Howling Hills - Roleplay Etiquette

Howling Hill Staff oversee RP etiquette rules in accordance with their intended purpose and recognize that it is unreasonable to expect players to fully understand a rule's intended purpose when compared to 'RAW', or 'Rules As Written'. For this reason, good-faith actions that are taken within the ambiguities of the 'Rules As Written' for Howling Hills RP Etiquette are natural and acceptable.

What will not be tolerated from players, however, is repeatedly seeking out loopholes within the RP Etiquette rules-as-written, in order to exploit any wording of said rules. Persistent violations in this manner may result in further action from Howling Hills Staff and/or Admins.

Questions as well as suggestions regarding specific sim RP Etiquette rules may be submitted via putting in a ticket.

ICA = ICC

The choices your character makes in roleplay will have real consequences within the story and world. If your character breaks laws, starts fights, or causes conflict, they should expect realistic in-game consequences such as arrest, injury, or retaliation. This rule helps maintain fairness and immersion by ensuring that actions have meaning and impact. So while this sim does fall under Consent Policy, Actions do have Consequences and its up to our players to communicate about consequences to make a solution that is fair to all parties involved.

RP ETIQUETTE

First and foremost, use common sense when role-playing. There are consequences for using magic violently or committing crimes. We expect everyone to use their better judgment when role-playing on the sim. If a player says ‘NO’ to you OOC concerning something that makes them uncomfortable, please respect this and don't try to push the topic or change their mind. Staff are here to provide a Safe Roleplay environment and will step in to do so. At the end of the day, roleplay comes down to three standard rules. Consent, Communication, and Respect.

JOINING ROLEPLAY

You must be in the Main group to Roleplay on Sim, and have an APPROVED character on that account. You only need 1 Character Approved per account used to get started!

White Knighting

White-knighting in roleplay refers to when one character jumps in to defend or "rescue" another character without necessarily being asked or needed, often in a way that undermines the other character's agency or disregards the narrative context. To avoid unnecessary White Knighting, its encouraged players reach out through IM's to see if they want their character to be rescued or not. Keep in mind, this is within reason. If a player sees someone in public within a dangerous situation, they reserve the right to call the RDA.

Player Character Cross Interactions

Sometimes our characters have connections with one another. Whether it be arch rivals, a nemesis, or even siblings. Those connections can help build story and create plotlines. But its important to make sure those interactions are all roleplayed out! Just like with all roleplay information, knowledge must be learned through IC Interactions. If your characters interact it must be done through IC roleplay and not done from behind the scenes, UNLESS you gain consent from the other parties involved in the scene.

Thought Posting

Thought-posting is when a player includes their character's private thoughts, feelings, intentions, or internal monologue in a roleplay post. These internal elements are things only the character themselves would know, and other characters wouldn't be able to pick up on them through normal interaction.

Thought-posting can be good when used sparingly to show how a character truly feels about a situation, especially if they’re hiding it well externally, but it can also be overused or done poorly when used to insult people or in a negative context (passive aggressive or aggressive) that another player can't respond to without Metagaming or physical indicators of those feelings.

When thought-posting is used, it should be utilized to enhance the roleplay and a players post, not completely replace it or take jabs at other players in a manner they can't respond.

"Guess we all made it out in one piece," they say with a tight smile, their eyes narrowing ever so slightly at Jane. A hint of resentment starting to form in their expression.

Jane raises an eyebrow at Bob, a smirk tugging at the corner of their mouth. “Wow, you sure don’t hold back on the confidence, do you?” Their tone is light, but there’s an edge of sarcasm.

Don't

"Guess we all made it out in one piece," they say with a smirk, though secretly, they’re bitter and resentful that Jane Doe took all the credit.

Jane thinks to themselves, What a smug jerk. They really think they’re better than everyone else. Though they feel irritated, they just stare at Bob silently, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a reaction.

BOUNTIES & WARRANTS & APB's

Player Bounties

Consent is Key! Before placing a Bounty on another Player or Group. Its important to Communicate and get Consent about the content of those Bounties. Especially if it might involve Character Death or Heavy Damages of the Dark RP Categories!

RDA Warrants & APB's

These warrants don't usually require consent, but in most cases the RDA will reach out to communicate that a Warrant or APB has been placed due to the crimes a character commits. At the end of the day, we encourage players to communicate and build stories with one another that makes everyone happy.

