UPDATE: The Mature Poll
So far, I have players 1,3,4,5, and 6 in favor of taking this game Mature, and if players 2, 7 and 8 have already weighed in, I've missed it in my re-reading this morning.
While we're talking about changing the game rating, I feel I must ensure everyone understands what we're doing. From the site policies:
quote:
Mature games are games which have (as some minor portion of them) mature themes, strong language, drug use, and/or extensive violence. Mature games use the Mature Content flag to warn potential readers that some of the game material may be considered offensive. Despite this flag, Mature Games must remain suitable to all ages.
...
The difference between a Mature game and an Adult game is the descriptive level and the amount of mature content in the game. Games which focus exclusively on mature content for their plot or which describe such content in graphic detail are required to display the Adult rating.
From the FAQs:
quote:
What's the minimum age required to play in or run a Mature game? Because there is no Restricted Content (as defined by our Policies) permitted in a Mature game, there is no need for a minimum age. The GM of a game is, of course, allowed to set a minimum age for their game and enforce it as they like. If, however, the content of the game is such that children should not be exposed to it, the game must be rated Adult, without exception.
So, as I read it, foul language, etc. are permitted to some extent. If, however, our crew were to suddenly become drug runners, we'd be in some trouble regarding Adult status. I would like to discourage foul language when speaking out of character, please.
Here's what the Policy states about
Restricted Content:
quote:
Even within the Adult forums, there are depictions which are considered to be outside the acceptable community standard and which are not allowed. If a game exists for the sole purpose of describing or playing out graphic sex in conjunction with crime, cruelty, or violence, it will not be permitted. Likewise, games are not allowed which exist for the sole purpose of the graphic depiction of:
- crime and gore;
- ethnic, religious, or racial intolerance;
- sexual assault;
- torture;
- dehumanizing murder;
- and/or the abuse of children.
The Artistic Merit caveat (below) exists to allow some of these materials as non-gratuitous plot and character development devices within game Content.
Games are not allowed to exist -- at all -- which graphically describe:
- non-consensual sex,sexual assault, or rape;
- the taking of life for sexual arousal;
- incest;
- bestiality;
- necrophilia;
- sexual acts involving children under the age of 18,
- or the sexual exploitation of minors.
The Artistic Merit clause (below) does not apply to this content ever. While a character's story or history can involve these themes, and games can refer to them as plot points, they are not permitted, under any circumstances, to be graphically role-played or detailed on the site.
I would strongly encourage you all to read what the site policies and FAQs say
must happen if this game strays into Adult territory,
and what marks off the boundaries of that territory (given above). We
do not want to get in
that trick-bag, folks. The Referee's duties are spelled out, as are those of the players, and they don't leave much latitude.
I hate to be a downer, but this is serious business. Understanding all the foregoing, please cast your votes if you haven't already, and if any of you who have already voted need to change your votes, I completely understand. We're not doing this unless all be present and agree.
