Mystwood is a non-profit live action role playing organization consisting of volunteer Staff organizers, including Game Masters, volunteer Cast members (often called NPCs), and paying guests (often called PCs). Whether or not an attendee is a paying participant, these policies apply uniformly.
INTRODUCTION
Mystwood’s Board of Directors takes the safety and enjoyment of all involved very seriously, and expects the same of the individual Game Masters and Chronicle runners that plan and run Mystwood Events.
To facilitate this, Mystwood as an organization has adopted a series of formal policies to deal with certain activities which may harm players and the player base, and cause the general and specific safety and enjoyment of participants to be infringed. These policies cover harassment, sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol, theft, cheating, and live combat.
As Mystwood’s organization is composed entirely of volunteers, the goal of these policies is to ensure that attendees are able to participate in the game in a fun and safe manner, with a minimal amount of effort required for policing and punishing those who break the rules, or are simply not fun to play with. All participants should remember that their fellow players, Cast members, Staff, and Board are at Events to socialize, entertain, be entertained, be challenged in various safe ways, and generally enjoy time with friends, and play accordingly.
Where Mystwood Policies and the Site Policies of the various locations we utilize differ, overlap, or conflict, both policies will be followed, with the more restrictive taking precedence. This may potentially result in participants being subject to action from a Mystwood representative, as well as from a given Site’s representative, independently.
PROHIBITION ON RETALIATION
Mystwood, and the Game Masters who present Mystwood Events, will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who brings a complaint, or who speaks as a witness in the investigation of a complaint.
The safety and well-being of all participants at Mystwood is our primary concern. We take any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior VERY seriously. If a participant is found to be responsible for any inappropriate behavior, they should expect a stern warning or expulsion from the game.
HARASSMENT
The following definition is taken from the definition of harassment set forth by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Some of the language and definitions in the body of this policy are also taken from the verbiage described by the EEOC. The wording has been, in some cases, altered to better conform to Mystwood’s status as a social organization, rather than an employer.
Harassment is systematic and/or continued unwelcome actions of one party or group that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, weight, height, gender, relationship status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other inborn or chosen distinction pertinent to the harassed party.
The offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, sexual objectification, and offensive objects or pictures. Harassment can be either in or out of game, and may be done in person, online, via text or email, or by proxy (by others).
The harasser can be a member of the game Board, a game Staff member, a game Cast member, or a fellow player. The victim does not have to be the person harassed but can be anyone affected by the offensive conduct.
Prevention is the best tool to eliminate harassment at Mystwood. Participants at Mystwood are encouraged to inform the harasser directly that the conduct is unwelcome and must stop. Participants are also highly encouraged to report harassment to Game Staff at an early stage to prevent escalation and/or retaliation.
It should be noted that, while Mystwood represents a pseudo-medieval society modeled on the real world Europe of the 10th to 15th century, the world of Mystwood is a far more liberal and egalitarian place than the real world of that time. Characters of any sex, gender and sexual orientation can and do hold the same equal rights, privileges, responsibilities and opportunities and shall be treated as such. Inheritance laws make no distinction based on gender, for example, and it would not be unusual for a woman to hold a knighthood, or for a gay partnership to be approved and celebrated by the community. To that end, in-game harassment based on these topics is forbidden.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Mystwood believes that all players, Cast, and Staff should be afforded the opportunity to enjoy an environment free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct that undermines our desired relationships. No one should be subjected verbally or physically to unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct. Sexual harassment refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that debilitates morale and, therefore, interferes with our effectiveness.
Behavior that amounts to sexual harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including Disinvitation.
It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person's sex. Harassment can include "sexual harassment" or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person's gender. For example, it is against the rules and spirit of Mystwood to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general.
Both victim and the harasser can be of any gender, and the victim and harasser can be of the same gender.
Although the law upon which this policy is based does not prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not serious, it is considered the best practice of any attendee that commentary of a sexual nature be generally avoided.
What Is Acceptable
Mystwood is a reenactment of a time that never was, a pseudo-medieval Dark Ages with monsters, magic, wonders and horror. Flirtation as a part of creating this atmosphere should not necessarily be construed as sexual harassment in and of itself. If an encounter makes a participant uncomfortable, they should use the “Okay Check In” call system as a means of expressing their discomfort, and excuse themselves. They may approach the Game Staff with their concerns at their discretion.
Complaint Procedure
If a participant witnesses or experiences harassment or sexual harassment during Event hours (set-up until clean-up), they should report it immediately to a Board member or to a Game Master. All allegations of sexual harassment will be quickly investigated. To the extent possible, the confidentiality of a reporter, and that of any witnesses and the alleged harasser, will be protected against unnecessary disclosure. When the investigation is completed, all affected parties will be informed of the outcome of that investigation.