Makes sure to specific on the details of the bounty when you reach out to the player to avoid any confusion.

RDA & CRIMINAL ROLEPLAY

COMMITTING CRIMES

ICA = ICC

Some Crimes may be messy, others may end with a clean get away. But eventually, crime can catchup with a criminal should they get sloppy.

And when they do, the consequences will fit the crimes.

Private Rentals & Player Businesses

Committing crimes in these areas comes down to Consent from the Business or Rental owner and Communication from the Criminals.

Major crimes such as destruction to the area general need pre-approval from the Owner before taking place.

Public Areas & Neutral Businesses

Committing crimes in these areas comes down to being smart. Its not always do the crime, pay the time. But a sloppy criminal is a busted criminal.

We always encourage criminals to be reasonable. If its in broad daylight in a public populated area, its recommend the criminal do a roll to see how stealthy they were. Should a criminal fail to be stealthy, its encouraged they reach out to the RDA to build stories and plotlines to further an investigation.

If its in the dark alleyways where no one could see, its most likely not going to leave evidence or witnesses if no one as around to see it.

Major crimes such as destruction to the area general need pre-approval from Staff. This can be obtained from a #General Ticket.

INVESTIGATING CRIMES

At the end of the day, story doesn't begin unless players communicate. If a criminal roleplayer wants to start an investigation or crime plotline, we encourage they reach out to the RDA. In the same sense, if the RDA wants to look into a spree of crimes, we encourage they reach out to the criminal.

Some cases may close, some cases may stay open. Crimes come down to chance of the dice, wit of the player, and the dedication of the RDA on the case!

But more importantly, Communication and Consent is Key!

WEAPONS & YOU!

Player Businesses

Players reserve the right to place their own policies involving weapons within their business.

However, this must ONLY be enforced IC and not OOC.

Neutral Businesses

These areas, unless rented by a player. Fall under Vermont law when it comes to weapons & attire.

Government & State Buildings

These areas will not allow for Weapons or attire unsuited for those environment unless someone is a member of the Military, RDA, or licensed to carry with special permission from the Government. (this is not a civilian license) Should a player attempt to enter one of these locations, see roll rule below.

Warning: Being caught trying to enter one of these buildings armed, may result in fines or arrests from the RDA.

If an individual desires to realistically conceal/sneak an item in that would otherwise have been confiscated by security, they may perform a DC 15 check (rolling a 15 or higher equaling a success in their attempt).

CCTV & SURVEILANCE & NPC

Private Rentals & Player Businesses

Players must have either a physical representation, floating text, or sign with information in it to indicate that surveillance or a NPC exists on the property should a Renter wish to have one.

At the end of the day, its up for communication and consent with crimes in these areas. Renters reserve the Right to Place Special Crime Rules, Consent is Key example Below.

Consent is Key Business Symbols

The following Symbols can be acquired from the landing zone for use in roleplay. Business Owners reserve the right to place these symbols on the outside of their business near their rental box or somewhere visible by the entrance. These symbols indicate the preferences of the Owner when they are away / not in the scene when it comes to crimes at their business.

Crime Permitted, Crime Consent Required, & Crime Not Allowed Signs may be seen in Businesses.

Public Areas & Neutral Businesses

Unless some form of information is listed in these areas about security Cameras / NPC's or its an area listed below. Its safe to assume that it doesn't exist.

Cameras can be found in the Bank, Post Office, City Squares, Street Lights, Government Buildings

NPC's that can be Witnesses can be found in the Bank, Post Office, City Squares, Government Buildings, and Public Businesses.

Criminals can also say that a camera was present in their area or NPC spotted them committing a crime and leave evidence for the RDA.

Should a player want to make a security system for Public areas, they are encourage to submit a #General Ticket so staff can place something down.

Surveillance and NPC's don't always catch everything. It can be left up to communication, consent, or even rolls to see what they catch or see!

SEARCH, SEISURE, & ARRESTS

Should a character be arrested/booked, enter into a government facility/building and/or enter a medical facility as a patient (IE Hospital or applicable organization) they will be frisked, civilian weapons will be seized, and (in applicable situations) given appropriate attire.

The pat down/frisking and attire offering will be RP'd out by those performing the task(s) OR should it require FTB (fade to black), time skip, or an NPC handling it offscreen, then it should be assumed to have been done.

