Safety

FAQ's | Glossary of Terms | Character Creation | Directions | What to Bring

While we do allow vast freedom of play, we must also impose some very basic restrictions to ensure safety of players and respect for other people and their property. The following notes are common sense items that everyone should be aware of. We will not hesitate to eject a player from the game if we feel that person is in violation of any rules governing basic safety. Other, lesser penalties may apply depending upon circumstances.

Players must be at least 15 years of age. All players will be required to sign a release of liability document. Players under age 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign consent. The liability release will be renewed annually. Interested person under the required age should speak to a game director about special provisions.

Safety
The primary rule of the game, which supercedes all others, is the HOLD rule. Calling a HOLD will immediately stop all action. It is used primarily for moments when a person's safety is in question. But it could also be implemented to clarify a rule or effect, or to resolve a dispute. A HOLD is called by shouting loudly, so that all around you can hear, the word "HOLD!!" All action must stop immediately. Everyone hearing the HOLD shouts it also, thus acknowledging the HOLD and spreading it to others who may not have heard. Everyone then drops to one knee and remains there quietly until the HOLD is resolved. Do not move or speak unless you are directly involved in resolving the issue at hand. When the cause of the HOLD has been cleared, the same person who first called it resumes play by shouting "3, 2, 1, LAY-ON!" Everyone yells LAY-ON and play begins from the point it had paused. A HOLD is essentially a time freeze, so any timed game effects including spells and Death Counts pause for the duration.

Anyone may call a HOLD. Anytime you see an injury or potential safety issue, call a HOLD to resolve it. Occasionally, it may also be used to clarify rules, game effects, or other situations. Use the HOLD rule when necessary, but only when necessary. Do not overuse or abuse it.

Fire safety is another source of concern. Nearly all of our lighting comes from torches and candles. Because we are in a forest environment with wooden buildings, extra caution is required. Be careful around any open flames, especially while wearing loose or flowing costuming like cloaks. Never leave an open candle unattended in a cabin. We recommend using oil lamps or candle lanterns in which the flame is enclosed in glass. Campfires are allowed, conditions permitting, in properly prepared areas. Always have a bucket of water nearby, and never leave a fire unattended.

If you are injured or become ill, report it to a game director immediately. Game Directors and Specialists can be identified by the red armbands with the Wyvern logo that they wear. A first aid kit will be kept at the Logistics area, and the game directors will have easy access to a phone and transportation if necessary. If you arrive at the beginning of the weekend with any pre-existing medical condition or injury, bring it to the attention of the game staff. We will attempt to make any special arrangements necessary.

Cabins and doors are never to be really barred or locked. If you have an ingame lock and wish lock your cabin ingame you must have a phys-rep for the lock and you may not actually lock the door. Simply place the lock somewhere on the outside of the door so that it is visible. You may close the latch but not in any way that it keeps the actual door shut. If you are barring the door you may not physically block the door. You must hang a sign on the door indicating that it is barred ingame. If there is no such sign on the door it will not be considered barred ingame. There are specific rules for barring doors ingame so you must consult a director or staff member in order to do so.

Etiquette
It is necessary to keep the camp clean of all litter. Bring a small trash bag for use in your cabin. Clean up after yourself and pick up any used point tags or spell packets you might find. If you leave without cleaning up your cabin or sleeping area, you may receive a warning followed by further reprimands if the action continues. The camp owner or staff inspects each building before the game staff leaves the facilities, so it is important that everyone does this small part to help.

Any damages caused to the property or buildings will cost money that could otherwise be invested in new and better props and supplies. Be considerate of the facilities. Anyone responsible for intentionally causing damage will be responsible for the cost of repairs in addition to possibly being ejected from the game. We understand that accidents happen; damages reported to game staff immediately will be judged with leniency.

Smoking is usually forbidden or restricted to certain locations, depending upon the camp rules. Check with a game director at the start of an event for details. Under no circumstances is smoking allowed inside any building. If you must smoke, be discreet, and considerate of others who do not. Smoking does not prevent you from being attacked or subject to any other game effects. Never throw your cigarette butts on the ground. If no trash receptacle is available, put them in you pocket until you can dispose of them properly. State laws with regards to use of tobacco products will be enforced.

Alcohol and controlled substances are strictly forbidden regardless of age. If you require the use of prescription medication please advise a game director of its presence when registering. Persons caught with alcohol or drugs at a Wyvern Rising event will be banned from the game and prosecuted to the fullest extent.

One aspect of Wyvern Rising is the existence of fantasy deities and clergy. These are completely imaginary figures and are not intended to represent or imitate any actual religious structure or form of worship. The deities, prayers, and rituals are strictly fantasy creations designed for game purposes. It is not our intent to impose religious beliefs on any person, nor to be disrespectful to any actual faith.

During game play your character may be the target of a joke, insult, or plot orchestrated by other characters or Non-Player Characters. These things are directed toward your character, not you. Do not become offended by such things. Such occurrences are common in game play, and should be left there. The fact that someone is picking on your character does not mean that he/she is picking on you. While we encourage you to play your character with as much depth and realism as possible, remember that you and your character are separate entities.

Have respect for other persons' personal belongings. The area under a cot or bunk is reserved for mundane out-of-game items. This is where to stash your common clothing, towel, soap, etc. Items placed under a bunk are not eligible for theft or other use in game. Anyone searching a cabin must never touch anything located here. This also means that no in game items may be hidden under a bunk. For example, you may not put your coin, potions, or extra weapons there. These are in game and eligible for anyone to use, borrow, or steal. If you do steal a valid in game item, take care of it. Although your character has possession for game purposes, the item is still the property of the owner, and must be returned by the end of the event. Anyone caught in actual theft of personal or game property will be prosecuted according to the applicable laws.