Hogwarts School uses a rating system similar to the certification system used to rate films in the United Kingdom and United States. This rating system, which has been modified to be applicable to writing and role-playing, is meant to act as a set of guide rails for what content is and is not allowed on the site's main boards.
Hogwarts School currently uses the following rating:
Language: Swearing and mature language is permitted.
Sexual Content: Sexual content is permitted, with some limitations.
Violence: Violence is permitted, with some limitations.
This rating applies
only to the site’s “In-Character” content.
“Out-of-Character” areas of the board, as well as our Discord server, follow their own set of guidelines more in line with a
2-1-1 rating, to help keep the community welcoming and accessible for all.
For more information on Discord’s rating, please refer to our #rules channel.
General theme.
Mature themes are permitted, including darker or more intense subject matter, but must be handled with sensitivity and consideration for all players. Content should remain appropriate for older teenagers (16+), avoiding gratuitous or excessively disturbing material.
Trigger warnings.
You
must use our new Trigger Warning for any threads that contain sensitive content (see: Horror & Violence below). Begin each thread with [TW] in the title, and use the [tw][/tw] BBCode at the very top of the first post in the thread.
Please note, any content that requires Trigger Warning is prohibited from being posted in Classes, Extra Credit, Quidditch, Duels, Spellbound Articles, and any other activities where other members are required to read the threads.
For more information regarding Trigger Warning etiquette, please refer to
this site.
Language.
(3 - Strong Language Permitted)
- Profanity, including strong language such as the F-word, is permitted but should not be used excessively. Players are encouraged to use strong language in a way that enhances roleplay rather than detracting from it.
- Discriminatory slurs (racial, homophobic, transphobic, etc.) are not permitted in any context.
- Strong profanity that exceeds the 2-1-1 rating should not be used in thread titles, OOC discussions, and on the Discord server.
- Profanity should not be used in a sexually explicit manner. (i.e., profanity in a sexual context or engaging in sexual acts.)
- Profanity related to sexual activity (e.g., "slut," "whore") should not be used excessively and only within a justified, non-gratuitous context. (i.e., relevant to the story, character, or setting.)
- Profanity referring to genitalia is permitted, but only when used in a non-sexually explicit context (i.e., calling someone an “asshole” versus speaking about someone’s body part in a sexual manner).
Alcohol & Substance Use.
(2 - Mild References Allowed, No Glorification)
- Alcohol consumption is permitted, including social drinking or intoxication, as long as it is not excessive or glamorized.
- Underage drinking (under 18) is allowed in roleplay, but should be presented discreetly and sensitively. Drinking that occurs at Hogwarts or Camp Loki, no matter where it is posted, requires Admin approval beforehand. You must open a Helpdesk ticket to request Admin permission for any underage drinking occurring IC at Hogwarts or Camp Loki beforehand. Recognize underage drinking may result in IC consequences if conducted IC within Hogwarts Castle or Camp Loki, regardless of where the thread itself is located on board, due to realistic IC oversight at those locations. If you are unsure and seeking specific plot support, please open a Helpdesk ticket.
- Drugs/substance use (including potions with addictive properties) may be mentioned but should not be glorified or provide instructional details.
- Admin approval must be provided for any parties or group events that contain underage (under 18) drinking, following the Events Request process, with similar recognition that IC consequences may occur.
Horror & Violence.
(2 - Moderate Violence Allowed)
- Physical violence (including physical fights, duels, and injuries) is permitted with moderate detail but should not be excessively gory. If the physical violence results in a permanent or serious scar or injury, Admin permission is required.
- Psychological horror and dark themes (e.g., psychological trauma, mental manipulation, fear-based storytelling) are allowed, but should not be gratuitous or exploitative.
- The following three topics must include a [TW] in the thread title (at the beginning), and the [tw][/tw] BBCode at the very top of the first post in the applicable thread. Failure to add these can and will result in the thread being moved to the Restricted Section.
- Sexual violence/abuse may be mentioned in backstory or inferred, but must not be roleplayed or described in detail.
- Child abuse/exploitation must be handled with extreme care, and direct descriptions are not permitted.
- Self-harm, suicide, and dangerous behaviors may be referenced but should not dwell on details in a way that could be seen as instructional or romanticized.
Sexual Content & Nudity.
(2 - Non-Explicit Sexual Themes Allowed)
- Nudity is permitted in non-sexual contexts but should not be described in explicit detail.
- All characters are permitted to reference sex in general, and sexual innuendos are allowed, but should be used sparingly.
- Sexual activity involving characters aged 16+ may be written, but not described in explicit detail. Scenes should follow a "fade to black" approach before anything graphic occurs. Direct or explicit descriptions of sexual acts are not permitted.
- Romantic relationships between staff and students are forbidden, regardless of whether they involve sexual content or not.
Restricted Section (18+).
(The exception to the rules.)
The Restricted Section is available on all IC boards and is where anything that exceeds the Site Rating will be moved. To request access, please
PM an Administrator, and you will be provided with the
Terms and Agreement as part of the request process. Please keep the following in mind before requesting access.
- While the RS is available, please keep in mind that not all members have elected to access it and some members are not eligible for access until they are 18 years of age.
- Parties will not be approved to be held in the Restricted Section.
- Plot events that occur in the RS may be mentioned, but only lightly and cannot be detailed on the main board.
- You must use our Trigger Warning requirements for any threads that contain sensitive content. Begin each thread with [TW] in the title and use the [tw][/tw] BBCode at the very top of the first post in the thread.
Final notes.
Players are expected to respect the Site Rating and the comfort levels of their writing partners. Before including mature content, discuss boundaries to ensure mutual agreement. Any form of pressure or coercion is strictly prohibited and may result in a site ban. If you are unsure whether certain content aligns with the guidelines, please open a Helpdesk ticket.
Failure to obtain Admin approval for any content that requires it beforehand may result in the removal of the content and further action as deemed necessary. Additionally, the Staff reserves the right to move any thread that is found to be inappropriate under these guidelines to the appropriate Restricted Section of the board.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, or anything related to the Site Rating, please open a Helpdesk ticket for assistance.
The Administrators reserve the right to make changes to any of the above if issues arise. Any changes will be accompanied by a notification.
