War Room Rules and Etiquette

In The War Room, you will be able to participate in games that involve strategy and thinking, such as mafia games. Here, other kinds of strategy games, such as mystery games, are also provided. The subforum also welcomes discussions regarding such games.

The War Room has a Twitter where we update news regarding games opening for sign-ups. If you have any suggestions for a Tweet, feel free to contact the staff.

Forum Rules apply in The War Room.

Regarding Multiple Posting, hosts are allowed to make a second post, if they are making an official update or an announcement. 'Announcements' include a change in the rules of the game, reports, subbing out/in players, or other notes that requires attention from all players.

Players are allowed to make a second post if you are changing your vote. In this case, how much time had passed before your previous post does not matter. Another case we allow a second post is when you have important information to bring in public and more than two hours passed since your last post. Also if the update time is less than an hour away, you may use a second post to share information in the thread.

Please note that for all users, triple posting is NOT allowed.


In additional to the Forum Rules, there are rules that apply for actions in The War Room. Following actions will be considered as violations by staff.

As a player:

• Posting after being lynched/killed in a mafia game, unless it was allowed by the host
• Editing out Votes/Unvotes entirely
  When changing votes, either just add them at the end of the post, or make a new post if allowed per the time.
• Bringing up discussions related to a current game in another thread other than the respective game's thread
• Poor sportsmanship, being rude to hosts and/or players
• Continuously violating games' rules

As a host:

• Posting a mafia game before given approval by a moderator
• Adding roles or a mechanic in the game, that encourages players to violate Forum Rules
  NOTE: Host can request the roles/mechanics in concern be checked by a staff member prior to hosting the game.

For violations that are unique to The War Room, warnings and infractions are usually given in the form of Pointless Posts. In the Personal Message explaining the warning/infraction, the reason why the staff chose to take action will be specified. Accumulating infractions could warrant further penalties such as being limited from joining games or being banned from the subforum for a given period.

The following posts will explain how to host a game (Mafia or Non-Mafia), introduce some standard mafia game rules, and explain specifically about other official threads that staff have created in this subforum.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the moderators of The War Room: @Mintaka; @Paperhorse; @Parma; @Zenax; @Feralize; @Master Mew;

Hosting a Mafia Game

The War Room allows 6 games in total, including both games in Sign-Ups and in Progress.

The Mafia Games Index lists the games in ‘Current Games’, ‘Upcoming Games’, and ‘Work in Progress’. ‘Current Games’ is further specified into two sub-categories, ‘Currently Running’ and ‘Now Taking Sign-Ups’.

‘Work in Progress’ shows games that are being made, along with the name of the user that is making the game. Reporting a game for ‘Work in Progress’ is not a necessary to have the game posted. However, it helps to post what game you are working on since it will alert other users on what game you are working on.

Games listed as ‘Now Taking Sign-Ups’ are accepting players necessary to run the game. Once a game gains enough players, and host begins the game, the game will join ‘Currently Running’ list.

Here is the simple process regarding hosting a mafia game:

1. Creating a mafia game requires preparing the game’s rules and roles in general.
   
   
2. Then post the thread! However, while we do not have a limit on how many games can be run at once, you might want to avoid posting your game when there are too many games already up.
   
   
3. Hosts can request to have their mafia game checked by a Mentor or a Moderator. Those in charge of checking a game will ask for the rules, roles, and other necessary information. A host must have their first game checked.
   
   
4. If you have your game finished in making, yet you wish to post it later, you can request the game to be listed under 'Upcoming Games'. However, this step is not necessary to post your finished game. As long as you have your game finished, you can post your game immediately.

For hosts that have made a game under supervision of a Mentor, or have hosted a fair number of games, the staff could approve the game without checking the roles.

Informed observers, such as co-hosts and Mentors, are strictly prohibited from sharing information to the players or otherwise providing difficulty for the game to be run. For informed observers violating this policy, a Pointless Post infraction will be given without any warning, and further punishment such as being banned from the subforum can follow.

