Code of Conduct
Radiant Realm is dedicated to prioritizing harm-reduction practices. This means that in all of our spaces, programs, and games, we will always take action to stop harassment, make space for marginalized voices, and create an environment where our community members do not have to fear for their physical, mental, and emotional safety.
This code of conduct applies to all Radiant Realm spaces, events, activities, and in any correspondence with our Team or between players in our community, both online and off. Anyone who has violated this code of conduct may be sanctioned or expelled from these spaces at the discretion of the Radiant Realm Team.
Some Radiant Realm spaces may have additional rules in place, which will be made clearly available to participants. Participants are responsible for knowing and abiding by these rules.
Harassment includes:
Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, age, race, or religion.
Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s lifestyle choices and practices, including those related to food, health, parenting, drugs, and employment.
Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names.
Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour in spaces where they’re not appropriate.
Physical contact and simulated physical contact (eg, textual descriptions like “*hug*” or “*backrub*”) without consent or after a request to stop.
Threats of violence.
Incitement of violence towards any individual, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm.
Deliberate intimidation.
Stalking or following.
Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes.
Sustained disruption of discussion.
Unwelcome sexual attention.
Pattern of inappropriate social contact, such as requesting/assuming inappropriate levels of intimacy with others
Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease.
Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent except as necessary to protect vulnerable people from intentional abuse.
Publication of non-harassing private communication.
Radiant Realm prioritizes marginalized people’s safety over privileged people’s comfort. Radiant Realm reserves the right not to act on complaints regarding:
‘Reverse’ -isms, including ‘reverse racism,’ ‘reverse sexism,’ and ‘cisphobia’
Reasonable communication of boundaries, such as “leave me alone,” “go away,” or “I’m not discussing this with you.”
Communicating in a ‘tone’ you don’t find congenial
Criticizing racist, sexist, cissexist, or otherwise oppressive behavior or assumptions
Reporting
If you are being harassed by a Radiant Realm player or team member, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Radiant Realm Team at RadiantRealmRPGs@gmail.com or use our Report Form. If the person who is harassing you is on the team, they will recuse themselves from handling your incident. We will respond as promptly as we can.
This code of conduct applies to Radiant Realm spaces, but if you are being harassed by a Radiant Realm player outside our spaces, we still want to know about it. We will take all good-faith reports of harassment by Radiant Realm players, especially the Admins, seriously. This includes harassment outside our spaces and harassment that took place at any point in time. The abuse team reserves the right to exclude people from Radiant Realm based on their past behavior, including behavior outside Radiant Realm spaces and behavior towards people who are not participating in Radiant Realm.
In order to protect volunteers from abuse and burnout, we reserve the right to reject any report we believe to have been made in bad faith. Reports intended to silence legitimate criticism may be deleted without response.
We will respect confidentiality requests for the purpose of protecting victims of abuse. At our discretion, we may publicly name a person about whom we’ve received harassment complaints, or privately warn third parties about them, if we believe that doing so will increase the safety of Radiant Realm players or the general public. We will not name harassment victims without their affirmative consent.
Consequences
Participants asked to stop any harassing or other harmful behavior are expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in harassing or other harmful behavior, Radiant Realm may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from all Radiant Realm spaces and identification of the participant as a harasser to other Radiant Realm players or the general public.
Our Safety Policies & Systems
Policies
Policies are implemented Radiant Realm-wide to ensure a safe space for play.
Policy: Players Come First
To ensure that all of our players are respected, our games utilize a number of Safety Systems. These systems are enforced by our Team and reinforced by our community. No players are required to use the following systems, but we do require that all players and GMs respect their use. Our systems are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, but also provide a window for anyone who has a good faith issue with one of our games to see their concerns addressed immediately. Anyone who does not respect these systems may be subject to consequences up to and including expulsion from Radiant Realm games and spaces.
