Code of Conduct

GVLarp Code of Conduct – 2025

All participants who attend GVLarp events are bound by the Code of Conduct. This code is active at all official events as well as our online pages, groups, and forums. By joining our community, you agree to always adhere to this code.

We are a diverse group of people with our own goals, needs, beliefs, and challenges. We expect participants to care about and be aware of the experiences of their fellow Players, to think about the story you are collectively creating, and to apply safety tools as necessary to maintain trust and good faith. There is no way to “win” GVLarp other than by telling a story that is engaging for both you and those around you. We play in a highly Player vs Player system, so players are encouraged to make full use of the safety measures provided and to approach all situations with consideration. We do not know what anyone has going on in their lives outside of the game.

Breaches of the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action which may include:

  • Formal warnings
  • XP penalties
  • Retirement of a Player Character
  • Temporary or permanent ban from GVLarp

1) General conduct – Out of Character

1.1) I will respect the other Players of the game, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, race, religious beliefs/creed, physical appearance, or sexual orientation and will not condone disrespectful behaviour in anyone else.

1.2) I will use appropriate language and tone and will display a composed attitude towards all other participants, even when is not reciprocated. I recognise that this game has adult themes and that I should be prepared to have my personal beliefs, assumptions, principles, and ethics challenged by what happens in the game. I will not judge players based on their character’s beliefs.

1.3) I will obey the law and will not bring any real or realistic weapons to the game. I will not condone or promote illegal activities, services, actions, or websites.

1.4) While out of character, I will always demonstrate a fair and sporting attitude at the game event.

1.5) If any player uses the phrase “X CARD,” in any format, all interaction with them will cease and they will not be asked why. They will be able to leave the scene with no ramifications to their character and all players must respect this.

1.6) I understand that I can be banned, refused entry to an event, or face other disciplinary measures if I am deemed to have broken any part of the Code of Conduct, have been found cheating or meta-gaming, or am a disruptive influence.

1.7) I will treat the venue with respect, which includes tidying up after myself, not bringing my own food or drink into the venue and attempting to avoid disconcerting other customers in the venue.

1.8) I will do my best to avoid physical contact with another participant without their express permission.

1.9) If I, as a member of the society, have ongoing medical concerns, I must adjust my gameplay to match my needs as the game can only do so much to support ongoing conditions. Steps must be taken by the ST team, the community and myself to accommodate health concerns where possible.

If my condition includes potentially life-threatening symptoms, for example regular seizures, then I will come to game accompanied by a designated carer who is who is aware of my condition and how to appropriately manage it.

2) General Conduct – Playing the Game

2.1) I understand that the Storyteller has the final say on any ruling.

  • If I believe that a ruling has been unfair then I will contact the Storytellers, through a Player Liaison if I do not feel comfortable doing so myself, for additional context or use the appropriate channels based on the nature of my complaint.

2.2) I will not cheat.

  • Cheating includes falsifying your character sheet, misrepresent your skills to a Storyteller, metagaming, sharing details of others character sheets, ignoring ST rulings, and exploiting the system to gain an unfair advantage.

2.3) I will not argue with the storyteller during a scene and recognise that doing so makes intense scenes, such as combat, stressful, time-consuming, and frustrating for all involved.

  • If I feel the need to raise a point or provide helpful information during such a scene, I will politely raise my hand for Storyteller attention or message the Storyteller directly. If the point raised or information supplied is not accepted to my satisfaction, I will wait until the scene is concluded to discuss the issue further.

2.4) I will aim to have a general understanding of what my character is able to do.

  • This includes knowing what I can accomplish with my Disciplines and how much out-of-character knowledge I have of the setting I am able to bring in-character. If I do not have access to a sourcebook, I can borrow a copy from the Storyteller team to read at the game.

2.5) I will not target or segregate anyone because of their game experience, abilities, or skill level. I will aim to include other players in my plans where possible.

  • This is intended to encourage players to include new players but holds true for all participants. GVLarp is a collective experience and cannot be played alone.

2.6) I will help mentor new arrivals and will help them with what can be a steep learning curve.

  • I will direct new players to the relevant person regarding their query, whether ST, PL or Admin and will be mindful of demanding situations such as combat, death, or political defeat that may be hard for newer players to process.

2.7) I recognise that conflict and arguments may arise between my character and someone else’s and these in-character conflicts should be kept “In Character.”

