Combat Safety and Expectations
This page covers the realities of engaging in combat and .
Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you should. This page explains our combat etiquette and expectations.
Combat at Kingdoms of Novitas
All combat at Kingdoms of Novitas is fought in real speed with medium-impact contact from latex/foam weapons. This means that we fight with all of the real-life skills that we have while swinging our weapons with enough force that landing a hit is felt by the player, without leaving any marks or bruises.
You are not required to fight, but it’s important to note that you could be attacked at any time, even as a non-combatant. There is no way to completely avoid this.
If you do not wish to engage in combat as a PC, you may leave the area or use magical abilities such as dissipate or sanctuary to protect yourself. While NPCing, you may request that the GM not send you out on combat plots, and they will do their best to honor this when possible.
We do request that everyone participate in combats occasionally. You can add significant value to a plot and improve the narrative just by holding a weapon! You may even be surprised to find that combat can be very fun, even if it isn’t your thing.
Avoiding Combat
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.
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 typically means limiting yourself to the Inn for your 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.
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.