The following Code of Conduct was taken from Darkness Emergent Chicago and rewritten for our purposes. The original can be found here.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose: The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish expected behavior to ensure that all participants feel safe, free from harassment, and are able to engage with each other in a shared hobby.

Expected Behavior:

Respect and Inclusivity: Treat all participants with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.

Harassment-Free Environment: Harassment and discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to: offensive verbal comments, deliberate intimidation, stalking, unwanted photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome attention.

Professionalism: Maintain professionalism in all interactions, including online communication related to the event.

Safety: Ensure the safety of all participants. If you see a situation that could potentially be dangerous, please report it.

Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language that respects all individuals, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion.

Respect Venue and Materials: Treat the event venue and materials with care and respect.

Unacceptable Behavior: Behavior that violates any expected behavior including material destruction of property, harm to self or others, harm to venue or surrounding areas or other offensive behavior will not be tolerated.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior: Any violations of the Code of Conduct may result in a verbal warning for minor infractions, removal from the event space or venue for repeated or severe infractions or additional coordination with local authorities.

Reporting Violations: Any violations of the Code of Conduct should be immediately reported to one of the Storytelling Staff. Storytelling Staff will coordinate any issues which may require outside assistance.

Acknowledgment: By participating in this event, you agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct. The Storytelling Staff reserve the right to take appropriate action in response to any violation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY IN LARP

Emotional Safety Mechanisms in LARP

Going Out of Character (OOC)

To indicate a shift to out-of-character conversation, you can either use the verbal cue "Off game" or "OOC discussion," or employ a hand signal by crossing your fingers. This hand signal is commonly referred to as "OOC fingers."

The OK Check-In

This basic yet essential safety mechanic allows players to inquire about each other's emotional states. To implement it, one player makes the "OK" hand sign at another, who can respond in three ways:

• Thumbs up: Indicates comfort and willingness to proceed.
• Level hand: Uncertainty; triggers an OOC discussion.
• Thumbs down: Discomfort; prompts extraction from the situation.

Remember, the absence of a response to the "OK" symbol is treated as a thumbs-down.

Look Down

This mechanic enables players to quickly and discreetly exit uncomfortable situations. A player raises their hand to their forehead, as if shielding their eyes, and then can leave the scene. In Character vs. Character (CvC) instances, the player's sheet is handed to the Storyteller (ST) in charge.

Hard Pause

Initiated by raising both hands in a 'stop' gesture or calling "CUT!", this mechanic freezes the scene for recalibration. Here, the initiating player can either leave the scene, handing off their character sheet in CvC situations, or suggest modifications for resuming the scene comfortably.

Additional Notes

1. Flat hand and thumbs-down are treated identically to circumvent players' hesitation to indicate distress.
2. External checks from outside the scene are encouraged, especially in high-stakes or intense scenes.
3. These mechanisms can be activated by anyone, regardless of their in-character or out-of-character roles within a given situation.
4. Players can also enter scenes unacknowledged by using the "Look Down" mechanic.
5. The character sheet should be handed to the ST in CvC instances, for both "Look Down" and " Hard Pause."

LARP Consent Mechanisms: Ensuring Safe and Respectful Gameplay

The document specifies a comprehensive set of consent mechanisms tailored to safeguard participants' physical, emotional, and mental well-being in Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) settings. These guidelines ensure that everyone involved is aware of and comfortable with the unfolding events and interactions. Below are the core elements:

1. Opting Out – The Foundation of Consent: At any point during a game, players are allowed to withdraw from a scene or situation that they find uncomfortable, unsafe, or triggering. This not only protects the player but also maintains a respectful environment for everyone involved.
2. Affirmative Consent Negotiations – Pre-Scene Agreements: Before engaging in scenes that involve sensitive or contentious topics, including in-character (IC) sexuality or unconventional physical touching, affirmative consent must be negotiated with all participants. This process is vital for ensuring that boundaries are respected and players are aware of what to expect. Failure to secure this form of consent can result in immediate corrective actions.
3. OK Check-In – Real-Time Comfort Assessment: This is a mechanism that enables real-time gauging of comfort levels during active gameplay. Using universally understood hand signals — thumbs-up for comfort, a flat hand for uncertainty, and thumbs-down for discomfort — players can non-verbally communicate their current state. If someone signals discomfort or uncertainty, gameplay is paused to check in with the individual, ensuring immediate attention to their needs.
4. Fade to Black – Discontinuation Option: In non-combat scenes, any participant or storyteller can invoke the "Fade to Black" rule to immediately end the scene for reasons of discomfort or distress. Storytellers are generally obligated to honor these requests unless they involve certain combat situations that require further adjudication.

Each of these mechanisms is designed to complement the others, offering multiple layers of protection and agency for participants. By adhering to these guidelines, a LARP event can ensure a safer, more respectful, and ultimately more enjoyable experience for all.