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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Voadam" data-source="post: 9299286" data-attributes="member: 2209">Kenada had the link earlier. Basically 2e internal guidance on narrative stuff TSR felt was out of bounds.From the link:TSR CODE OF ETHICSTSR, Inc., as a publisher of books, games, and game related products, recognizes the social responsibilities that a company such as TSR must assume. TSR has developed this CODE OF ETHICS for use in maintaining good taste, while providing beneficial products within all of its publishing and licensing endeavors.In developing each of its products, TSR strives to achieve peak entertainment value by providing consumers with a tool for developing social interaction skills and problem-solving capabilities by fostering group cooperation and the desire to learn. Every TSR product is designed to be enjoyed and is not intended to present a style of living for the players of TSR games.To this end, the company has pledged itself to conscientiously adhere to the following principles:1: GOOD VERSUS EVILEvil shall never be portrayed in an attractive light and shall be used only as a foe to illustrate a moral issue. All product shall focus on the struggle of good versus injustice and evil, casting the protagonist as an agent of right. Archetypes (heroes, villains, etc.) shall be used only to illustrate a moral issue. Satanic symbology, rituals, and phrases shall not appear in TSR products.2: NOT FOR DUPLICATIONTSR products are intended to be fictional entertainment, and shall not present explicit details and methods of crime, weapon construction, drug use, magic, science, or technologies that could be reasonably duplicated and misused in real life situations. These categories are only to bedescribed for story drama and effect/results in the game or story.3: AGENTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENTAgents of law enforcement (constables, policemen, judges, government officials, and respected institutions) should not be depicted in such a way as to create disrespect for current established authorities/social values. When such an agent is depicted as corrupt, the example must be expressed as an exception and the culprit should ultimately be brought to justice.4: CRIME AND CRIMINALSCrimes shall not be presented in such ways as to promote distrust of law enforcement agents/agencies or to inspire others with the desire to imitate criminals. Crime should be depicted as a sordid and unpleasant activity. Criminals should not be presented in glamorous circumstances. Player character thieves are constantly encouraged to act towards the common good.5: MONSTERSMonsters in TSR's game systems can have good or evil goals.  As foes of the protagonists, evil monsters should be able to be clearly defeated in some fashion.  TSR recognizes the ability of an evil creature to change its ways and become beneficial, and does not exclude this possibility in the writing of this code.6: PROFANITYProfanity, obscenity, smut, and vulgarity will not be used.7: DRAMA AND HORRORThe use of drama or horror is acceptable in product development. However, the detailing of sordid vices or excessive gore shall be avoided. Horror, defined as the presence of uncertainty and fear in the tale, shall be permitted and should be implied, rather than graphically detailed.8: VIOLENCE AND GOREAll lurid scenes of excessive bloodshed, gory or gruesome crimes, depravity, lust, filth, sadism, or masochism, presented in text or graphically, are unacceptable. Scenes of unnecessary violence, extreme brutality, physical agony, and gore, including but not limited to extreme graphic or descriptive scenes presenting cannibalism, decapitation, evisceration, amputation, or other gory injuries, should be avoided.9: SEXUAL THEMES    Sexual themes of all types should be avoided.  Rape and graphic lust should never be portrayed or discussed. Explicit sexual activity should not be portrayed. The concept of love or affection for another is not considered part of this definition.10: NUDITYNudity is only acceptable, graphically, when done in a manner that complies with good taste and social standards. Degrading or salacious depiction is unacceptable. Graphic display of reproductive organs, or any facsimiles will not be permitted.11: AFFLICTIONDisparaging graphic or textual references to physical afflictions, handicaps and deformities are unacceptable. Reference to actual afflictions or handicaps is acceptable only when portrayed or depicted in a manner that favorably educates the consumer on the affliction and in no way promotes disrespect.12: MATTERS OF RACEHuman and other non-monster character races and nationalities should not be depicted as inferior to other races. All races and nationalities shall be fairly portrayed.13: SLAVERYSlavery is not to be depicted in a favorable light; it should only be represented as a cruel and inhuman institution to be abolished.14: RELIGION AND MYTHOLOGYThe use of religion in TSR products is to assist in clarifying the struggle between good and evil. Actual current religions are not to be depicted, ridiculed, or attacked in any way that promotes disrespect. Ancient or mythological religions, such as those prevalent in ancient Grecian, Roman and Norse societies, may be portrayed in their historic roles (in compliance with this Code of Ethics.) Any depiction of any fantasy religion is not intended as a presentation of an alternative formof worship.15: MAGIC, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGYFantasy literature is distinguished by the presence of magic, super-science or artificial technology that exceeds natural law. The devices are to be portrayed as fictional and used for dramatic effect.They should not appear to be drawn from reality. Actual rituals (spells, incantations, sacrifices, etc.), weapon designs, illegal devices, and other activities of criminal or distasteful nature shall not be presented or provided as reference.16: NARCOTICS AND ALCOHOLNarcotic and alcohol abuse shall not be presented, except as dangerous habits. Such abuse should be dealt with by focusing on the harmful aspects.17: THE CONCEPT OF SELF IN ROLE PLAYING GAMESThe distinction between players and player characters shall be strictly observed.It is standard TSR policy to not use 'you' in its advertising or role playing games to suggest that the users of the game systems are actually taking part in the adventure.  It should always be clear that the player's imaginary character is taking part in whatever imaginary action happens during game play.  For example, 'you' don't attack the orcs--'your character' Hrothgar attacks the orcs.18: LIVE ACTION ROLE-PLAYINGIt is TSR policy to not support any live action role-playing game system, no matter how nonviolent the style of gaming is said to be.  TSR recognizes the physical dangers of live action role-playing that promotes its participants to do more than simply imagine in their minds what their characters are doing, and does not wish any game to be harmful.19: HISTORICAL PRESENTATIONSWhile TSR may depict certain historical situations, institutions, or attitudes in a game product, it should not be construed that TSR condones these practices.PLAGIARISMIt has come to our attention that some freelance writers are committing plagiarism (literary theft), which is a punishable crime.  Your contract now reflects this (see page 3, no. 3; page 4, no. 5; and page 6, no. 12).  However, TSR feels it is necessary to underscore these sections of the contract in an effort to clarify this important issue.Please understand that this reminder is not addressed to any one individual.  It is included in your contract in an effort to heighten your awareness of the severity of plagiarism.If you have any questions regarding your contract, please do not hesitate to contact TSR, Inc.  Your cooperation and understanding in this matter is appreciated.AD&D, ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, DRAGON, DUNGEON, POLYHEDRON, and RPGA are registered trademarks of TSR, Inc. c 1995. All Rights Reserved.This document may be freely distributed in its original, unaltered form.Jim ButlerTSR, Inc.</blockquote>

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