Istina

1. Platform Role

Istina acts solely as a technology platform that enables users to create, host, and participate in quests.

Istina is not the organizer, sponsor, or promoter of any quest and does not offer, fund, or guarantee prizes or prize pools.

2. Creator Responsibility

You are solely responsible for your quest, including:

its description and content,
the discovery key and related instructions,
the prizes you choose to offer (if any),
compliance with applicable laws, and
communications with participants.
the physical location of the quest, which is mandatory and must be accurately indicated.

All applicable quest information must be clearly stated in the quest description and made available to participants prior to participation.

For the avoidance of doubt, quest mechanics provided by Istina (including ranking logic and validation mechanisms) are not configurable by the creator.

You acknowledge that any promotion or marketing of a quest is your sole responsibility and must comply with applicable advertising, consumer protection, and promotional laws.

3. Quest Mechanics and Ranking

Participation in quests on Istina is open to all eligible Istina users, subject to the Terms of Service and applicable platform rules.

Each quest must include a physical location defined by the creator.

Quest ranking is determined automatically by Istina’s technical mechanisms and is not configurable by the creator.

A “Discovery Key” is a hidden element located in the real world. Ranking is determined by how quickly participants unlock the Discovery Key.

Unless expressly stated otherwise:

the location and description of the Discovery Key are revealed only when the quest begins;
ranking is determined by the earliest valid unlock of the Discovery Key;
only one (1) winner may be designated for quests that include a prize pool.

Discovery Keys must:

be between 5 and 45 characters in length; and
contain only letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-).

You acknowledge and accept that:

quest mechanics and ranking logic are fixed and applied uniformly to all participants;
you cannot modify, influence, or override the ranking mechanism; and
Istina’s ranking system is provided on an “as is” basis and does not guarantee any particular outcome.

4. Discovery Keys and Real-World Elements

You acknowledge that quests may involve real-world locations or physical elements.

You represent and warrant that:

the discovery key and its location do not create unsafe, unlawful, or hazardous situations;
participation does not require trespassing, unlawful access, or dangerous behavior;
the quest does not interfere with private property, restricted areas, or public safety.

Istina does not verify real-world locations and does not assume responsibility for participant safety.

5. Prizes and Prize Pools

5.1 Creator-Funded Prizes

You may choose to offer prizes to quest participants, including prizes awarded to the winner using Istina’s technical features.

All prizes are creator-funded. Istina does not provide, sponsor, or finance prizes or prize pools.

For quests that include a prize pool, prizes may be awarded to one (1) winner only.

5.2 On-Chain Escrow Mechanism

For quests that include a prize pool, prize funds may be locked and managed through on-chain smart contracts that function as an escrow-like mechanism.

Prize funds remain non-custodial.
Istina does not have access to, custody of, or control over prize funds.
Istina cannot unilaterally withdraw, redirect, or use prize funds.

6. Curator Code and Participation Reward

Quests created using a valid curator code may be eligible for specific benefits.

Where a curator code is used at the time of creation, applicable platform fees for the quest creator may be waived.

In such cases, the curator associated with the code may be eligible to receive up to five percent (5%) of the total prize pool of the relevant quest, capped at 5,000 USDC per quest.

Any curator reward is conditional upon the successful completion of the quest and the effective distribution of the prize pool to the designated winners.

This program is offered for a limited period and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time at Istina’s sole discretion.

A unique curator code will be provided to the curator after the curator application is accepted.

7. Prize Distribution and Istina Review

At the conclusion of a quest, prize distribution is subject to:

confirmation of results by you as the creator; and
review by Istina, acting reasonably and in good faith, that the applicable rules, platform conditions, and integrity requirements have been met.

“Istina review” is a procedural verification process and does not constitute sponsorship, funding, custody, or control of prize funds, nor the provision of escrow, payment, or money transmission services.

If you fail to confirm results within a reasonable time, Istina may take reasonable steps to verify results based on the information reasonably available and proceed in accordance with the stated rules.

8. Cancellation, Disputes, and Refunds

You agree to comply with the Event Cancellation & Refund Policy.

If you request cancellation of a quest, prize pools may be refunded only after verification by Istina and where technically possible.
If a quest has effectively concluded, or if cancellation would unfairly prejudice participants, Istina may approve prize distribution to the eligible winner notwithstanding a cancellation request.
Istina may pause prize distribution while disputes or reviews are conducted.

9. Consumer Law Disclosure

You acknowledge that certain EU/EEA consumers may have statutory withdrawal rights unless they expressly consent to immediate performance and acknowledge the loss of such rights. You agree not to misrepresent withdrawal or refund rights and to comply with applicable consumer protection laws when promoting your quest.

10. Legal Compliance and Jurisdictional Restrictions

You represent and warrant that your quest complies with all applicable laws and regulations in each jurisdiction where it is promoted or accessible, including but not limited to:

contest/gaming laws,
public-safety and access laws,
consumer-protection laws,
advertising and promotional restrictions,
youth-protection laws.

Certain quest formats, locations, or prize mechanisms may be restricted or prohibited in some jurisdictions.

Prohibited/Restricted Jurisdictions: Paid‑entry quests with prizes are prohibited or heavily regulated in certain jurisdictions (e.g., some US states may require registration or have strict rules; paid entry quests with prizes are prohibited in Vermont and Maryland, and are restricted in Arizona; some EU countries may restrict paid quests).

You must be very careful if creating quests or targeting users in these areas — additional registration/bonding may be required. Check local laws before proceeding. Additional registration may be required elsewhere.

Real‑world elements must also comply locally.

Istina does not assess or guarantee compliance. Creators are solely responsible for determining whether registration, bonding, or disclosure obligations apply in their jurisdiction.

Violations may result in immediate suspension / cancellation.

11. Prohibited Content and Targeting

You must not create or promote a quest that:

targets or is intended to attract minors under the age of 18;
promotes alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, drugs, controlled substances, prescription medicines, or medical treatments;
encourages unlawful, harmful, dangerous, or unsafe behavior.

12. Consumer Rights

Nothing in this declaration limits any mandatory consumer rights that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

13. Enforcement

Istina reserves the right to suspend, modify, or remove any quest, submission, or related content at any time if necessary to:

enforce its Terms or policies,
prevent fraud, abuse, or manipulation,
comply with legal or regulatory obligations, or
protect participants or the integrity of the Service.

14. Acceptance of Governing Documents

By publishing a quest, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by:

You acknowledge that participants in your quest are subject to the applicable Quest Participation Rules (Participant Notice), which you must not contradict or override.

You are responsible for ensuring that your description and rules are consistent with the applicable Participation Rules.

Quest Creator Declaration