TERMS OF SERVICE
Code of Conduct
Player Agreement
To participate in The Narrative Alchemist games and services, players must read and agree to abide by the Terms of Service described in this document, Safety Tools, Social Contract, Character Creation Guidelines, any associated House Rules, and the Terms of Service, Code of Conduct, and Policies of StartPlaying.Games.
Age Limit
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in games and services offered by The Narrative Alchemist, or to be a member of The Narrative Alchemist Discord server.
Prohibited Content
Zero tolerance policy for transphobic, racist, ableist, ageist, sexist, homophobic, and other bigoted views and discriminatory behaviors.
Any explicit mentions or implications of sexual acts, activities, and references.
Sexually-derived or excessive profanity.
You may not share or use generative AI images in The Narrative Alchemist games, services, or the associated Discord server.
Warnings
The Narrative Alchemist will issue warnings when users commit rules violations.
A user may receive up to two warnings within a three month period. A third violation within that period will result in a suspension, with the duration determined by the severity of the offenses.
Severe violations may result in an immediate suspension or ban without prior warning.
Immediate bans may also be issued to users who engage in rules violations either too soon after joining, or who do so without any other sincere engagement with the community. No warnings will be issued in such circumstances.
Recording Disclaimer
Sessions are recorded both for the safety of the game master and the players in the event of a violation of rules put forth by The Narrative Alchemist or the rules of StartPlaying. By participating in sessions, players grant The Narrative Alchemist authorization to record audio and/or video of their participation.
By request, some session recordings may be made available to players by being uploaded to one of The Narrative Alchemist social media accounts. By participating in sessions, players agree to allow uploaded recordings of their session participation in this way.
Campaign Groups
Available Seating
Generally, a game table consists of three to five players, up to a maximum of six total players.
Due to the complexity of large groups, The Narrative Alchemist does not normally offer campaigns or sessions for groups with more than six players.
The Narrative Alchemist may elect to run a session with as little as one or two players, but makes no guarantee that campaigns with so few participants are sustainable.
Public Games
Public games are open tables where players join through searchable listings the game master has on StartPlaying. These campaigns are open to individual players or groups seeking a shared story experience with others.
If you come to The Narrative Alchemist with a partially formed group (for example, two or three friends looking to add more players), the game master is happy to help fill remaining seats through a recruitment process. However, once recruitment is opened beyond your original group, the campaign will be defined and treated as a Public Game.
Because player rosters can shift, The Narrative Alchemist will handle recruitment and group management to keep public games full and affordable, while ensuring a comfortable, respectful match among players.
Private Games
Private games are closed tables organized by one person or a pre-formed group. These campaigns are not listed publicly, and only invited players may join. Players in private games have more control over their table’s composition, play style, and tone than in a public game.
Because these games reserve a dedicated GM time slot, they are billed at a flat session rate, regardless of how many players attend or remain in the group. This ensures stability for the campaign and consistency in the game master’s scheduling.
Scheduling
Active game sessions that have been scheduled through StartPlaying will meet at the regular frequency, day, and time as established by the game listing's calendar.
To keep campaigns running at their best, the game master may take rotating days off to maintain a sustainable schedule and minimize disruption across gaming groups. On average, long-term campaigns can expect a break, given with notice, about once every 6 weeks.
Check your StartPlaying calendar for scheduling updates.
Public Game Scheduling
To start a campaign, a public group must first meet the minimum number of players required per the StartPlaying listing. If open seats remain, the game master may choose to continue recruitment while the game remains in a pending state for up to ten business days once the minimum player count is met.
Private Game Scheduling
Private games are accepted only as they fit within the game master’s schedule and scope.
To request a private game, contact The Narrative Alchemist. Once a schedule is agreed upon, that time is reserved for your group. Any changes must be coordinated directly with the game master.
Session Zero
A paid Session Zero is required to join any game that would last longer than a single session.
This usually will take place as the first meeting of a new campaign, but it is also required for any player who may join a campaign in progress.
Major campaign changes, such as new storylines, several new players, or significant character revisions may require an additional Session Zero to reestablish group alignment. This will be determined case by case in discussion with the players.
Joining an Ongoing Campaign
New players may join an active campaign either through invitation from existing players or via the recruitment process, if seating is available.
Before joining, the game master may schedule a brief introductory call to meet with a prospective player to ensure the campaign’s tone, playstyle, and group dynamics are a good fit. This is meeting will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is not charged. Current players in the game are invited to these meetings to meet the new player, but attendance is not mandatory.
If there is positive player alignment, a private Session Zero will be scheduled to prepare them for the campaign. Once they have completed Session Zero, they player may join the next campaign session.
Session Pricing
Public Session Pricing
Players in public sessions agree to pay the game's listed price, per seat, per game session.
Private Game Pricing
Private games are billed at a flat session rate, regardless of how many players attend or who covers the cost.
Pricing is determined by the scope and nature of the requested project and will be discussed and confirmed before scheduling.
Discounts and Refund Policy
The Narrative Alchemist does not offer discounts on session pricing.
All refunds follow StartPlaying’s Refund Policy and are issued as site credit.
Changes to Ongoing Campaigns
While every effort is made to build compatible and enjoyable groups, sometimes dynamics change over time. Players may find that playstyles, personalities, or expectations no longer align. When that happens, the game master will handle the situation with care and respect for everyone involved, but in some cases, it may be necessary to ask one or more players to step away from the campaign.
Campaign Retention and Adjustments
If a long-running public game (8+ sessions) drops to two or three players, the group may continue for up to four additional game sessions at the current per-player rate while efforts are made to recruit additional players.
If no new player joins after four sessions, the group may choose to reestablish themselves as a private game by paying the minimum total session cost, after which recruitment efforts will stop.
Otherwise, the public game will be disbanded to clear the time block.
Disputes and Conflict Resolution
While conflicts are rare, they can happen. The Narrative Alchemist is committed to addressing all concerns with fairness, respect, and professionalism.
If you have a complaint regarding the game master or another player, please submit your concern directly through StartPlaying's messaging inbox system, or the anonymous Google Form that can be found in the Discord server.
To ensure integrity and accountability, The Narrative Alchemist cannot accept complaints or evidence through editable platforms such as Discord.
Once a complaint is received, the game master will begin an internal review as soon as possible. This process may include:
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Private voice meetings with each involved party
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Recorded sessions (for safety and documentation purposes)
After reviewing all information, we will determine an appropriate resolution. Possible outcomes include:
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Facilitated discussion between involved parties to lead to resolution
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Suspension or removal of one or more players
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Cancellation of an active campaign, if necessary
If a player’s conduct appears to violate StartPlaying’s Terms of Service or Code of Conduct, The Narrative Alchemist may refer the matter to StartPlaying’s support team and share relevant documentation from the investigation.