Must-avoid policy - Revision history

Matt: /* What Does it Entail? */

2025-03-31T09:34:00Z

What Does it Entail?

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:34, 31 March 2025
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	* '''At Empire main events or player events, avoid the other person's group camps and tents'''		* '''At Empire main events or player events, avoid the other person's group camps and tents'''
	*'''You can share large communal areas such as GOD, the Hub, the Hall of Worlds or the Senate building, provided you remain apart'''		*'''You can share large communal areas such as GOD, the Hub, the Hall of Worlds or the Senate building, provided you remain apart'''
	*'''You must not attempt to ~~harm~~ each other's characters in any way'''		*'''You must not attempt to kill or persecute each other's characters in any way'''
	*'''You must avoid interacting with each other online wherever possible'''		*'''You must avoid interacting with each other online wherever possible'''
	* '''These restrictions apply equally to both parties - whoever is in a group camp or tent first has the right to remain'''		* '''These restrictions apply equally to both parties - whoever is in a group camp or tent first has the right to remain'''
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	Participants under a must-avoid should not approach any medium sized group (around 12 or fewer people) that includes the other person, regardless of the IC situation. Neither party is expected to avoid the entire nation camp where the other player is based, and both parties can still attend large communal gatherings like Conclave, the Senate, the Forge Tavern, or a nation muster, or out-of-character areas such as GOD. However, they must make all reasonable efforts to stay a significant distance away from each other - they should position themselves at the other side of the room/tent/clearing. They must avoid each others' group camps.		Participants under a must-avoid should not approach any medium sized group (around 12 or fewer people) that includes the other person, regardless of the IC situation. Neither party is expected to avoid the entire nation camp where the other player is based, and both parties can still attend large communal gatherings like Conclave, the Senate, the Forge Tavern, or a nation muster, or out-of-character areas such as GOD. However, they must make all reasonable efforts to stay a significant distance away from each other - they should position themselves at the other side of the room/tent/clearing. They must avoid each others' group camps.

	~~Both~~ parties ~~should avoid IC factors~~ that ~~would cause them~~ to ~~come into~~ contact ~~with each other~~. ~~They~~ should avoid player-versus-player (PvP) activities with each other~~, and must make all reasonable efforts to avoid coming into IC conflict~~. It is not acceptable for one person's character to seek to have the other killed ~~or to try to damage their political fortunes~~, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering them~~. If either party holds an in-character title, neither person may attempt to have them revoked, replaced, or similar~~.		If there are ongoing PvP activities we will work with both parties to agree a plan to manage that conflict to minimise personal contact. Both parties should avoid beginning new player-versus-player (PvP) activities with each other. It is not acceptable for one person's character to seek to have the other killed, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering them.

	Participants under a must-avoid should avoid interacting with each other in any Profound Decisions official online communities. They must refrain from sending each other emails, private messages, or texts, unless there is a legitimate need to do so.		Participants under a must-avoid should avoid interacting with each other in any Profound Decisions official online communities. They must refrain from sending each other emails, private messages, or texts, unless there is a legitimate need to do so.

Matt: /* How Do I Request a Must-Avoid? */

2025-03-31T09:32:33Z

How Do I Request a Must-Avoid?

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 31 March 2025
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	* '''Contact the conduct team to request a must-avoid'''		* '''Contact the conduct team to request a must-avoid'''
	* '''A must-avoid request is not the same as a report of a conduct problem, and does not involve any investigation'''		* '''A must-avoid request is not the same as a report of a conduct problem, and does not involve any investigation'''
	* '''You don't have to provide any reason for requesting one ~~and you will not be asked for details~~'''		* '''You don't have to provide any reason for requesting one'''
	* '''Asking for a must-avoid does not prevent you also reporting a conduct problem'''		* '''Asking for a must-avoid does not prevent you also reporting a conduct problem'''

