Code of Conduct

All EAO policies are living documents and are subject to change. If you have concerns or suggestions for the improvement of any policies, please email Owners@fantasyalivelrp.com.

UPDATED: 2023-09-27

FORWARD

Endless Adventures Ontario (EAO) strives to maintain a good atmosphere for Live Action Role-play (LARP) as well as to make all people feel welcome. Doing so provides an enjoyable and entertaining experience for everyone.

In games run by EAO, which can be socially competitive and at times high adrenaline, it can be easy to come across misunderstandings and disagreements. This Code of Conduct outlines what is expected at EAO events and on any EAO public or private forums such as the website, Facebook pages/groups or Discord.

Please play smart and be respectful of each other.

INTRODUCTION

EAO aims to create an in-game experience that is filled with danger and challenges both physical and social. This allows players to explore both positive and negative aspects of society in a safe atmosphere. Out of game, however, we expect our community to maintain an environment free of harassment or behaviour that causes other players to feel unsafe or unwelcome.

The following Code of Conduct is not meant to be exhaustive and may be modified by EAO at any time. Participating in any EAO events, functions, or forums indicates agreement to this Code of Conduct. Breaking the Code of Conduct can result in corrective action up to and including termination of your ability to play or participate.

PLAYING FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL

All EAO games are designed to bring people together to collaboratively build a game world that everyone can join in and enjoy. It is the responsibility of all players of EAO games, from Owners and Plot, to Cast and Characters, to maintain this enjoyable world. When playing EAO games, everyone should be working to share in the fun, include people in the excitement, and work together to solve the problems. No one player, or one group of players’, enjoyment may be made a priority over another. The only way these games can be the best they can be is when all the players work together to see that everyone has fun. Below are specific methods to accomplish this goal.

VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT

Conduct that ought to have been reasonably known to be incorporating abusive, overly harsh, consistently derogatory, insulting, or intentionally demeaning behaviour will not be tolerated by EAO. Out of Character physical abuse, discrimination, or verbal abuse will also not be accepted. Such behaviour will lead to corrective action up to and including the individual being asked to leave EAO events either temporarily or permanently, or the involvement of law enforcement should the behaviour violate the law. Individuals removed from game will only be allowed to return to EAO events at the discretion of the game Owner and Directors. This policy applies to everyone in the EAO community: Players, Marshals, Plot, Cast and Volunteers, and Staff.

The policy is guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code. This Code defines harassment as: “engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought to be known to be unwelcome.” We all have some common sense around what are appropriate comments for public consumption and what aren’t. The Code also prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, and sexual orientation.

Reporting: If you are the target of violence, discrimination or harassment by a Player, Cast member, Plot Member, Marshall, or Staff of EAO please speak to the game Owner, Director or an EAO Support Team member. If the incident is of a criminal nature, ensure that you also report it to the police. Complaints can also be made through a third party, but will need to be confirmed with the complainant as well as those involved before corrective action can be taken.

All complaints will be heard and investigated with as much sensitivity and care as possible as per the EAO Support Manual. EAO is intended to be a welcoming place for all so it is our hope that no one will ever feel as though they cannot speak to one of the representatives listed.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

EAO does not allow alcohol or any illegal drugs or any player under the influence at its events. This includes in the parking lot or anywhere on the premises, even before the game begins or after it ends. EAO will remove any member suspected of being intoxicated from game. Further infractions by an individual will lead to more severe corrective action.

Any illegal drugs found will be immediately reported to the police and that player will be removed from the game.

PLAYER, STAFF, PLOT & CAST EXPECTATIONS

Communicate. Everyone has different comfort levels. Here are a few ways you can communicate with your fellow players to ensure everyone’s enjoyment:

Check In:

If you’re not sure if your behaviour is welcome, just ask. If you feel unsure after an emotionally charged event or discussion has happened in game feel free to speak to the other people involved. Check in with the person by putting your hand or weapon on your head or don a yellow headband to signify that you’re asking out of game. If you are uncomfortable with someone’s behaviour towards you ask them to desist with the offending behaviour. If it persists, report it to a game Owner, Director or an EAO Support Team member.

Exit Scene:

Any Player may at any time signify themselves as OOG (out-of-game) and declare “Exit Scene” to immediately leave the current situation they are in if they feel unsafe for OOG reasons. When declaring this, the player must then immediately leave that area where that portion of the game is occurring. Should the Player require assistance from another, that Player may also make the same actions and calls to provide that assistance. Any Players using this call must remain OOG until they can speak to an Owner to ensure the player is safe and healthy. The player may then return to the game in another location based on the Owner and Player’s discretion. No Player will ever be penalized for using this call unless it is deemed to be abusing the call by an Owner.

Change of Scene Request:

Any Player may request of any Plot, Red-Light, Owner or other Player that the scene in which they are in be altered to accommodate OOG mental or physical health concerns. This may be done through putting your hand or weapon on your head or don a yellow headband to signify that you’re asking out of game and making a simple statement to the other Player such as “I am not comfortable OOG with the current scene. Can we please skip this part/not discuss this idea/not require these actions/etc.” When possible, a card with this option will be made available at Logistics for any Player to take and produce to another Player instead of the initial statement. No Player is ever required to provide a reason for this request. When this Change of Scene Request is made, the other Player(s) involved must comply and adjust the current scene to comply. No Player will ever be penalized for using this call unless it is deemed to be abusing the call by an Owner.

