Code of Conduct

how we treat each other at the table and online

AAARG (the Appleton Area Adventurers and Roleplayers Guild) exists for Gaming, Learning, Laughter, and Fun. That only works when everyone feels welcome and safe. This Code of Conduct sets the expectations for every AAARG space, and it applies to all of us — players, Game Masters, organizers, board members, and guests alike.

Where it applies: in-person events and game sessions; the AAARG OUCH Discord server; the Guild Hall live chat (chat.aaarg.org); the guild forge and any other official AAARG platform.

Our shared values

  • Welcome newcomers. Everyone was new once. Be patient, explain the rules, and make room at the table.
  • Play in good faith. Cooperate with your GM and fellow players. The goal is a good time for the whole table, not winning at others’ expense.
  • Respect the people behind the characters. In-character conflict is part of the hobby; out-of-character disrespect is not.
  • Keep it inclusive. AAARG is for people of every background, identity, and experience level.

Expected behavior

  • Treat others with courtesy and respect, in person and online.
  • Use the name you’re known by in the guild — be who you say you are. Don’t impersonate other members, staff, or guests.
  • Respect table safety tools (such as Lines & Veils or the X-Card) and honor a “pass” or a request to step back from a topic without argument.
  • Respect the GM’s calls during play and the moderators’ calls in chat.
  • Keep content appropriate for a community, all-ages space unless a specific game has been clearly marked otherwise and everyone at that table has consented.
  • Look out for each other. If someone seems uncomfortable, check in or tell an organizer.

Unacceptable behavior

The following are not tolerated in any AAARG space:

  • Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or stalking — including unwanted contact after being asked to stop.
  • Discrimination, slurs, or hate speech targeting race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or body.
  • Sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual attention, or sharing explicit content.
  • Threats of violence, or encouraging others to harm themselves or others.
  • Sharing someone’s private information without their consent (doxxing).
  • Cheating, bad-faith rules-lawyering, or deliberately ruining others’ games.
  • In chat: spam, flooding, raids, mass pinging, malicious links, and trolling.
  • Impersonating another person, member, or AAARG staff.

In the Guild Hall chat

Online chat gets its own note because the failure modes are different:

  • No anonymous posting. Chat is for verified AAARG members; your display name is reserved to you so no one can pretend to be you.
  • New accounts have lighter limits at first (no links or mass-mentions) to keep out spam and raids. These lift automatically as you settle in.
  • Moderators can warn, mute, kick, or ban, and can lock a room during a raid. Moderator actions are logged and reviewable by the board.

Reporting a problem

If you experience or witness a violation, or anything makes you feel unsafe:

  • In person: tell any organizer or board member present.
  • Online: message a moderator in the relevant space, or
  • Anytime: email admin@aaarg.org.

Reports are taken seriously and handled as discreetly as the situation allows. You will not be penalized for reporting in good faith.

Consequences

Depending on severity and context, a response may include a friendly reminder, a formal warning, a temporary mute or removal from a session or chat room, or — for serious or repeated violations — suspension or a permanent ban from AAARG spaces. The board has final say and may act immediately to keep people safe.

Questions

This Code of Conduct is a living document; we’ll revise it as the guild grows. Questions or suggestions are welcome at admin@aaarg.org.

Version 2026-06. By participating in AAARG spaces you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.