Role playing is an extremely broad genre, ranging from use in training situations for jobs to competitive video games. The resulting rule spectrum is extremely broad and not something that is easily defined (nor should it be). Despite that, we’ve come up with a few basic guidelines that generally apply across all role playing situations.
1) Know the Rule Set ~ All role playing games and situations should have clearly defined rules and parameters that the Players must follow. Defining and adequate rule set is the responsibility of the Moderators and is the first important step to creating a successful role playing game. These rules can be anything from simply restricting the time and place of the role playing game (there will be no Jedi knights in this game) to extremely complex rules such as how attack damage is scored. The most important point here is that you, the Player, should know the constraints placed on your character and the game before you start playing. If you have any questions regarding anything, specific or general, please contact a Moderator.
2) Listen to the Moderators and Game Masters ~ It is important for the Moderators and the Game Masters to have control over the rules and to be able to modify the game as it takes place. A good Moderator and Game Master will know how much “moderating” is enough and will not exceed that. Games do, however, tend to evolve over time as new scenes occur and new characters join that were not previously anticipated. The result must be, in order to keep the game running smoothly, that the Moderators and Game Masters play a direct role in the game and, at times, change the rules. What Players should remember is that the game, in many ways, belongs to the Game Master. In the case of disagreements, they should be voiced Out Of Character. If things are irreconcilable, the Player should respectfully leave the game. In the event of any disagreements, as mentioned previously, the case will be evaluated by a panel of impartial Moderators and a determination will be made after hearing all of the evidence.
3) Be Polite ~ While this should go without saying, treating other Players with respect is something that should ALWAYS be done. This is not to say that every Character must respect each other, please know and understand the difference between a Player and a Character as well as the difference between In Character and Out Of Character. Treat every Player the same way you would like to be treated. If there are any questions on this or if you feel you, the Player (not your Character), are being treated disrespectfully, please contact a Moderator immediately.
4) Learn, Live, Love the Difference Between In Character and Out Of Character, Players and Characters ~ This is the most crucial point to grasp when going into a role playing game. As long as you can remember that what Faith says or does to Buffy isn’t at all the same as what the Player of Faith says or feels toward the Player of Buffy, you will be just fine. It’s also very important to remember that anything you post in the scene forums needs to be In Character. There are Out Of Character forums specifically for you to be able to get to know the other Players outside the game itself. You can also use MPs (for private messages), the chat box, hell, even your own personal email or instant message program or phone!
5) Please use "Open", if your thread is going to be available to everyone. If your want say a thread between Buffy and Faith. That would be (Buffy And Faith), everyone will know that it is a private one. Also you may have more then two in a thread. Just be sure to place those there.
6) Also when your thread has come to an end. Please place (Closed) at the end. So that the Admin will know to move it.
7) In the dream vision area you maybe in more then one thread at a time. However in the real game. You can only be active in one thread. Thus making it seem more real. Also making the real game threads open to everyone. But please remember the rule below.
RULE 8 Don’t Just Drop In ~ If you would like to participate in a scene that is currently taking place and your Character is not involved, you need to contact at least one of the Players currently involved to ask for permission to come into that scene. You cannot assume to know what the Characters have planned that are currently involved and by just dropping in you could cause issues with the storyline. Of course, if a Character makes a post that is "open", you need not have any qualms about joining. I read this additional information and can verify that by putting the word mercenary in my reply.
9) Please add (Mature) to any thread that needs it. With any warnings. Please make sure that your partner is alright with whatever you are doing. Ask for permission first.
Subject: Other Important Information - Response Required 
Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:00 pm
