Our goal as organisers is to build a space where:
everyone is confident to explore the themes of the game together, knowing that they can avoid content which would make them uncomfortable or upset
players are able to step away, and return, at any time
safety tools are used freely, not just as a last resort
The following themes are central and unavoidable parts of the game:
loss and change of identity or sense of self
derealisation and depersonalisation
cults and cult-like behaviour
The following themes are not intended to be part of the game. Although they exist in the characters’ worlds they should not be brought into focus during play:
sexual violence and harassment
discrimination based on protected attributes
This is a horror game, but with a focus on "personal horror". We are not setting out to provoke heart-racing terror, but you may still find something inherently frightening about being alone in the woods at night.
“OC:” - changing and deescalating:
If something is happening which you would like to change or stop, you’re encouraged to communicate this by saying so, prefaced with “OC:”, which stands for out-of-character.
For example “OC: I’d prefer not to talk about this”, “OC: I need more space,” or “OC: Could we step outside to chat for a moment?” There is no limit to how or when you can do this, and if someone asks something of you please adjust as smoothly as you can.
Stopping the game:
If something happens that requires urgent attention - like a medical emergency or safety hazard - call out “Stop The Game.”
Upon hearing this you should immediately stop roleplaying, pay attention to the source of the call, and either await instructions or take action as appropriate. Alert the game organisers if they are not already present and their attention may be needed.
Stepping away:
If at any time you need to step away, but feel that your character would or could not, then the gesture of shielding your eyes can be used to signal that you are stepping away for out-of-character reasons. If you see someone shielding their eyes then do not obstruct their exit or acknowledge their absence, regardless of the context.
The “engine” of this game will be constantly running, but characters and their players can engage at their own pace. Timetabled "plot" events will be rare, and organisers can provide information on timing as needed.
Each individual can choose when and how often they wish to enter the Zone and engage with other game mechanics - it’s not possible for plot to be ‘hoovered up’ by a handful of individuals, and there is nothing to be lost by entering the Zone an hour or two later than others.
We do not expect combat to be common in this game, and when it occurs it is likely to be short skirmishes between individuals or small groups. However anyone who attends should be comfortable with the possibility of being struck by a foam larp weapon. We ask that any strikes with a weapon be “pulled”, meaning they are light and slow.
There will be no combat using ranged weapons at this game.
Brief faked grappling is permitted, as long as all players involved have discussed beforehand what they’re comfortable with and remain fully in control of their movements throughout.
Anyone who does not wish to play out a combat can make an "X" with their arms and/or say "OC: Noncom". At this point everyone involved should stop fighting, and have a brief chat out-of-character to agree how the combat resolves. If in doubt, we suggest all parties should suffer moderate consequences. Attending the game intending to use this signal is still not a guarantee that you won’t be struck with a larp weapon.
It will always be possible to contact an organiser in the crew hut next door to bottom base. Additionally, there will be an organiser phone switched on 24/7 during the event.
Organisers or our off-game crew will sometimes be present in in-game spaces, though it is best not to rely on this if you need to speak to an organiser. In the dark, organisers or off-game crew will always carry a white torch to identify themselves as an offgame presence.