Player Rules

1. No Harassment:

• OOC communications should be kept civil both between players, and DMs.
• If messages become intentionally offensive and disrespectful then the interaction should be stopped and an impartial 3rd party DM should be called in to arbitrate.
• Any party involved in harassment of another player/DM will be found in breach of this rule.

2. Destruction of Player Property:

• A DM, not tied player-side to the conflict in question, must be present to oversee the destruction of one PC's property, by another PC.

3. Erotic Roleplay (ERP):

• Given the sometimes graphic nature of ERP, and the different reactions to the topics it involves, it's asked that anything relating to this is conducted privately between consenting players away from public spaces.
• OOC consent of all parties is required.
• Publicly, or privately, the following topics are not permitted on the server: Rape, or anything inappropriate involving children.

4. Player Verses Player (PvP):

• See section below: "Player Verses Player (PvP)".

5. Metagaming:

Metagaming is the manipulating of assets on an OOC level for IC gain.

To avoid any risks of this, or the perceived involvement of it, characters played by the same player may not:

• Share information between each other.
• Become involved in any conflict on behalf of one another; either directly or indirectly through third parties.
  • (i.e. informing/hiring associates to address the issue)
  • This includes Player-Faction conflicts, once one character has become involved another character cannot step in to continue it until it is resolved.

Player Verses Player (PvP)

Foreword:

• PvP is expected to be a last resort for conflicts and they require a wealth of reasoning before they should be considered to employ.
• There are however circumstances where-by the risk of PvP is natural and necessary.
• Below are ironed out the guidelines for PvP.

PvP In Cities:

• PvP in major cities/areas with large NPC presence requires a DM present, and DM approval prior to the incident.
• Be aware, even with a DM is present (non-defence) open murder within a city, carries the risk of being captured by the guards, and Permanent Death of the character.

Breaking Into Faction Areas:

• Breaking into a faction's private area requires a DM present to observe. This does not include faction permanent storage which is considered off-limits.

Hostile Actions - Reasons for PvP:

Hostile actions considered appropriate escalation for PvP are the following:

• Spying: This is clandestine observing away from a public area.
• Threatening: A threat of violence, or an action that would invoke serious distress.
• Destruction of property: The physical destruction of a piece of property owned.
• Spells being cast after a warning: If, after a warning has been issued to cease spellcasting, spells are still being cast it is assumed to be a willingness to enter a conflict.
• Gross Insulting: If a character intentionally and repeatedly demeans another, and refuses to rescind their remarks.

This is not an exhaustive list, however if IC interactions arise where-by a character believes they should be allowed to engage in PvP for a reason not on this list they should reach out to a DM, not related to the conflict in any player-capacity, to confirm.

How to avoid PvP:

• If one side is not actively escalating the situation and has not been involved any hostile action immediately preceding that moment, PvP may not be forced on them.

PvP Etiquette:

All of the below must qualify.

• There must be a valid reason for PvP (see Hostile Actions above).
• There must be a clearly hostile interaction prior to the PvP, even if a hostile action has precipitated it.
• If the opposing PC wishes to avoid PvP there must be some clear effort made to deescalate on their part.
• In the first case, provided the non-combatant has yeilded/withdrew PvP cannot be forced upon them.
• If this hostile action (i.e. destruction of property) is repeated then this guaranteed safety is removed. The same requirement for a warning and hostile RP stands but no RP out is mandated; though still encouraged if possible should both sides prefer it.
• Prior to any PvP an OOC warning must be given by the intending side, and they must be set to hostile.
• Note: At least a few lines is expected in de-escalation talk. Immediately running away from a hostile encounter described above is not de-escalation.

Outcome:

• In scenarios not involving a permanent death, it is expected some form of out is provided for the other side for their character to return to life. Ransom, left for dead etc.
• Following a PvP event both sides may not interact for the next 24 hours, unless waved by both parties. This involves any indirect retaliation such as conflicting with them through intermediaries.

Excessive PvP Note:

• If a character is known to, and develops a reputation for, only resolving conflicts through violence, they may find themselves barred from certain settlements, even those which they haven't committed crimes in.
• Characters in this bracket may also find themselves on a bounty list, hunted by NPC bounty hunter guilds, and generally finding their life an extraordinarily difficult one.

Permanent Death:

• Permanent Death can only occur via PvP if the player in question consents to it, or if it is a DM approved event for actions (a rare situation). (i.e. captured by the guards for attempting to kill someone within a city.)