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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

Body-to-body physical contact is strictly prohibited during combat. Striking with approved boffer weapons does not count as physical contact for these purposes.

During combat, the following actions are not permitted:

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

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

  • Shield Bashing: Bashing another player with a shield to knock them off balance is prohibited.

  • Pinning: While it is acceptable to use your weapon to push or pull an opponent's shield or weapon out of the way, you may not pin their weapon or shield to an immovable object (like a tree, wall, or the ground).

Outside of 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, must not involve actual 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

Searching a fallen character for loot is a staple of the genre, but actually rifling through a real person's pockets isn't always appropriate or comfortable. To handle this safely, Novitas uses three methods: Detailed, Physical, or No Search.

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

  • Detailed 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.

  • 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 when a search is declared. This is highly appropriate for characters who have turned into a pile of dust or similar 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

In many situations, you may find that you need to get rid of a body or move a fallen character out of the way. Regardless of the method used, dragging should never be done at full 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 and 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 in the game). An appropriate physical prop, such as rope or shackles, is required.

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

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

      Players restrained in a roleplayed fashion should not attempt to actually break free or run away, though they are encouraged to roleplay failing attempts to do so.

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