Policy: Open Door
All Radiant Realm games are Open Door, meaning that any player may leave any game session at any time without providing a reason, and may return to that same game at a later time (if the same session is still running) also without providing a reason. The Radiant Realm Team understands that life happens, that sometimes a break is necessary, and that personal reasons should be respected. Unless a different agreement is reached, your character will be protected in absentia and seamlessly written back into the story as best we can, if and when you return.
Policy: Rewind
We respect the fact that players’ interests and comfort levels may evolve as they play. If uncomfortable subject matter arises in a game, players or GMs may ask to have the events of the game rewound and revised to accommodate for something tenable. This is not a method by which players may undo their actions or avoid consequences, but is intended to help players avoid subject matter on which they were undecided until after it was introduced and address misunderstandings.
Systems
We offer a variety of systems for our GMs to implement and players to use. If a system from the below list or elsewhere is not currently in use by your GM, you are welcome to request its use going forward (and links to new and better systems are always appreciated!).
System: Script Change
Script Change - created by Beau Jágr Sheldon - is a multi-function content, consent, and safety toolbox for collaborative creation and gameplay, useful for tabletop roleplaying games, board games, live action roleplaying games, and even collaborative video games to help guide group decision-making. This system is used by dealing the same “hand” of cards from a physical or virtual deck to each player, allowing those players to silently and immediately play those cards to provide feedback about problematic elements in a game or issues with other people at the table as they arise. More information about this system is available through the link at the bottom of the document in the “References” section.
System: X-Card
The X-Card is an optional tool created by John Stavropoulos that allows anyone in the game (including the GM) to edit out any content anyone is uncomfortable with during play. Since most RPGs are improvisational and we won't know what will happen till it happens, it's possible the game will go in a direction people don't want. An X-Card is a simple tool to fix problems as they arise. More information about this system is available through the link at the bottom of the document in the “References” section.
System: Ok Check-In
The OK Check-In System is a safety mechanic for people to express their boundaries in a simple and quick manner, without having to verbalize it and with no expectation to justify or explain oneself, which can often stop people from feeling like they are able to state their boundaries and when they are being crossed. This includes things that are going on in-character that are causing a player out-of-character harm, as well as things that are happening out-of-character.
An OK Check-In is asked when someone makes the OK 👌 hand sign. They might also ask "OK Check-In?" if needed to clarify their intent or catch people's attention for it, especially while people are still getting used to the safety mechanic. You do not ever need to wait for someone to initiate or ask for an OK Check-In. You can Check-In whenever you need to.
How to Check-In non-verbally
Thumbs up 👍 sign: You are comfortable with what is happening. You have no problems with it and aren't upset, uneasy, or risking your wellness.
Example: the GM makes a check-in query because the combat is getting pretty violent; people at the table are really getting into describing all the blood and carnage that is dished out and received. 👍 This doesn't bother you at all, and you're comfortable continuing.
Two thumbs up 👍👍 or an otherwise vigorous thumbs up sign: You are not only comfortable with how things are going, you are also interested in them escalating.
Example: the GM makes a check-in query because the combat is getting pretty violent; people at the table are really getting into describing all the blood and carnage that is dished out and received. 👍👍 You're not only comfortable with the level of description, you're also comfortable with it becoming even more bloody and violent.
"So-so" hand wobble 👋 sign: You are not comfortable with the situation going any further, and are okay to continue. This is an indication that your boundary is about to be crossed, or you are otherwise uncomfortable with the situation progressing in this way.
Example: the GM makes a check-in query because the combat is getting pretty violent; people at the table are really getting into describing all the blood and carnage that is dished out and received. 👋 Enough, let's move on. You're at your limit for gore and going any further would make you uncomfortable.
Thumbs down 👎 sign: You are not comfortable with what is happening, and it needs to be backed away from entirely. This is an indication that your boundaries have been crossed. Play is paused so a resolution can be reached, which can happen in a variety of ways but always prioritizes the needs of the person who checks in with a thumbs down. A person who checks in this way should never be pressured to defend or even explain their answer.
