Battles & Brews: Community Guidelines & Code of Conduct

At Agora Community Events, we believe in the power of "Gather, Share, Serve." Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment where neighbors can connect through the shared joy of tabletop gaming. By sitting at our table, you agree to uphold the following standards.

1. The Core Philosophy: "Gather, Share, Serve"

Our tables are open to all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or level of gaming experience. We expect every player to contribute to an environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued.

2. Respect for the Venue and Staff

You are a guest in a local business.

• Responsible Consumption: If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Aggressive, disruptive, or intoxicated behavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the game.

• Support the Business: As our events are free to join, we ask that you support our host venue. Order a drink or a snack, be polite to the staff, and tip generously. We want to be invited back!

• Property Care: Please respect the venue's furniture and equipment. Keep your area tidy and clean up after yourself.

3. Standards of Behavior

• No "Gatekeeping": We are all here to learn and have fun. We do not tolerate condescending behavior regarding rules, "optimal" builds, or playstyles.

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment, bullying, unwanted advances, or discriminatory language (including slurs or hateful rhetoric) will result in an immediate and permanent ban from all Agora Community Events.

• Cooperative Play: D&D is a team game. Characters who are actively sabotaging the party or preventing others from playing are disruptive to the experience. We expect players to work together toward common goals.

4. Safety & Table Culture

To ensure the comfort of all players, we utilize industry-standard safety tools:

• Lines & Veils: At the start of the session, we will briefly establish what topics are "off-limits" (Lines) and what topics can be present but not described in detail (Veils).

• The X-Card: If at any point the game content becomes uncomfortable or upsetting, anyone at the table (player or GM) may tap the "X-Card" (or signal via hand/note). The game will pause immediately, the topic will be skipped, and we will move the narrative forward. No questions asked.

5. Character Integrity

We believe in fairness and consistency. All characters brought to the table must strictly adhere to the Battles & Brews Character Creation Guidelines. Furthermore, all character leveling, loot acquisition, and progression must follow the Battles & Brews Character Advancement Guidelines. Characters not meeting these standards will not be permitted at the table.

6. The GM’s Authority

The Game Master (GM) is the final arbiter of the rules and the table atmosphere. If the GM asks a player to stop a behavior, they are doing so to protect the experience of the entire group. Failure to follow the GM’s guidance will be treated as a violation of this Code of Conduct.

7. Reporting and Enforcement

If you experience or witness behavior that violates these guidelines, please speak to your Game Master immediately, or contact an organizer from Agora Community Events.

• The Process:

  1. Warning: For minor infractions, the GM will provide a verbal warning.

  2. Removal: For repeated issues or significant violations, the individual will be asked to leave the session.

Permanent Ban: Severe violations will result in a permanent ban from future Battles & Brews events.

Battles & Brews: Character Creation Guidelines

We are dedicated to building a community where everyone feels welcome, safe, and ready to adventure. To ensure our games remain balanced and fun for all, please follow these guidelines when creating your character.

1. The Foundation (Rules & Materials)

• System: We exclusively use the D&D 5e 2024 Core Rules.

• Authorized Sources: Please stick to official Wizards of the Coast (WotC) published material.

• No Unearthed Arcana: We do not allow playtest material (Unearthed Arcana) at our tables.

• Leveling: To ensure a balanced experience for all players, all new characters must start at Level 1.

2. Originality & Identity

• Be Your Own Hero: We love D&D for the stories we create together. Please do not re-create iconic characters from published lore (e.g., Drizzt Do'Urden, Fizban, Astarion, etc.) or famous characters from "Actual Play" series (e.g., Critical Role, Dimension 20, Acquisitions Inc.).

• Create Your Own Legend: We want to see your creation. We encourage you to build a character that reflects your own imagination rather than imitating someone else’s well-known story.

3. Tone & Content

• PG-13 Rating: We are playing in public venues where community atmosphere is key. All character names and backstories must be PG-13. Avoid graphic violence, sexual themes, or mature content that would be inappropriate for a public setting.

• Table-Friendly Themes: Keep your concepts suitable for a collaborative story. Avoid "lone wolf" characters who refuse to interact with the party or characters designed to antagonize other players.

4. The "Party Player" Clause

• Cooperative Play: Battles & Brews is about "Gathering, Sharing, and Serving." Your character should be motivated to work with a team.

• Adventure-Ready: Your character should be built with the intent to engage in the adventure presented by the Game Master. While complex moral dilemmas make for great stories, please ensure your character has a reason to say "yes" to the call of adventure.