The Cities of Darkness Community Guidelines are live on DriveThruRPG through the Storytellers Vault. This document establishes the safety protocols, consent systems, and community standards that apply to every game in the Cities of Darkness network.
Vampire LARP deals in dark themes. Characters lie, betray, and destroy each other. That's the game. But the people playing those characters deserve a community that takes their safety and comfort seriously. The Community Guidelines exist to make sure every Cities of Darkness game provides that.
Here's what's inside.
Community Standards
The guidelines open with the baseline expectations for everyone who participates in a Cities of Darkness event. Respectful interaction, a harassment-free environment, professional conduct, inclusive language, and a commitment to looking out for each other's wellbeing. These aren't aspirational suggestions. They're the standard, and they apply to in-person events and online communications alike.
The section also covers practical policies: weapons and weapon props are not permitted at events (with an exception for off-duty law enforcement as required by law), all participants must be 18 or older due to the adult themes in play, and individual games may set their own policies regarding alcohol. Illegal substances are never permitted.
Accessibility accommodations are encouraged. Participants who need accommodations are invited to contact their game's organizers in advance, and organizers are expected to work with them to make participation possible.
Safety Protocols
Cities of Darkness uses a layered system of safety mechanics designed to give every participant multiple ways to manage their comfort during play.
Out-of-character communication can be signaled by saying "off game," calling for an "OOC discussion," or using the crossed-fingers hand signal. This lets players step out of character at any point without disrupting the scene for everyone.
The comfort check system uses a simple "OK" hand gesture to check in with other players. Responses range from thumbs up (comfortable, continue) to flat hand (uncertain, needs discussion) to thumbs down (uncomfortable, scene needs to stop). A flat hand and a thumbs down are treated the same way: the scene stops immediately. This is intentional. It allows someone who's hesitant to express strong discomfort to use the milder gesture and still get the same result.
The discreet exit protocol lets a player leave an uncomfortable scene quietly by placing their hand over their forehead (as if shielding from sunlight) and departing. In character-vs-character situations, the departing player hands their character sheet to the Storyteller. The same gesture can be used to enter a scene without drawing attention.
The emergency stop halts a scene entirely. A player raises both hands in a stop gesture or calls "CUT!" and the scene ends. The player can then leave or discuss modifications before play continues.
Fade to Black can be invoked by any participant or Storyteller to immediately end a scene due to discomfort. In combat situations, a resolution may need to be negotiated before play resumes.
These mechanics are designed to work together. Anyone can use them regardless of their role, external observers are encouraged to check on participants during intense scenes, and in all character-vs-character exit situations, character sheets go to the Storyteller so the game can continue fairly.
Consent Protocols
Beyond the in-the-moment safety mechanics, the guidelines establish consent as a foundational principle.
Every participant has the right to withdraw from any scene or situation that causes discomfort, feels unsafe, or triggers distress. No questions asked, no justification required.
Scenes involving sensitive topics, in-character intimacy, or unusual physical contact require pre-scene consent. All participants must discuss and agree to boundaries before the scene begins. Proceeding without proper consent results in immediate staff intervention.
The comfort check system serves as ongoing, real-time consent monitoring throughout gameplay. It's not just a tool for emergencies. It's a way to continuously confirm that everyone involved in a scene is still comfortable with where it's going.
Addressing Violations
The guidelines lay out a clear process for handling problems. Violations are reported to Storytelling Staff, who coordinate responses and involve external assistance if needed. Each game is responsible for making sure participants know how to identify their Storytelling Staff at events.
Participants are encouraged to document incidents with witness statements, photos of any property damage, and detailed accounts. Minor infractions receive verbal warnings. Repeated or serious violations result in removal from the event and can lead to being banned from Cities of Darkness entirely. Local authorities may be involved when necessary.
An appeal process exists for anyone who feels they've been unfairly penalized.
Why This Matters
Publishing these guidelines as a formal document on the Storytellers Vault does two things. First, it gives every game in the network a shared, consistent set of standards that players can count on regardless of which city they're playing in. A traveler from one Cities of Darkness game to another knows the same safety mechanics and community expectations apply everywhere.
Second, it signals to prospective players and Storytellers that Cities of Darkness takes community health as seriously as it takes the game itself. LARP communities thrive when people feel safe. These guidelines are how we back up that commitment with structure.
Where to Get It
The Cities of Darkness Community Guidelines are available on DriveThruRPG through the Storytellers Vault. You can learn more about the network at citiesofdarkness.com.
Cities of Darkness is a fan-run chronicle network using Laws of the Night V5 by By Night Studios.
Cities of Darkness material is not official World of Darkness material. Portions of the materials are the copyrights and trademarks of Paradox Interactive AB, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. For more information please visit worldofdarkness.com.