Code of Conduct

By Playing in the game you acknowledge that you have both read the Code of Conduct, and have agreed to abide by it.

---

Out of Character (OOC) Behavior

• Respect and Courtesy: Treat all players and community members with respect and courtesy. Avoid offensive language, insults, harassment, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal attributes.
• Constructive Communication: Engage in constructive and positive communication. Encourage open discussions, feedback, and the exchange of ideas while remaining respectful of differing opinions.
• Separation of IC and OOC: Distinguish between in-character (IC) interactions and out-of-character (OOC) discussions. Refrain from taking IC events or actions personally, and avoid bringing OOC conflicts into IC situations.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Embrace and celebrate diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Create an inclusive environment where all players feel welcome and valued.
• Real-Life Priorities: Understand that players have lives outside the game. Be understanding of personal commitments, time constraints, and the need for occasional breaks.
• No Metagaming: Avoid using OOC knowledge to influence IC decisions or interactions. Keep OOC information separate from IC actions.
• Help and Support: Be willing to assist and support fellow players, especially newcomers. Foster a collaborative and helpful community for everyone to enjoy.
• Conflict Resolution: If conflicts arise, address them calmly and respectfully. Seek resolution through private discussions or with the assistance of moderators, if necessary.
• Feedback and Growth: Offer constructive feedback to help improve the game and each other's roleplaying experiences. Use feedback as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
• Follow Rules and Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the game rules and guidelines. Respect the decisions made by moderators and adhere to established mechanics and roleplaying standards.
• Avoid Spoilers: Respect the immersive experience for others by avoiding spoilers or discussing plot details outside designated OOC channels.
• Appreciate Efforts: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of moderators and fellow players in creating a fun and engaging gaming environment.

---

In Character (IC) Behavior

• Consent and Boundaries: Respect the boundaries and comfort levels of other players. Obtain consent before engaging in intense or potentially sensitive IC interactions.
• Separation of IC and OOC: Distinguish between in-character (IC) actions and out-of-character (OOC) feelings. Avoid taking IC events personally and separate IC conflicts from OOC interactions.
• No Metagaming: Base IC actions and decisions solely on information available to your character, not on OOC knowledge or speculation.
• Character Development: Embrace character growth and development over time. Allow your character to evolve based on their experiences and interactions within the game world.
• IC Consequences: Accept the consequences of your character's actions and choices. Be prepared to face the outcomes, positive or negative, resulting from their behavior.
• Avoid PVP Conflict: Engage in player-versus-player (PVP) conflict with consideration and consent from all involved parties. Ensure PVP scenes are conducted respectfully and fairly.  (ST Note: This is not to prevent all PVP, see rule about IC consequences.)
• Avoid Overpowering: Balance your character's abilities and strengths, avoiding overpowering or invincible traits that may detract from the immersive experience.
• Encourage Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other players to create engaging and interactive storylines that involve multiple characters and perspectives.
• Avoid Backseat Roleplaying: Allow each player to make decisions for their character without interference or unsolicited advice from others.

---

A note on Positive Metagaming

Positive metagaming refers to the use of out-of-character (OOC) knowledge or information to enhance the roleplaying experience in a constructive and collaborative manner. While metagaming is generally discouraged when it involves using OOC knowledge to gain an unfair advantage or disrupt the narrative, positive metagaming can be used to promote better storytelling, character development, and overall enjoyment of the game.
Positive metagaming is possible when players use their OOC knowledge to help facilitate engaging and immersive interactions between characters. For example, if a player knows that another character has a specific fear or backstory, they can create opportunities for their characters to interact in ways that explore and challenge these aspects, leading to deeper character development and meaningful roleplay.
It is appropriate to use positive metagaming when players are mindful of the impact it has on the game and other players. This type of metagaming should be done with consent and collaboration, ensuring that all parties involved are comfortable with the storyline developments and that they add depth to the roleplaying experience.
In essence, positive metagaming is about leveraging OOC knowledge responsibly to enrich the narrative, strengthen character relationships, and contribute to a more cohesive and enjoyable game world. When done with respect for the rules, the game's integrity, and the consent of all players involved, positive metagaming can be a powerful tool to foster cooperative storytelling and create memorable and meaningful roleplaying moments.

---

Triggers and The World Of Darkness

In the World of Darkness, while there is magic, wonder, and high fantasy, it is still a setting that explores dark and mature themes. As players engage in the storytelling, it is essential to remember that the game may touch on sensitive or triggering subjects. However, the Storrytelling Staff acknowledges the importance of player comfort and well-being.
If a plot involves themes that may be triggering for a player, they are encouraged to communicate their concerns openly and honestly. The STs and fellow players will respect these boundaries and work collaboratively to ensure that the player's experience remains enjoyable and safe. There will be no penalty or negative consequences for requesting to step out of a scene that touches on difficult themes.
Prioritizing player comfort is a fundamental aspect of creating a supportive and inclusive gaming environment. By respecting each other's boundaries and providing the necessary support, players can engage in the narrative while feeling secure and valued in the community. It is crucial to foster a culture of empathy and understanding, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the roleplaying experience while navigating the darker aspects of the World of Darkness.

