The Black Waltz Membership Charter

 The Black Waltz Free Company is committed to providing a safe, positive gaming experience for all players and has created a list of guidelines and expectations to protect our members:

1. Respect each other and the Free Company. <<Waltz>> welcomes all players, regardless of skill level or personal background. Our members come from diverse identities and experiences, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect. We pride ourselves on being a community built on kindness and compassion. 

Purposely rude, racist, discriminatory, elitist, or demeaning behavior—toward members or non-members—is not welcome in The Black Waltz. Slurs, racist language, or terms rooted in malice are not acceptable in any FC communication, including in-game chat or the Waltz Discord, or in any in-game public chats.

If an issue arises with a member, please refer to Section 10: Escalations. 

2. Keep a Positive Attitude. We all have frustrating days—wipes, long grinds, tough workdays—but maintaining a positive attitude and supporting each other is key to keeping our FC fun and uplifting. Venting occasionally is normal, but constant negativity can harm the experience for others. Remember: for many, this game is a haven from stress.

Additionally, please maintain proper chat etiquette and do not spam Free Company communications with macros, advertisements, etc.

One of our core goals is helping players enjoy their time here. 

3. Keep Free Company communications spoiler-free. Many players enjoy experiencing the story and content for the first time without spoilers. Please avoid discussing unreleased story elements or fight mechanics in FC chat. If you need to react or vent about something, please message someone who has already completed the content or use a designated || Spoiler || channel in the F.C. Discord.

Note: Discussing patch notes or officially released information is fine as long as it does not reveal story details or unreleased mechanics. If Square Enix hasn’t officially shared it, keep it out of FC channels.

4. Help each other. Starting FFXIV can feel overwhelming. If someone asks for help with job skills, content, or general advice, please assist them when you can. Reach out to new players (“sprouts”) and make them feel welcome.

However, be mindful of boundaries—help does not mean carries or handouts. We do not encourage giving gil simply because someone asks.

5. Keep hot topics to yourself.  Political, religious, or otherwise controversial discussions should be kept private if they become heated or make others uncomfortable. If the atmosphere starts shifting negatively, it’s best to move the conversation elsewhere. 

6. Waltz is a family-friendly Free Company. The FC follows a PG-13 standard. Light innuendos or occasional adult jokes are fine, but explicit, graphic, or sensitive topics should be kept to private conversations with people who welcome them.

Remember: everyone has different life experiences. What seems harmless to one person may be uncomfortable or triggering to another. If it goes beyond PG-13, it doesn’t belong in FC chat—regardless of the platform.

7. Take constructive criticism and advice gracefully. Many of us have years of experience and are happy to help. We will always ask before giving gameplay tips. Feedback is never meant as a personal attack—we want to help you improve and enjoy your chosen job.

Actively seeking advice is encouraged!  

8. Agree to disagree. Everyone has their own opinions, and disagreements happen. You’re welcome to share your thoughts, but please remain respectful. Avoid insults, baiting comments, or calling things “stupid,” “gross,” etc.

You may explain why you personally dislike something—but do not belittle others’ preferences.

If emotions escalate, it’s best to change the topic. 

9. Participate. Our community grows stronger when we play together. We host regular weekly and monthly events, and all members are welcome to join. If you have an event idea, speak to any Leader.

Competitive events must be reviewed by Leadership before being announced to ensure fairness and accessibility for as many members as possible.

10: Escalations: If something occurs in FC chat, Discord, or anywhere in-game that you find inappropriate or offensive from another FC member, contact a Leader immediately. Please provide screenshots or relevant details so the Leader can fully understand the situation.

Once a Leader accepts the complaint, they will handle it through resolution. Leaders may also address issues proactively—for example, confronting discriminatory comments as soon as they appear. Private issues will be addressed privately; group-wide issues may result in a general statement in FC chat or through announcements in Discord.

11. Charter Violations: Our priority is maintaining a warm, welcoming, helpful, and inclusive environment. Violations of the Charter will be reviewed by the Leadership Team, who will vote on the appropriate course of action. Members removed for violations must wait a minimum of 30 days and issue a formal apology before reapplying.

Note: Leadership will only take action when supported by clear evidence or recurring behavior that negatively impacts the FC atmosphere. All complaints must include screenshots and will be presented to the member involved with the names of the reporting members kept anonymous where applicable.

12. Open door policy.  The Black Waltz maintains an open door policy for questions, concerns, feedback, or complaints. If you need anything, reach out to Olorin or any Leader. If your concern is specifically about how a Leader handled a situation, you may contact Olorin (FC Leader) directly.