (both for and other than their intended purpose)
  
• Use of one's power for other than the intended purpose
  
• Using perks in unintended or unusual ways

In addition, some Killers in the game have the ability to do other actions, adding to their Dialects, These are as follows:

• Crouching (as Pig or Ghostface)
  
• Use of one's M2 ability or secondary attack for other than the specific purpose

This alphabet of actions can be strung together to create unique meanings, as the next few sections will demonstrate.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Survivor on Survivor Behavior

How to Not Die: Survival Means Good Communication!

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Ash heals Nea after she communicated she was hurt and needed help.

The role of any good Survivor is to survive the Trials of course, and while this means doing five generators and opening exit gates, it also means using your wits and communicating with your fellow Survivors. Luckily, there are a myriad of ways to do this, as shown below, based on actions you can do in game.

Walking/Movement

• Walking, especially at the start: "I have Sprint Burst and am conserving it." May also be nervousness or trying to approach a situation carefully, hide from the Killer, etc.
  
• Running rapidly away from a Generator for seemingly no reason: "Oh ♥♥♥♥, I just saw the Killer or my Spine Chill/Alert/etc. went off, run!" Follow suit if you want to live. Could also mean they are activating a perk (like Red Herring) or leaving to do something else (such as to a locker for Flashbang).
  
• Running at the Killer/Hook: "I have a perk like Flashbang or Decisive Strike, and I intend to use it." Alternatively, "I have a challenge or Daily where I need to take protection hits, or I am going to bodyblock/force a protection hit/sabotage this hook." In some cases it might also be to use a Killer's lack of collision against them - for example, running through Sadako while she is demanifesting.
  
• Running in a circle and/or crouching a lot: Excitement, a dance, joy.
  
• Running after a wounded Surv: "I will protect you from hits, friend."
  
• Running after a carried Survivor: "I have Breakout let me help", "I am gonna try to bodyblock the hook so you can hopefully wiggle free."
  
• Running after a Survivor for no apparent reason: Either following you, or trying to activate a Teamwork perk such as Power of Two.
  
• Running in front of a Survivor, especially in front of vaults or to drop pallets: Sandbagging on purpose. This is considered BM.

Crouching

• One or two Crouches (esp. if slow): Hello, Thank you.
  
• The above, if injured: Heal me, I need help.
  
• Crouching rapidly at another Survivor: "Hey come here, over here!"
  
• Crouching, rapidly or otherwise, after failing a skill check: "I'm sorry! Don't be mad!"
  
• Crouching rapidly or moving around crouched with another Survivor, especially at the start: "Awww yeah friend here we go, let's gooooo!" A dance of excitement and camaraderie for the round ahead.
  
• Crouching rapidly at a Hooked, Mori'd, or Downed Survivor: "Hahaha ♥♥♥♥ you!" This is usually considered BM, unless done with friends who are okay with it.
  
• Slowly crouching around the map, especially at the start of the round with others: Conga Line, a game. Some Killers can interact with this and follow if they are Friendly! If they are the only one doing it, they're nervous and probably new.

Emotes

• Nodding: Yes, I agree, good, GG, "I respect what you did there".
  
• Shaking head: No, don't do that, bad, you disappoint me, not cool.
  
• Looking down and shaking or hanging head: "That was so embarrassing, I can't believe you/I just did that!"
  
• Pointing: Go there, do that, "The Killer is over there, look out!"
  
• Pointing at an object, then pointing away: "You do that, I will go do this."
  
• Doing an objective and pointing away: "Go away, I'm doing this already, find another one."
  
• Shaking head and pointing away: "For the love of God, don't follow me, you'll get us both killed!" This may be because the Survivor has something like Distortion, and their cover will be blown if another Survivor follows them and it goes off.
  
• Waving: Come here, follow me.
  
• Refusing to be healed or crawling away while Downed: "Stop trying to heal me, I have a perk that counts on me being wounded", "Stop trying to pick me up, I have Plot Twist/Unbreakable/etc."

Flashlight Use

• Flashlight highlighting an object or location: Go here, do this.
  
• Rapidly clicking flashlight: "Hey come here, I'm over here!" A slightly risky tactic since the Killer can also see this.

Object Interactions

• Dropping an Item in front of a Survivor: "Here, use this" or "Trade me for this." Unless it's a trade, the Survivor usually expects the item back. Taking the item anyway is considered BM.
  
• Killer-Specific Objects: For something like Nemesis' Vaccines or Wesker's Sprays, this is usually accompanied by the Survivor waving the other one over to give them the item or use the item on them. For something like Pinhead's Puzzle Box or Sadako's Tapes, usually this is accompanied by the Survivor trying to point and shoo the other Survivor away, so they both aren't in danger. In some cases, the Survivor can spam an animation for fun, such as spamming the spray animation for Wesker's sprays to do a little dance.
  
• Spamming the Escape Option on First Hook (but not finishing it): "Hook Gymnastics". Usually used to alert to others that the Killer has left, but some use it to alert that the Killer is close by. Use your own judgment and common sense before coming to unhook, lest you find yourself part of a hook trade.
  
• Purposefully ending oneself on hook: Either trying to 4%, trying to activate a perk based on unhook attempts, trying to die to give the last person hatch, or upset and trying to go next. Doing this to go next because you don't like the Killer, especially at the start of the round, is considered BM especially in SoloQ rounds as it saddles the team with a bot.

Not So Different After All: Survivor on Killer Behavior

An Uneasy Truce

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Nea engages in attempted discussion with a friendly Deathslinger after the latter had a rough round.

