Code of Conduct
for diversity & tolerance in LARP
Preamble
LARP is a space for shared storytelling, imagination, and community. At Tales&Legends, we believe this space is strongest when it's open to everyone — regardless of background, identity, body, or way of life.
This code of conduct isn't a rulebook born of distrust — it's a shared commitment: we actively shape our community so that everyone can feel safe, welcome, and respected.
By taking part in our events, participating in the gUG's activities, or using our online channels, every person acknowledges this code and commits to acting in accordance with it.
Scope
This code of conduct applies everywhere our community comes together:
- Events & conventions: across the entire event site, during setup and teardown, and in adjacent areas.
- gUG activities: at meetings, workshops, rehearsals, and all official activities of Tales&Legends gUG.
- Online channels: on Discord servers, forums, social media, and any other digital communication space of the community.
It applies equally to all participants, organizers, volunteers, and staff. No position exempts anyone from the consequences of a violation.
Principles
Every other rule in this code follows from three principles:
Dignity
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect — in reality just as much as in play. No character, no roleplay, and no scenario justifies actually humiliating, hurting, or excluding a person.
Consent
Consent is the foundation of every interaction. It must be active, informed, and revocable at any time. When in doubt: asking beats assuming.
Responsibility
We are jointly responsible for the space we create. Anyone who notices a boundary being crossed carries responsibility — toward the person affected, the community, and themselves.
Diversity & Inclusion
LARP is colorful — and that's a strength. Discrimination, exclusion, or belittlement based on the following characteristics has no place in our community:
- Gender, gender identity, and gender expression
- Sexual orientation
- Origin, nationality, and ethnicity
- Religion and worldview
- Disability, chronic illness, or neurodivergence
- Age, body, or appearance
- Socioeconomic status
Portrayal in-game
LARP lives on fiction and playing with roles. Even so: characters or scenarios that reproduce or glorify real forms of discrimination contradict this code. Anyone touching on themes like racism, ableism, or queerphobia in play is responsible for a respectful execution and should speak with affected people beforehand.
Accessibility
We actively work to design events and content so that people with different needs can take part. Questions about accessibility can be raised with the organizing team at any time.
Safety & Boundaries
"STOP" — full stop, everyone steps back, no questions asked.
"Wirklich Wirklich" ("Really Really") or "Oh Mutter" ("Oh Mother") — I mean this as a real person now, not as my character.
Anyone who says one of these words has the right to immediate space and silence. The organizing team and everyone present respect this unconditionally.
Physical contact
No physical contact without prior consent — even in play. Hugs, fights, or other physical interactions require the agreement of everyone involved. A "no" or "rather not" is always acceptable and needs no justification.
Combat & prop weapons
- Fights only take place between people who have both agreed to it.
- Hits to the head, neck, spine, and groin are forbidden.
- Thrusts are only allowed with weapons explicitly approved as thrust-safe.
- Anyone wanting to step out of the game shows this with the out-of-game gesture: crossing your arms in front of your body to form an X.
Substances
Anyone under the influence of alcohol or other substances does not take part in combat and is fully responsible for their actions toward others. If a visible loss of control occurs, the organizing team steps in.
Respect & Conduct
IC and OOC
In LARP, we distinguish between the character (In Character, IC) and the person behind it (Out of Character, OOC). What a character experiences or does says nothing about the person playing it. Statements that hurt a person OOC are unacceptable even when made "in character."
Communication and language
- We talk with each other, not about each other.
- Insults, name-calling, targeted rumors, and bullying are not tolerated — neither in person nor online.
- Criticizing actions is fine; personal attacks on people are not.
- We pay attention to language that includes everyone.
Conflicts
Conflict is part of every community. We expect everyone involved to approach disagreements calmly and constructively. For conflicts that can't be resolved directly, the organizing team's contact people are available to mediate.
Online netiquette
- This code applies fully in online spaces too.
- Screenshots from private conversations are not shared without everyone involved agreeing.
- Provocations and trolls don't get fed — reporting features get used instead.
Consequences
Violations of this code are taken seriously. Consequences depend on the severity and frequency of the violation and are decided by the organizing team or the management of Tales&Legends gUG. Serious violations can skip stages.
Reporting & Contacts
If you experience or witness a violation, you should report it — even if you're unsure whether it's "serious enough." No concern is too small.
At events
- Any organizing team member wearing a visible organizer badge is a contact person.
- Contact people are reachable throughout the entire event.
Online & in writing
Confidentiality
Reports are handled confidentially. Anyone making a report has the right to remain anonymous. We protect people who report from retaliation.
We ask that incidents be reported promptly — the sooner we know, the sooner we can act.
This code of conduct is reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed. Management welcomes feedback and suggestions at any time.