Prodigy is a collection of writers of all backgrounds and from all corners of the world. Ideologies differ, miscommunications happen, and differences and conflicts may arise. To ensure that gameplay is fair and enjoyable for everybody, we’ve implemented some house rules designed to help ensure courteous interaction between members of the DS, as well as some expectations from the DS command staff.

These rules are designed to allow maximum creative freedom while allowing everyone to enjoy writing aboard Prodigy. They are meant to be a reference to be used during questionable situations, and if you’re a courteous player, you’ll probably never see these rules again. However, know that they are in place and enforceable at all times, and are here to protect the enjoyment of all players on this DS.

Attitudes towards other players

All players are expected to be courteous both on and off the lists towards other members of the DS. If there is a problem such as personal issues between players, perceived harassment or rudeness, it should be taken up with the CO and XO. If the problem is concerning the CO or XO, it should be taken up by the Player Rep where possible and if not possible, the Borderlands Council Chair. 

Harassment

Prodigy has a zero tolerance policy towards harassment of any kind towards other players. Offenders will be warned for the first offense, and then removed thereafter. The CO reserves the right to directly remove the offending player in cases of severe behavior. Harassment is defined as, but not limited to:

Abusive language directed at another player.

Derogatory comments involving race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Unwanted, continuous sexual and/or amorous advances.

Unwanted/inappropriate requests for real-life meetings and/or personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, or last names.

REMEMBER: the only personal information you will EVER have to provide to play in this group is a first name and an email address.

All harassment complaints are to be brought up with the CO. If the issue involves the CO, then it must be brought to the XO or a senior player council representative.

Recruiting

Many players on Prodigy play on other sims or Borderlands duty stations. This is allowed and in fact, highly encouraged. However, if one Prodigy player wishes to recruit another to a sim or duty station, the player should obtain approval from the CO to do so. 

Respecting Other Peoples’ Characters

Players often invest much creative energy and emotional attachment to their characters. Therefore, harmful actions such as raping, injuring, or killing someone else’s character are strictly prohibited unless given expressed permission by the player. Violators will be warned for the first offense, and then removed hereafter.

No physical, mental or psychological harm should ever be inflicted on another player's character without that player's direct conscent. If in doubt, ASK.

Character Autonomy

You should NEVER write for another player's character without that player's direct conscent. This includes writing the character's actions, thoughts and feelings, all of which belong exclusivly to the character's creator. 

In-Game Conflicts

Many times in the game, conflicts will arise between characters due to the way a story turns out. This does not give license for the conflict to spill over into real life. Remember, this is just a game. While you may absolutely hate the character’s guts, this does not give you reason to hate the person playing the character. This is not necessarily a rule, but a bit of advice that will help avoid player conflicts in the future. If you feel like another player's characters actions are conflicting with the rules or making you uncomfortable, please refer to Saftey Tools.

Content
The content of the writing on the Prodigy is PG-13.  Meaning violence is allowed, cursing (to a tasteful extent) is allowed, and sexual scenes are allowed, but must fade to black before anything graphic is described. Violators will be warned, and then removed if infractions continue. If your post includes swearing, graphic violance or sex scenes please provide a warning at the beginning. If you're unsure if its allowed, check with the CO or XO.
 
Writing Activity and Contributing to the Group

Real life comes first and should always take priority over playing,  but if you need to leave the group (permanantly or temporerily) because you don't have the time or energy to write please inform the CO. This way, we can accomodate your leave without other player's waiting for posts that are not coming.

Original rules written by Tim Tsai (2009) for Cromwell and adjusted by Tabitha Lines (2023) for Prodigy.