FIREARMS AND OTHER REAL WEAPONS
The possession and carrying of firearms is regulated by local, state and federal laws. In all cases, Mystwood will hew to those laws. Mystwood strongly requests that all participants refrain from carrying firearms on their person, keeping these items in their locked vehicle.
The possession, carrying, or brandishing of other weapons, such as reproduction swords or other medieval weapons, is prohibited at Mystwood Events, except in previously determined scenarios where such items will be carried or used by trained/skilled participants, with specific permission.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND PRESCRIPTION NARCOTICS/PAIN RELIEF
The use, possession, or sale of alcohol or illegal drugs on the game site during a Mystwood Event is not permitted. Intoxication can present a real danger to the health and safety of other players due to the alteration of consciousness and decision-making processes it engenders. If we believe a participant possesses, has been using, or is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, they will be suspended and/or permanently expelled from the game.
At this time, Mystwood treats the use and possession of marijuana as an illegal drug pursuant to federal legislation.
If a participant is under the influence of any legal prescription that might cause them to have issues with focus or attention- for example, such drugs which state to have caution when operating heavy machinery- that participant may not take part in boffer combat for the duration of the use of that drug or prescription.
CHEATING
Cheating at Mystwood falls into several categories, some of which are not considered "cheating" in a traditional sense.
“Classic” Cheating
The game rules are provided for a reason- to present opportunities, challenges and restrictions to players, so that the clever and strategic use of abilities can overcome challenges, entertain fellow players, and generally emulate aspects of a medieval fantasy world. Flagrant violations of the rules- the classic "too many hit points", "too many attacks", and the like- completely destroy the environment in which we have chosen to immerse ourselves. Similarly, failure to track mana, craft points, Moonstone, skill tokens, and the like contribute to an atmosphere of "anything goes", which is contrary to a continuous, logically, and logistically described game setting. The result of cheating is that other players become demoralized and disheartened when their hard-earned skills and abilities are not as useful as a player who cheats to succeed.
This is not to say that an occasional miscount of a hit point or special ability will always be punished as cheating- no one can be expected to have perfect recall and perfect tracking in the heat of battle or role play- but that flagrant, repeat, or unrepentant cheaters will be punished. Remember- it is easy to cheat. It is hard to be honorable, and if a participant is cheating to "win", they will impress few when they are removed from the game. The best practice when one has lost track of one’s abilities or resources is to assume they are expended, and proceed accordingly.
Metagaming
This is the use of out-of-game information in an in-game way which results in an environment of benefit to the player. For example, if a participant did not see the enemy who killed their character while conscious in-game, but after resurrection, used that information to gain advantage over their murderer; or learning what participant makes use of specific Thief Clip tokens, and using this in retaliation against the player.
Learning game setting lore as a player, and making use of this lore in-game, is perfectly acceptable, encouraged, and increases the verisimilitude of the setting.
Remember, if something is a secret in-game, the only way to keep it secret is to NOT TELL SOMEBODY. Lore and plot learned out-of-game, while spending time with other fellow players off-site, is considered learned in-game as well if the player so desires.
While playing a Cast member, however, participants must take pains to keep the information that characters know separate and discrete from that which their other Cast roles might know. Further, they must take pains to release secret information when and how they are instructed by game Staff.
Forgery
Any player found copying tags, coinage, in-game items, out-of-game mechanical processes, or any other game-related document, prop, tag, or item without the written consent of a Game Master or Board Member is committing the offense of forgery. The game attempts to maintain a careful balance of items and coinage going into the game and coming out in order to simulate an economy.
Outside influences on this economy wholly negates mechanics and will be subject to extreme sanction, up to and including Disinvitation.
DISREGARD FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FELLOW PARTICIPANTS
Disregard for the environment of the game, and for your fellow participants, may be subject to warning, with repetition resulting in the potential for more stringent disciplinary action. Examples include:
* Failure or refusal to wear appropriate costume
* Failure or refusal to remain “in-game” in regard to speech and action
* Disrespect shown toward the belongings or costume of other players
* Failure to take care of trash or other discarded items in a timely manner in the appropriate receptacles
* Persistent use of swear words or other unsavory speech
* Disrespectful use of real world religious symbols, speech, or activities
* Disrespect shown toward fellow players in ways that do not fall the definition of harassment
Some of the above actions may be punished in ways considered “in-game”, such as chastisement and fines, instead of, or in addition to, out of game warnings, depending on the flagrancy and frequency of the actions.
