Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more effectively, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to the website owners.

Cookies consist of:

• Name: The identifier for the cookie
• Value: The data stored in the cookie
• Expiration: When the cookie should be deleted (session or persistent)
• Domain: Which domain can access the cookie
• Path: Which pages can access the cookie

Session Cookies are temporary and deleted when you close your browser. Persistent Cookies remain on your device until they expire or you delete them.

These cookies are necessary for the core functionality of our Service. You cannot disable them without significantly impairing your ability to use our platform.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
session_id	Maintains your login session and authentication status	Session
csrf_token	Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks	Session
age_verified	Confirms you have completed age verification (18+)	30 days
game_state	Stores temporary game state during active gameplay	Session
preferences	Remembers your language, theme, and display preferences	1 year
consent	Records your cookie consent choices	1 year

These cookies help us understand how you use our Service so we can improve performance, identify errors, and optimize your experience. They collect anonymous, aggregated data and do not personally identify you.

• analytics_session: Tracks your session for performance metrics (page load times, error rates). Duration: Session. Vendor: Internal analytics.
• page_performance: Records timing data about page elements loading. Duration: Session. Vendor: Internal performance monitoring.
• feature_usage: Tracks which features are used most frequently (anonymized). Duration: 30 days. Vendor: Internal analytics.

These cookies help us identify performance bottlenecks, fix bugs, and prioritize feature improvements based on actual usage patterns. The data is aggregated and anonymized—we never link it to your identity without your explicit consent.

These cookies remember choices you've made to provide a more personalized and convenient experience.

• theme_preference: Remembers if you prefer light or dark mode. Duration: 1 year.
• language_setting: Stores your chosen display language. Duration: 1 year.
• notification_settings: Records your notification preferences (sound, chat alerts, etc.). Duration: 1 year.
• gold_marks_balance: Stores your current Gold Marks balance for quick access. Duration: 30 days. Note: The authoritative balance is always verified server-side.
• player_nickname: Caches your display name for faster page loading. Duration: 30 days.

We do not currently use third-party cookies for advertising, marketing, or tracking. All cookies we use are first-party cookies set directly by AlbionEveningGathering.com.

If we partner with third-party services in the future (such as analytics providers), we will update this policy and only use vendors that comply with applicable privacy regulations.

What Is Local Storage?

Local Storage is a browser technology similar to cookies but with greater capacity. It stores data locally on your device that persists until you explicitly clear it or the website deletes it. Unlike cookies, local storage data is not sent to servers with every request.

How We Use Local Storage

• Game Progress: Your current game state, positions in multi-session games, and gameplay history are stored locally for offline access.
• Settings Cache: Your preferences are cached locally to provide faster load times.
• Draft Messages: If you start composing a message but don't send it, we store the draft locally so you don't lose it if you refresh.
• Offline Data: Some game data is stored locally to allow continued play or reduced functionality during temporary connectivity issues.

Clearing Local Storage

You can clear local storage through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data > Cookies and Other Site Data
• Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data
• Safari: Develop > Empty Web Storage
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Clear Browsing Data

Note: Clearing local storage will delete your locally cached game progress. Your server-side account data (linked to your username) is unaffected.

Browser Controls

You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings:

• Block All Cookies: This is not recommended as it will prevent the Service from functioning properly.
• Block Third-Party Cookies: We don't use third-party cookies, so this setting won't affect our Service.
• Allow Essential Cookies Only: This is recommended. Essential cookies are required for login, security, and gameplay.
• Delete Existing Cookies: You can delete cookies at any time through browser settings. You may need to re-enter preferences and re-verify your age.

Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our Service, you may see a cookie consent banner. You can:

• Accept All: Accept essential, performance, and preference cookies
• Essential Only: Accept only essential cookies required for functionality
• Manage Preferences: Customize which types of cookies you allow

You can change your cookie preferences at any time through your account settings or by clearing your consent cookie and revisiting the site.

Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers allow you to enable a "Do Not Track" feature. Currently, our Service does not respond to DNT signals, and we maintain consistent cookie practices regardless of DNT status. We continue to use essential cookies for functionality.

If you disable essential cookies, you will experience:

• Unable to log in to your account
• Cannot verify your age (required to access the platform)
• Game state may not be saved properly
• Your preferences will reset each visit
• Some game features may not function correctly

We strongly recommend allowing at least essential cookies. You can disable performance and preference cookies while maintaining full functionality, though you'll lose personalization benefits.

We implement security measures to protect cookie data:

• Secure Flag: Cookies containing sensitive data (session ID, authentication tokens) use the Secure flag, which means they are only transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections.
• HttpOnly Flag: Session and authentication cookies use the HttpOnly flag, preventing JavaScript from accessing them and reducing XSS attack risk.
• SameSite Attribute: Our cookies use SameSite=Strict to prevent CSRF attacks.
• Encrypted Storage: Sensitive data within cookies is encrypted before storage.

GDPR Compliance (EU/EEA)

Under GDPR, non-essential cookies require user consent before they are placed on your device. Our consent banner collects explicit consent before enabling performance and preference cookies. You may withdraw consent at any time through your preferences.

ePrivacy Directive

We comply with the ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC) which requires consent for cookies. Our consent mechanism provides granular control over cookie types.

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in cookie technology, legal requirements, or our practices. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy here and updating the effective date. Your continued use of the Service indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

If you have questions about our cookie practices or wish to exercise your rights regarding cookies, please contact us:

Email: support@albionevening-gathering.com

We will respond to cookie-related inquiries within 10 business days.

Quick Reference:

• Essential cookies are required and cannot be disabled
• Performance and preference cookies enhance your experience and can be managed
• We do not use third-party tracking or advertising cookies
• Local storage stores game progress and preferences on your device
• You can control cookies through your browser settings anytime