Now I know what you're thinking here with this section - "But Sidney, the Killer is my enemy! They're trying to kill me, why would I want to communicate with them?!" Well, of course it's true the Killer wants to do what's in their job description, but wait! Your opponent isn't an AI, they're controlled by someone else on the other end - someone with feelings, someone who has a personality under that scary, ugly, masked, or terrifying exterior. Someone who usually just wants to have fun in the game just like you, albeit by slaughtering you all instead of working as a team. Sometimes, the Killer may go harder because they're having a rough night. Often, the Killer is testing their skill, looking to play a character, or just indulging a little aggression. And sometimes, just sometimes, the Killer just wants to play around instead of being too mean.

Some Killers may do things in rounds that surprise you or seem unintuitive, often because they have their own motivations, rules, or reasons for behaving as they do. For example, when I bring in Ghostface, I generally focus on trying to kill you with stealth, yes, however I also am possibly looking for a Mori image, trying to complete a daily, just practicing my stalk, sharpening my chase skills on real people, or trying to play a chill, non-confrontational round to lower my MMR or take a break from murder. Others may pester and creep out the Obsession all round, simply jumpscare the Survivors, or farm instead. There are myriad reasons for Killers behaving strangely, in the same way as for Survivors behaving in a strange way - in other words, the Killer is truly not so different from the Survivors, and this should be kept in mind, especially when you become frustrated with a Killer. Remember there is a human on the other end, with thoughts and emotions just like you - a human who wants to have fun. Please try not to engage in Bad Manners (BM) or otherwise harass the other person. But really, you should know well enough to not do that anyway.

Now, be aware most of these behaviors only work if the Killer is behaving in a friendly manner or is not attempting to grind, go hard, or otherwise behaving overly aggressive (as Killers are wont). If Survivors are prey animals, then Killers are much like predatory animals - they are wary about any attempts at trickery and if their hunting instincts are triggered, they may become hostile quickly. Always assess a situation with caution before approaching a Killer in this way, and be careful not to immediately spook or run if they move towards you - this triggers their innate desire to chase and kill, much like a big cat. If for any reason at any time the Killer seems like they're not willing to be friendly, abandon communication with them at all costs and resume the game as normal - that is, unless you want to end up on a hook...

Walking/Movement

• Slowly approaching at a walk: "A-are you friendly? Are you sure? ;n;" If the Killer is friendly, usually they will nod.
  
• Running at the Killer: "I have a perk that requires me to get close to you, and it's gonna put you in a world of hurt, be ready for it."
  
• Running up to the Killer and trying to communicate: "Hello friend, are you a friend? You look friend-shaped."
  
• Running in a circle by the Killer, especially if they are friendly: "Dance with me friend!", excitement, happiness.
  
• Standing there until the Crows start circling: "I have gone AFK and am an easy target for any Killer who wants me." Some Killers will respect AFK players, others will just take them out of the match early.

Crouching

• One or two crouches, especially slow ones: Thank you, hello.
  
• Crouching and looking up at the Killer, especially if also injured and having dropped an item: "Please Mr./Ms./Mx. Killer, don't kill me! I'm smol and cute, do you really wanna hurt me? Show mercy..." Sometimes this works, and sometimes not. It depends on the Killer.
  
• Crouching slowly around the Map (to a friendly Ghostface or Pig): "Do you want to conga with me, friend?"
  
• A quick crouch after a stun or good play by them: "Awwww swag gotcha!" Usually meant as a quick cheeky teabag. Doing this excessively can sometimes be considered BM.
  
• Rapid crouching in the open: "OH MY GOD PLEASE NOTICE ME I NEED YOU TO NOTICE ME!" Usually a distraction tactic.
  
• Rapid Crouching at the endgate, especially if showing the Killer your butt and looking back at them: Teabagging, "♥♥♥♥ you I got out". This is almost universally considered BM or otherwise very rude, and most good Killers will ignore this or run Endgame to counteract it. Just Leave, don't do this - especially because some Killers, like Pinhead, Twins, and Deathslinger, can punish you for it BADLY. If you don't want to find out, don't eff around.

Emotes

• Nodding: Yes, good, I agree, "I give you permission to hurt/Kill me", "I'm chill", "I respect you." However, some Killers see repeated nodding especially while pointing as BM, so be wary of when you do this.
  
• Shaking Head: No, bad, don't do that, "You disappoint me..."
  
• Pointing repeatedly at Killer, especially if crouching rapidly: "OMG it's you! I love you!", "You're the realest, GG."
  
• Pointing in general: Go there, go away, look at that, do this thing, "there's a Sandbagger there, please punish them".
  
• Waving at the Killer: Come here, come give me chase, over here, follow me.

Flashlight Use

• Pointing the flashlight at an object: Come here, do this, go there, look at that.
  
• Rapidly clicking at the Killer: "NOTICE ME NOTICE ME NOTICE ME OH MY GOD NOTICE ME." Sometimes considered BM, if done excessively.
  
• Bat-Signal, pointing the flashlight at the sky and spinning: Sometimes a goofy meme move, sometimes a tactical move to confuse the Killer, and sometimes a mistake. Depends on the situation.
  
• Chain-blinding: Sometimes a tactical move if there are many flashlight users, and sometimes considered BM if done excessively.

