Intro/What’s this about
We love that RPG Vienna, especially through the V.A.L.U.E. games, bring so many people together. Our goal is always to create an open and inclusive atmosphere where we can all enjoy our hobby. We know that keeping this vibe strong takes effort from all of us.
Recently, some members have come forward about experiences that made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ranging from awkward interactions to serious boundary issues. To address these concerns and reinforce our core value of respectful and fun games, we will define and enforce stricter consequences for violations of our code of conduct.
Acknowledgements/Challenges
We want to be transparent about our capacity. RPG Vienna events, including the Friday games, are organized by dedicated volunteers. We operate as a community group, not a formal organization with extensive resources.
Given this, our focus is on proactive systems. We can’t eliminate every issue in a public space, but we can implement clear guidelines and processes to respond effectively, at the moment when problems arise at our events.
The three strike system
First Strike (Table Ban):
If a DM encounters a significant issue with a player that cannot be resolved during the game, the DM has the authority to ban that player from their specific table(s).
Reporting & Tracking:
The DM will report the incident and the reason for the ban to the other V.A.L.U.E. DMs via dedicated private channels (e.g., on Discord). This ensures transparency and allows us to track recurring issues.
Second Strike (Location Ban):
If a player receives strikes from two different DMs at one location, they will be banned from all V.A.L.U.E. games held at the location.
Third Strike (V.A.L.U.E. Ban):
If a player receives strikes from three different DMs, they will be banned from participating in all official V.A.L.U.E. games across all locations. (This does not mean the player is banned from the Forum)
A Path Back: DMs can request the removal of a strike they issued if they believe the player has demonstrated genuine understanding and improvement. Strikes may also be reviewed or expire over time, particularly if a DM becomes inactive, subject to discussion among the relevant V.A.L.U.E DMs.
Keeping an Eye Out: We’ll discreetly let DMs know if a player has active strikes, especially newer DMs, so they feel supported and know what’s going on.
Major Misconduct
Aggressive behavior, harassment, unwanted physical contact, or any actions creating a hostile environment outside the game are unacceptable. Such behavior, especially if illegal or requiring external intervention, will result in immediate removal from the event and potential banning from future RPG Vienna activities.
Decisions on these bans will be discussed carefully among the head’s up DMs (and the DM’s from that evening and not made lightly.
Look Out for Each Other
Supporting Our DMs: We are developing resources, including a clear DM guide and potentially informal training, to empower DMs to handle difficult situations confidently and uphold our guidelines.
Players Responsibility: If you witness or experience behavior that seems inappropriate or makes someone uncomfortable, speak up. Alerting the DM or checking in with the affected person can make a significant difference. We need everyone to look out for one another.
Who to Talk To / How to Report
If you need to report something or just talk about a concern you can always reach us via:
Trusted DMs:
You can always talk to any V.A.L.U.E. DM with the “Heads-up Crew” tag on Discord. They’re our go-to contacts, happy to chat in person or online.
Online Form:
We also have an online form here: VALUE Report form. You can report anonymously, but keep in mind it’s much harder for us to act on claims if we can’t verify them or ask follow-up questions. Sharing contact info helps us do that, if needed.
Accountability for Everyone
These conduct standards and reporting procedures apply equally to everyone participating in V.A.L.U.E. games, including Dungeon Masters. If you have concerns about a DM’s behavior that crosses lines of respect or safety, please use the same reporting channels outlined above. Our goal is a positive experience for every participant.
Thank You
Thanks for being a valued part of the RPG Vienna community. If you have any more questions feel free to ask them down below and we will answer them to the best of our ability. We think and hope we will not have to use these tools but our experience has shown us we need to have them.