The Social Contract

Overview

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 guidance of the ‘Themes and Topics’ 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 have been 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 means by which another character can witness 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.

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

We will endeavour to highlight any changes to the Themes and Topics 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 Ref Team during Uptime Sessions

We will endeavour ensure that at least one member of the Ref Team is assigned solely to answering queries and making rulings at any given time, and intend to have more than one whenever possible. They will be dressed in black clothing rather than costume, and will be referred to as a ‘Person in Black’. As the Ref Team will be undertaking a broad range of IC and OOC tasks during uptime, we ask that you contact a Person in Black rather than another member of the ST team with queries where possible.

However, we do prioritise the physical, mental and emotional safety of our players over maintenance of immersion; therefore if an OOC issue arises during uptime, 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.

What you may expect from the Ref Team between Uptime Sessions

The Ref Team will be monitoring the Alpha Centauri Discord Server, and this is the main avenue through which we will be answering questions and posting announcements. All players will have a dedicated private channel in which they may ask questions of the Ref Team that cannot be seen by other players. However for any questions that a player does not feel comfortable directing to the whole team, they may reach out to a single member of the ST team via Discord messaging.

If an OOC issue arises during the time between Uptime Sessions, players should contact a single member of the Ref Team via Discord messaging. They will acknowledge receipt within a week and act as the main point of contact on that issue, and will raise your issue with the rest of the Ref 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 once this as this has happened.

While each member of the Ref Team is fully committed to treating everyone 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 indicate to your chosen Ref that you wish the matter to be handled discreetly. That Ref 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 and Downtime Queries

During Uptime Sessions, each member of the Ref 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 Ref may be binding without need for ratification after the session.

Between sessions, the Ref Team will review queries and issue a response after any necessary discussions have been had.

Disagreement with a Member of the Ref Team

If at any point you have a disagreement with a member of the Ref Team, do not feel that you were treated fairly or have a more serious concern to raise, please raise the matter with a member of the Ref 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 Awakening Chiron; if at any point you do not feel this is the case we request you raise these matters privately and directly with the Ref Team so that we have a chance to act.