Competition vs. PVP

[Cearnach]

The structure of this game pits the great houses of England against each other. Characters will be in competition for the prizes and will be pursuing agendas that are, at times, directly counter to the agendas of other characters. As we all know, that can lead to trouble in the out of character space.

Here's my philosophy on pvp, and how I will address issues that come up:

1) A game is as toxic as we choose to make it. Characters can be in competition without players gunning for each other. It can be a fine line, but it must be observed, or this game will not function. It is natural for people who are stymied in-character to build resentment, so here are a couple tips to avoid that issue:

- First, always be discussing why things are happening. Characters may be opposed, but all players are working together, trying to tell the story of their characters as best they can. Helping each other out in that regard is healthy and good, not meta-gaming. Pms and private discord messages are key to maintaining open communication. If you know that your character has a built-in rivalry with another (or house vs. house), be sure to initiate dialogue with the opposing character or house in order to lay out boundaries. If you need a gm to mediate, I am happy to do so.

- Second, be sure to be polite ooc; nothing embitters someone quite like condescension or snark. This goes for interactions with your gm(s) too. Some gms have had to put up with a lot of flak over the years. I expect some grumbling, because I will screw up (it's my first time), but I will not put up with rudeness.

- Third, make no assumptions about other players' motivations. If something is rubbing you the wrong way, initiate direct communication, but remember tip number 2!

- Fourth, never post in anger, either here or on Discord. This can be difficult to remember in the moment, but it is a lifesaver. Angry posting has never done anyone a lick of good. Take some time to cool off and approach the situation with clear eyes; your character (and you!) will generally come out better for it.

2) Distinguishing between character and player is important! Open lines of communication will help with this as well. In order to encourage a sense of camaraderie, I've also opened up the experience system so you can flag posts for experience checks when you feel a character has done something cool. Experience checks are made post-game, but it should reinforce that we are here to have fun and to appreciate each other's work. Please make use of this, and don't be afraid to drop a pm to tell someone that what they did was cool. It really brightens peoples' days.

Also, and perhaps most importantly, Pendragon as a system enforces a separation between player and character with the Virtues and Vices mechanic. When in doubt about whether your character would do something, check your sheet. Need inspiration, check your sheet. I will be checking sheets when I have questions and will ask for trait checks when needed. Obviously, I can't catch everything, but be ready for it.

3) Don't have your character murder anyone without their consent. We've all wanted to at some point, but it's a bigger headache than you actually want. If things between two characters have reached this point, the parties involved need to have a discussion with me about how they wish to proceed, and may not take offensive action without my consent and the consent of both parties. I absolutely do not want to wake up one day and discover that Character X has stabbed Character Y in their sleep. That's not the kind of competition we need in this game.

In-character, even if all parties have agreed, there will be a further check on criminal behavior. Richard does not want his vassals stabbing each other just before they all go together to fight Saladin and the Saracens, so he will be prosecuting acts of unsanctioned violence with the full force of his authority, which is considerable.

4) Can you engage in skulduggery and manipulations? Theft? Other criminal activity? Sure! But again, make sure your opposing party understands why it's happening, and that it is in-line with your character's Virtues and Vices.

5) There will be no rape or other sexual violence.

6) If a player is making the game an unfriendly place to be out-of-character, I will talk things out with them privately. If this ends up being impossible, I will show them the door.

7) I reserve the right to terminate the game if it turns out that bitterness is inevitable. I don't think it is. I think we can approach this as a team of players working together to tell the story of these characters that are in contention. But I recognize that I might be wrong. If so, the game will end.