Code of Conduct

FORWARD

Fantasy Alive (FA) strives to maintain a good atmosphere for Live Action Role-play (LARP) as well as to make people feel welcome. Doing so provides an enjoyable and entertaining experience for everyone.

In a game such as FA, 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 FA events and on any FA public or private forums such as the website or Facebook pages.

Please play smart and be respectful of each other.

INTRODUCTION

Fantasy Alive 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 Fantasy Alive at any time. Participating in any Fantasy Alive 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.

All players of Fantasy Alive are required to read and sign an agreement to abide by this Code before being allowed to participate in Fantasy Alive events or within the Fantasy Alive community.

VIOLENCE, DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT

Abusive, overly harsh, consistently derogatory, insulting, or intentionally demeaning behaviour will not be tolerated by Fantasy Alive. Out of Character physical abuse, discrimination, or verbal abuse will also not be accepted. Such behaviour, will lead to corrective punishment up to and including the individual being asked to leave FA events either temporarily or permanently. They will only be allowed to return to FA events at the discretion of the Owner. This policy applies to everyone in the FA community; Players, Marshals, Plot, Cast Members 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, Plot Member, Marshall, or Staff of FA please speak to the Owner, Head of Rules Committee or a Player Relations Officer. 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. Fantasy Alive 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

Fantasy Alive 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. FA 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 & NPC EXPECTATIONS

1. Communicate. Everyone has different comfort levels. 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 the Owner or a Player Relations Officer.
   
   
2. Show respect toward all property and possessions. Damage or theft of Out of Game property will not be tolerated.
   
   
3. Fantasy Alive is highly geared towards cooperative Player VS Environment gameplay. While Player VS Player, which can be defined as actions taken against another PC 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 Owner may question a player at any point on their character’s motivation for targeting another player.
   
   
4. Due to the sensitive and controversial nature of the subject, Fantasy Alive 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. Sexual violence may appear in character histories with the approval of the Owner only, but may not be discussed in detail within the game. 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.
   
   
5. 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.
   
   
6. 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 ask a question that is immediately pertinent, or to tend 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.
   
   
7. 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 Owner.

Plot, Marshals, NPCs, & Volunteer Guidelines

1. 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 attained about a Player should not be discussed or shared with other Players or Cast Members. 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.
   
   
2. 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 emersion.
   
   
3. Plot and Cast Members 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.
   
   
4. Marshals and Plot members act as the face of the game and organization behind the Fantasy Alive community. They are expected to be leaders in upholding the Fantasy Alive Code of Conduct and treating those in the FA community with respect during all FA related interactions. This does not mean that they are denied of the ability to share their opinion so long as it's done in a respectful and appropriate manner. Marshals or Plot members acting contrary to this Code will be removed from their position at Fantasy Alive.
   
   
5. 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.

FANTASY ALIVE WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGES

Online interactions on the Fantasy Alive public forums and Facebook pages can become bullying or harassing if they're persistent and unwanted. While we expect debate to happen online, it is expected it 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 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 Fantasy Alive must be approved by the Owner and adhere to the Fantasy Alive Code of Conduct. These spaces must also allow the Owner or a representative chosen by the Owner to have access to these web spaces.

The Owner (or Moderators designated by the Owner) reserve(s) the right to remove any post(s) and or comments from the FA website or Facebook pages; be it that they're unrelated to the LARP and FA community, that they violate the Code of Conduct or are seen to cause harm to Fantasy Alive.

If you're joking around, and people tell you to stop, and you don't, you are in the wrong. The law requires that you give someone "warning" in regards to being offended. Therefore, if you find a post on the FA website or Facebook pages offensive please let the poster know in a polite manner. If they persist on the topic, contact the Owner, Head of Rules Committee or a Player Relations Officer and corrective action will be taken.

Tagging Photos: It is FA's policy that when posting photos or tagging photos on the FA Facebook pages 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, Fantasy Alive understands there are times when intervention is needed. In such cases please report any infractions against the Code of Conduct to the Owner, the Head of Rules Committee or a Player Relations Officer. 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 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 to be 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 FA events or on the FA forums. 

Major Infractions

Major infractions include assault, harassment, sexual misconduct, theft, or destruction of property. Major infractions constitute basis for dismissal from game, suspension, or banning.

INFRACTIONS OUTSIDE OF FANTASY ALIVE

Fantasy Alive will take into consideration and listen to any concerns in regards to conflict from out of game interactions entering into game. However, FA is unable to police conflicts outside of FA events or outside of its affiliated forums. 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 Fantasy Alive, the Owner reserves the right to take corrective action.

LINKS

Ontario Human Rights Code

Facebook - Statement of Rights and Responsibilities

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