Legal Notes
Even in places built from imagination and goodwill, clarity about rights and responsibilities serves everyone who walks these paths.
We are a volunteer community of enthusiasts, not a commercial enterprise, and we claim no ownership of Professor Tolkien’s works. However, clarity serves everyone’s interests. Our full Terms of Use, intellectual property disclaimers, and community policies are available below. As an alternative and/or addition, you may wish to have a look at the “Covenant” screen in-world (“World” → “Region Details” [Alt+R] → “Covenant” tab).
These exist not to burden you with legalese, but to protect both our community and our guests: establishing that we operate within fair use principles, clarifying the boundaries of participation, and ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities. We encourage you to review them, particularly if you plan to become an active member of our community or contribute original content.
In short: we've done our best to create a space that honors both Professor Tolkien's legacy and the laws that govern creative works. A moment's reading now prevents misunderstandings later.
Terms of Use & Community Guidelines
Intellectual Property Disclaimer
The Old Forest is an independent, non-commercial (non-profit) fan community created by volunteers for educational and recreational purposes. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Tolkien Estate, HarperCollins Publishers, Middle-earth Enterprises, or any other rights holder to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
All references to characters, locations, and concepts from Professor Tolkien’s published works are made under the principles of fair use for non-commercial, transformative fan activity. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended. All rights to Tolkien’s works remain with their respective copyright holders.
Second Life Platform Terms
Use of The Old Forest sim is subject to Linden Lab’s Terms of Service and Community Standards. By entering our land, you agree to abide by both Second Life’s rules and our Community Guidelines.
Community Conduct Expectations
Visitors to The Old Forest are expected to:
- Maintain roleplay-appropriate conduct and attire (fantasy/medieval/Tolkien-appropriate)
- Respect other community members and their roleplay experience
- Refrain from harassment, griefing, or disruptive behavior
- Follow land rules and respect the decisions of sim Administrators and Moderators.
Content and Participation
Any original content you create or contribute while participating in The Old Forest (stories, builds, events, etc.) remains your intellectual property. By sharing it within our community, you grant us a non-exclusive license to use it for community purposes (events, archives, promotional materials for the sim).
Limitation of Liability
The Old Forest is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. The volunteer Administrators are not liable for any damages, losses, or disputes arising from your participation in our community or use of our Second Life sim.
Privacy
We do not collect personal information beyond what is visible through Second Life’s platform. Any communications within our community spaces may be logged for moderation purposes.
Right to Refuse Service
We reserve the right to remove or ban any individual from The Old Forest sim for violations of these terms, Second Life’s Terms of Service, or behavior deemed harmful to our community.
Modifications
These terms may be updated at any time. Continued use of The Old Forest constitutes acceptance of any modifications.
Severability
If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Questions or Concerns
For questions about these terms or to report issues, please contact the sim Administrators through Second Life private message or our designated community channels.
Last updated: January 2026
"Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them all, to lord and land!"
— J.R.R. Tolkien