Show respect toward all property and possessions. Damage or theft of Out of Game property will not be tolerated.

III. EAO games are highly geared towards cooperative Player VS Environment gameplay. While Player VS Player, which can be defined as actions taken against another Character that would significantly and negatively affect that character’s story arc, does take place it should only happen due to in-game conflict and not be driven by Out of Game motivations. For this reasoning, Plot or the game Owner may question a player at any point on their character’s motivation for targeting another player.

Due to the sensitive and controversial nature of the subject, EAO will not employ themes or story lines that depict acts of simulated or story-related sexual violence. Scenes of sexual violence between players are strictly prohibited, and jokes about sexual violence are neither amusing nor appropriate. Any Player including these themes in their role play will be warned by Plot, Marshals, or the Owner, and may lead to corrective action up to a permanent ban from the game.

Meta-gaming. Use of out of game knowledge to your own advantage or to affect in game actions is meta-gaming. Some examples of this would be looting a Player to take special items that you know they possess through out of game knowledge or targeting them for death or attack because you do not personally like them. Meta-gaming hurts the game and constitutes cheating.

If you have to go out of game, you must signify that you are out of game either by placing your hand or weapon on the top of your head or by wearing a yellow headband. Going out of game should only be done during events for good reasons, such as to use the washroom, ensure that players are safe and uninjured, if a player is feeling unwell out of game, to step away from a scene that is causing the player distress, to stop and request a change to a scene due to OOG mental or physical health reasons, to ask a question that is immediately pertinent, or to tend to and ensure the safety of a campfire. Examples of improper reasons for going out of game are: avoiding a situation that is detrimental to your character, to listen to conversations that would not be had while your character was present in game, or to discuss out of game topics not relevant to the current in game situation. Going out of game for improper reasons constitutes cheating.

VII. Be a good sport. It is expected that in the course of play, a character may achieve triumphs or suffer reversals. While it is natural to enjoy success or dislike losses, it is expected of all participants that they be gracious in victory or defeat, at least out of character. At the end of the day it is a game played with many other like-minded individuals, and either victory OR loss may lead to interesting plot and character development down the line. Failure to abide by the boundaries of good sportsmanship may lead to a warning from Marshals or the game Owner.

Plot, Marshals, Cast & Volunteer Guidelines

VIII. Be trustworthy. It is important as Plot, Marshals and Cast members to keep a level of trust with Players in regards to skills, abilities, and information. Information obtained about a Player should not be discussed or shared with other Players or Cast. Keep information obtained while Casting, or through your position as Plot or a Marshal out of game when you play your personal character. Failure to do so constitutes meta-gaming.

Help to preserve the in-game atmosphere. It can be as simple as throwing on a tabard or a few simple costume items to go out as a farmer when going to the inn for meals instead of sitting in the tavern out of game. It creates a richer environment for Players and assists with game immersion.

Plot and Cast are here to entertain the Players while also enjoying themselves. Don't make encounters more deadly than intended. Death is part of the game but not the intent of every monster or villain.

Marshals, Plot members and Staff act as the face of the game and organization behind the EAO community. They are expected to be leaders in upholding the EAO Code of Conduct and treating those in the EAO community with respect during all EAO related interactions. This does not mean that they are denied the ability to share their opinion so long as it's done in a respectful and appropriate manner. Marshals, Plot members or Staff acting contrary to this Code will be removed from their position at EAO.

XII. Cast members are responsible for listening to and following the directions of the Plot Team. Plot members are given their role so that they can provide interesting and challenging situations for players and if a Cast member chooses to not follow the Plot member’s directions, then the game will suffer. Cast who fail to follow Plot member’s directions are considered to be cheating and will be dismissed from Casting.

ENDLESS ADVENTURES WEBSITE AND ONLINE SPACES

Online interactions on the EAO public forums or other online spaces can become bullying or harassing if they're persistent and unwanted. While we expect debate to happen online, it is expected to be conducted in a civil manner and with the same courtesy and manners as you would in person.

Post material under the appropriate designations. For example, in-game material for the Fantasy Alive game such as role-play or in-game announcements should be posted on the “Fantasy Alive: In Game” page. Do not deliberately share material on out-of-game forum(s) that would reveal the secrets of your character or other players’ characters. Doing so constitutes meta-gaming. Any group or individual wishing to create public or private web spaces associated with EAO games must be approved by the Owner and adhere to this Code of Conduct. These spaces must also allow the game Owner or a representative chosen by the Owner to have access to these web spaces.

The game Owner (or Moderators designated by the Owners) reserve(s) the right to remove any post(s) and/or limit or remove comments from EAO online spaces based on their discretion. Reasons for this could be, but are not limited to: they are unrelated to the LARP and EAO community, they violate the Code of Conduct, or they are seen to cause harm to EAO.