Example: the GM makes a check-in query because the combat is getting pretty violent; people at the table are really getting into describing all the blood and carnage that is dished out and received. 👎 It is too much for your well-being, whether because of the overall level of described violence, a specific thing that was described, or whatever else. If you need to talk about, a break should be called to make space for that. If you need to step away from the table and clear your head, that is also fine.
Important note: the OK Check-In system is based on consent and respect. It should not be used jokingly, such as answering a check-in with a thumbs down because you rolled a 1.
If comfortable with doing so, GMs and players should try to discuss any known topics or situations that are sensitive or triggering so they can be avoided preemptively. Understand that people might not be willing to share these things even if asked, and no one should be pressured to expose something that might make them feel vulnerable. If a discussion of boundaries can be had before the need for a thumbs down check-in, wonderful! If not, remember that a check-in is not required to be explained or defended. This mechanic is in place for the safety and agency of those who might otherwise suffer in silence, and that well-being always comes before curiosity.
Online Check-Ins
Our safety system was primarily designed for in-person gaming, but can easily be adopted for online spaces. When a GM or player wishes to initiate a check in, they may do so over the text channels or via voice, and players may respond via text channels, private messages, or voice as they prefer.
The OK Check-In can be used at any time and in any situation, including outside of gaming.
Acknowledging Harm
When we notice harm, let’s commit to…
Assuming good intentions, even as we point out harmful expressions.
Focusing on what people say/do, rather than on who they are.
Speaking in “I” statements
Following our intuition about possibly harmful content, even if we’re afraid of the reaction.
Suggesting solutions, but not overwhelming people with them.
When we are wrong, let’s recognize that...
Being wrong, and in fact being offensive and harmful to marginalized identities, is inevitable for all of us, as long as we continue to communicate.
There are physical and emotional sensations associated with being told we’ve made a mistake, and we need to manage those emotions so that we can respond in a calm and non-defensive way.
Good intentions do not excuse harmful behavior.
We have the power to keep an interaction positive, comfortable, and fulfilling by listening to others and integrating their suggestions with grace and gratitude. “Thank you! I’ll make that change” is a brief and powerful thing to say.
In this realm, it is usually more important to be kind and to “get it right” than to be right.
Our Content-Focused Commitment
Each GM on our team is committed to creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone. If you already identify with much of the European-centric setting and mythology of Dungeons & Dragons out of the red box, then you will undoubtedly find those cultures here, as many of us come from such backgrounds and are most familiar with those themes. We also encourage you to join us as we step outside our comfort zone to expand our shared world, to respectfully and empathically draw upon more of our world’s perspectives to craft our shared story.
We acknowledge that curating the environment that will allow people of color and the disabled among us to feel respected and comfortable is a never-ending process that takes work and time. It is our goal to not only prepare a space for you no matter who you are, but also to seek you out in the community. We see your fatigue in looking for a space to indulge your creativity and have fun. Creating a culture, environment, and gaming experience that will add to your joy, not your discomfort, means not only carefully considering our own creations as storytellers, but careful stewardship of the community all around us.
Part of recognizing the necessary work involved in creating that community is defining a structure upon which we can build. This can take the form of guidelines to help the GM Team and Community know what the expectations are. The other half involves being willing to tear down what doesn’t work and learn from that experience. This can take the form of energy and empathy, recognizing criticism of our creations, acknowledging our shortcomings, and responding with a willingness to make things right as quickly as possible.
So as we provide the following guidelines for respectful representation, expanding diversity, and making spaces, please know that this is a living document and will never be set in stone. They are purposefully vague when they need to be, to reflect that what seems right today may be wrong tomorrow, and that it isn’t the world that changes but our understanding of it.
We want to create enjoyable fantasy. Our players’ and GMs’ comfort comes before any other consideration, and if any player at a table is uncomfortable then we will work to make them comfortable. We will never force any player to engage with identity-based oppression in one of our games, and generally avoid such themes when we can. While Dungeons & Dragons is a freeform game that may contain dark themes and violence, we don’t find it necessary to linger on graphic depictions, nor do we find it necessary to include subject matter that draws unsavory parallels to aspects of real life we all want to leave behind us when we explore a fantasy setting, such as sexism, racism, ableism, and bigotry regarding genders and sexuality.
