The Vivarium operates under a "degree" strike system when it comes to uncollaborative gameplay and rule breaks. A strike is not a ban from the community, but a notice that continual bad behavior is seen and noted. Vivarium works under the premise of correcting and educating members on these mistakes to help avoid their repetition in the future. We believe that everyone makes mistakes, but that people can grow and change when given support, correction, and the right environment to thrive in.

In this way, our strike system operates under "degrees" (I, II, III, IV) that outline the severity of the transgression and the following consequence and remediation of such behavior. Bans and suspensions are the last resort and are often only given when a member accumulates multiple II and III degree strikes within a 3-12 month timeline.

But please note that if a transgression is seen to be of massive and immediate threat to the safety of the community, lower degree strikes may be bypassed.

Vivarium does NOT accept the stealing of other characters/copying of art, identity fraud, vitriolic slander, and/or smear campaigns. These transgressions will often result in a IV degree strike (the highest strike) and can result in a permanent ban or a 6-12 month temporary ban. Temporary bans can be re-evaluated over time, with the possibility of a member re-entering Vivarium at a lower strike degree of I, II, or III with restrictions applied during said re-entry period. In which case, the player would be monitored and work closely with staff to ensure the behavior has been corrected.

Reintegration Process - A way for previously banned and eligible members to earn a second chance under clear guidelines. We believe people are capable of learning, growing, and being able to come back with a healthier outlook. Everyone makes mistakes, and where it feels appropriate and applicable, we’d like to offer the opportunity to rebuild trust and reconnect with some of these members who have erred in the past.

Both systems will grow and adapt as the community does, but the goal is simple: more communication and a gradual system with real-time consequences and real opportunities for change. We are gradually rolling out this "second chance initiative" very slowly, progressively, and with close supervision for those who are eligible.

Staff will be monitoring these members closely, and giving them a framework to follow for proper reintegration. These will involve certain restrictions, and will be tailored for each eligible member. Some examples may include restricted access to certain boards, types of threads (AW, PRP, PRP 18+, etc), limited discord access, and/or limited site access.

Strikes are always privately issued to the offending member, and we will always explain why it is being given, and that we will be more watchful of recurring behavior. Oftentimes, a conversation will occur even before a strike is administered to an offending member, to keep communication lines open.

Do not fret, strikes do not have to spell out your doom! We all make mistakes, and not everything deserves a strike. Strikes at the degree level of I, II, and III can be removed at a minimum of 3 months to 12 months, respectively.

We urge our members to report problems and provide screenshot evidence to staff should they have an issue arise. Staff maintain a log of every report received, no matter how small, to ensure the continued enjoyment of our game and avoid repeat offenses.

Remember that staff, too, are just people, and we are willing to listen and understand all sides of confrontation. We are here to help bridge any gaps in miscommunication between members, and even other staff as well.