Forum Guidelines

We try to keep as few restrictions as possible so as to enocurage creativity - but a few guidelines are in place for participating in the game. This isn't to make it less fun, but instead keep things fair for everyone. We expect all players to be familiar with these guidelines and follow them as directly as possible. As usual, if you have any questions about them, you may visit our Questions & Answers forum or contact a Vaultkeeper privately.

Content Guidelines

Players are reminded that the Vault 713 is a Harry Potter based RPG. All threads are expected to take place in this world and not be spin-offs of other series or include crossover locations and/or characters. We do, however, encourage unique character ideas and suggest that players challenge themselves to go beyond the usual character types - we allow role playing anywhere in the "Real" world and even muggle characters who are unfamiliar with magic. In addition to this general guideline, we do have a few minimal rules regarding what you can and cannot post when it comes to some controversial issues.

• All threads must fall under a "PG-13" rating. Though you can find a more detailed explanation of this at the MPAA Website, please know that this basically means all posts should be appropriate for a 13 year old audience.

• In accordance with our rating, we ask that you refrain from excessive or unnecessary swearing, sexual activity that may be considered pornographic or overly detailed in nature, and violence that exceeds that which you might see on television.

• We have a zero tolerance policy regarding illegal activity that references drug use, underage drinking/smoking, rape, and substance abuse of any kind. While we are aware that these events may occur in real life, our game is not the place for such activity and it will not be permitted in any areas of the site, in character or otherwise.

• We enjoy friendly conversations, but we ask that you not bring up topics related to religion or politics, as these can strike a nerve with some folks and it never ends well. If we find any threads on these subjects or hear mention of it in the chat room, you will be issued a warning. This rule excludes wizard politics, however - feel free to voice your opinions on the current Minister of Magic!

• If your thread includes content that might be considered on the more mature end of PG-13, please include a CLEAR warning in both the thread title and in the first post of the topic. We politely request that you use red text in the in-post warning, and an easy to understand warning such as "This thread contains excess violence" rather than less clear lyrical cautions.

Player Interaction

In order to keep things peaceful, we have a few things we ask of you as far as how you interact with other players. Take note of these, and you'll be making friends in no time! Feel free to contact a staff member if you experience any improper treatment from another member.

• "Harassment" constitutes one member making unwanted vulgar or suggestive commentary to another on multiple occasions, asking the same question repeatedly (to an extreme), and/or excessively insulting another player. This goes beyond the usual member unfriendliness into serious territory and will be treated with severe consequences by the staff. Anything that is considered severe should be reported to a Vaultkeeper immediately.




• If someone is mistreating you or bullying, refrain from spamming any staff member or player with multiple PMs. Give them time to answer your message before sending another. It may take a bit since all players have obligations outside of the Vault, but be patient.




• All members are to be treated equal- new members should be treated with the same respect as established members. Instead of bashing their mistakes, help them out with some friendly pointers! Feel free to give new role players tips and pointers, but never, never say "you're doing it wrong"! That is downright rude - no one here was an RP genius on their first post.




• All issues with other players should be taken up with them privately. - We do not expect you to be best friends with everyone you encounter, but do expect you to be respectful to all players, whether you like them or not. If you have a disagreement with another player, please take it up privately with them via PM. Do not get other members unnecessarily involved, as they would also get in trouble if the problem escalates. If you find an issue cannot be resolved, feel free to contact a Vaultkeeper and we will try to assist with your problem to the best of our ability.

Role Playing Guidelines

The final thing that we try to enforce is fairness in role playing. We want all players to enjoy the game equally and have a chance at having fun, so please keep these last few pointers in mind while you venture into the game!

• Power-playing is prohibited. You are not permitted to kill off, control, or put another player's character in a situation that keeps them from being able to role play without having that players' mutual consent OOC.




• God-moding and all-powerful characters are considered unacceptable. Every character must have weaknesses, as well as be able to die. Characters who cannot be defeated are generally considered boring and may be ignored in play.




• Out of Character posts are not permitted in Role Playing areas. We ask that you keep OOC talk in game areas to a minimum, but feel free to chit-chat about anything in the out of character lounge areas! You can always separate OOC notes in a post from the rest of your role playing with brackets such as [[text]], ((text)), or {text} if it's necessary to make a comment here or there.