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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 noBody-to-body physical contact allowedis instrictly combatprohibited ever.during Contactcombat. Striking with approved boffer weapons isdoes differentnot thancount as physical contact for these purposes.

During combat, the following actions are not permitted:

  • Players

    Grappling: You may not grapple,grapple, wrestle, entrap limbs, or grasp another player's weaponweapon.

    during combat.

  • Charging: You may not charge another player or otherwise force them to move out of the way to avoid a physical contact.collision.

  • Shield Bashing: Bashing another player with a shield ("shield bashing") to knock them off balance is notprohibited.

    permitted. 
  • It

    Pinning: While it is acceptableacceptable to use ayour weapon to push or pull aan opponent's shield or weapon out of the way, but you may not pin atheir weapon or shield to an immovable object.object (like a tree, wall, or the ground).

Outside of weapon contact in combat, physical contact is permitted only when both players explicitly 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, shouldmust not involve actual grappling/grappling or wrestling, and must take place outside of active combat to make it clear they are not part of a live battle.

Searching Other Players

ItSearching a fallen character for loot is commona forstaple of the genre, but actually rifling through a defeatedreal characterperson's topockets beisn't searchedalways forappropriate valuables.or comfortable. To handle this safely, Novitas uses three methods: Detailed, Physical, or No Search.

The player initiatingdeclaring the search can either ask which type of search the target prefers,for their preference (often phrased as "Detailed or skipPhysical?"), or they can default straight to a "Detailed Search."Search by verbally declaring where they are looking.

  • Detailed Search:Search (Roleplayed): 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 momentwhen a search is declareddeclared. (alsoThis veryis highly appropriate for characters who have turned tointo a pile of dust or otherwisesimilar vanished).situations.

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.

Dragging Characters

IfIn many situations, you may find that you need to get rid of a body or move a body,fallen youcharacter mayout only physically dragof the playerway. ifRegardless both parties consent. If either player prefers no contact, roleplay draggingof the charactermethod instead.used, Thisdragging should never be done at full speed.speed or a running pace—you are meant to be carrying dead weight!

  • Full Physical Dragging: You may only physically drag another player (actually lifting and pulling their body weight) if both parties explicitly consent.

  • Roleplayed Dragging (Light Contact): A much safer and more common way to simulate moving a body is through light contact where the "fallen" player walks along acting limp or unconscious. Common methods include:

    • The Shoulder Support: The dragger places the fallen character's arm over their shoulder and supports their waist.

    • The Arm Lead: The dragger gently holds the fallen character's arm or wrist to guide them.

  • No-Contact Dragging: If either player prefers no physical contact, you must pantomime dragging the character. Ensure you communicate clearly so the player playing the body knows you are dragging them so theyand can walk behind you to follow along.

Restraining Other Players

At times, you may find that you need to capture or tie up another character. You may only restrain helpless or willing characters (there are no lasso mechanics)mechanics in the game). An appropriate propphysical prop, such as rope or shackles, is always required.

    • Physical Restraint: AllowedThis is allowed only if the target explicitly consents. If both agree,parties agree to actual physical restraint, the bound player may attempt to physically break free if ablethey are able, and roleplay the struggle accordingly.

    • Role-PlayedRoleplayed Restraint: If either party declines physical restraint, or the prop doesn't worktranslate well safely out-of-game, all parties must roleplay the restraint without actual physical contact.binding.

      Players restrained in thisa roleplayed fashion SHOULDshould NOTnot attempt to actually break free,free or run away, though they mayare encouraged to roleplay failing attempts to do so.

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