Wiggling while Downed

• Wiggling back and forth a lot: "No, no please, have mercy! Not the Hook, NOT THE HOOK!" Some Killers see this as cute, others may nod yes back as a slight little taunt. A Survivor may do this if they brought things like Bloody Party Streamers or Frightful Flan and want to maximize points, or may do this on the off chance the Killer takes pity.
  
• Not wiggling while picked up: "I concede my fate...", "OH GOD I AM TOO AFRAID TO MOVE, you really scared me! ;n;", "I am not wiggling because you are going to give me hatch/door", "wheee yay carry me friend! :D".
  
• Stop-start Wiggling while picked up: "You scared me so badly, I can't even focus on trying to escape."

Object Interactions

• Pointing at a Hook while under it or standing under a Hook: "Please Hook me, I want to Hook-farm". Alternately, "Oh God I hate this match, please just kill me and get me out of this damn match, I don't want to play anymore. I give up." It may also mean "I am giving you my death as a gift, GGWP, thank you for the round." It is very dependent on how the round has gone and if they respect the Killer or not.
  
• Dropping your item in front of the Killer: An offering item, a truce, a gift for a good game, sometimes a plea for mercy especially if wounded. The rarer the item, the more sincere the offering and thus greater the gift. Under no circumstances should you then pick the item back up if the Killer accepts it; doing so is BM and may be perceived as an insult. You should also not take another person's item if they do this, as it's seen as stealing and will most likely offend both the Killer and the Survivor.

Monsters With Personality: Killer on Survivor Behavior

Slashing With Style: Giving Your Killers Personality

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After a daring and dangerous battle that ended in a fair tie, this Skull Merchant uses her drones to farm with Survivors as a GGWP.

"But ScaryMovie!" you Killer Mains may be crying, "Why the hell would I want to communicate with Survivors anyway? We're Killers, aren't we supposed to be the big scary evil villains hunting this poor, hapless prey down before we slaughter them all in a violent bloodbath?" Well, yes, of course you are, that's your primary objective. The Entity must feed after all. However, there are a myriad of benefits and interesting interactions you can get in the Trials if you choose to instead, show personality and interest in what Survivors do. Actions that show personality not only show you're having a good time, but can show that you're a good sport, whether or not you win.

The problem with a lot of Slashers and Monster Movies in general is this: The villains lack a personality. Jason Voorhees doesn't have a personality. The giant ants in a creature feature lack a personality. Not so in more modern slashers and monster films - Freddy Kruger, ghosts in some films, Ghostface in their various iterations, even Sadako - all have personalities, desires, wants, dreams, and little tics that make them unique, memorable, and special. These are why these characters are endearing, cool, and fun... and you can be that for the four friends who just loaded into your trial to play, too! All it takes is a little bit of cleverness, the right moves, and a mind for fun over winning at all costs. If that sounds like you, then you're in the right section.

Walking/Movement

• Running rapidly at a Survivor who is trying to be friendly: "I am not playing nice this round", "I have Killer Zoomies and am about to strike you, run!"
  
• Slowly, carefully approaching a Survivor, especially a skittish one: "Don't run little friend, I'm friendly I swear! Don't be afraid..." If the Killer is also nodding, this is a sure sign they intend to be friendly, but be cautious! Some Killers may do this to trick Survivors.
  
• Zooming around as a speedy Killer but not attacking: "Wheeeee! :D"
  
• Chasing without striking at all: "I am friendly and just giving you a fun chase. " Alternately, "I'm friendly and following you somewhere."
  
• Twirling, running around in a circle, spinning: A dance, goofing around.
  
• As a Franchise-Killer, tunneling or harassing a Survivor associated with their Franchise: Usually a meme, such as Nemesis tunneling Jill or Myers harassing Laurie a lot. However, if poorly executed, this can sometimes come off as BM.
  
• Standing and doing nothing, or standing and spamming attack/power: The Killer is AFK, and might be shard-farming or trying to tank their MMR. Usually this is a bot, but sometimes it's a trap!

Striking

• Striking the air and nodding: I agree, go ahead and go. The equivalent of pointing.
  
• Striking the air and shaking head: No, get out of here, go away. Again, the equivalent of pointing.
  
• Striking the air and shaking head while carrying a Survivor: "Stop struggling so I can give hatch/door."
  
• Striking the air and looking down sadly: "Aww, damn it!" The Killer is sad. They may also shake their head while doing this.
  
• Striking objects and moving away: Come here, follow me.
  
• Striking any objective: Do this thing.
  
• Striking a pallet: "Stun me, I want to pallet farm."
  
• Striking a Hook: "Let me hook you, I want to hook farm." If also nodding, especially if the Survivor is on Death Hook, they are asking for permission to kill the Survivor. If the Survivor is alright with this, they should nod back or get under the hook, or run around excitedly in a circle. If not, they will shake their head. Usually this is because they want more points first or need to escape for a challenge.
  
• Striking once on Hook: "No, bad Survivor, no cookie. >:c" or "You irritated me, this is what you get." However, this may also be due to the Survivor's scream being too long or loud, so take this with a grain of salt.
  
• Striking repeatedly on Hook: "I am extremely salty and angry, ♥♥♥♥ this Survivor in particular." This is commonly seen as BM.

Emotes

• Nodding: Yes, good, OK, GG that was a good play, I am chill/friendly. If done after a good play by the Survivor, usually a GG.
  
• Shaking Head: No, stop, don't do that, bad, I'm not interested.
  
• Nodding on Hook or after Downing: Usually seen as a slightly cringe form of BM, like "Yeah ♥♥♥♥ you, I gotcha!" This is generally considered BM.
  
