TSR CODE OF ETHICS
TSR, 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 EVIL
Evil 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 DUPLICATION
TSR 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 be
described for story drama and effect/results in the game or story.
3: AGENTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
Agents 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 CRIMINALS
Crimes 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: MONSTERS
Monsters 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: PROFANITY
Profanity, obscenity, smut, and vulgarity will not be used.
7: DRAMA AND HORROR
The 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 GORE
All 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: NUDITY
Nudity 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: AFFLICTION
Disparaging 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 RACE
Human 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: SLAVERY
Slavery 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 MYTHOLOGY
The 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 form
of worship.
15: MAGIC, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Fantasy 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 ALCOHOL
Narcotic 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 GAMES
The 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-PLAYING
It 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. lol 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 PRESENTATIONS
While TSR may depict certain historical situations, institutions, or
attitudes in a game product, it should not be construed that TSR condones
these practices.