COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

PURPOSE

These guidelines establish the standards, safety protocols, and procedures that ensure everyone can participate safely and respectfully in Cities of Darkness events while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members

COMMUNITY STANDARDS

Respectful Interaction

Treat all participants with respect and consideration, valuing diverse perspectives and viewpoints that enrich our community.

Harassment-Free Environment

Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated. This includes offensive comments, intimidation, stalking, unauthorized recording, event disruption, inappropriate physical contact, and unwanted attention.

Professional Conduct

Maintain courteous behavior in all interactions, including online communications related to events.

Inclusive Language

Use language that welcomes and respects all participants, regardless of their background or identity.

Safety First

Look out for everyone's wellbeing. Report potentially dangerous situations to staff immediately.

Weapons and Props

Weapons and weapon props are not permitted at Cities of Darkness events. Off-duty law enforcement officers are permitted to carry firearms unless otherwise prohibited by law.

Age Requirements

Due to the adult themes present in Cities of Darkness events, minors are not permitted to participate. All participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Alcohol and Substances

Individual games may have their own policies regarding alcohol consumption. Participants should check with their specific game's policies. Illegal substances are never permitted at Cities of Darkness events under any circumstances.

Venue and Property Care

Treat event locations and materials with respect and care.

Accessibility Accommodations

We encourage participants who need accommodations to contact game organizers in advance. Organizers are expected to work with participants to provide reasonable accommodations whenever possible to ensure everyone can participate fully in our community.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN LARP

Out-of-Character Communication

Signal non-roleplay conversation by saying "Off game" or "OOC discussion," or use the hand signal of crossed fingers (called "OOC fingers").

Comfort Check System

Players can assess each other's wellbeing using the "OK" hand gesture. Responses include:

• Thumbs up: Comfortable and ready to continue
• Flat hand: Uncertain, needs discussion
• Thumbs down: Uncomfortable, requires scene exit
• No response: Treated as thumbs down

Note: Flat hand and thumbs-down responses are treated identically - both require the scene to stop immediately. This allows people hesitant to express strong discomfort to use the flat hand gesture with the same result.

Discreet Exit Protocol

Leave uncomfortable situations quietly by placing your hand over your forehead (as if shielding your eyes from sunlight) and departing. In Character vs Character scenarios, give your character sheet to the assigned Storyteller. Players may also enter scenes unnoticed using this same gesture.

Emergency Stop

Halt any scene by raising both hands in a stop gesture or calling "CUT!" You can then either exit the scene or discuss modifications before continuing. In Character vs Character situations, transfer your character sheet to the Storyteller.

Additional Safety Notes

• External observers are encouraged to check on participants during intense scenes
• Anyone can activate these safety measures regardless of their role
• Character sheets must be given to Storytellers in all Character vs Character exit situations

CONSENT PROTOCOLS

These protocols protect participants' wellbeing during Live Action Role-Playing, ensuring everyone understands and feels comfortable with ongoing interactions.

Right to Withdraw

Participants may leave any scene or situation that causes discomfort, feels unsafe, or triggers distress at any time. This protects individual wellbeing while maintaining community respect.

Pre-Scene Consent

Before engaging in scenes involving sensitive topics, including in-character intimacy or unusual physical contact, all participants must discuss and agree to boundaries. Proceeding without proper consent will result in immediate staff intervention.

Real-Time Monitoring

The comfort check system (described above) allows ongoing assessment of participant wellbeing during gameplay, enabling immediate response when discomfort or uncertainty is signaled.

Fade to Black

Any participant or storyteller can invoke "Fade to Black" to immediately end any scene due to discomfort. In combat scenes, a resolution to the combat may need to be negotiated between participants before play resumes.

These interconnected safety mechanisms provide multiple layers of protection and participant agency, ensuring safer and more enjoyable experiences for all community members.

ADDRESSING VIOLATIONS

Unacceptable Behavior

Property damage, harm to persons or venues, and behavior that contradicts our community standards will not be tolerated.

Reporting Process

Report violations immediately to Storytelling Staff, who will coordinate appropriate responses and external assistance if needed. Methods of identifying Storytelling Staff may vary between hosting games, and each game has a duty to inform participants of how to identify Storytelling Staff at their event.

Documentation

When reporting incidents, participants are encouraged to document relevant information such as witness statements, photos of any property damage, and detailed accounts of what occurred. This documentation helps staff address violations appropriately and thoroughly.

Consequences

Minor infractions receive verbal warnings. Repeated or serious violations result in removal from the event and may lead to being banned from future events or Cities of Darkness in its entirety. Local authorities may be involved when necessary.

Appeal Process

Participants who feel they have been unfairly penalized may appeal decisions by contacting Cities of Darkness by email at [PLACE EMAIL HERE]. Appeals should include a detailed explanation of the circumstances and any relevant documentation.

Participation Agreement

By participating, you agree to follow these guidelines. Staff reserve the right to take appropriate action regarding any violations.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By joining Cities of Darkness, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to these Community Guidelines, Safety Protocols, and Consent Protocols. Your participation indicates your commitment to helping maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all members of our community.