• Looking down and shaking head: "That was embarrassing, sorry you saw that..." Alternately, if the Survivors played poorly, "You guys, that was stupid, what the hell were you doing?"
  
• Looking back and forth rapidly: "What? Huh? I'm confused...", "Where did you go?"
  
• Looking around and then slowly turning to face you: "Hey where'd you g- ... waaaaiiiiit, there you are..." Often done to be slightly Creepy.

Power Use

• Spamming Power while friendly: Trying to get Survivors' attention or show excitement.
  
• Using Power while friendly: "I am just trying to farm/do a challenge using my power. Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you."
  
• Using Power in a non-standard way while friendly: This may be the Killer trying to communicate in their specific Killese Dialect, see that section for more information.

Downing Survivors

• Nodding at a Downed Survivor that is wiggling "No": "Ohhh yes you are, you're getting the Hook! >:D" Generally a slightly cheeky little taunt.
  
• Shaking Head no at a Downed Survivor wiggling "No": "No? You sure no hook? OK." Usually accompanied by a nod and the Killer leaving so their friends can heal the Downed Survivor.
  
• Dropping a Downed Survivor they were carrying and leaving: Usually done because the Killer can't get to a hook in time, to place the Survivor in reach of others for a reset, or to apologize for accidentally Downing them while doing something like a Glyph. May also be a way of using the Survivor as bait, pressuring the team, or moving the Survivor elsewhere.
  
• The above if the Survivor has Boil Over: "I know you have Boil Over and I can't get to a hook in time."
  
• Dropping a carried Survivor repeatedly or spinning/wandering until they wiggle out: "I want you to get out, I only picked you up to keep you from bleeding out."
  
• Allowing Downed Survivors to be healed or leaving wounded ones alone: "I am letting you heal-farm", "That was way too easy and I want a challenge, reset so we can try again."
  
• Camping a Downed Survivor: "♥♥♥♥ this Survivor in particular, I hope you bleed out." This is commonly considered BM.

Other Interactions

• Striking gens while the Survivors work on them: Pretending to fix the generator.
  
• Striking Maurice the Horse in Crotus Prenn: Trying to pet the horsey. :)
  
• Faking giving hatch/door and then Hooking last minute: "Haha, psych!" This might be considered BM to some, so be careful. To others, it's just a way to taunt the Survivor in a slightly mean way.
  
• Faking going to the Hook, then giving hatch/door last minute: "Haha nah, just joking, you can go." The opposite of the above, usually done to scare the Survivor a final time before being friendly.
  
• Opening the door for a Survivor: Done to show they can leave, done to start games like slug race or red light green light, also sometimes done to concede defeat when the last Gen pops.
  
• Not going after Survivors that get the self-unhook: "I respect the Kobe/4%, you get to live for now." Not every Killer does this, however.
  
• Wandering past hooks while carrying a Survivor: "Don't struggle, I am looking for Hatch/Door to give you it."

When Fear Becomes Friendship: About Being a Friendly Killer

Befriending Killers: Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know

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Two Survivors at close range, after having successfully tamed Ghostface with affection and kindness.

"A friendly Killer? Who the hell wants to do that? Why would I ever do that?" you may ask. That's a good question, and understandable, especially because it seems so counterintuitive to the game. However, straight slaughter can get boring after a while, and every so often you may want to play Killer for a Daily or Challenge, but just not care about winning. If that sounds like you, then what you need is to grab your favorite Killer and take them into the Fog solely to screw around and be silly. Take it from a semi-friendly Ghostface Main - there's a lot of fun to be had in just goofing off with Survivors, and the benefits of doing so are numerous.

For one, it connects with people. Behaving friendly, doing little interactions, and being chill on occasion can really endear you to Survivors and help you make new friends, in fact I've found a lot of my Dead by Daylight friends by pitting my Killers against them either as a friendly Killer or not, or by meeting them in the endgame chat as a Survivor against their Killers. For another, you might just not feel like killing, and in these cases communication with Survivors can give your Killer a personality, something that can do a lot to ease the sting of some of the more aggressive or annoying actions taken by other Killers they may have met. In other words, it can be a sign of good sportsmanship. You may even decide partway through a round that you don't want to kill certain Survivors because they have endeared themselves to you, also known as "taming" the Killer. It's not uncommon for a more chill Killer to decide to let some people go, or simply be a little nicer after killing a certain number of people just to cool off. Sometimes, our bloodlust is merciless... and sometimes, it can be sated with a few deaths and a couple good chases or scares.

Finally, goofing off and being friendly in some rounds rather than always going hard all the time can greatly reduce your blood pressure and stress, especially after a long and painful loss streak - don't lie, every single Killer in this game has run into some really painful and humiliating losses, and you're no different either, dear reader. As a bonus, simply being friendly rather than taking the game seriously in some rounds can reduce your MMR by losing naturally, which means you'll eventually find games you can do better in and practice in if you're still learning a character. This doesn't mean you have to farm, but it does mean you will have the chance to have some victory again, and perhaps make some new friends in the process.