  • After the game, I will give players and STs a minimum of 48 hours to process and then will proceed to discuss the conflict with the other player, make any apologies and remind them and myself that we are still friends; the player should not be punished for character actions. Player Liaisons and STs can be approached to help facilitate this discussion.

2.8) However, If I feel personally upset, harassed, or threatened by another participant’s actions out of character, I will take the following actions:

  • I will politely tell them to stop, highlight the behaviour/language that caused the issue and leave the room/In-Character area to highlight the problematic behaviour to the Administrator. If I do not feel comfortable speaking to the player directly, I will ask a Storyteller, Administrator or Player Liaison to assist in mediating the situation. Conversely, if another participant asks me out-of-character to desist from a particular action then I will immediately do so.

2.9) While in the private room where the game takes place, I will aim to always be in-character.

  • Out-of-character discussions should be limited to answering questions from new players, and any communication required to support in-character actions (such as adjudication by the Storytellers, explaining discipline effects, etc.)  I will indicate that out-of-character discussions are taking place by using the “Timeout” hand signal. If I have a more general out-of-character conversation, then I will leave the room to do so.

2.10) Child abuse, including references or depictions, is not permitted in any form as part of GVLARP storytelling or character development. This rule is in place to protect the emotional safety and comfort of all participants.

2.11) Sexual assault, including references or depictions, is not permitted in any form as part of GVLARP storytelling or character development. While sexual themes are inherent to vampire mythology, this specific topic is inappropriate for the collaborative and inclusive environment of a large-scale LARP. The definition of sexual or indecent assault is an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent.

3) Web and Forum Conduct

3.1) I will aim to communicate clearly when making posts on the website forum, Facebook group, email or in any other form of online media.

My out-of-character posts will be in English, and I will not use “leet,” ascii or text speak.

3.2) I recognise that administrators and moderators have the right to change, move, edit, or delete any content at any time in keeping with the duty of care they have to the overall health of the community.

3.3) I am aware that any promotion of personal or other LARPing websites, community or personal websites is allowed at the discretion of the website administrator or Storytellers and that any such promotion should be pre-approved.

Any user accounts that are deemed to have registered purely to promote such external websites, services or communities will be removed.

3.4) I will always show consideration to all members of the society, including but not limited to:

Not posting offensive, sexually explicit, or purposefully upsetting content.

Respecting the intellectual property of others by not copying or saving artwork without the poster’s permission and with due given credit.

Spam boards or threads with irrelevant posts.

Participate in flame threads or troll anyone.

3.5) I will not exploit any software bugs that may be present in the online character system and will inform the website administrator of any discrepancies I might find.

3.6) I will not use my personal social medias to disparage, harass or mistreat any other player or member of the community and I am aware that if I am found to be publicly doing so then I will be treated as though it was posted in a GV forum.

4) Conduct of Volunteers

The term “volunteers” refers to anyone volunteering in any capacity for GVLarp including the ST Team, Website Administrators, Administrators, Player Liaison, Dark Times contributors NPC players and any future positions created by the society.

4.1) I will aim to treat all members of the society fairly and objectively.

4.2) I will not take in-character advantage of any privileged information that is revealed to me as part of my role. Nor will I reveal information given to me without prior permission from the provider of that information unless it is found to be relevant to a breach of the code of conduct.

4.3) I will take steps to accommodate health concerns where possible.

4.4) I will aim to cultivate a welcoming and safe community.

4.5) I will direct players to the appropriate channel for any concerns raised.

  • The Storyteller manages in character and world setting queries and the Administrator manages out of character and code of conduct queries.

4.5) With exception of the ST when relevant, if I am considered to be too close to a situation, for example personally involved with a complainant or plot, I will remove myself from the situation and a replacement will be requested or selected through relevant process from the Player Base.

4.6) I commit to fulfilling the duties of my job description and understand that failure to do so will result in being replaced through due process.

  • For elected positions, this involves an EGM being called at the soonest possible convenience to begin election proceedings.
  • For volunteers editing Dark Times, playing NPCs, and otherwise volunteering in an unelected capacity, this decision will be made by agreement between the ST and the Admin, and a replacement will be found from the player base if necessary.
  • Job descriptions for the Admin, ST and PL roles can be found on the GVLarp website.

Complaints and Investigations:

Procedure for Submitting a Code of Conduct Complaint

1. Purpose

This procedure outlines how members may submit complaints regarding alleged violations of the group’s Code of Conduct, and how those complaints will be received and reviewed by the Admin.

