PULL ME
Style Selector
Layout Style
Boxed Background Patterns
Boxed Background Images
Color Scheme
Reset Styles

Code of Conduct

A primary goal of Raleigh Tabletop Roleplaying is to be inclusive to the largest number of roleplayers, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite all those who participate in Raleigh Tabletop Roleplaying to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

Scope

We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues–online and in-person–as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.

This code of conduct and its related procedures also applies to unacceptable behavior occurring outside the scope of community activities when such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of community members.

Open and Welcoming Citizenship

A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to create an open and welcoming citizenship that encourages participants to recognize and strengthen the relationships between their actions and their effects on our community. We wish to foster an environment of creativity and growth among all of our members.

Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.

If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, friendly, and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, please thank them. We are a volunteer organization and only through positive engagement from our entire community can we thrive and grow.

Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all community members:

  • Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.
  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
  • Attempt collaboration before conflict.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.
  • Remember that community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
  • Talk about your personal projects, whether that’s a TTRPG they are creating, a podcast about TTRPGs, a Kickstarter, or anything else that gets you excited.
    • We ask you to use discretion on frequency of posts. We are a community, not a promotion tool. If you are unsure about how much is too much or need further clarification, please reach out to an Organizer for guidance.

Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:

  • Cheating or any other dishonest behavior, whether directly related to a roleplaying event or any other interaction with community members.
  • Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person.
  • Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
  • Posting or displaying sexually explicit or violent material.
  • Posting or threatening to post other people’s personally identifying information (“doxing”).
  • Personal insults, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability.
  • Inappropriate photography or recording.
  • Inappropriate physical contact. You should have someone’s consent before touching them.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention. This includes, sexualized comments or jokes; inappropriate touching, groping, and unwelcomed sexual advances.
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following (online or in person).
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
  • Sustained disruption of community events or spaces, including social gatherings, social media sites, and in-person or online presentations. This includes behavior that disrupts another member’s enjoyment of an event.

Weapons Policy

Regardless of the policies of the event host, no weapons will be allowed at any Raleigh Tabletop Roleplaying events, community spaces, or in other spaces covered by the scope of this Code of Conduct. Weapons include but are not limited to concealed or unconcealed firearms, explosives (including fireworks), and large knives (defined in most areas as those with blades 3 inches or longer), as well as any other item used for the purpose of causing injury or harm to others. Anyone seen in possession of one of these items will be asked to leave the RTR event immediately, and will only be allowed to return to participate in the Event without the weapon. When these items also violate the policies of the event host, we will report the person to the host. Community members are further expected to comply with all state and local laws on this matter.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Those who don’t follow the Code of Conduct in good faith may face repercussions deemed appropriate by our staff. Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including Organizers and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. This is how RTR staff generally handle misconduct:

  1. Warning: For most first-time misconduct, RTR Staff will offer a verbal warning for in-person events or written warning for anything in the digital realm. RTR maintains a log of all verbal and written warnings and repeat offenders will face additional action. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. RTR Staff are authorized to remove any offending digital content after documentation. Most issues are resolved here.
  2. Temporary Suspension: For repetitive misconduct or behavior containing harassment, bigotry, or abuse, RTR will impose a temporary suspension (one month or more, depending on the violation) from all or certain RTR Events.
  3. Member Expulsion: For very rare cases, such as those that include violence or threats of violence, RTR Staff will expel people who display a pattern of harmful destructive behavior toward our community.

All actions will be taken on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of our Staff. We will attempt to educate, coach, and warn community members before resulting to suspension or expulsion, but especially egregious actions can bypass these steps. If you have concerns about how a staff member has handled a situation, contact us directly.

Reporting Guidelines

We take your reports seriously. If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify an Organizer or the RTR Ombuds as soon as possible. We ask you to approach us at any in-person event for immediate involvement and we can also be reached at this email address.

We actively moderate our digital community, but we need your help to do so. If you see behavior that is rude, offensive, unproductive, or otherwise inappropriate for the community, let us know. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, speak up. Anything brought to an Organizer’s attention will be investigated, and we will always follow up. Remember: don’t feed the trolls! Replying to abusive, off-topic, or inappropriate content only encourages it – whereas alerting RTR Staff allows for removal without providing additional attention.

Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify an RTR Ombudsman with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

License and Attribution

This Code of Conduct is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license.