Combat Safety and Expectations

This page covers the realities of engaging in combat, the Hold call, and referee instructions.

Just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should. This page explains our combat etiquette and expectations.

Combat: A Real-Life Skill

Combat in Kingdoms of Novitas uses a player's real-life talent, where their character's abilities only have a limited effect. Players will almost certainly find themselves in combat over the course of an event unless they actively try to avoid it. Ambush without prior warning is allowed and is fairly common.

Players are expected to remain in control of their actions at all times. Being able to stop abruptly is important, and for that reason, jumping is generally not something that can be done safely during a combat situation.

Avoiding Combat: There is no realistic way for a player to officially remain out of combat during an event. If a player has a medical reason to worry about getting into combat, they should take appropriate steps to safeguard themselves. This means some players may voluntarily limit themselves to the Inn for their time in play to avoid most combat. If even the limited risk of combat in the Inn is too high, it is recommended that players remain in the Logistics building during game hours.

Respecting Other Players

It is a player's responsibility to respect other players. For example, while there is nothing in the rules to stop you from continually hitting a player who is already down, it does not show respect to them. Everyone is present at the game to have fun, and continually hitting someone who has already fallen in combat is not fun for the person getting hit.

 

Combat Referees

Staff will occasionally send out combat referees whose job is solely to watch combats and guide people on rules matters. These individuals will be marked by orange headwear.

If they give you instructions, you are expected to follow them immediately, even if you think they are incorrect. You may speak to Michael Maneri and Matt Boulerice after the situation is resolved to discuss any issues. Battle damage happens over time; referees may ask to inspect your gear during combat, and if they tell you to remove an item from play, you must do so immediately.