If an individual desires to realistically conceal/sneak an item in that would otherwise have been confiscated/removed/stored etc. during this time, they may perform a DC 15 check (rolling a 15 or higher equaling a success in their attempt).

Character Healing & Reviving

Regeneration

Its encouraged that when a character loses a limb, the player take up to 2 weeks to recover the lost limb. Whether it be through healing magic, magi-tech, alchemy, or even natural abilities. This time frame helps create roleplay opportunities and adds a narrative weight to the cost of losing a limb. However, races or creatures with natural regenerative abilities may heal significantly faster, depending on their biology or lore.

Resurrection

Resurrecting someone or something from the dead is no simple task. It carries immense risk along with powerful reward. Without careful planning, a resurrection can lead to corruption, unintended consequences, or even greater threats. The possibilities are vast. When a player attempts resurrection, whether for an NPC or another player, it is recommended they consider the magical cost, the time required, and the potential for story development. Doing this can enhance and create roleplay opportunities.

INFORMATION ON LAWS & FINES

ROLEPLAY TERMINOLOGY

► What is God-Modding?

This refers to a player controlling characters or events in an unrealistic or unfair way, often giving their character unlimited power or making them invincible. It disrupts the balance of the roleplay and can frustrate other players by taking away their ability to participate in the story.

Common forms of god-modding include:

Invincibility or Perfection: A player makes their character immune to harm, always successful in every action, or perfect in every way, regardless of the situation or challenges posed by other players or the game.
- Example: "My character dodges every attack with ease and never gets hurt."
Controlling Other Characters: A player takes control of other players’ characters without permission, deciding how they react, what they feel, or what actions they take.
- Example: "I punch your character, and they fall unconscious immediately."
Ignoring Consequences: A player refuses to let anything bad happen to their character, no matter what the circumstances are, and avoids consequences that would naturally arise from their actions.
Posting For Others: Posting others in scene or roleplaying their character as an npc in a scene without Consent.

God-modding takes away the collaborative and balanced nature of role-playing, making the experience less fun for others involved.

►What is Power-gaming?

It refers to a player prioritizing their own character's success or power over the narrative or the enjoyment of others. In essence, a powergamer tries to "win" the game by being on top at the expense of others around them.

Some examples of Power Gaming include:

Forcing Actions: A player might dictate what happens to other players' characters without their consent, such as saying, "I stab you, and you die," without giving the other player a chance to react.

Ignoring Limits: A powergamer might act as if their character is invincible or all-powerful, disregarding the established rules or the character's realistic capabilities.

Minimizing Roleplay: Focusing solely on the mechanics or combat aspects of the game, rather than engaging in meaningful character development or storytelling.

Power-gaming can disrupt the flow of roleplay and make it less enjoyable for others, as it often undermines the collaborative nature of a roleplay community.

Its important to remember that everything comes down to Try and Attempt not Do or Does when interacting with another players character. For more information, see Power-Gaming in Roleplay Terminology below.

► What is Metagaming?

Metagaming occurs when a player uses knowledge or information that their character wouldn't realistically know within the game world to influence their character's actions. This breaks the immersion and fairness of the game, as the character is acting based on information the player knows rather than what the character should know.

Examples of metagaming include:

Out-of-Character Knowledge: A player reads the game’s story or overhears something in a chat and uses that information to avoid danger, even though their character has no way of knowing about it.
Out of Scene Information: Using information before you post into a roleplay. Information can only be gained once you post into a scene.
Preplanning for Encounters: If a player knows what type of enemies are ahead (from a guide or prior experience) and prepares accordingly, even though their character would have no way of expecting the encounter.
Using Player-to-Player Information: If a player learns something through a conversation with another player outside the game and then has their character act on it, despite the character not having learned it in the game world.

Metagaming disrupts the integrity of roleplaying because it breaks the distinction between player knowledge and character knowledge.

When emoting in roleplay, it's essential to use the /me command. This helps distinguish your character's actions from regular text, adding clarity to the narrative. For instance, instead of typing Bob nods, you can use /me nods in agreement, providing a more immersive experience. When your character speaks, enclose their dialogue in double quotes (""). This helps differentiate spoken words from narrative actions, contributing to a clearer and more engaging roleplay. For example, /me raises an eyebrow, "Is that so?" she asks, her voice filled with curiosity. This combination of /me and quotes enhances the overall quality of your roleplay interactions.

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