A user can only host one game at a time, mafia or non-mafia.

Mafia game threads must have the ‘Mafia:’ thread tag, which can be posted / edited in by editing the first post of the thread. Also, all thread titles must include the date of the last update provided by the host. Games whose titles do not include this information may be closed.

After a mafia game has been posted and started to accept players, the host has two weeks to finish the sign-ups and start the game. If the host judges that they have to reduce the number of roles to have the game started before the two week period ends, they are allowed to do so. If a mafia game does not start two weeks after the sign-ups started, a staff member will close the thread, and the game will be sent to Archives.

Also, games that become inactive (lacking an update) will have three days to resume standard gameplay, after which it will be put on hold and moved to the Archive. The host will then have four days to contact a moderator should they want the game to resume before the game is closed for good. If a host fails to update for three days a second time, the game will be closed for good, and will be moved to the Archives.

Regarding Rights as a Host

Hosts can remove/sub players from the game at their discretion. If hosts are unsure whether to remove/sub a player, they may ask a staff member for opinions regarding a player's action. If hosts find a player problematic for valid reasons, they have the right to refuse them from signing up in their future games.

Valid Reasons may include:

• Inactivity / Active Lurking
• Poor Sportsmanship, such as making rude comments (Both in the game thread and private communications)
• Violating game's rules continuously
• Playing against win condition
• Otherwise being uncooperative as a player

Hosting a Non-Mafia Game

The War Room also welcomes games, that are not mafia games, which make use of strategy. Non-mafia games can vary from a chess game fitted to be played in a thread and QuickTopic, or a mystery game in which players must find a guilty among them after searching for clues.

There is a separate queue for Non-Mafia games. Non-Mafia games are also categorized into 'Currently Running', 'Accepting Sign-ups', and 'Work in Progress'.
However, unlike mafia games, hosts do not have to contact the staff members to start sign-ups for non-mafia games. They simply have to post in the Non-Mafia Game Index that their game has been completed and they have started the sign-ups.

Only three Non-Mafia games are allowed in The War Room at once. This includes both the signups and the currently running game list.

Non-Mafia game threads must have the thread tag 'Non-Mafia:', which can be added by editing the first post of the thread. Also, all thread titles must include the date of the last update provided by the host. Games whose titles do not include this information may be closed.

All non-mafia games must have strategy in them. Whether it involves working with teammates to accomplish an objective with items given, or escaping a dungeon with limited items, strategy must be involved. This does not include the abuse of forum services just to accomplish an objective. If a non-mafia game is determined to employ this type of abuse, it will be closed upon staff judgment.

Co-Hosting and Mentoring Program

Hosting a game alone can sometimes be a daunting task, from the planning of the roles to the actual hosting of the game, getting signups and updating daily. To lessen the workload, we've seen more and more users decide to co-host in pairs, and therefore split the work of planning and hosting a game. We run a list where we keep track of users that are prepared to co-host a game with another user. Also, we have pre-selected The War Room regulars who have demonstrated their abilities as host, Mentors, who can pass on their knowledge to new hosts. They can co-host with a host, or simply provide advice in creating a game on their choice.

Before requesting a co-host, a host must at least have the roles of their game finished. It is also required that they indicate how much progress has been made for their game, such as if the game has been 100% completed, or if they'd appreciate having the roles checked by the co-host. The co-host needs to be informed prior to their decision. When a host posts to report a mafia game for 'Work In Progress' or 'Waiting List', they can add a line requesting a co-host. Users interested in co-hosting will contact the host respectively.

Before agreeing to co-host a game, users should make sure they will be available during the period they're expected to host the game and should not take on more games than they can afford to host.

For those who wish to be Mentors, you may apply by sending a PM to Zenax and explaining why you feel you would be a great mentor. Only accolades gained in the War Room will be considered for hosting experience, which means that we expect mentors to have hosted at least once here at BMGf and to be reasonably active.

