Etiquette
From PatchworkWiki
The following guide to etiquette in the patchwork universe game should ideally be viewed in conjunction with the notes on gameplay. However, this should provide pointers on how to handle commonly occuring in-character interactions without causing offence out-of-character.
Contents |
Patch interactions
Each player defines the characteristics, inhabitants and behaviour of their own patch. There are in-character grand plot reasons why little changes without the permission or knowledge of the patch's principal character will affect the patch, which means that players should not attempt large scale interference with another patch without informing the GMs and consulting with that patch's player.
Introductions and descriptions
When starting a new thread in a patch or posting for the first time in an existing one, players are encouraged to make their introductory post as descriptive as possible. Because local landscape features change (e.g. the structural integrity of Jones Public House) and characters change their style of dress, luggage and weaponry (e.g. the shapeshifter Kalyndis, the pack carried by Jane Jones when she first left home, the spirit blade acquired by Jewel Hart) it is important for the starting information in a thread to be as complete as possible. It's not necessary to post hundreds of words of descriptive text, a few phrases are all that's needed.
If a character description has changed, don't forget to update the dramatis personae sticky in that character's patch with the appropriate details.
Interacting with PCs
When interacting with other principal characters, you should consider if they are friendly, neutral or hostile. A group of friendly characters engaged in a co-operative task will often agree ooc that members of the group can post actions and decisions that affect the whole group. Players of characters that don't know each other or trust each other should be more circumspect in making assumptions about what the other party is likely to do.
For interactions where characters are hostile please see the etiquette notes on Fighting, stealing, causing an affray.
Interacting with NPCs
Some NPCs are 'unique' and as such counted as people in their own right. They will be listed in the dramatis personae stickies for each patch and sometimes travel with player characters. In many cases their actions are predictable, most follow the lead of the patch's PC, but you should be cautious of writing more than a line or two about their possible reactions without agreement. How your character behaves towards this class of people will affect other characters' opinion of them.
With twilight zone NPCs from other people's patches you have more freedom. While you should make sure to write their behaviour in character for that patch, you do not need that patch's player's permission to write actions involving them, even if these are hostile. However, please consult the system to make certain your actions are viable.
Interruptions, questions, saying goodbye
When a group of characters is involved in an conversation it's likely that they will have different reasons for participating in it. Some may want to ask a simple question and then depart. Others may want a more extended discussion that ranges over many topics. As posts alternate it's possible for something to be mentioned in conversation that a character would have wanted to reply to the moment it was said. While retcons (retroactive continuity) are permitted with the consent of all players involved, it's simpler to write your character as having been abstracted for a moment and to raise the topic again when you next post.
When asking questions of another character it's a good idea to ask several at once. This means those responding can do so quickly without holding up the thread as a series of questions are asked and answered.
When saying goodbye some characters are politer than others. But whether your character shakes hands all round or just turns on their heel and leaves, it's necessary to post an OOC note saying that you are leaving as you would when leaving a patch. See Gameplay on arrivals, leaving, passing through and moving threads.
Fighting, stealing, causing an affray
The Gameplay and SYStem documents explain the game mechanics of such interactions. Some storytelling oriented players may choose to lose conflicts or items in the interests of further plot interaction.
When characters are hostile to each other it's important for players not to anticipate the results of an action. In other words, it's fine to post that you launch an attack, but you should give the other participant/s and the GMs the opportunity to counter it.
Stealing items can be expected to be more straightforward but it's unwise to make assumptions as items apparently left unattended may be equipped with a magical or technological burglar alarm. Some items have personalities and may be able to protect themselves. If attempting to steal an unattended item please notify its owner by PM to check that this is possible. If attempting to steal an item from someone directly, the same etiquette as with fights applies.
Sex, violence and curse words
Patchwork Universe is a PG-13 rated game. Characters may have intimate relations, kill one another and make enemies, however we do not encourage graphic descriptions of sexual acts or scenes involving excessive brutality and torture. Character rape of any kind is not permitted and powers that affect the mental state of other characters are rarely permitted unless benevolent. Characters may swear, although excessive use of this permission might result in a gm warning to tone it down.
Players are also not permitted to engage in any sex acts on our forums, use any curse words with the exception of "darn" and "poot", or do anything that would alarm the horses.
Stallage and slowdown in threads
See the poking protocol.
Speeding in threads
See the consultation documents on speeding and action turns.
