Moderator Intervention

While these policies are to be followed, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the mods. Any approved exceptions will be communicated to the player base, maintaining the personal privacy as needed.

Have feedback or a concern?

Submit via the Anonymous Feedback Form or the Appeals and Complaints Form to help keep XP transparent and responsive.

Moderator Intervention

Players are encouraged to resolve issues directly with one another. If that fails or isn’t feasible, they may request mod mediation. Common issues requiring intervention include:

Godmodding

• Writing another player’s character without consent, including actions, thoughts, or feelings.

• Involving another character in scenes (e.g., fights or sexual encounters, but may be interpreted more widely) without agreement.

• Portraying one’s character as invincible or ignoring others’ actions or presence.

• Retconning continuity without the consent of involved players. Unilateral plot revisions are not permitted, but changing a character's personal history will impact any other characters connected with them.

Player Conflicts

If you're having serious, unresolved issues with another player, notify the mods. Mediation by the mods or a third party may help.

Misrepresentation of IC Details

This refers to factual or continuity errors, not "IC" misunderstandings or deliberate misrepresentations. Posts with such issues may be screened until resolved. Official requests to screen or delete posts will be made to players when needed.

Perceived Out-of-Character (OOC) Behavior

The player controls their character. If concerns arise over perceived OOC behavior for a PC, direct player to player dialogue is encouraged. If this does not resolve the problem, mods may mediate.

Problems with Continuity

Minor issues with contradicting continuity can be solved by editing a post. Persistent disregard for continuity or a player refusing to acknowledge past continuity or events may require mod mediation.

Official Complaints

Complaints may be submitted through the Appeals and Complaints Form. Because official complaints require follow-up, they cannot be submitted anonymously.

Before filing a formal complaint, players should attempt resolution through:

• Direct communication

• A third party (with an non-involved third party)

• Informal mod assistance

If this fails, a formal complaint may be submitted as a last resort. Official complaints cannot be filed on someone else's behalf unless supported by direct evidence of repeated incidents (e.g. screenshots of abusive or targeted behavior on Discord, the mailing list, plot-documents, etc). However, if you suspect someone is being targeted, bullied, or abused, you may alert the mods, who will investigate and potentially encourage the person to file their own complaint.

Grounds for formal complaints are limited to rule violations.

A valid complaint must include:

• The type of issue being reported
• Steps already taken to resolve the issue, along with the outcome, if applicable
• Specific incidents (including logs, links, screenshots, or emails directly between involved parties)
• A clear request (e.g., no-contact, formal warning, disciplinary action)

Mods will acknowledge receipt, investigate, and respond appropriately.

Complaints Against Mods

Individual Mods

A complaint against an individual mod is laid the same way as a complaint against an individual player is laid, with the exception that if the player is more comfortable, they can email their complaint directly to the other mods rather than to the modlist. Outcomes may include warnings, temporary suspension from the modlist, or, in serious cases, removal via player vote. Mods may choose to step down at any point in the process.

After resolution, off-list discussions will be posted to the modlist for record-keeping.

Entire Mod Team

If confidence in the mod team is lost, a player may post an official complaint to XPP, including:

• All details required for an official complaint
• A poll asking whether the current mods should resign

If the majority votes in favor, the mod team will step down, and elections will be held. All mod business will be paused until a new team is in place.

Disciplinary Action

Option 1: Player mediation

Player mediation is intended to address interpersonal issues such as harassment, personal conflict, inappropriate behavior, ghosting, or anything that might otherwise make it difficult for players to function with one another within the game. While some out-of-character issues may bleed into gameplay, mediation addresses only player-to-player conflict.

Mediation must be requested from the mod team and must be agreed upon by both players. Moderators cannot require a player to enter mediation.

What can you expect during mediation?

The steps of an official mediation are as follows:

1. A moderator will be selected to act as a neutral third party mediator. Players may request an alternative if they feel the chosen mediator may be biased.
2. The chosen mediator shall interview the parties individually to get perspectives from both sides of the issue.
3. A guided discussion shall be opened between the mediator and the two parties. The default forum for discussion shall be a private Discord channel. The mediator shall, at all times, ensure there is a buffer between the two parties to facilitate discussion without fear of direct attacks.
4. Players will initially be asked to listen as the mediator outlines the issues as the mediator understands them, speaking only when asked for clarification or correction by the mediator. If a player continually speaks without invitation during this period a brief Timeout may be initiated to ensure compliance.
5. Once the mediator has laid out grievances to the satisfaction of both participants, participants will be invited to address specific points raised. During this period the mediator will assign "turns" so participants are ensured equal speaking time.
6. Once the specific concerns have been addressed, each player will be asked what outcome they desire, and how they believe it can be achieved.
7. At the end of mediation, the mediator will document the basics and outcome of the dispute and present it to both parties for review. Once all parties sign off, this summary will be filed with the moderators.

While the ideal outcome is either resolution of differences or an agreement of mutual disengagement, mediation may be paused or ended at the request of either party at any time.

What if mediation fails?

If an understanding between the two parties cannot be reached, a plan for allowing minimally stressful coexistence within the game may be arranged. This may include steps like a mutually agreed upon Do Not Interact policy between players, rules of engagement in public spaces like group emails and Discord, or a plan to disentangle the characters in a way both parties find acceptable.

