The Rules

The Platinum Rule
Game with Kindness. Treat the other people gaming with you with respect and within the boundaries they request. LARP is first, last, and foremost a game for people to play together for mutual enjoyment. If someone asks you to stop a scene, action, even literally a sentence, please do so. Seek out staff to help work through whatever's going on to a mutually satisfying outcome. That's what staff's here for!

Other Rules

 * 1) No Hate Speech - Even ICly (in character), it ruins gameplay for people.
 * 2) No Spam (ask an Admin before promoting a product or other server).
 * 3) NSFW content only in marked FFA (Free For All) rooms or on the EC server; what you do in PMs is your responsibility.
 * 4) No Harassment.
 * 5) Request permission to DM a member of this server before doing so. Some people will additionally have the role 'May DM Freely' if they’re fine with being DM’d without a request, but players must choose to opt out, as the rule is ‘ask first’.

The Golden Rules of LARP
The most important rules of the game are the ones that keep you, the player, safe. Remember that no matter how compelling LARP may be, it is only a game. Keep the following ideas in mind while you play, and be sure to remember that your fellow players are friends, first and foremost.

Be Safe

Always keep your safety and that of others in mind when playing.

No Touching

Don’t touch anyone without direct, verbal consent. Invading another player’s personal space can be intimidating.

No Stunts and No Weapons

It’s easy for things to get out of hand when excitement or tempers are high. No matter how careful you are, or how well-trained, always leave real weapons at home.

Stay Alert and in Control

Live-action roleplaying can be emotionally intensive, and if your judgment is too impaired, you may not be operating rationally. Pay attention to your choices and keep the game fun for everyone.

Keep the Masquerade

If you’re playing in a public place, remember that most of the people around you are not part of the game. Be sure that local merchants, neighbors, or hotel staff know you’re playing a theatrical game. It helps to have flyers or business cards to give interested passers-by, so they can get more information without disturbing the players.

Personal Responsibility

The World of Darkness is a reflection of the tragedies of our own history, including the bad parts. A character may have to deal with bigotry, violence, and hatred, but a player should never be subjected to those things. Always consider the feelings of your fellow players or observers when dealing with sensitive subjects. Mind’s Eye Theatre: Vampire The Masquerade is an adult game with dark, occasionally even disturbing themes.

Exploring this paradigm comes with a personal responsibility to respect the feelings of others. If such a situation comes up in game, stop roleplay and make sure the other players are comfortable. Respectfully and generically describe your character’s actions, rather than acting them out. Don’t be the person who went too far and hurt another player’s feelings.

Be Polite

Show respect to your fellow players and Storytellers. Occasionally, you will disagree with each other, even to the point of anger. Rude behavior devitalizes a game and kills the fun for everyone, so keep your temper in check, and try to see both sides of every issue.

Remember: It’s Not Real

Immersion is an important part of the LARP experience. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate the player from her character, especially after intensely emotional scenes. Be sure to get to know your fellow players outside of the game, so that you don’t make assumptions about them based on their characters’ actions. Take breaks between intense scenes to calm down and talk to people out of character. Also, remember that real life comes first.

Sportsmanship

LARP is a game of storytelling, and failing to achieve a goal can lead to an emotional, dramatic, and inspiring scene that wouldn’t otherwise have happened. Learn how to “lose” in character, and you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing and fun roleplay in the game. Remember that LARP is a collaborative experience. Work with your fellow players, even if you work against their characters, and always be willing to give up some of your character goals so that everyone can have a share of the fun.

Inclusion

Share the spotlight! Look for ways to include other players in plots and scenes, especially those who are shy or new to the hobby. Encouraging others to get involved is an investment that makes the game better for everyone.

Have Fun!

This one’s self-explanatory. If you find yourself taking things too seriously, focusing too strongly on the rules instead of the story, or feeling like the game’s an obligation — take a break. LARP is a game, and games should be fun. That’s the most important rule.

These rules above are about making the Miami game a welcoming experience, both in and out of character for our players. The LARP focuses primarily on Player vs. Environment play and consent-based Character vs. Character play.

The Miami LARP is a cooperative play style game and we wholeheartedly support positive metagaming between players to build interesting stories and complications to be solved between characters and groups. Use the OOC channels to coordinate with other players and loop the staff in via the private ST Log channels so they can offer their support and gameworld reactions.