	If you want a must-avoid then you must [[Reporting_a_conduct_problem#How_Do_I_Report.3F\|contact the conduct team]]. A must-avoid is not part of our official conduct complaint system, but the administration is handled by the conduct team. You don't have to provide any reasoning for why you want to have a must-avoid. The team ~~won't carry out any investigation or require any further details - they~~ will ~~simply~~ check that you understand what a must-avoid entails, and ~~then~~ they will speak to the other party as quickly as possible to let them know the restrictions that both you and they are under.		If you want a must-avoid then you must [[Reporting_a_conduct_problem#How_Do_I_Report.3F\|contact the conduct team]]. A must-avoid is not part of our official conduct complaint system, but the administration is handled by the conduct team. You don't have to provide any reasoning for why you want to have a must-avoid. "The team will check to confirm that you understand what a must-avoid entails and that you can recognise the person and they can recognise you. They will ask if there is any history of ongoing PvP conflict and discuss how that can be managed to minimise contact. Then they will speak to the other party as quickly as possible to let them know the restrictions that both you and they are under.

	If you choose to share details about your reasoning with the conduct team, they may ask you if you wish to make a report about a conduct problem, depending on what you have told them. This is always optional. Asking for a must-avoid also does not prevent you from reporting a conduct problem at the same time, or in the future, if you want to.		If you choose to share details about your reasoning with the conduct team, they may ask you if you wish to make a report about a conduct problem, depending on what you have told them. This is always optional. Asking for a must-avoid also does not prevent you from reporting a conduct problem at the same time, or in the future, if you want to.

Graemej: /* What Does it Entail? */

2023-08-20T18:14:30Z

What Does it Entail?

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 20 August 2023
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	* '''Make all reasonable efforts to avoid close social contact with the other person'''		* '''Make all reasonable efforts to avoid close social contact with the other person'''
	* '''Don't start or join a conversation with the other person at any time'''		* '''Don't start or join a conversation with the other person at any time'''
	* '''At Empire main events or player events, avoid group camps and tents ~~if the other person is present~~'''		* '''At Empire main events or player events, avoid the other person's group camps and tents'''
	*'''You can share large communal areas such as GOD, the Hub, the Hall of Worlds or the Senate building, provided you remain apart'''		*'''You can share large communal areas such as GOD, the Hub, the Hall of Worlds or the Senate building, provided you remain apart'''
	*'''You must not attempt to harm each other's characters in any way'''		*'''You must not attempt to harm each other's characters in any way'''
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	* '''These restrictions apply at all times'''		* '''These restrictions apply at all times'''

	Participants under a must-avoid should not approach any medium sized group (around 12 or fewer people) that includes the other person, regardless of the IC situation. Neither party is expected to avoid the entire nation camp where the other player is based, and both parties can still attend large communal gatherings like Conclave, the Senate, the Forge Tavern, or a nation muster, or out-of-character areas such as GOD. However, they must make all reasonable efforts to stay a significant distance away from each other - they should position themselves at the other side of the room/tent/clearing. ~~Unless they are certain the other participant is not present, they should~~ avoid each others' group camps.		Participants under a must-avoid should not approach any medium sized group (around 12 or fewer people) that includes the other person, regardless of the IC situation. Neither party is expected to avoid the entire nation camp where the other player is based, and both parties can still attend large communal gatherings like Conclave, the Senate, the Forge Tavern, or a nation muster, or out-of-character areas such as GOD. However, they must make all reasonable efforts to stay a significant distance away from each other - they should position themselves at the other side of the room/tent/clearing. They must avoid each others' group camps.

	Both parties should avoid IC factors that would cause them to come into contact with each other. They should avoid player-versus-player (PvP) activities with each other, and must make all reasonable efforts to avoid coming into IC conflict. It is not acceptable for one person's character to seek to have the other killed or to try to damage their political fortunes, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering them. If either party holds an in-character title, neither person may attempt to have them revoked, replaced, or similar.		Both parties should avoid IC factors that would cause them to come into contact with each other. They should avoid player-versus-player (PvP) activities with each other, and must make all reasonable efforts to avoid coming into IC conflict. It is not acceptable for one person's character to seek to have the other killed or to try to damage their political fortunes, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering them. If either party holds an in-character title, neither person may attempt to have them revoked, replaced, or similar.

