Combat Safety & Expectations

This page covers the realities and safety of engaging in combat as well as our combat etiquette and expectations. For rules regarding physical contact during combat, see Physical Contact and Consent.

The basic rule of Kingdoms of Novitas is that if it can be physically done, and done safely, you have the ability to do it. Combat uses a player's real-life talent, where their character's abilities on paper only have a limited effect. That being said, just because you can do something doesn't always mean you should.

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 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.

Players are expected to be in control of their own actions at all times. This means:

Controlling Your Force: You must be able to pull your swings so they register without causing pain or injury.
Controlling Your Momentum: You must be able to stop abruptly if a situation becomes unsafe or a "Hold!" is called.
Staying on the Ground: Because controlling your momentum is important jumping, diving, or leaping is considered unsafe in a combat situation and highly discouraged.
Avoiding Wild Movements: You should never swing blindly, charge at another player, or put your body in a position that could cause an accidental collision or physical body-check.

Avoiding Combat

While you are never required to fight, there is no official "non-combatant" status at Kingdoms of Novitas. Ambushes without prior warning are common, meaning you can (and likely will) be attacked at any time.

Because you cannot be officially excluded from combat, players who wish to avoid it should take active steps to safeguard themselves:

As a Player Character (PC): You can protect yourself by fleeing the area or utilizing defensive spells like Dissipate or Sanctuary.
As a Non-Player Character (NPC): You may request that the GM assign you to non-combat plots, and they will do their best to accommodate you.

We do encourage everyone to participate in combat occasionally. Even just standing in the field holding a weapon adds significant value to the plot and atmosphere, and you might be surprised to find that you actually enjoy it!

Medical & Safety Restrictions

If you have a medical reason to avoid combat entirely, limiting your playtime to the Inn will help you avoid most encounters that involve combat. If even a low risk of combat is too high, we recommend remaining in the Logistics building during game hours.

Respecting Other Players

Everyone is here to have fun, and it is your responsibility to respect the real people behind the characters. When making decisions in-game, keep these out-of-game realities in mind:

Don't hide behind your character: Never use "it's just what my character would do" as an excuse to genuinely upset, harass, or bully another player.
Show basic sportsmanship to your fellow players: While continually striking a player who has already dropped in combat isn't technically against the rules it is unnecessary, frustrating, and physically uncomfortable for the person on the receiving end.
Read the room: If a fellow player seems genuinely distressed or overwhelmed out-of-character, ease up on the scene.

Play fair, be mindful of others, and ensure your actions don't ruin the game for someone else.

Combat Referees

Staff will occasionally send out combat referees to monitor battles, guide players on rules, and ensure safety.

Follow Instructions: If a referee gives you an instruction, you must follow it immediately, even if you believe they are making an incorrect call.
Gear Inspections: Because wear and tear happens over time, referees may ask to inspect your gear mid-combat. If they tell you an item is unsafe and needs to be removed from play, you must do so immediately.
Resolving Disputes: If you disagree with a referee's ruling, do not argue on the field. You may speak to the Player Outreach & Education Marshals after the situation is resolved to discuss your concerns.