2. Who May Submit a Complaint

Any member of the group who believes that the Code of Conduct has been violated may submit a complaint, whether they were directly affected or were a witness to the conduct in question.

3. What May Be Reported

Complaints may concern any behaviour that the member reasonably believes violates the Code of Conduct.

4. How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Admin by email to admin@gvlarp.com 

To the extent possible, the complaint should include:

  • The name(s) of the individual(s) involved
  • A clear description of the alleged conduct
  • The date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the incident(s)
  • Any relevant evidence (e.g., messages, screenshots, witness names)

Complaints may be submitted anonymously via the Player Liaisons. However, anonymous complaints may limit the Admin’s ability to fully investigate or respond.

5. Confidentiality

Complaints will be handled as confidentially as reasonably possible. Information will be shared only with those who need it to investigate and adjudicate the complaint. Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, particularly if disclosure is required to ensure fairness or safety.

6. Acknowledgment of Receipt

The Admin will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 7 days.

7. Good-Faith Reporting

Members are expected to submit complaints in good faith. Knowingly false, malicious, or frivolous complaints may themselves constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct.

8. Protection from Retaliation

Retaliation against any member for submitting a complaint, participating in an investigation, or supporting a complainant is strictly prohibited..

9. Next Steps

After submission, the Admin will investigate and adjudicate the complaint in accordance with the group’s investigation and enforcement procedures. Outcomes and any actions taken will be communicated as appropriate.

Investigation & Adjudication Procedure

1. Purpose

This procedure describes how the Admin investigates reported Code of Conduct complaints and determines appropriate outcomes in a fair, consistent, and impartial manner.

2. Authority and Responsibility

The Admin is responsible for investigating all Code of Conduct complaints and for adjudicating whether a violation has occurred.

The Admin may delegate parts of the investigation to another designated authority if appropriate, provided impartiality is maintained.

3. Initial Review

Upon receiving a complaint, the Admin will conduct an initial review to determine whether:

  • The complaint falls within the scope of the Code of Conduct
  • Sufficient information has been provided to proceed

The Admin may dismiss a complaint at this stage if it is clearly outside the scope of the Code of Conduct, lacks a factual basis, or is duplicative of a previously resolved matter.

4. Notice to Involved Parties

If the complaint proceeds, the Admin will notify the respondent (the individual(s) alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct) that a complaint has been filed.

The notice will include a summary of the alleged conduct and an opportunity to respond, subject to confidentiality and safety considerations.

5. Investigation Process

The Admin may gather relevant information, including:

  • Written statements from the complainant, respondent, and witnesses
  • Relevant messages, logs, screenshots, or other records
  • Any other evidence reasonably related to the complaint

The Admin may conduct interviews as needed. Participation is expected in good faith.

The Admin has discretion to determine the scope and methods of the investigation, provided they are reasonable and proportionate to the complaint.

6. Interim Measures

If necessary to protect members or the integrity of the investigation, the Admin may impose temporary measures (e.g., temporary restrictions on participation) while the investigation is ongoing.

Interim measures are not disciplinary findings and do not imply guilt.

7. Standard of Evaluation

The Admin will determine whether a Code of Conduct violation occurred on the balance of probabilities, meaning it is more likely than not that a violation occurred.

8. Adjudication

After completing the investigation, the Admin will determine:

  • Whether the Code of Conduct was violated
  • Which provisions, if any, were violated

In making a determination, the Admin may consider:

  • Severity and impact of the conduct
  • Intent and context
  • Prior relevant conduct
  • Cooperation during the investigation

9. Outcomes and Sanctions

If a violation is found, the Admin may impose one or more actions, including but not limited to:

  • Informal warning or guidance
  • Formal warning
  • Temporary suspension or restriction of privileges
  • Removal from roles or positions
  • Permanent removal from the group

The Admin may also determine that no action is warranted if no violation is found.

10. Communication of Outcome

The Admin will communicate the outcome to the complainant and the respondent, as appropriate. For upheld complaints, the outcome will be published by the Admin to the playerbase after the time for appeal window has closed.

11. Appeals

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the communication of outcome and be based on:

  • Procedural error
  • New, materially relevant information

The appeal will be reviewed by an authority other than the original decision-maker where possible.

12. Recordkeeping

The Admin will maintain records of complaints, investigations, and outcomes in a secure manner.

Records will be retained for a reasonable period consistent with the group’s needs and applicable requirements.

13. Finality

Unless an appeal process is invoked, the Admin’s decision is final.