Matt: Matt moved page Must avoid policy to Must-avoid policy

2022-03-20T10:48:38Z

Matt moved page Must avoid policy to Must-avoid policy

← Older revision	Revision as of 10:48, 20 March 2022
(No difference)

Matt at 10:26, 20 March 2022

2022-03-20T10:26:05Z

Show changes

Dre at 17:40, 2 April 2018

2018-04-02T17:40:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:40, 2 April 2018
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	==IC Interactions==		==IC Interactions==
	Players who have been instructed to avoid each other should make all reasonable efforts to avoid coming into IC conflict with the other ~~parties~~ character. Such characters should not pretend they are friends, but it is not appropriate to seek to have the other party killed or to try to damage their political fortunes, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering the other character.		Players who have been instructed to avoid each other should make all reasonable efforts to avoid coming into IC conflict with the other party's character. Such characters should not pretend they are friends, but it is not appropriate to seek to have the other party killed or to try to damage their political fortunes, even if the possibility exists to do so without physically encountering the other character.

	The basic principle behind the must avoid policy is that both players should endeavour to ensure that ~~the other~~ player is not driven by IC factors to come into contact with the other.		The basic principle behind the must avoid policy is that both players should endeavour to ensure that one player is not driven by IC factors to come into contact with the other.

	==Imperial Game Areas==		==Imperial Game Areas==
	The above rules cover interactions in the tents and camps at Anvil, less stringent rules apply to communal game areas like the Senate or the Hall of Worlds. It is not possible for two players to avoid the other player's location if they are both senators. Likewise magicians who are members of the Conclave cannot avoid being in the same tent during Conclave meetings. Some of these "Imperial" locations, such as the Hub, the Conclave, and the Synod are sufficiently large that players can use the area at the same time, provided they make every effort to avoid conversation and close proximity.		The above rules cover interactions in the tents and camps at Anvil, less stringent rules apply to communal game areas like the Senate or the Hall of Worlds. It is not possible for two players to avoid the other player's location if they are both senators. Likewise, magicians who are members of the Conclave cannot avoid being in the same tent during Conclave meetings. Some of these "Imperial" locations, such as the Hub, the Conclave, and the Synod are sufficiently large that players can use the area at the same time, provided they make every effort to avoid conversation and close proximity.

	For example, if two senators must avoid each other then they can stand at opposite sides of the Senate chamber. Even two magicians who are members of the same Conclave order can still make a reasonable effort to keep their distance from each other during a Conclave session.		For example, if two senators must avoid each other then they can stand at opposite sides of the Senate chamber. Even two magicians who are members of the same Conclave order can still make a reasonable effort to keep their distance from each other during a Conclave session.
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	==Following the Rules==		==Following the Rules==
	If a player is encountering any difficult avoiding another player they have been asked to avoid, or if they wish guidance on how this applies in a specific circumstance then they should raise that matter with a member of Profound Decisions as soon as possible. If a player feels that the other party is not following the spirit of the rules and making all reasonable efforts to avoid the other party, then they should report this to Profound Decisions as quickly as possible. We regard any ~~breech~~ of these rules as very significant, a deliberate violation is likely to result in a player receiving a permanent ban from all events.		If a player is encountering any difficult avoiding another player they have been asked to avoid, or if they wish guidance on how this applies in a specific circumstance then they should raise that matter with a member of Profound Decisions as soon as possible. If a player feels that the other party is not following the spirit of the rules and making all reasonable efforts to avoid the other party, then they should report this to Profound Decisions as quickly as possible. We regard any breach of these rules as very significant: a deliberate violation is likely to result in a player receiving a permanent ban from all events.