Of course, don't do this as a way to refuse playing the game, and don't do this if the Survivors don't seem interested. It's totally fine to do it to concede defeat or just because you think the Survivors are cute. This action isn't bannable nor is it reportable, in fact it can be as lucrative as a regular round if not moreso if done right. I've gotten pips before just by showing mercy, and have gotten achievements because of Killers being friendly to me instead of going hard from the word go. Some of my most memorable rounds are due to others engaging in goofy, cute, or fun interactions, even when the Killer is being aggressive and playing the game to win. The ones that stick out are always the ones who make the game memorable in some way, be that by how ruthless or cunning they were, or by being silly and fun.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Stalker: Ghostface-Specific Behavior

"I Just Wanna Talk...": Ghostface and Survivor Communication

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A tense standoff at the endgate between Nea and Ghostface, as the latter decides whether to swoop in for the kill or let her go.

Ghostface in particular is a unique Killer in many ways due to his more passive stealth style of play, and that extends to his ability to communicate with Survivors. In fact, he's very well-suited to it in a way other Killers aren't, and though all the Killese above applies, he also speaks near-fluent Survivese! This is due to his crouch and lean, both of which are great for communicating intent and sometimes even gaining the Survivors' trust (whether he's sincere is another matter). He has enough special interactions that he is deserving of his own section.

In fact, so good is Ghostface at this sort of communication that most Survivors see Ghostface as a mix between unnerving and cute - unnerving because he can jumpscare, and cute because he reminds the Survivors of themselves. In other words, he's considered a fun time by everyone, and as a result is beloved. Whether you're interested in learning how to befriend the knife-wielding Ghost in the Fog, or are the stalker and just want to make a nice little phonecall to your friends before the scary movie really gets started, this is the section for you.

Walking/Movement

• Slow-walking/Shuffling: Attempting to show friendliness; attempting to creep up on a Survivor or repositioning for better Stalk in Shroud.
  
• Running around in a circle, spinning, or twirling if friendly, especially if combined with rapid crouching or nodding: Excitement, joy, friendliness, cuteness, a dance.
  
• Wandering close by in Shroud until Revealed: "I know you're here somewhere, and I know at some point you will Reveal me and betray your location." Usually ends up Revealing the Survivor.
  
• Creeping closer, but in the open and approaching you: This Ghostface has 99ed you and is approaching to finish the 99 before the Reveal hits him. He's usually doing this because he knows he can finish it before you can Reveal him. You're in danger - run!

Striking

• Stabbing the air in Shroud: A tactical tool to cancel Shroud, if he hasn't brought a certain addon that prevents it.

Crouching

• One or two crouches at a Survivor: Hello, or thank you - similar to Survivors.
  
• Rapidly crouching over or at a downed or hooked Survivor: Teabagging, a victory dance, a taunt. Spamming this is considered BM, but a couple quick bags is just a cheeky "hee hee gotcha".
  
• Rapidly crouching in the open while out of Shroud: "WAZZAAAAP?!" Usually an attempt to show friendliness or non-hostility.
  
• Rapidly crouching along with Survivors, friendly: A dance, friendliness, happiness, excitement. If done in response to a Survivor doing it and pointing, they're fulfilling a request to WAZZAAAAAP?!
  
• Crouching and moving around the map with Survivors, friendly: Conga Line, a game; chilling with Survivors.
  
• Crouching and approaching a Survivor slowly: If unfriendly, attempting to set up an ambush or stalk from crouch, usually at a generator. If friendly, trying to look small and cute, and often a request for boops, especially if looking up at a standing Survivor.
  
• Crouching, looking down sadly in a corner: A sad Ghostface, probably just wants to be left alone. May be receptive to boops or giving your item, and could use the kindness.
  
• Crouching rapidly or shuffle-crouching on/over a downed Survivor: An obvious teabag, yes, but also may combine in Humptech. Usually considered slightly less BM than Humptech or other Killers doing similar actions, since Ghostface's crouch is so commonly used to teabag. Like Humptech however, this behavior is usually considered BM.
  
• Crouched facing a generator being worked on, friendly: Pretending to do the generator.

Emotes

• Turning to face a freshly Downed Survivor so they can see his knife cleaning animation: "Hello, Sidney..." an intimidation attempt, an indicator this Ghostface is playing immersed or roleplaying. Usually Ghostfaces doing this will not turn friendly at any point.

Power Use

• Using stealth and Shroud to peekaboo: Trying to conserve Shroud and stalk at the same time. If Friendly, playing a game of hide and seek!
  
• Leaning around or behind objects, or crouched behind objects, not friendly: Attempting to fast-stalk a Survivor.
  
• Stalking at a generator and crouched nearby at very close range, especially if the Survs are injured or marked, and especially if they are on Death Hook: "I wanna play a game..." This game is called 'Do the Generators and Don't Fail The Skill Checks, or Else', and it's usually done in a semi-friendly manner. Ghostface will creep around in crouch closely and observe Survivors doing the gen at this time. If the Survivor fails the check, they will be Downed and taken to a hook while Ghostface forces the others to do the generator.
  
• Stalking crouched at close range, clipping into a crouched Survivor, friendly: Giving a little kiss! ^w^

Other

• Pretending to be friendly, faking aggression, or otherwise tricking you in some way: "Haha, gotcha!" It's not a good idea to trust either Stalker in general, but some may do things like fake friendliness or fake taking you to a hook just to spook you. This is almost always just done to troll, though it might feel like you've been BMed.
  
• Just jumping at you around corners and stuff all round: This Ghostface just wants to scare you, a lot like Jumpscare Myers. :)
  
  

  "It's a Scream!": Taming the Ghost

  ---

  
  
  Nea and Renato show kindness to a sad Ghostface clearly having a tough night by offering boops.
  
