# Loot Dispute Resolution Process

## Overview

Loot disputes are the leading cause of party dissolution, inter-party violence, and strongly worded messages to Questboard support. This document outlines the formal dispute resolution process.

## When to File a Dispute

File a dispute when:
- A party member took an item without party consensus
- The agreed-upon distribution model was not followed
- An item's value was misrepresented during distribution
- Someone "accidentally" put a party item in their personal bag
- The rogue is being the rogue

Do not file a dispute for:
- Cursed items (you picked it up, you own it)
- Consumables used during the quest (that healing potion is gone, let it go)
- Items lost to environmental hazards (lava, river, dragon stomach)
- Hurt feelings about not winning a roll

## Process

### Step 1: Internal Resolution (24 hours)

The party must attempt to resolve the dispute internally. Questboard will not hear a case that hasn't gone through internal discussion first.

"Discussion" means talking. It does not mean:
- Challenging the other party member to a duel
- Stealing the item back while they sleep
- Hiring a third party to steal the item back
- Polymorphing the disputed item into something worthless

### Step 2: Formal Filing

If internal resolution fails, either party may file a dispute through the Questboard portal. Required information:

- Quest number
- Item in dispute (name, description, appraised value)
- Your claim (why you should have it)
- Evidence (witness statements, [loot audit logs](audit-log.md), party agreement)
- Filing fee: 50 gold (refunded to the winning party)

### Step 3: Arbitration Panel

The panel consists of:
- One retired adventurer (for practical perspective)
- One merchant guild representative (for valuation expertise)
- One cleric of a neutral deity (for the binding oath)

The panel reviews all evidence, interviews both parties (separately, to avoid fistfights in the hearing room), and renders a decision within 5 business days.

### Step 4: Binding Decision

Decisions are magically binding. This means:

- The item physically cannot be used by the non-awarded party
- Attempting to circumvent the binding results in a minor curse (itching, hiccups, or an inability to tell lies for 30 days)
- Appeals are heard once per dispute, require a 200 gold fee, and succeed approximately 3% of the time

## Common Rulings

| Dispute Type | Typical Ruling |
|-------------|---------------|
| "I called dibs" | Dibs is not recognized. Denied. |
| "I did the most damage" | Contribution is one factor, not the only factor. |
| "I need it more" | Need is assessed by the panel, not self-reported. |
| "I found it first" | Finding is not ownership until the party agrees. |
| "The rogue already sold it" | Rogue pays market value to the awarded party. Rogue receives a conduct warning. |

## Statistics

- Average disputes per quarter: 847
- Average resolution time: 4.2 days
- Disputes involving rogues: 61%
- Disputes resolved by the item turning out to be cursed: 8%
- Disputes where both parties were wrong: 23%