- The Equinox Institute Game Team is a supernatural horror LRP game which deals with adult topics. As a result, it is entirely possible a number of sensitive themes may occur which are specific to the plot of the event. These topics will be brought to the attention of attendees prior to bookings opening for the event and, if relevant topics change in the lead-up to the event, The Equinox Institute Game Team, will bring these to the attention of attendees as soon as reasonably possible.
- Regardless of event-specific themes and topics, there are some themes and topics which will never appear within our game. These are outlined below.
The Equinox Institute divides its themes into three categories:
- Core Themes – These are themes which are hard to avoid entirely and which will likely arise during the course of the game.
- Restricted Themes – These are themes or topics which attendees may discuss in-character or reference in their backstories but which have restrictions in place for those wishing to discuss or interact with them. Attendees may discuss restricted themes but must always be aware of the comfort and safety of others in attendance should these topics arise.
If a Restricted Theme arises during the course of play which an attendees feels uncomfortable about, they are encouraged to use our safety mechanics to change topic or leave the scene.
It is possible for Restricted Themes (see below) to become a Core Themes on an event by event basis and The Equinox Institute Game Team will alert attendees to this being the case as soon as reasonably possible where this occurs. If a Restricted Theme is not a Core Theme for the event, then this means there will be no plot directly or indirectly referencing these themes during the course of the event. - Banned Themes – Banned themes will and should not appear in the game in any way. They should not appear in backgrounds or briefings and attendees should not make any reference to them as part of their roleplay.
Our list of Restricted and Banned Themes is not exhaustive and is based on the Game Team’s own experience and best judgement. It is always subject to change. If you are looking to attend one of our events and are concerned about any of the topics listed, please email us at EquinoxInstituteLRP@gmail.com for further information and we will see what we can do to make our games more comfortable for you.
The latest version of our Content and Themes List and their categories can be found below:
THE EQUINOX INSTITUTE – CONTENT AND THEMES LIST
LAST UPDATED: 26th NOVEMBER 2024
Theme or Topic | Category | Game Team Comments |
Amnesia and Memory Loss | Core | The game features drugs that allow for characters’ memories to be removed, regained or manipulated. This is heavily controlled by the game team but is a core game theme. |
Death (Character or NPC) | Core | All characters at the event have the possibility of dying. It is not possible to opt out of our death and dying mechanics and accordingly this theme will be present at all of our events. |
Discrimination: Paranatural | Core | There is in-game bigotry based on whether an individual has paranatural abilities or physical features (such as horns, tails, etc), uses paranatural objects, is under the influence of the paranatural or has a view on how paranatural phenomena should be dealt with. |
Disease & Medical Health Issues | Core | This includes Character Backgrounds which involve long term health issues, or Condition Cards that are gained through play. |
Gaslighting | Core | The game features a core theme of upholding the masquerade. This along with the manipulation of memories and lying to others makes it a core theme of the game. |
Mind Control/Supernatural Charm and Removal of Agency | Core | It is not unknown for paranatural phenomena to influence behaviour and this can lead to a reduction in agency. This is heavily controlled by the game team but is a core game theme. |
Violence, Gore and Body Horror | Core | This includes physical injuries to your character and others as well as general body horror. For the avoidance of doubt this also includes damage to eyes and blood. |
Discrimination: Age | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Bugs | Restricted | |
Claustrophobia | Restricted | |
Discrimination: Disability (Mental Health) | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Gender | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Nationality | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Religion or Belief | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Sex | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Sexual Orientation | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Domestic Violence | Restricted | Backgrounds which suggest a character has committed domestic violence will not be approved by The Equinox Institute Game Team. |
Drowning | Restricted | |
Freezing to Death | Restricted | |
Genocide | Restricted | |
Harm to Animals | Restricted | |
Harm to Children | Restricted | Backgrounds which suggest a character has committed harm against a child in their past will not be approved by The Equinox Institute Game Team. |
Heatstroke | Restricted | |
Isolation | Restricted | |
Natural Disasters/Severe Weather | Restricted | |
Paralysis/Physical Restraint | Restricted | |
Police/Police Aggression | Restricted | |
Pregnancy | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Romance, Sex and Pregnancy” |
Rats | Restricted | |
Religion or Cults | Restricted | |
Romance | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Romance, Sex and Pregnancy” |
Self-Harm | Restricted | |
Sex | Restricted | See our commentary on this topic – “Romance, Sex and Pregnancy” |
Spiders | Restricted | |
Suicide | Restricted | |
Starvation | Restricted | |
Terrorism | Restricted | |
Torture | Restricted | |
Thirst (Dehydration) | Restricted | |
Discrimination: Dietary Requirements/Choices | Banned | |
Discrimination: Disability (Physical) | Banned | |
Discrimination: Language Proficiency | Banned | |
Discrimination: Physical Form, Condition or Appearance | Banned | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Discrimination: Relationship Status | Banned | |
Discrimination: Race or Ethnicity | Banned | See our commentary on this topic – “Discrimination in Game “. |
Forced Abortion, Miscarriage and Still-Birth | Banned | |
Genital Mutilation or Castration | Banned | |
Incest | Banned | |
Non-Consensual Sex | Banned | For the avoidance of doubt this includes: rape and any reference to sex with minors or animals. |
Sexual Coercion and/or Violence | Banned |