  Being an endearing character often seen as funny, cute, or entertaining by Survivors, and usually considered great fun as a result, Ghostface is often but not always tameable. As with any Killer, before engaging in any ritual to tame a Ghostface, always begin by assessing the situation. Does he seem friendly, look sad, or otherwise is not acting aggressively? If he is running at you or seems to have been upset all round, it's very unlikely he's friendly. If he is however, there are some interactions that can be done to show you want a truce or friendliness.
  
  
  • Pointing at a crouched Ghostface while also crouched at close range: Petting or booping, usually an appreciated and cute gesture.
    
  • Leaving your item: Also considered a cute, friendly, thankful, or nice gesture.
    
  • Teabagging with him: Unlike typical teabagging, this is a sacred dance of the Ghostface peoples and a method of camraderie or show of little ill will. It's not toxic or BM, and is in fact fun!
    
  • Conga line: Some Ghostfaces will do this if nicely asked, but not all.
    
  • Pointing and rapidly teabagging: "You, it's you, I love you! Do the dance, Stalky Friend! :D" If he's receptive, he will often nod and teabag back!
    
  • Photobombing his Mori: Some Ghostfaces find this hilarious, others do not like it. Make sure you understand the Ghostface in your Trial before doing this. Most, however, will think it's funny and snap a screenshot. I in particular have a rule to always spare anyone who photobombs my Mori (unless it's friends in customs).
    
  • Crouching with him face to face and looking into each others' eyes: Often looks like a special little moment, from both sides. May be considered a romantic gesture, "gossiping", or just being adorable together.
    
  • Dropping your item and trying to look small and cute, especially if injured: Asking for mercy. This does not always work, however and may only mean a truce for a short while.

Speaking With an Accent: Other Killer-Specific Behavior

Killers With Special Dialects

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A Friendly Pyramid Head observes Nea finishing a Generator.

Not every Killer is as blessed as Ghostface when it comes to communicating with Survivors. In fact, a few Killers have their own "dialects" of things that can't be done by other Killers, and some entirely lack types of communication that many Killers have. Some Killers may even have a secondary attack, which can aid them in possibly finding alternate methods of communication similar to Ghostface's crouching. As with Ghostface, these Killers also speak Killese, but they have extra considerations that change how they interact with Survivors. Typically, Killers with dialects have an M2 power or special conditions they can use as communication tools, a ranged attack, or some cue that can be spammed on command. This section discusses specific actions done by these Killers and how to read them.

This section is not complete by any means and can change as new Killers are added to the Fog. If yours isn't listed or you have suggestions for this section on how to communicate using your Killer, please leave a comment on the Guide and I'll add to this.

Killers With Special Dialects:

Trapper/Hag

• Spamming trap placement over a downed Survivor: A teabag, or the closest thing these Killers can get to it. Usually, Humptech is employed instead.
  
• Trapping the area around a Hook or a downed Survivor: A tactical tool to ensure another down, or at least waste Survivor time. Though considered annoying, this is not considered BM.
  
• Trapping a hook with a Survivor or a generator and then patrolling the area nearby: A tactical tool to secure more downs, waste time, and generally proxy-camp. Though considered annoying, this is not considered BM.
  
• Putting down Traps near Survivors while friendly: Giving the Survivors other objectives to do in order to give them and yourself more points.

Wraith

• Standing in one spot ringing the Bell: Trying to get the Survivors' attention, communicating friendliness, or attempting to alert Survivors. Usually only done by Friendly Wraiths.
  
• Ringing the Bell in chase: Excitement, joy, memeing, or attempting to show friendliness/goof off.
  
• Invisibly camping hatch or hooks: While annoying, this is a tactical tool and not necessarily BM, though it can come off as a "♥♥♥♥ you" to Survivors if done excessively.
  
• Spamming the Bell at a Downed or Hooked Survivor, especially the last one: Equivalent to Teabagging, a dominance display.
  
• Two bing-bongs, but not fully uncloaking: Either he has misjudged the timing on his Uncloak by mistake, or is tactically trying to spook Survivors away from a generator to jumpscare or hit the gen with a perk like Overcharge.
  
• In cloak, standing still so his shimmer cannot be seen: Attempting to set up a jumpscare, especially on an unwary Survivor. This may or may not work depending on how good the setup is, what add-ons he has brought, etc.
  
• Spamming the Bell while also striking repeatedly on hook: This is an angry, angry Wraith telling the Survivor "♥♥♥♥ you, I got you ♥♥♥♥♥". This is considered BM.

Nurse/Spirit

• Special Consideration (Nurse): Being a teleporting and otherwise very slow Killer, the Nurse cannot truly humptech.
  
• Teleporting away from Survivors, Friendly: Follow me, come here, etc.
  
• Blinking erratically in a non-tactical, non-chase way: A game, goofing around.
  
• Spinning around: A dance, friendly, goofing around.
  
• Vaulting (Nurse): A meme.

Billy/Bubba

• Zooming around randomly, not in chase: Practicing their power, trying to goof around, or generally being silly.
  
• Spamming the chainsaw: Trying to get Survivors' attention, spook Survivors from an area, intimidate Survivors, or otherwise alert to where they are. May also be memeing.
  
• As Bubba, camping the basement, especially with Insidious: A meme, "Basement Bubba".
  
• As Bubba, camping a hooked Survivor: A meme, "Camping Bubba". Like Ghostface teabagging, this is generally not considered BM, but when done excessively can be BM.

Doctor

• Spamming Spark while Friendly near Survivors: Usually done for a Daily, a Challenge, or to goof around with Survivors.
  
