I was thinking about it, and why does every game need to have the exact same section of "Things I expect everyone to know, but need to be said anyways"? Instead, I propose that we have a default (see below) that is the status quo, and then GMs can state in their rules if they want different regulations. As with any rules, specific beats general, so if any GM has contradictory rules, their rules take precedence for their game. These are taken mostly from my rules (tried and true, so far these have gotten very few complaints), with modifications to be more generally suitable and to incorporate community recommendations.
Generic Mafia Etiquette wrote:
1: Play to your victory condition. This means no throwing in the towel and no emotional outbreaks that hurt your team. The GM is expected to contact the player before taking action on this rule, as what matters is your intention, not necessarily if it works out (See Condude's brilliant play in Fable 6 for an example of thinking you're playing to your victory condition but actually committing suicide).
2: Don't edit or delete your posts. This is punishable by modkill, replacement, or reprimand, at the GM's discretion.
3: GM Correspondence No copying anything the GM has sent you, especially your role PM. This includes creating a fake GM message and peddling it as real. Paraphrasing is ok, but please ask the GM if a paraphrase is too close.
4.1: Private Messaging. No private communication unless expressly permitted by your role.
4.2 Discussion Outside Thread: Do not discuss ongoing games outside the game thread, or other GM approved channels of communication.
4.3 Dead-Man Walking: You may not post after you are eliminated from the game, unless expressly permitted by the GM.
5: Activity. STAY ACTIVE! I ask for a minimum of 30-45 minutes per day of posting, excluding reading time. This will likely sum up to 1-2 hours dedicated to this game every day, at minimum. Everyone falls behind a few pages from time to time, but if you find that you’re posting everything in a vacuum, or are posting very little each day, please sub out for the integrity of the game. The GM will replace you if they find that you are seriously detracting from the flow of the game for an extended period of time.
6: ASK. Ask if you have any questions on the legality of an action. A GM will never complain about receiving too many questions on whether an activity is legal.
7: Substitutions. Please do not discuss substitutions. Substitutions are already not pleasant situations, and using substitutions to determine alignment is metagaming, and compromising the game’s integrity more than it already has been compromised. If you want or need a substitute, PM the GM and you will be subbed out as soon as possible. A substitute may be requested for any personal reason - you are more important than the game, but don't use substitutions tactically (I'm in trouble, better sub out to get rid of the heat).
8.1: Don't be discriminatory. No homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, misogynistic comments, or other forms of group-targeted hate speech. AT ABSOLUTE MINIMUM you will be harshly reprimanded by GM and mods alike for breaking these rules, and if we deem it anything other than a sloppy choice of words, or it is a repeat offense, or it is met by anything other than a complete, unequivocal apology, you can expect to be modkilled (or replaced) and blacklisted by the majority of the GMs in the mafia forums. Please also respect people's pronouns - Intentionally mislabeling someone else's gender is, at best, extremely rude, and, at worst, discriminatory. Don't do it.
8.2: Don't be a dick. Tensions can get high in a mafia game, and the occasional insult or outburst is normal. No out-of-game insults, and please try to keep anger to a minimum. Swearing is acceptable (C'mon, we're (mostly) adults. People swear.), although please, try to keep it to a minimum.
8.3 Reporting People: If someone is being hostile to an extent that it is ruining the game for other players, or violates Rule 8.1, report it to the GM immediately. The GM is expected to bring severe offenses to the mods.
9.1: The GM is God. The GM can do whatever he or she likes, for any reason they like. It is assumed that GMs are all acting to their utmost to ensure that game integrity is as intact as possible and games run smoothly. If you actually suspect a GM (for some strange reason) is not working towards this end, please contact a moderator, but be warned that we will, in the vast majority of situations, side with the GM. Also, please do not take umbrage with GM decisions in-thread, take it up with the GM in private.
9.2: AAR. Constructive criticism and discussion of frustration is welcomed in the AAR, though remember we're all human and nobody wants to feel like crap for mistakes or having had to make a tough call. Try to respect everyone and be mature, even when you're upset.
9.3 Angleshooting. Don't angleshoot. Angleshooting is playing against the spirit of the game's rules, but technically within the rules as written. Don't try to bend rules as far as you can before they break, instead, use them as guidelines as well as hard stops.
Rules on End Day, Unvote, No Lynch, Vote tallies, and Tiebreaks should be clarified in each ruleset independently.
Please let me know if there is a rule that should be added or clarified, or whether this is just a flat out terrible idea.
Condude