	==Spirit of the Rules==		==Spirit of the Rules==
	In theory it might be possible for an individual to attempt to keep to the letter of the rule and avoid the spirit of it, there are situations where people can feel threatened by an individual simply by their persistent close presence, even if they are not attempting to initiate conversation or make eye contact. In practice this is why we try to keep the wording of this rule fairly simple and not tie it down in knots - it's not meant to be a legal contract - we're simply ~~ask~~ both parties to make a ~~reason~~ effort to stay out of the other person's way. If we felt that a situation had developed where one party had attempted to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it - then we treat that as breaking the ruling.		In theory it might be possible for an individual to attempt to keep to the letter of the rule and avoid the spirit of it; there are situations where people can feel threatened by an individual simply by their persistent close presence, even if they are not attempting to initiate conversation or make eye contact. In practice this is why we try to keep the wording of this rule fairly simple and not tie it down in knots - it's not meant to be a legal contract - we're simply asking both parties to make a reasonable effort to stay out of the other person's way. If we felt that a situation had developed where one party had attempted to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it - then we treat that as breaking the ruling.

	==Online==		==Online==
	The rules for conduct cover all online spaces dedicated to the Empire campaign that are moderated by Profound Decisions. To keep within the spirit of the rules, all participants should avoid commenting on threads started by a participant they must avoid (and vice versa) where possible. We also expect people to refrain from sending emails, private messages or texts to the other party unless there is a legitimate need to do so. Contacting another party online after being asked to avoid them, is a violation of these rules.		The rules for conduct cover all online spaces dedicated to the Empire campaign that are moderated by Profound Decisions. To keep within the spirit of the rules, all participants should avoid commenting on threads started by a participant they must avoid (and vice versa) where possible. We also expect people to refrain from sending emails, private messages, or texts to the other party unless there is a legitimate need to do so. Contacting another party online, after being asked to avoid them, is a violation of these rules.

	==Anonymity==		==Anonymity==
	Profound Decisions do not discuss any complaints raised with us with other players or LRP groups, nor do we confirm or deny any rulings that we have issued. Where a complaint is brought to us, we will inform the original player of the outcome of the complaint but we will not discuss the matter with any other party. We take this approach partly to protect the privacy of players - those making a complaint and those who are the subject of one and because we do not wish to have the additional burden of proof imposed by knowing that our rulings could be adopted by other LRP systems. We believe that both of these outcomes would damage our ability to provide the best possible protection to players attending our events.		Profound Decisions do not discuss any complaints raised with us with other players or LRP groups, nor do we confirm or deny any rulings that we have issued. Where a complaint is brought to us, we will inform the original player of the outcome of the complaint but we will not discuss the matter with any other party. We take this approach partly to protect the privacy of players - those making a complaint and those who are the subject of one - and because we do not wish to have the additional burden of proof imposed by knowing that our rulings could be adopted by other LRP systems. We believe that both of these outcomes would damage our ability to provide the best possible protection to players attending our events.

	==Impartiality==		==Impartiality==
	Disagreements between players may be based on disagreements that are exceptionally serious in nature - or relatively minor. The conflict may be caused by actions from both parties or the fault may lie solely with one side. The behaviour may have happened at our event - or it may be a historic problem that happened weeks, months or years earlier.		Disagreements between players may be based on disagreements that are exceptionally serious in nature - or relatively minor. The conflict may be caused by actions from both parties or the fault may lie solely with one side. The behaviour may have happened at our event - or it may be a historic problem that happened weeks, months, or years earlier.
	Practical experience has shown that it is often impossible for Profound Decisions to investigate these matters successfully, particularly when they involve incidents that took place outside our events or where there are no eye-witnesses.		Practical experience has shown that it is often impossible for Profound Decisions to investigate these matters successfully, particularly when they involve incidents that took place outside our events or where there are no eye-witnesses.

	Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial - this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.		Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial, this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.

	==Further Action==		==Further Action==

Matt at 17:32, 2 April 2018

2018-04-02T17:32:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 2 April 2018
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	Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial - this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.		Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial - this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.

			==Further Action==
			Because a must avoid order applies to both parties and does not constitute an official warning, it does not give rise to any further official action. Affected participants can continue to attend events, to carry out any crewing or other volunteer responsibilities that they held previously, and to be active online.

			Where practical, we will look to avoid promoting anyone under a must avoid order outside their usual position in the PD community if that would bring them into increased contact or visibility with any participants they have been instructed to avoid.