If you're joking around and people tell you to stop and you don't, you are in the wrong. We request that you give someone a warning in regards to being offended. Therefore, if you find a post on an EAO online space offensive please let the poster know in a polite manner. If they persist on the topic, contact the game Owner, Director or an EAO Support Team member and corrective action will be taken.

Tagging Photos: It is EAO's privacy policy that when posting photos or tagging photos on the EAO online spaces that you tag only yourself.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

It's easy to misunderstand each other at times. While we hope that players can communicate and self-correct poor behaviour and misunderstandings, EAO understands there are times when intervention is needed. In such cases, please report any infractions against the Code of Conduct to the game Owners, Directors or an EAO Support Team member. While we will strive to keep those involved in a conflict informed, please do not expect immediate action. It takes time to properly assess the situation and speak with everyone who is involved. We must allow all involved individuals to tell their side in order to come to an educated conclusion. In the case of a misunderstanding, staff can take steps to moderate discussion between both parties to try and come to a solution.

Minor Infractions

Minor infractions include, but are not limited to: a participant being belligerent out of game or in-game after they've been asked to stop, being overly forward when someone has asked them not to be, purposefully ruining the enjoyment of other players, cheating, or acting generally disruptive at game. Minor infractions will be handled with a verbal warning and can also lead to a player's XP being docked. Repeated minor infractions will lead to a written warning. If infractions continue after a verbal and written warning the player will be suspended from game. If their behaviour does not correct after being suspended, a player may be banned from participating in future EAO events and on the EAO online spaces.

Major Infractions

Major infractions include, but may not be limited to: assault, harassment, sexual misconduct, theft, or destruction of property. Major infractions constitute basis for dismissal from game, suspension, or banning.

INFRACTIONS OUTSIDE OF ENDLESS ADVENTURES

EAO will take into consideration and listen to any concerns in regards to conflict from out of game interactions entering into game. However, EAO is unable to police conflicts outside of EAO events or outside of its affiliated online spaces. If you are being harassed, discriminated against, or threatened on Facebook we suggest that you contact Facebook and report the misconduct. If the offense is of a criminal or threatening nature contact the police. Should Major Infractions occur outside of EAO, the game Owner(s) reserve the right to take corrective action.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF INTIMACY AND UNDRESS

In order to protect its members, Endless Adventures Ontario does not permit displays of sexual intimacy or undress in public spaces at its events. EAO wants to ensure that players are able to provide their consent for interactions. Due to the fact that not everyone may have given consent to what they might witness at game at all times, we have policies to ensure the safety and comfort of all players, including any individuals who may be underage on site. This covers all public spaces on site for the entire event, including before the game begins and after it ends.

The following actions constitute displays of sexual intimacy or undress:

Failure to wear a minimum of at least undergarments (i.e. what would constitute ‘swimwear’ or greater is required in public spaces) for more than the very brief moments you are changing clothing. You may also change your clothing freely in the washrooms.
Engaging in sexual relations of any sort (e.g., touching the intimate parts of another person’s or your own body for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire)

All areas on the site are considered to be public spaces so these rules are applicable to them. This includes inside parked cars or tents, as they may be visible or audible to other players outside.

IN-GAME SPACE RULES AND ETIQUETTE

The main gathering space at any event is an in-game space. Please ensure that you remain in-character at all times for the enjoyment and immersion of the rest of the players. Please refrain from having out-of-game conversations or phone calls in in-game spaces, e.g., in the TO game in the tavern, including upstairs.
Unless specifically allowed by the game (such as in Dormancy), Cell phones should not be in full display at game as they are not consistent with the in-game technology/time period. Please do not leave alarms on your phones that may wake up other players, especially if you may not be in your bunk when the alarm goes off.
Do not record or take photos of anyone without their consent. Do not take photos in sleeping or private areas where individuals may be sleeping or changing their clothing.
Any public sleeping areas are shared public spaces. Bunks are generally first-come, first-served. However, people with medical needs (e.g. a CPAP machine for sleep apnea) have priority for the bunks next to the outlets.
Please refrain from using strongly scented products indoors out of respect for individuals with scent sensitivities.
Please ensure you follow basic hygiene when you attend game (e.g. you have bathed recently).
Within sleeping spaces, individuals are not permitted to touch any items that do not belong to them, unless they are accompanied by an Owner or given explicit permission by the player who owns the item.
Sleeping spaces are considered an in-game space, please try to disguise or hide your non-period items. You also get XP for decorating your bunk in-game!
Please try to be respectful about taking up space. Please try to keep your belongings within one bunk and potentially the floor space in front of it. Please ensure that your items are not impeding space for players to walk through the area.
Please be respectful of other players’ comfort and personal space. Do not stare at people who are changing or sleeping.
If you are uncomfortable with changing in a public sleeping space, feel free to change in the bathrooms or to hang a sheet between bunks for privacy.

LINKS

Ontario Human Rights Code

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/guide-your-rights-and-responsibilities-under-human-rights-code-0

Facebook - Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms

Facebook - What to do if you're being bullied, harassed or attacked on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/help/116326365118751