A list of Mentors will be displayed as a chart. An example is the following:

Username	Local Timezone	GMT	Advisory Only?	Available?
Zenax	EDT	-4	Yes	Yes
Mintaka	GMT +9	+9	Yes	Yes

The chart will show the Mentor's username, their timezone, if they have applied in an advisory capacity solely, and their availability. A 'No' for the category 'Advisory Only?' means that the Mentor is willing to fully co-host with a user. A 'Yes' in 'Available?' means that the Mentor can provide assistance.
The extent a Mentor provides assistance - to only provide advice in creating the game and running it, or actually co-hosting the game - is entirely up to the Mentor themselves, when they sign-up for the program. By contacting staff, a Mentor can change any of their information, such as if real life issues have made it difficult for them to be active as a Mentor.
Mentors cannot join games that they have provided advice on.

Mentors or Hosts who don't have the theme or the roles of their game do not have any obligation to co-host a game when they sign up for the program, and can always refuse a proposition to co-host if the theme and/or timing isn't right for them.

The War Room also welcomes discussing topics related to strategy games. We also have a guide related to hosting a mafia game, and another guide related to playing a mafia game.

Mafia Philosophy

In the Mafia Philosophy thread, users are encouraged to discuss, debate and share ideas about mafia games, as well as sharing their personal viewpoints on various game-related subjects. Discussions about strategies as a player, or those about methods that a host could use are also welcome.
Note that unlike The Situation Room, you cannot use this thread to discuss general matters and can only use it to discuss meta aspects of the game. Also keep in mind that you cannot bring up ongoing games in this thread; all public discussions related to a current game should take place in the thread.

Off-site Simulator Games

Some strategy based games are difficult to enjoy on the forums, and there exists simulator websites for them. We have organized a chart listing game websites - games that involve strategy - and users who have accounts there. In the thread, you may request for other players to enjoy a game with. Also by posting, you can request that your ID in these simulator websites be added to the chart.
Currently we have simulator games such as Chess, Checkers, and Epicmafia listed. If you have found a game website that seems suitable to be added to the chart, feel free to suggest it.

The Situation Room

The Situation Room serves as a general chat thread. If you have some questions of how the staff members manage the subforum, feel free to ask in the thread and one of the staff members will answer it. You can also discuss future games and gaming ideas, or give advice on a user’s activity as a player and/or host. This thread also serves as a general chat thread for The War Room regulars. You can talk about anything you want that doesn't necessarily relate to the War Room itself, and interact with each other on different subjects.

Discussing a mafia game that is currently running, in any aspect, is strictly forbidden. This includes commenting on a player’s actions, the roles revealed, or the flavor text. This can encourage discussion related to the mafia games happening outside the game thread. Please take the negotiations, comments, and discussions to the respective game threads.
The thread serves as a place to chat for everyone. Hence, it must be kept open to every user, so that it does not discourage a user from bringing up a new topic. A closed group of users cannot exchange posts more than two standard thread pages (30 posts). If staff judges that you are doing this, they will ask you to stop. If you do not stop even after the warning, it can warrant infractions.

Accumulating violations in The Situation Room can warrant a ban from the thread for a given period.

War Room Official Chat

Finally, The War Room moderators manage a Skype chat room, War Room Official Chat, that is suited for fast conversations. If you wish to join the chat, all you need is a Skype account. Users already present in the chat room can invite other users. Please remember that this Skype Chat is managed by staff, and as it is regarded Official, some of the rules that apply in The War Room will apply.

Users are forbidden to bring up a current mafia game in the War Room Official Chat. Some of the hosts who have Skype accounts make chat rooms to host conversations related to their games; take relevant discussions to these chats, or the respective game thread.

Some of the Forum Rules also apply in the official Skype chat. Hence flaming/baiting a user, posting inappropriate content, harassing a user, and bringing problematic issues from another forums/website will result in warnings/infractions per the Forum Rules.

Note: Being banned from The Situation Room will warrant being banned from War Room Official Chat, in a method that a user cannot invite the banned person back.