We work to diversify the setting. We encourage our GMs to create spaces in their Realms to reflect more than just the representation of western and European views. We also allow our players to create characters that are outside their race, ethnicity, gender and/or ability. In both cases, we will ask questions to determine why, to make sure that the representation is respectful, will help normalize said representation, doesn’t fall into tropes or stereotypes (including accents, slurs, food-based descriptions of appearance, etc), isn’t troubled because of the representation, doesn’t touch upon sacred or deeply important cultural themes, and so on.
We want to learn more about the world. While playing a character is not an educational opportunity in and of itself, learning how to respectfully represent someone outside your own race, ethnicity, gender, and/or ability can (and should!) encourage you to seek out resources to expand your knowledge and widen your perspectives. D&D is a game for nerds and nerds are and have always been cool. Embrace your inner nerd and let it excite you to learn.
We’re making room for everyone. If you’re reading this and you worry about the community’s reaction to your presence, know that we acknowledge that you want to play. We would love to have you here with us. We recognize that removing obstacles to your presence takes work, so we are going to do those exercises either way. We pledge to act as if any given day is the day you look in to decide whether or not you want to join us.
At the bottom of this document are a growing archive of links to articles written by people who can provide a much greater insight, we encourage you to read them and start from there. Please also remember that education is work, so when you pursue knowledge about this topic from others, consider fair compensation for their time. Many people are willing not only to help you learn about other cultures, perspectives, and experiences, but also to apply their knowledge to guide you through making characters that have positive representation, and ask only that you pay them back or pay it forward depending on their need.
If you are interested in joining our GM Team to create your own realm in our setting, providing feedback to our GM Team about the existing representation in our setting, and/or want to continue this conversation further, please do not hesitate to message Ben (@councilofautumn#5924) or Gage (@Eldritch Roomba#0693) on Discord, or send us an email at RadiantRealmsRPGs@gmail.com.
The Radiant Realm Team
Adia German, Admin Team
Al Q., GM Team
Benjamin Decker, Admin and GM Team
Erica Jolyne Artemis, GM Team
Ezra T Campbell, GM Team
Frederick Stabell, GM Team
Gage Hallhuran, Admin Team
Morgan Grey, GM Team
James Sambrano, GM Team
Jenn Chenvert, GM Team
Joe Green, GM Team
Justin Rogers, GM Team
Kevin Lake, GM Team
Kevin Riesen, GM Team
Nino Francaviglia, GM Team
Peter Golgert, GM Team
R. Jeremy Howard, GM Team
Tristan Hoffmann, GM Team
William “Jack” Baker, GM Team
Zane Alexander Alicea, GM Team
... and a special Thank You to James Mendez Hodes for their valuable time and input in crafting this document and providing references. https://jamesmendezhodes.com/
References
The following resources were used in the creation of this living document, and will be added to as the document evolves.
The Geek Feminism Code of Conduct
Script Change by Beau Jágr Sheldon
Script Change Beau Jágr Sheldon tools for Roll20, tutorial by Sophie Lagacé
X-Card by John Stavropoulos
The OK Check-In system that Radiant Realm uses, as described above, has been slightly adapted for the tabletop gaming environment from the system used in many Live Action Role-Playing games. This is the system from which it was adapted:
https://nordiclarp.org/2017/02/03/matter-trust-larp-consent-culture/
https://participationsafety.wordpress.com/2016/09/09/toolkit-the-ok-check-in/
This is a video demonstration of the system used in a LARP: OK Check-In System
On roleplaying the “Other” by Tanya DePass
“May I Play A Character From Another Race?” by James Mendez Hodes
How To Change Your Conversations About Cultural Appropriation by James Mendez Hodes
Asian Representation And The Martial Arts by James Mendez Hodes