Physical Contact and Consent

This page covers the rules regarding touching other players, searching, and restraints.

Physical contact is a subject that is taken very seriously for the safety and comfort of all players.

Physical Contact

There is no physical contact allowed in combat ever. Contact with boffer weapons is different than physical contact for these purposes.

Players may not grapple, wrestle, entrap limbs, or grasp another player's weapon during combat.
You may not charge another player or otherwise force them to move to avoid physical contact.
Bashing another player with a shield ("shield bashing") to knock them off balance is not permitted.
It is acceptable to use a weapon to push or pull a shield or weapon out of the way, but you may not pin a weapon or shield to an immovable object.

Outside of weapon contact in combat, physical contact is permitted only when both players consent. Players should never be forced to touch one another or be physically restrained if they aren't comfortable with it.

Theatrical Fighting

Players are allowed to act as if they are physically fighting if all parties have given clear, verbal consent in advance. These situations should be purely for theatrical purposes, should not involve actual grappling/wrestling, and must take place outside of active combat to make it clear they are not part of a live battle.

Searching Other Players

It is common for a defeated character to be searched for valuables. The player initiating the search can ask which type of search the target prefers, or skip straight to a "Detailed Search."

Detailed Search: The searcher verbally describes where they are looking (e.g., pouches, boots, inside the mouth). It is helpful to ask if anything on the target is glowing blue (magic items). The target is honor-bound to give up items in the stated locations.

Note: Hiding loot in ridiculous, unfindable locations hurts immersion and makes it harder for Logistics and the GMs to distribute loot. Please play in the spirit of the game.

Physical Search: Players literally search the target's pockets and gear. The target has no obligation to help, but cannot hinder the search. The target can opt to change to a Detailed Search at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
No Search: A target can simply hand over all lootable items the moment a search is declared (also very appropriate for characters who have turned to dust or otherwise vanished).

Dragging Characters

If you need to move a body, you may only physically drag the player if both parties consent. If either player prefers no contact, roleplay dragging the character instead. This should never be done at full speed. Ensure the player playing the body knows you are dragging them so they can follow along.

Restraining Other Players

You may only restrain helpless or willing characters (there are no lasso mechanics). An appropriate prop is always required.

Physical Restraint: Allowed only if the target consents. If both agree, the bound player may attempt to physically break free if able and roleplay accordingly.
Role-Played Restraint: If either party declines physical restraint, or the prop doesn't work well out-of-game, all parties must roleplay the restraint without physical contact. Players restrained in this fashion SHOULD NOT attempt to break free, though they may roleplay failing attempts to do so.