OUR SAFETY CHARTER

Arcadia Games is a community-focused project and is completely dependent on the goodwill of our community to continue. We all have stories of friendships forged on the tables and strive to create a space where those relationships can flourish. To that end, all Participants (Players, Game Masters, Community Moderators, and Staff) are expected to uphold this Safety Charter at all times.

London’s D&D community is diverse, and we proudly and intentionally support that diversity. Arcadia is a place where anyone can relax and express themselves, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, neurotype, or (dis)ability status.

– The game is open to players new and old – many of whom have not played at a table together before. Understand that players come from all different backgrounds, and avoid highly violent or sexual language and themes at public tables.

– Absolutely no racism, misogyny, intentional misgendering, deadnaming, or any other form of abuse is permitted – in or out of character.

Players are here to have fun and should ALWAYS feel safe and included. To that end, we support the following rules to allow our GMs tell the best story we can.

– Whilst at the table, follow player etiquette – do not speak over other players or the GM, cross-talk, or take phone calls at the table.

– Don’t advise players about their playing style unless asked.

– Respect that GM decisions at the table are final. 

– If someone uses the x-card or asks you to stop roleplay at a table – it is your responsibility to stop.

– The GM has the right to ask a disruptive player to leave the table. Members of staff have the right to remove a disruptive or aggressive player, participant or GM from a table, event, server, or venue.

Fundamentally, participants must conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the enjoyment and physical or mental safety of others. Behaviour that compromises the safety of our community can result in discipline at the discretion of the on-site Staff and Safety Council, up to and including an immediate ban from Arcadia Games’ venues and online spaces. 

– On the table, we use the X-Card, described below. When it is used, respect the person who uses it and don’t ask why or start a conversation about the issue.

– Unsafe behaviour on and off the table includes unwanted sexual advances, abuse, verbal harassment, theft, or any form of verbally or physically aggressive behaviour. This is not an exhaustive list, and the Safety Council has a right to issue subsequent disciplinary action at their discretion and with their own judgement.

Arcadia Games endorses and uses the X-Card as part of our plan to create a safe and inclusive environment for players and GMs alike.

What is considered fine by one person may be controversial by another - don't assume that your standards are the same as everyone else’s. An X-card is a tool to keep the content at the table safe for everyone.  X-Cards will be provided on all tables but can also be signed with a player’s arms, drawn on a card, or displayed on a phone screen. Should someone feel uncomfortable at any time, they can tap the X-card. The GM and other players will change the content or skip the scene – no questions asked.

Use of the X-Card is optional. But when it is used, respect the person who uses it and don’t ask why or start a conversation about the issue.

We want you to have a wonderful experience playing with us – which is why we have a strict process to deal with problems if they arise. 

We encourage you to let us know if you find that:

– A participant has breached the terms of the Safety Charter

– You experience disruptive or unpleasant behaviour on or off a table which is not adequately addressed by a GM or staff

– You feel you are in an unsafe environment for any other reason

If something happens in the venue, we invite you to notify a GM, member of staff (wearing an Arcadia shirt), or member of the safety council (wearing a safety council pin) as soon as you can. 

You can also raise a complaint by:

Emailing the Safety Council at safety@arcadiagames.co.uk; or

Filling out the Feedback Form

If you include your contact details, the Safety Council will contact you to acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three working days.

We have a collective responsibility to ensure that members of our community are safe. If you observe or encounter negative behaviour involving Staff, GMs, or Players, it should be reported at once. 

Everyone has a right to play safely.