• Spamming Spark in Chase: A taunt mid-chase, possibly BM if done excessively. If done tactically, it may be used to stop Survivors from dropping pallets or vaulting, allowing an extra hit or a down.
  
• Charging Spark repeatedly but not using it: Used as an emotive gesture to communicate friendliness or wave similarly to Survivors.

Huntress, Trickster, Deathslinger, Clown, Plague, Unknown

• Friendly, throwing at Survivors popping up behind objects or through windows: Practicing aim, a game.
  
• Spinning and using projectiles randomly: A game, a dance, goofing around. May also be a victory dance.
  
• Projectiles during a slug race: A victory celebration, "Yaaayyyy you win!"

Pig

• Spamming crouch over a downed Survivor: An attempt at a teabag. This is similar to Ghostface's Teabagging in that it is not always BM, more of a cheeky taunt, especially because of her slower crouch speed.
  
• Spamming crouch at a Survivor on hook: Teabagging, a taunt. This is usually considered BM.
  
• Spamming ambush to growl, especially to RBTed Survivors: A taunt, "Boop or die", intimidation.
  
• Spamming ambush to growl, friendly: Trying to get Survivors' attention, talking, a request for boops.
  
• Ambushing at Jigsaw Boxes: A dirty ambush tactic to secure another down. Less common after her rework.
  
• Crouching near a crouched Survivor and nodding, friendly: A request for boops.

Demogorgon

• Crouching to portal, but not doing so: An ask for pets, cuteness, trying to look small and adorable, showing friendliness.
  
• Random Shreds not used to down or break anything: Often an attempt to be cute, sometimes done to get into or onto strange places such as objects with poor collision.
  
• Hissing by spamming Shred: Talking to Survivors.

Pyramid Head

• Special Consideration: Pyramid Head is the only Killer that cannot shake or nod their head, and therefore has no emote-related communication options.
  
• Drawing pictures with the Torment Trails: Friendly, trying to be cute or nice.
  
• Pointing out things with the Torment Trails/Rites of Judgement: Go there, do this, interact with that.
  
• Drawing a Trail at exit gate: The Start line to a coming Slug Race, a game.

Twins

• Special Consideration: Victor and Charlotte can both nod/shake their heads, however Victor must be detached from Charlotte first. Victor is very limited in his actions and cannot use Striking-related options.
  
• Running around as Victor near Survivors, Friendly: A fun little dance, a game. Kick the baby!

Nemesis and Wesker

• Nemmy, whipping interactables that can't be broken: Go here, do this.
  
• Twirling: A little dance, often done to amuse Survivors because his coattails fly up or as a victory dance.
  
• Nemmy, Punching an interactable: Go here, do this. May also be done to show rage or as a "BOOYAH!". If done to a Zombie, usually tactical to get them to spawn somewhere more useful.
  
• Wesker, turning friendly/DCing after 7 minutes: A meme, he only had "seven minutes to play with you."
  
• Wesker, throwing Survivors repeatedly, friendly: Usually a game, often done to goof around.

Pinhead

• Spamming chains after a Survivor but not hitting them: Either missing his Chain Hunt attacks, or doing it to taunt the Survivor. Though frustrating, this is generally not considered BM.
  
• Camping the Box: No longer possible after an update, but was used to force a Chain Hunt. This was widely considered BM.

Special Cases: Other Types of Behavior

NSFW Actions

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Two Survivors show Ghostface a good time in a shady, private little corner of Lery's.

Dead By Daylight is, obviously, a Mature-rated video game about horror villains and the people they hunt down, and it is filled with gore, blood, disgusting stuff, and general terror as a result. However, there's one other aspect of the game that often is overlooked in communication, and that's the fact that sometimes, the Fog gets a little... hot and heavy. Sometimes, certain characters awaken passion and desires in people and the scene becomes less about spilling blood, and more about spilling something else. ;) In these NSFW circumstances, whether you're a Killer who wants to really get close to your favorite Survivor or a Survivor who's found that special Slasher in your life, there's communication tools for that, too.

A note: Some of these tools overlap with typical gamer dominance behaviors, however overuse when done without care or in an overly aggressive manner can be considered BM. It's probably for the best that you are cautious in how and when you do these, otherwise they might be mistaken for something more rude.

Survivor-Specific:

• Crouching behind a Killer or Survivor, AFK or Otherwise, and spamming the Wave emote: Slapping the other's ass, usually done as a mildly sexual taunt or silly gesture. Usually only done if the person is not moving or the person allows it.
  
• Approaching a standing Killer, crouching down in front of them, and spamming the Wave emote: A gesture implied to be oral sex. From the Killer's perspective, it looks exactly like this. If the Killer is receptive they may lean their head back or shuffle back and forth while looking down. Though this looks silly to everyone else, to them it looks like one hell of a great time with their favorite Survivor. ;)
  
• When downed, crawling over to/onto a bed or bedlike-structure/Pointing at a bed or bedlike structure: "Hey there sexy, why don't you come over here and we'll play BRED by Daylight instead? ;)" May be accompanied by waving to the Killer to get them to follow you. Always flirtatious and might even lead to the above actions.
  
• Shuffling or teabag-crouching over another downed Survivor's butt: Implied sex. Doesn't look like it from the Survivor's viewpoint, however. Very commonly done to any Survivor who has questionable-sounding pain moans, such as Leon. This behavior can sometimes be considered BM.
  