---

ERP Rules

In the server's public channels or in-game sessions, Erotic Roleplay (ERP) is strictly prohibited. Engaging in ERP in public spaces can make other players uncomfortable and disrupt the immersive experience for everyone involved.
Instead, players are encouraged to handle any mature or explicit content privately through private messages, or off-server platforms. Privacy and consent are crucial when exploring sensitive or intimate scenes. Players must obtain explicit consent from all involved parties before engaging in any mature content.
If players wish to include romantic or intimate elements in their roleplaying, they should ensure that it is done respectfully and considerately. When approaching such scenes, players can choose to "fade to black," indicating that the details of the encounter are left to the imagination, respecting the privacy and boundaries of the characters involved.
STs can see your private channels, so please do not take ERP to a private channel

---

Treatment of STs (Storytellers/Game Moderators)

• Respect and Appreciation: Show respect and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the STs in creating and running the game. Recognize that they invest time and effort to provide an enjoyable experience for all players.
• Communication: Maintain open and constructive communication with the STs. Address any concerns, questions, or feedback in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Patience: Understand that STs have multiple responsibilities, both in and out of the game. Be patient when waiting for responses or updates.
• Follow the Rules: Abide by the rules and guidelines set by the STs. Respect their decisions and judgments, even if they may not always align with personal preferences.
• Separation of IC and OOC: Distinguish between in-character (IC) interactions and out-of-character (OOC) discussions when addressing STs. Avoid mixing IC grievances with OOC disagreements.
• Avoid Arguing: Refrain from arguing with STs during gameplay, especially during intense moments or combat scenes. Address concerns privately and calmly after the session.
• Avoid Metagaming: Do not pressure or attempt to influence STs regarding plotlines, character outcomes, or other IC elements. Allow them to guide the narrative impartially.
• Appreciate Challenges: Acknowledge that STs may present challenging scenarios and obstacles to enhance the game's excitement and immersive experience.
• Constructive Feedback: Provide constructive feedback when appropriate, focusing on ways to improve the game's mechanics and storytelling.
• Supportive Community: Foster a supportive and inclusive community where all players encourage and uplift one another, including the STs.

---

When the ST Says "No"

When a Storyteller (ST) says "no," it means that they are setting a firm boundary or restriction within the game. As the game moderator or storyteller, their role is to maintain the game's balance, ensure fair play, and create an immersive and enjoyable experience for all players. When they say "no," it signifies that a particular action, request, or suggestion is not allowed within the context of the game's rules or guidelines.
Respecting the ST's decision is essential for maintaining a positive and harmonious gaming environment. There are several reasons why an ST might say "no":

• Rules and Mechanics: The action or request might violate the game's established rules or mechanics, which are in place to ensure fairness and consistency.
• Story Integrity: The action might disrupt the narrative or storyline, affecting the game's overall integrity and coherence.
• Balancing Issues: The ST might be preventing an action that could unbalance the game or provide an unfair advantage to a player.
• Setting and Theme: The action might not align with the setting, theme, or genre of the game, affecting the immersive experience.
• Consistency with Lore: The request might conflict with the established lore or background of the game world.
• Respecting Boundaries: The ST might be upholding the boundaries set for the game to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment.

When an ST says "no," it is crucial for players to respect and accept that decision without attempting to find loopholes or workarounds. Doing so can lead to frustration and create a negative atmosphere in the game. Respecting the ST's authority and decision-making is essential for maintaining a cohesive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved. Attempting to challenge or find ways around an ST's decision can lead to a breakdown in trust between the players and the ST, as well as disrupt the integrity of the game's narrative and mechanics. It is essential for players to communicate any concerns or questions they may have respectfully and constructively, rather than trying to bypass the ST's ruling. But sometimes, the answer will still be no.
STs have the responsibility of overseeing the game, maintaining its balance, and ensuring that the rules and guidelines are followed consistently. Their decisions are made with the best interest of the game and the players in mind. While players may not always agree with or fully understand an ST's ruling, accepting it allows for smoother gameplay and better overall immersion in the game world.

---

Consequences

If the Code of Conduct is not followed, several consequences and actions may be taken to address the situation and maintain a positive environment. The specific consequences may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the violations. Here are some potential actions that might be taken:

• Verbal Warning: The player might receive a verbal warning from a moderator or game administrator, reminding them of the Code of Conduct and advising them to adhere to it in the future.
• Server Mute: The player may be temporarily prevented from sending messages or participating in voice chats on a server
• Temporary Suspension: In more serious cases, a temporary suspension from the game or community might be imposed. This allows the player some time to reflect on their behavior and make necessary changes.
• Permanent Ban: For severe or repeated violations, a permanent ban from the game or community might be imposed, preventing the player from participating further.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation: If the issues involve conflicts between players, a moderator might intervene and facilitate a mediation process to resolve the situation amicably.
• Clarification and Education: In some cases, players might receive clarification about specific rules or guidelines to prevent misunderstandings in the future.

---