By playing this game, you give your consent to content listed in the ‘Included Subjects’ section found here. The list of topics which will definitely feature in our game will not change.

The core of the social contract is informed, immediately revocable consent, both in and out of session.

This means that—unless something is explicitly and completely within the ‘Included Subjects’ list—if you want to do something that might cause someone else discomfort out-of-character, it is your responsibility to check with them first; to do something that will potentially make somebody uncomfortable OOC, you need their agreement beforehand. An agreement they can withdraw at any time without having to give a reason. An agreement they can withdraw even if they were fine with the same thing previously.

This applies to what is experienced by other players, not what remains in a player's head. One way to approach a conflict of comfort is therefore to see if a briefer description of the interaction is acceptable, allowing one player to imagine something more detailed while the other "fades to black". For example, instead of describing a seduction, players could agree the seduction happened but not discuss details. If this method is chosen, please remember that not having consent to discuss specifics includes not having consent to tell third parties your detailed version.

As most if not all of the venue at each session will be accessible to every character, and there are ways - such as certain applications of Auspex - that can result in a character witnessing what had seemed to be a private interaction, the rules on what is acceptable in session are likely to be narrower than what might be acceptable for personal plot during downtimes.

Restricted Subjects

The ST team will be maintaining an anonymous list of topics that are banned from the game completely, or which have been indicated as a limit by one or more players. This will be used both by the ST team when deciding what to gloss over or omit completely from downtime returns and NPC briefs, and published as an indication of where a content warning is required on any player-generated fiction. However, it remains each player's responsibility to ensure they have consent, and to stop immediately if someone requests it out-of-character. The detail of downtime responses will likewise be constrained by any limits mentioned by any player involved. We intend to create a forum area where players can post their fiction, which will permit edgier material; this will be subject to a content warning system.

The Storyteller team and our NPC crew are actively committed to finding ways that players can explore the full range of vampire behaviours and stories, pleasant or not, if they wish, and to and supporting your personal storylines. However, each storyteller and NPC is entitled to the same absolute right to withhold their consent.

We will endeavour to highlight any changes to this list. However, each player is responsible for ensuring they are aware of the current social contract and the list of banned or limited topics.

What you may expect from the ST Team

Contacting the ST Team - During Session

We will ensure that at least one member of the team is available to answer queries and make rulings (a “Person in Black”) and intend to have more than one whenever possible.

As the ST Team will be undertaking a broad range of IC and OOC tasks immediately before, during, and immediately after sessions we ask that you contact a Person in Black rather than another member of the ST team with queries.

Contacting the ST Team - Between Sessions

To avoid confusion and delay, please contact a single member of the ST team by email/Discord rather than sending the same message to several people.

Potential Breaches of Social Contract or Other OOC Issues - During Session

We prioritise the safety of our players over maintenance of immersion; therefore, you may contact any member of the ST team rather than seeking a Person in Black. The ST you raise the issue with will make an initial decision, prioritising your safety and that of everyone else present.

If further discussion or action might be needed we will follow up within a week and either propose a solution or next steps if the issue is more complex.

Potential Breaches of Social Contract or Other OOC Issues - Between Sessions

Please contact one member of the ST team. They will acknowledge receipt within a week,  and act as your point of contact on this issue.

That member of the ST team will raise your issue with the team. The team as a whole will discuss the issues and agree either a solution or next step within a week. Your point of contact will update you as soon as this has happened.

Sensitive Issues

While each member of the ST team is fully committed to treating everyone scrupulously fairly and respecting their confidences, and we believe openly discussing issues within the whole team will ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved, we recognise that there might be situations where you do not wish everyone on the team to know you have raised an issue or all of the details.

Where this is the case, please contact the ST of your choice and indicate that you wish the matter to be handled discreetly. That ST will act as a cut-out between you and the team, agreeing with you which details you are happy to share with the team, discussing how to handle any situations where keeping something from the team might interfere with obtaining the fairest outcome, and so forth.

Rules/Setting/Downtime Queries - During Session

Each member of the ST team has absolute authority to make rulings. While they have the discretion to declare a ruling applies only to a single test, and might well do so where, for example, hidden factors influence a situation, any ruling by any ST may be binding without need for ratification after the session.

Rules/Setting/Downtime Queries - Between Sessions

The ST team will review queries and issue a response within a week.

Disagreement with a Member of the ST Team

If at any point you have a disagreement with a member of the ST Team, do not feel that you were treated fairly or have a more serious concern to raise you will need to raise the matter with a member of the ST Team with whom you feel comfortable discussing the issue. We will address this as privately, discreetly, and anonymously as possible and work to find an appropriate resolution to the matter as quickly as possible.

We wish to ensure that everyone feels welcome to take part and is provided with a safe environment at Tenebrae; if at any point you do not feel this is the case we request you raise these matters privately and directly with the ST Team so that we have a chance to act.