OOC Rules

Terms and Abbreviations

Downtime Scenes and Events

## General

* Don't be a dick OOC. Please do be a dick IC.
* This is an 18+ game. No exceptions.
* Please set your name on the server to "Player Name (Character Name)"
* Everything in the OOC channels is OOC.
* Do not publicly stream the game. Recording for personal reference or streaming for other players is allowed.
* Piracy gets servers banned. Do not share or arrange to share pirated content in this channel. Small screenshots and summaries of specific rules are allowed.

## Banned or Restricted Content

* PCs and onscreen NPCs must be mentally and chronologically 18 or older. Adults who look like children are allowed, but it must be very clear that they are mental and chronological adults. They may not have any romantic or sexual interactions, and if people handle it poorly they may be asked to retcon their physical ages.
* Anyone may opt out of blood bonds and long-term mind control. You must work with the other player(s) to figure out a different method of control (threats, blackmail, etc). Everyone is expected to negotiate in good faith, and you have to accept the agreed-upon alternative and not immediately start looking for loopholes. Memory modification and mind control lasting less than one scene is not covered by this rule.
* Neither you nor your PC may be biased against IRL demographics (sex, race, etc.). Bigotry based on fictional demographics (clan, generation, etc.) is completely acceptable.
* IC sex and romance must be discussed OOC in advance and may be rejected at any time, for any reason. ERP is forbidden in game or on this server. Your character can have sex in game, but you can't.
* Your character may not commit sexual assault, on-screen or off, including in your backstory.
* Having IC relationships match OOC relationships makes bleed way harder to manage. I understand the temptation to stick close to your OOC friends, especially if you are new, but I strongly recommend branching out as soon as you are comfortable. Players who are in a romantic or sexual relationship MAY NOT have an IC romantic or sexual relationship.

## Safety and Comfort

* If an IC situation gets overwhelming, you are always allowed to call for a pause. When someone calls for a pause, IC action stops until everyone is ready to get back in character. I generally use a countdown ("Back in character in 3... 2... 1..."), but anything that clearly marks the transition back into the scene is fine.
* If RP gets too intense and you do feel comfortable continuing, you can request a shift to narration. Instead of playing out the scene, the people involved can describe what happens. ("I spend several minutes yelling at you.")
* You may state that you do not wish to be present for a scene. If that is the case, give a trusted player or a narrator permission to control your character for the duration of the scene. ("I really don't think I can handle combat right now. Here's a link to my sheet so my character can finish without me.")
* A player who needs a pause, a switch to narration, or a llama may explain its reasons and make suggestions for how to alter the situation to be more comfortable. Other players may not demand an explanation or prevent the player from leaving.
* Leaving a scene does not mean that the scene doesn't happen or that the effects are negated. If you aren't happy with something that's happening IC, you may discuss it OOC and suggest alternatives. Players are strongly encouraged to work with each other OOC to make sure that everyone is having fun, but changing IC choices is rarely mandatory.

### Signals

* Some players prefer the clarity of safe words, which are highly unlikely to come up in actual play and serve as an obvious non-sequitur to stop the scene. Safe words must be taken seriously and must not be thrown around as a joke. Using non-period technology means that they will never come up naturally in game. Please also try to avoid using them in OOC conversations during games. The existence of safe words doesn't mean that you shouldn't accept other clear communication of discomfort.
	+ "CPU" calls for a hard stop.
	+ "Microchip" calls for a pause and vibe check.
* If you are in a situation in which you may not feel comfortable advocating for yourself, use the following urgent emojis (along with your location obviously) to quickly summon a narrator or trusted friend. If you receive an urgent emoji, please respond appropriately.
	+ ⛔Drop what you're doing, teleport here, and stop the scene NOW.
	+ ⚠️Get here ASAP as a chaperone, but don't necessarily stop the scene.
	+ ✅ I'm good for now, but watch your messages in case I need you.

## Manage Your Bleed

* Make sure to check in OOC whenever there is intense conflict between characters. IC events aren't worth losing OOC friends over.
* Try not to let your IC interactions track too closely to your OOC friendships. Let your characters hate your friends' characters and reach out beyond your OOC social circle to form IC alliances. If you find your character disliking a PC whose player you dislike, stop and consider the source of the IC conflict.
* Don't pretend to be immune to bleed. Acknowledge your bleed and communicate your needs.