• Purposefully failing skillchecks while carried: Moantech, usually done to imply either sexual excitement or to get the Killer to be silly, a meme.

Killer-Specific:

• Shuffling back and forth over a downed Survivor: Commonly called Humptech, this is done to show dominance as it looks like sex from the Killer's perspective. This is usually done similarly to a teabag, since most Killers are not able to teabag. Especially likely if you're Leon, or another favorite Survivor with questionable moaning sounds. This behavior can sometimes be considered BM.
  
• Standing in front of a downed/hooked Survivor and looking them up and down: "Niiiice... ;)" The Killer is admiring the view, and finds your Survivor attractive. Often done to Jane, Thalita, Vittorio, David, Felix, or any other Survivor with a shirtless skin or an especially prominent behind. If accompanied with nodding, they especially approve! DO NOT confuse this for face-camping or slugging, the Killer will usually hook the Survivor or leave to let them get unhooked.

Bad Manners

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Ghostface demonstrates teabagging: A double-edged sword.

Unfortunately, not everyone in the Fog is so kind, and not everyone is looking to make the round fun. Some people have bad manners, whether they're simply salty or just want to make your life miserable. This behavior is unfortunately common and not exclusive to either side, nor will it be up for debate in the comments of this guide as to which of these count. This is simply a list of behaviors most commonly seen as BM or somewhat unsavory by a majority of the community, and might be considered controversial.

Survivor-Specific:

• Teabagging another Survivor on hook or while downed
  
• Body-blocking another Survivor (also called Sandbagging)
  
• Chain-stunning or Chain-blinding the Killer excessively (Do not mistake a normal blind or a few lucky chained stuns for this)
  
• Pointing another hiding Survivor out to the Killer
  
• Working with the Killer (this is also reportable)
  
• Cheating, subtly or otherwise (this is also reportable)
  
• Teabagging aggressively at the exit gate or hatch instead of finishing objectives/just leaving
  
• DCing in general (that isn't caused by internet issues; do not confuse connectivity or a glitch for this)
  
• Bringing an entire group with builds and items meant to irritate the Killer (Bully Squads, less common than they were but still exist; do not confuse a strong or Meme SWF for this)
  
• Being the last two Survivors and hiding for a very long time so the Killer cannot find you and end the game (holding the game hostage; this is also reportable)
  
• Anything done to purposefully irritate the Killer or other Survivors into DCing

Killer-Specific:

• Only targeting one Survivor all or most of the round, especially at 5 gens or after being unhooked (Tunneling; do not confuse constantly being found or a long chase for this)
  
• Downing everyone and leaving them to bleed out instead of hooking, especially at 5 gens and especially if you then camp their bodies (Slugging; do not confuse a prolonged down for this)
  
• Standing directly next to or in front of a hooked Survivor so their team cannot safely get the unhook (Face-camping or Camping; do not confuse Proxy Camping or checking hooks as part of a patrol for this)
  
• Cheating, subtly or otherwise (this is also reportable)
  
• Bringing a build and items meant specifically to irritate the Survivors
  
• Humptech, especially if the Survivor isn't in on the joke, receptive, or a friend.
  
• Body-blocking Survivors into a corner and refusing to move or going AFK (holding the game hostage; this is also reportable)
  
• Anything done to purposefully irritate Survivors into DCing

Please try your utmost to avoid these behaviors. Being a Survivor is often difficult, and being a Killer is also difficult sometimes. The game already causes enough salt as it is, please do not add to that.

Conclusion and Special Thanks

So, now you know how to speak with Killers, how to speak with Survivors, and how to speak with each other. Please use this knowledge wisely. There's enough toxicity and salt in this community, and it's my hope that this guide will help cut down on some of that by reducing any misunderstandings. Of course, please try not to do anything in this guide labeled as common BM - you all really do know better than that. Instead, use your knowledge and this guide to make the Fog a better, more interesting, and kinder place for everyone. Just because you're being hunted, or doing the hunting, is no excuse to behave like a monster.

Now go forth, hunt, run, hide, stalk, zoom, teleport, save, escape, die, and bleed as ever. I hope to see and talk to you all in the Fog very, very soon!

Ghostface and Nea say farewell, and happy hiding/hunting!

---

A Special Thanks to the following Friends in the Fog who helped make this guide possible, mainly with screenshots or by playing with me:

• RacoonUwUz
  
• SavageNedved
  
• le-epic-noob
  
• lilmom1819
  
• Nez/darkheartsTTV
  
• Where's The Killer?
  
• MegaMoo
  
• YourOwnererTTV
  
• I Am The Nea
  
• Hex: Horror Fanatic
  
• artfulmonster1234
  
• XRavenSnowX
  
• NaK3dxRID3r
  
• Boon: Friendly Killer
  
• TVBoops4Free
  
• wokapi
  
• Rue Nellel
  
• Nodders
  
• maestroheartsuTTV
  
• Anime Jesus
  
• cliped by sy
  
• Code B112
  
• egwgegwg
  
• tiddie mouf
  
• bumhole mouf
  
• ... And too many others for me to list here. Thank you for being my friends, my team mates... and my victims.

[MonsterInUrCloset]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. :D

[BluJay320]

You forgot the c*ck slap. Same concept as the oral sex move, but positioned slightly further from the killer, so it looks as though you're smacking the willy

Also, thank you for the new meme name, BRED by daylight

[Kukareku<3]

Да у меня курсач короче, чем это руководство

[Space Brick]

Dredge can pet survivors with his gloaming because he sticks his hand out