	{{Conduct_Further_Reading}}		{{Conduct_Further_Reading}}

Matt at 17:16, 2 April 2018

2018-04-02T17:16:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 2 April 2018
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	In theory it might be possible for an individual to attempt to keep to the letter of the rule and avoid the spirit of it, there are situations where people can feel threatened by an individual simply by their persistent close presence, even if they are not attempting to initiate conversation or make eye contact. In practice this is why we try to keep the wording of this rule fairly simple and not tie it down in knots - it's not meant to be a legal contract - we're simply ask both parties to make a reason effort to stay out of the other person's way. If we felt that a situation had developed where one party had attempted to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it - then we treat that as breaking the ruling.		In theory it might be possible for an individual to attempt to keep to the letter of the rule and avoid the spirit of it, there are situations where people can feel threatened by an individual simply by their persistent close presence, even if they are not attempting to initiate conversation or make eye contact. In practice this is why we try to keep the wording of this rule fairly simple and not tie it down in knots - it's not meant to be a legal contract - we're simply ask both parties to make a reason effort to stay out of the other person's way. If we felt that a situation had developed where one party had attempted to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it - then we treat that as breaking the ruling.

	~~Likewise if we felt~~ that a ~~player was observing these rules at an event~~, ~~but using Empire Facebook groups~~ or ~~other social media connected~~ to the ~~game~~ to ~~harass the other~~ party ~~then that would likewise be treated as~~ a violation of ~~the~~ rules.		==Online==
			The rules for conduct cover all online spaces dedicated to the Empire campaign that are moderated by Profound Decisions. To keep within the spirit of the rules, all participants should avoid commenting on threads started by a participant they must avoid (and vice versa) where possible. We also expect people to refrain from sending emails, private messages or texts to the other party unless there is a legitimate need to do so. Contacting another party online after being asked to avoid them, is a violation of these rules.

	==Anonymity==		==Anonymity==

Matt: /* Imperial Game Areas */

2017-06-22T12:41:36Z

Imperial Game Areas

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 22 June 2017
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	==Imperial Game Areas==		==Imperial Game Areas==
	The above rules cover interactions in the tents and camps at Anvil, less stringent rules apply to communal game areas like the Senate or the Hall of Worlds. It is not possible for two players to avoid the other player's location if they are both senators. Likewise magicians who are members of the Conclave cannot avoid being in the same tent during Conclave meetings. Some of these "Imperial" locations, such as the Hub, the Conclave, and the Synod are sufficiently large that players can use the area at the same time, provided they make every effort to avoid conversation and close proximity ~~where that is reasonably possible~~.		The above rules cover interactions in the tents and camps at Anvil, less stringent rules apply to communal game areas like the Senate or the Hall of Worlds. It is not possible for two players to avoid the other player's location if they are both senators. Likewise magicians who are members of the Conclave cannot avoid being in the same tent during Conclave meetings. Some of these "Imperial" locations, such as the Hub, the Conclave, and the Synod are sufficiently large that players can use the area at the same time, provided they make every effort to avoid conversation and close proximity.

	For example, if two senators must avoid each other then they can stand at opposite sides of the Senate chamber. Even two magicians who are members of the same Conclave order can still make a reasonable effort to keep their distance from each other during a Conclave session.		For example, if two senators must avoid each other then they can stand at opposite sides of the Senate chamber. Even two magicians who are members of the same Conclave order can still make a reasonable effort to keep their distance from each other during a Conclave session.

Matt at 19:01, 26 August 2016

2016-08-26T19:01:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 26 August 2016
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	Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial - this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.		Our goal is to protect participants and allow them to enjoy the event even when we cannot identify who is to blame. The policy is impartial - applying equally to both parties - precisely so that it can be accessed by the complainant who does not have supporting evidence. We use an evidence-based approach to our complaints, so a higher burden of proof is required to identify a culpable party and reprimand or ban them. Precisely because it is impartial - this policy is an option available to a player even when they are not able to provide evidence to support a formal complaint.
	~~[[Category: Conduct]]~~
	~~[[Category: Rules]]~~		{{Conduct_Further_Reading}}