The Rules of the Game

Gotham Nights is for the most part a freeform game. That being said, there are a few rules that have been put forth to make the game enjoyable for all involved, and to make sure that any disagreements are solved in a civilized manner.

1.0 Basic Rules

1.1 Communication

Always stay in contact with anyone in your thread offlist. This will head off GM intervention and in general make the list a more amiable place.

1.2 Character Interaction

Dictating the actions of another player in your posts without prior negotiation and agreement is prohibited. This includes their thoughts, facial expressions and emotions. If you reach a part where a character's reaction is required...STOP, and wait for them to respond. Some NPC's (Non-player characters) are fair game, before making moves with them, contact whoever is controlling the NPC first and see how they feel about it.

1.3 New Plotlines

If you have a plot idea that you'd like to put into effect, you MUST run it by the GMs before you implement it. This will aid the in creating the most exciting game possible.

1.4 Arbitration

If you have a problem with anyone in your thread that cannot be worked out, or a problem in general, contact the GMs offlist. We will arbitrate the problem, and come to a resolution. Remember, once you involve the GMs, you take the matter partially out of your hands, because GM rulings are final.

2.0 Posting Rules

2.1 Subject Headings

In order to make it easier to follow threads and interactions the following subject heading should be used in each post.

THREAD NAME OR CHARACTER NAME/Date (M) or (A) or(N)/Characters involved or scene title

For Example:

SPIRAL INTO INSANITY/11-3 (N)/Gemini, NPC Anubis

MAD HATTER/11-3 (M)/Rags and Riches

Note that in the date, (M) stands for Morning, (A) stands for Afternoon, and (N) stands for Night .

Please keep an eye on the time of day others are in. These are general times to keep the game in sync, and we will not worry about specifics as long as the characters interacting are in the same period. Morning is 4AM to 12PM, Afternoon is 12PM to 8PM, and Night is 8PM to 4AM. You can choose when to shift from Morning to Afternoon, and Afternoon to Night (with negotiation of course), but only the GM can shift time to the next day.

2.2 Disclaimers and Warnings

Gotham Nights is intended for mature audiences. Adult Situations, Language and Violence are allowed. In order to accomodate those that may take offense to such material, warnings are to be placed at the top of posts that are extremely graphic in their depiction of suct things. The warning should take the following format:

*WARNING: ADULT LANGUAGE, SITUATION AND VIOLENCE*

2.3 Joint Posts

In certain cases, it may be more efficient to combine characters' reactions into a single post, especially when it consists of an intricate scene or a lot of interactive dialogue. Instant Messenger clients are ideal for this, and there are several good ones available. Please see the links page if you need the location of these programs.

When such offlist interaction occurs, a notice should be placed in the top of the post. This warning should take the following format:

*JOINT POST DUE TO OFF LIST INTERACTION*

Example: Two players have a scene planned for a running gun battle. They work the details of the battle off list back and forth by sending individual posts among each other. Once the outcome of the scene is agreed upon, then one of them post with complete post with the notice before the main body.

2.4 Tags and Tag Rules

Please use the <TAG> method to avoid possible unwanted intrusion in your thread or to become involved in a thread or to invite other players into your thread. There are two types of <TAGS>, open and closed.

2.4.1 Open Tags

Open tags are used when anyone can join into the thread without first contacting the involved players offlist or waiting for an invitation via a <TAG> to join in a thread.

Examples of Open Tags: <TAG Anybody> or <TAG Batman or anyone>

If you see a this type of <TAG> it means that all who wish to participate in the thread are free respond back to the poster.

2.4.2 Closed Tags

Closed tags are used when only certain characters are involved in a thread. This generally occurs if there is a preplanned plot or outcome between those players in the thread. If you are interested in getting involved in closed thread please contact the members said thread offlist and work out a way to get involved without disrupting any future negotiations or agreements that have been decided on the plotline conclusion or flow.

Examples of Closed Tags: <TAG Peter Parker> or <TAG Wayne, MacBeth and/or Gordon>

2.4.2.1 Rule for Violation of a Closed Tag

Any character(s) that inserts themself(ves) into a thread without at least the permission of one of the participants or specifically being tagged becomes an open target to any actions of those character(s) already involved. This means the uninvited character can be harmed, kidnapped, or whatever the involved character(s) feel is appropriate to happen in that scene, as long as no permanent damager to the character involved occurs.

Example: Riddler decides to interfere in a combat between Black Cat and Spiderman without first being invited. Spiderman decides to drop Riddler into a dumpster and web him in there so that he can't get out. Riddler has no recourse such in general conflict resolution rules with dodging and/or escaping Spiderman.

3.0 General Rules

3.1 Player Character Limitations

Players are in general limited to two (2) characters on first joining. This is changed as it is determined that the player can reasonably post for two characters in an effective manner.

3.2 NPC (Non-Player Character) Rules

Non-Player Characters are those characters which either a) are not main characters for reason of involvement in day-to-day activities, or b) are needed for a plot, but there is noone to play them.

There are three types of NPCs; Public, Private and GM.

Public NPCs are the average Joe on the street, the waitress in a restaurant, etc. These are the folks we toss into the mix to give the game some form and substance. Once a 'public' NPC is introduced anyone can use that NPC at anytime or manipulate them as necessary. Even kill them if that is what they want to do. Consider them the 'cannon fodder'.

Private NPCs are a bit different. These are NPCs are created by players to interact as henchmen, employees, wives, etc. Private NPCs have the same rights as PCs. In other words there is no killing of the NPC or other action taken without the express permission of the player who created the NPC and/or is running the NPC. Sometimes these public NPCs can be adopted at PCs if someone is interested. If you see someone has a Private NPC you would like as a PC, contact the player off list and find out if they are interested in having you adopt the NPC as a PC. Note that all Private NPCs must be declared to the GMs with appropriate character data sheets filled out for them.

GM NPCs are those are NPCs that are manipulated by your GMs of the list. These NPCs will consist of members of the such as the Gotham City Police Department, the Mayor, The City Council, etc. Generally these NPCs have a definite place in the scheme of things. Some GM NPCs can be treated as Public NPCs. Contact the GMs offlist to confirm that such treatment is allowed for each GM NPC. If at anytime a player chooses to pick one of these NPCs as a player character, they need to submit an audition off list to the GM (as well as a Character Data Sheet where applicable) for the part.

Also, note that background PCs are encouraged. Lab techs, doctors, patrolmen, etc. Just the people who work in the background. These would be great PCs for those of you who don't want to have to worry about posting everyday.