If you would like to be added to the Official Skype Chat, or would like to contact us via Skype, please contact us:

Mintaka - minbmgf
Paperhorse - lilypotter37
Parma - parmalai
Zenax - theamazingzenax
Feralize - fadeawaywolf

1. Keep personal issues out of public threads. Resolve them with relevant parties and do not bring them into games.

2. Personal issues also do not leave public threads. Whatever happened in mafia games, they should be resolved within that game and end there.

3. Keep arguments tolerable. Posts that discourage players from posting, out of concern of offending or upsetting the speaker, will not be tolerated. This applies especially if the host as requested to the players to keep debates sportive.

4. Even if a moderator is playing a game, they can and will speak up if they find the public situation in a mafia game unsuitable.

5. Please REPORT anything you find unacceptable. Report button or a PM. If you’ve been insulted behind the scenes (in QT or skype), report to a moderator. If you find yourselves in too high of a tension yet they think it has not been taken care of, report to a moderator.

We remind you that penalties include warnings, infractions, being limited from joining games, or bans from threads/forum.

Playing and hosting a mafia game is a fun experience. However, there are times when things can get tricky. Here is a set of guidelines to help you when making decisions on how to act as a respectable player or a fair host. These are not mandatory, but strongly recommended to make the game as enjoyable as possible, both for yourself and the other players.

Hosting

• Neutrality

This is an important point to respect when hosting.

When assigning roles to players, using a Random Number Generator is recommended because it is the fairest method. Please try to remain as neutral as possible and avoid giving players certain roles or assigning all roles arbitrarily.

Even if the game is not going your way, make sure that you treat all of your players equally and fairly; this means that you should not favor a faction over another and never intervene with the players unless it is to enforce the rules. It is imperative that you abstain from giving away information or tip the players in a direction they might have not seen had you not intervened. This also means that you should post as little as possible while hosting, since it can be distracting to the players.

Keep in mind that you may only enforce the rules of your game. If a player breaks one of Bulbagarden's rules, it is best to report the offending posts and let a moderator take care of it.

• Consistency

There might come a time where you will need to change an element of the game to avoid a game-breaking scenario. However, keeping this as a last resort is a good idea if you want your players to enjoy the game fully. This means that you should not change the rules, roles, winning conditions, or other elements once the game has started unless absolutely necessary, especially to favor one faction over another.

This also applies to your update time. It's a given that real-life events may alter your access to the internet, but do try to stay consistent with the time at which you update your game, as it can get confusing and inconvenient for the players otherwise.

• Responsibility

Sometimes you will make mistakes, which may end up changing the game in some way. This is always regrettable, but take the blame and be straightforward about it if this happens, and do not put this on the back of your players.

• Cordiality

Answer all the questions your players may have to the best of your abilities. However, be certain that you are not giving away any information to prying eyes while doing so; if a player has a question regarding their role, it is best to contact them privately to sort things out.

Playing

• Read the rules

In addition to the rules of the game, forum-wide rules and War Room-specific rules must be followed.

Before you join a game, please be sure to read the rules. If you have any issues with a host's rules or need clarification, you should discuss them with the host before you enter the game. Consistently breaking rules may have consequences up to and including a limitation on playing games and/or a ban from The War Room.

• Respectfulness

Always maintain a friendly and respectful demeanor toward other players and the host. While debates may become heated, it's important to only dispute ideas and opinions - insults or rudeness toward users may result in a warning or infraction. This especially applies to actions directed at new players.

• Sportsmanship

It is expected that when taking part in any game, up to and including a victory or loss (individual or factional), players will remain sportive and polite. Gloating over a win, blaming others for a loss, discouraging others from posting, etc fall under this guideline. Additionally, do not drag issues related to other games or personal drama into a game - please resolve these outside of The War Room.

• Activity

When you join a game, it is expected that you will remain active and contribute to the game reasonably often. This includes using your role, posting in-thread (and in QuickTopics, if applicable), and responding to other players when possible and practical. If you cannot keep up with the game or will be away for a while, please inform the host so you may be subbed out if necessary. Posting in-thread to inform other players of your absence is also recommended.