Depending on the issue, a player may choose to escalate their concerns to an official complaint.

What are the limitations of mediation?

1. While an apology from one or both sides may be encouraged as part of mediation, it will not be demanded. Mediation may only facilitate a better relationship, not compel one.
2. While mediation is ongoing, disciplinary actions regarding the issue under discussion will not be considered. Being sullen, stubborn, or defensive during the mediation process is not a violation of the rules. Exception: If egregious behavior such as threats or abuse occur during the course of mediation, the mediator may log the behavior and submit their own complaint to the modlist. This complaint will be recorded as a violation of the Player Code of Conduct.
3. The role of mediator is to act as a neutral third party in order to enable players to reach a compromise. Any mediator found editorializing, taking sides, or rendering judgments of "wrongdoing" during the course of mediation will be immediately removed from the position.

Option 2: Disciplinary action

Discipline follows a progressive model based on severity and frequency:

• First Complaint: May result in an informal caution or a formal warning.

• Repeat or Serious Offenses: Formal mod email; may include a request for a private or public apology.

• Ongoing Serious Issues: The player may be asked to take a hiatus (2 weeks initially, then 1 month if behavior continues). Re-entry requires addressing the behavior and apologizing.

• Final Step – Removal: If the player remains disruptive after two suspensions, the mods will post a summary of issues and request a vote from the player base in which the player will be able to defend themselves. If the majority agrees, the player will be removed, and character journals returned to the mods.

All disciplinary action will be documented and supported by evidence, and the player involved will be consulted.

Disciplinary Action on Behalf of Another Player

First incident:

1. Moderators will contact the targeted player regarding the situation and what action, if any, they wish to be taken. Depending on the situation, mediation or a “do not interact” order with the problem player may be offered.
2. Moderators will contact the problem player with an official warning. (a) If the targeted player has requested a specific course of action, it shall be given at this time. (b) If no specific course of action was given, the moderators will inform the problem player that their behavior has been publicly noted and a complaint was lodged.

This period will also serve as a check-in from moderators to determine if the problem player is currently experiencing extenuating circumstances. While this does not excuse harmful conduct, it may influence communications and advice.

In the event misconduct continues, disciplinary action will proceed per standard player disciplinary policy.

The wishes of the targeted party will be respected as much as possible. However, if the harasser’s behavior is repeated or especially egregious to the point it is being reported by multiple parties, the mods may escalate to a higher level of disciplinary action.

Disciplinary Action for Complaints of Overall Conduct

First incident:

Moderators will contact the problem player and inform them of the complaint. Depending on the medium through which the behavior was conducted, the player may be advised to avoid interacting with certain players or avoid certain Discord channels.

In the event misconduct continues, disciplinary action will proceed per standard player disciplinary policy.

Discord Intervention

Discord Moderation Policy

Our Discord is a shared creative space where all players should feel safe, welcome, and respected. To help maintain that environment, moderators may step in if conversations become disruptive, harmful, or off-topic:

Disruptive: Repeated derailing of conversations, spamming, excessive negativity, or dominating discussions in a way that discourages others from speaking.

Harmful: Insults, personal attacks, passive-aggressive comments, harassment, inflammatory language, or creating a hostile tone.

Dogpiling: Multiple players targeting or criticizing a single player in a short span, even if individually respectful. This can create an unwelcoming or overwhelming environment. In order to prevent relitigating previously stated points due to late entry in a conversation, players are asked to read the full discussion before responding to any specific comment.

Off-topic in sensitive spaces: Veering off-topic is normal in social settings, but in channels meant for plot planning, feedback, or serious topics, continued digressions — especially when emotional or argumentative — can derail constructive engagement.

These guidelines apply even when intentions are good. If your comments are adding tension, shutting others down, or escalating a conflict, you may be asked to pause.

Game moderators may appoint trusted members of the player base as Discord moderators. These individuals are empowered to act either on their own judgment or in response to a request from another player—regardless of whether that player is directly involved in the conversation.

Intervention Process

Moderators will follow a clear escalation process.

Example 1 - Disruption by an individual player

1. Pause Warning – Player will be asked to pause the conversation and move on.
2. Temporary Mute - If a Pause Warning is ignored, player will receive a 24-hour reply mute via the assignment of a server Timeout.
3. Temporary or Permanent Ban - In cases of ongoing misconduct, refusal to respect moderation, or serious violations of community expectations, a player may be temporarily or permanently banned from the server. This is rare and only used as a last resort to protect the community.

Example 2 - Disruption by multiple players

1. Pause Warning – Players will be asked to pause the conversation and move on.
2. Slow Mode – If a Pause Warning is ignored, the channel will be slowed down to reduce escalation.
3. Channel Lock – If needed, the channel may be locked for 24 hours to cool things down.
4. Temporary Mute – Continuing the conflict in other channels may result in a 24-hour reply mute via the assignment of a server Timeout.

Please follow mod instructions — even if you disagree — and use the appeal process below if needed.

Complaints Against Discord Moderators

If there is a question about the legitimacy of steps taken by a Discord moderator, you may submit a private complaint to the modlist via email or one of the complaint forms. Please include:

1. What happened
2. Screenshots or message links
3. Why you’re concerned

Your complaint will be reviewed by uninvolved mods. If a moderator is found to have overstepped, they may be removed from their role.