Rules! We have rules around here!

To play, you don't have to have them memorized, but a rough idea of how they work will be helpful. Take a few minutes to read things over. Keep in mind that they are subject to change at any given time if they help the game flow smoothly.

The most important rule of the game is to keep things In Character (IC) distinct from things Out Of Character (OOC). In the game, you are allowed to kill, maim, befriend, insult, frustrate, piss on, love, hate, kiss, backstab or whatever else your little heart desires. What happens in the game stays there. Don't be mad at a player or me because something happened to your character you didn't like. Keep it IC. If you would be ICly mad, then act about it ICly. When we take a break, the conflict is over. On the same coin, if you like someone OOCly, don't favor them ICly unless it happens ICly. It is common sense stuff, but let me mention it. Also, if you know secrets IC, then don't tell them OOC. Now, if I want to tell them IC, that is my perogative, but if my character is trapped in the dungeon under the castle that the other characters are having lunch in, I shouldn't tell the other players OOCly about it. Let them find out on their own... or not at all. Keeping the mystery of the game is important. It makes it more fun for everyone.

The second most important rule of the game is that "John is always right". I know, it is a egotistical rule, but it must exist. You're trying to kill the evil duke and suddenly he turns into a bird and flies out the window. Feel free to ask me OOC once if he REALLY changed into a bird. It is possible I made a mistake. But, if I double check myself and find that I'm right, roll with it and play accordingly. I'm trying to present a fair and unbiased universe. There might be a time when we disagree what would happen in a given scenario. You'll have to rely on my judgement to be sound. I have the final say. I'll do my best to be fair and reasonable. Keep in mind that you don't always know what is going on behind the scenes. This trust is necessary for the game to be a success.

Try to play in character. This is the hardest task to accomplish. If you character would say something, say it. Don't say, "My character says...." While we are IC, you ARE your character. Say what you would say. Do what you would do. Feel what you feel. Obviously, we must draw limits. That is why we have the dice to resolve physical confrontation. OOC communication is needed during the game. "I will check behind the barn for chickens." "I will stab the evil villian with my dagger." "I'm going to walk toward the inn." All of this is fine and dandy. I will set the scene for you. I will tell you what is behind the barn. I will roll the dice with you and see if you really do stab the villian. I will describe the walk to the inn and tell you when you get there. In the meantime, talk in character. Move around the room if you want. Sit if you want. Keep things as IC as possible. It will bring the game that much more alive for everyone else. Trust your imagination. Let it go. Have fun. Explore yourself through your character. Help the other players do the same. Have fun with the story. Enjoy the fantasy. Whatever floats your boat. We are here, primarily, to have a good time. Keep OOC jokes out of the game, though. Save them for later as we're talking over pizza on a break saying, "I can't believe you said THAT to the king. What were you thinking?"

That is all you really have to know to play. I've put together a few pages below for the technical side of things. It will help if you have a base familiarity with how things work, but I can always coach you during a session.

History of the System, The Character Sheet, and The Dice.

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