THEFT AND LOST ITEMS
The only items which may be stolen or taken are game-provided props, tags, coins, and lore pieces with in-game value or knowledge. When in doubt, leave the props and take the tags.
You may not enter another player’s tent without permission, but you also may not hide in-game items in your tent.
You are allowed to enter in-game cabins and other buildings, but in game items and out of game property should be clearly separated. Do not search or disturb other players’ out-of-game belongings. When in doubt, contact Game Staff.
Hiding important or valuable items in an out of game place is against the spirit of the rules and may result in a Warning.
Theft of another player's out of game belongings is a crime, and may be subject to more stringent action than simple Mystwood policy. Weapons and armor left on the ground or in a building by a careless participant are not available for another participant’s use unless they are game props (colloquially known as “NPC weapons”). When in doubt, leave the items there, or bring them to Game Operations. Items left with Mystwood or on site between Events may be subject to disposal. Mystwood is not responsible for lost or stolen goods or items.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The following methods are used by Mystwood as disciplinary actions against disruptive participants.
Warning (MINOR)
A warning is a reminder of policy, and is used for minor issues. Any Game Master or member of the Board may give a warning. Warnings are logged centrally, and multiple warnings may be considered grounds for suspension.
Suspension (MODERATE)
More significant or repeat violations of policy may result in suspension. Any Game Master or member of the Board may give a suspension. The participant will be asked to leave the game site immediately with no refund. Suspensions may be for one Event, multiple Events at a given site, or all Mystwood Events, at Board or Game Master discretion.
Disinvitation (SEVERE)
Those participants who grossly or excessively disregard these policies will be subject to disinvitation. They will be asked to leave the game, and the open invitation to attend rescinded- effectively, they may no longer participate in Mystwood. Those players who attend the game while openly and flagrantly intoxicated, cheat deliberately and repetitively, sexually harass, or are otherwise a danger or disturbance to themselves or others may be subject to Disinvitation. Disinvitation for an individual Chapter is handled by the Game Masters of that Chapter, while Disinvitation for Mystwood as a whole is handled by the Board.
Appeals And Grievances
People come to regret the decisions and errors of the past, and may seek to make amends. Similarly, the Board and Staff of Mystwood are human, and are fallible. Any player subject to any form of disciplinary action may feel free to bring an appeal before the Board. A vote will be taken, and the player may be reinstated if this vote is affirmative.
At all times, disciplinary actions and appeals will be reviewed, and information provided to the affected parties as soon as is feasible.
If a participant has a grievance with a member of the Board, a Game Master, an employee or staff member of a site the game is running at, or some other representative of Mystwood or a location of a Mystwood Event, the Mystwood Board requests that they be notified of the grievance at the earliest opportunity in writing. An investigation will be undertaken and the appropriate actions taken, with any affected parties notified at the earliest opportunity.
LIVE COMBAT SAFETY AND PARTICIPATION
It is Mystwood’s general policy that all participants are allowed to take part in boffer combat, with the following exceptions.
Underage Combat
Participants 16 or under are subject to testing by game Staff to determine maturity and safety.
Two Staff members, chosen by the Board or Game Master, must conduct tests of the player's fighting ability. These tests must be sparring matches of a reasonable length against one or more opponents, using whichever weapons the prospective combatant intends to use. Participants administering the test are instructed to be critical of the prospective warrior's technique, to ensure that safe combat rules will be followed.
Once the testers have affirmed that the prospective warrior is capable of safe combat, a member of the Board, or a Game Master must then conduct an out of game test of the player's abilities. Once this has occurred, and the player has been approved, the player may fight with any weapon allowable by Use of Arms.
Flails, large shields, and other unusual weapons may be subject to further testing.
Medical Inability
If a player has a medical condition which prohibits them from striking or being struck safely by lightest touch foam melee weapons or bird seed packets, they should notify the game Staff as soon as possible. The Mystwood rules include the subject of noncombatant players, and any player who is uncomfortable with, or unable to, take part in live action combat must be marked with a yellow armband. While Mystwood will make every effort to have yellow arm bands available for player use, it is ultimately the player’s responsibility to provide such a marker, for their own safety and that of their fellow players.
Revocation Of Combat Privilege
In addition to the above policies, a Board Member or Game Master may require that a participant be restricted from taking part in live action combat. This will often, but not always, be in response to concerns regarding safe conduct, excessive force, and/or other combat-related activities and errors which could result in danger or harm to the player or their fellow players. Such restrictions may be persistent or temporary, at the discretion of the restricting party.
The foregoing Policies were adopted by the Mystwood Board of Directors on the 1st day of June 2016, revised on the 30th day of April 2019, and revised on the 29th day of October 2025.