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Rulesbookexamples

Examples of Accelerant rules books

This page contains summaries and transcripts of the "core rules" of the Accelerant system that carry across various Accelerant games, regardless of the particular setting or campaign. Players are expected to review and abide by the core rules when participating in the game in any capacity, whether NPC or PC.

Below you will find a summary of what topics the rules pertain to, and in the final section, a verbatim transcription of the official core rules. Remember that this wiki is fan run, and is only meant to provide some easy-access tips and information for players about Accelerant larping and game rules.

How Official Rules Books Are Structured[]

The first chapter of an Accelerant core rules book details important differences between Out of Game and In Game behaviors, such as:

  • Staying in character
  • Limitations around physical contact with other players or props
  • Prohibition on abusive language/behavior
  • How to alert other players to real-world dangers
  • How to ask newbie questions without breaking character
  • Advice concerning Metagaming

The first chapter also extensively covers core combat rules that are shared across all Accelerant games.

Subsequent chapters of the rules book may vary based on the game setting. Players should review the information that pertains to their particular Accelerant game to avoid confusion around game specific terminology.

This includes combat props to a lesser degree. Many aspects of prop construction are standardized in terms of safety, however some colorations or restrictions on types of weapons permissable can differ between games. For example, a greco roman historical themed game may prohibit the use of certain weapons deemed to not be "period" in order to maintain a particular atmosphere.

Campaign Setting Specific Rules In The Wiki[]

Accelerant Wiki's selection of game specific rules may vary and may not include all existing Accelerant games. Many game Campaigns have sub rules that are not universal to all Accelerant settings.

While we encourage the addition of new Accelerant games to the wiki, visitors should review the Accelerant Wikia Etiquette page prior to adding content relating to their game.

A Note About Rulebook Lore In The Wiki[]

In Game Setting Lore is not included in this "Accelerant core rules" section because it can differ so greatly between games. For specific lore content visit the Campaigns section of the wiki. For more information on etiquette around adding game lore to the wiki, please visit the Accelerant Wikia Etiquette page.

Official Rules Transcript Chapters[]

The following sections contain excerpts from Chapter One of the Accelerant Rules system.

Welcome[]

You are preparing to enter a game world using the Accelerant system. The system is designed to be simple in concept and execution, yet have a rich and varied set of skills and abilities with which to develop characters and stories. To do this we have created a set of Core Rules that defines all of the effects of the game and presents them to you within the first chapter of the rule book. All skills and special abilities refer back to these Core Rules, so once you have learned the Core Rules you know how to react to effects from any Accelerant game, even though the skills or abilities that allow a character to use those effects may be very different.

Rules of Etiquette[]

In an activity as fluid and full of unexpected circumstances as live action games, it is important that each player attempt to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the rules. Although we have tried to create a set of rules that is as cut and dry as possible, there are certain rules that are difficult or impossible to quantify that are necessary to promote atmosphere or safety. These rules are marked as Rules of Etiquette. These rules are difficult or impossible to quantify. We know this, and if players abuse them or become less than graceful when using them the game will suffer. We trust the player to follow the intent of the rules, and to be particularly careful to be graceful when dealing with Rules of Etiquette.

Rule: Prohibited Behaviors[]

The first rule of etiquette is that abusive language or actions are not tolerated, whether they are In Game or not. Language or actions that are derogatory or that are deemed to be harassment are not allowed. References to explicit sexual behavior or concepts, particularly violent ones, are not allowed. In game threats should be worded so they are clearly in game.

Rule: Game Actions[]

The system is designed to keep the game running as smoothly and fluidly as possible. The game takes place in a site full of props, buildings, and other players. The rules define how you interact with the environment and other players. The game has removed actions and effects players cannot actually perform from the gameplay. There are no creatures stepping through solid walls, no flying creatures, and no activities that cannot be played without interrupting the flow of the game. Characters that step into rifts and turn to spirit, or characters that die and rise as spirits are still visible as they walk off. You cannot attempt actions such as chopping up bodies or breaking down doors that cannot be performed for logistical or safety reasons.

Rule: Always In Game[]

Players stay in game and in character from the start of the event to its end. There is no "out of game" except during emergencies. There are no out of game indicators such as white headbands, and no people should be wandering about unless they are there in the actual game. The idea is to keep the game flowing so players can stay in character and be immersed in the story. If you have a question, attempt to word it and ask it in game. If you feel you must leave game, walk to the edge of the game area in character and leave the game for a time. You should never interrupt the flow of the game.

The system is also designed to minimize the times where you cannot act on what you see, hear and feel. You are always in game, even if your character is unconscious, dead, or affected by a game condition that incapacitates you. Your spirit still remains with you, and it can experience the game world around you. You do not need to pretend you did not experience the game even under these conditions. If your eyes are closed then you might not see what is going on, but you will remember everything you hear, smell, and feel. Your character also will realize this and knows that sometimes dead men do tell tales.

There is no information that is out of game. If you don’t want other players to know something in game, don’t talk about it out of game. Keep your in game secrets to yourself, and if you talk out of game about something other players can decide they learned that information in game if they feel that the conversation unfairly inflicts knowledge upon them they did not want to know. If you want in game secrets, keep out of game secrets.

The only caveat is that sometimes players experienced with a game play different characters altogether. Perhaps you have lost a previous character to death and are playing a new character. Perhaps, as a change of pace, you are participating as a non-player character or you are playing a plot character for a time. If you play a different character, creature, or plot role within the same game world we ask you do not transfer anything you learn to other characters. To keep the game flowing as smoothly as possible, we have defined the following ways to deal with problems and interruptions:

Safety Restrictions[]

There are a number of basic safety restrictions in the Accelerant system to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all.

No Physical Contact[]

You have no reason to touch another player in the Accelerant system. Physical contact is not allowed. You may contact another player with a boffer weapon in a legal attack area and you may contact another player by touching a packet to their arm or shoulder to deliver a "touch cast" effect. Violators will be asked to leave the game.

Searching a Character[]

Because the game does not allow physical contact, you may not physically Search someone else. Instead you approach within searching distance and tell them in a low voice "I am searching you". The player may simply reveal items you have found. The player may make a pouch available for you to reach into and take items. The player may request that you describe your search. In this case, you must take the time to tell the player where on his or her person you are looking for items. Items cannot be hidden in places people might find rude or inappropriate. An item must actually be hidden where you say it is. You cannot have an item in your pocket, for example, and claim it was tucked in your boot. It must be hidden there. If someone searches a general area you may request them to be more specific by stating "Describe That Search." If you have an item concealed in the sole of your boot and someone says "I search your boot" you may ask them to "Describe that search" before giving it up. Players should not demand unreasonable searches with too much detail - a search should take no more than a minute.

Carrying a Character[]

Because the game does not allow physical contact, you may not physically carry or drag another person. Instead you simple tell the person you are picking them up and role play Carrying them along. They must get up and walk with you while you pretend to hold their shoulders. You cannot move faster than a walk while carrying someone else. If you are unable to move while being carried you walk with your head bowed and arms at your sides. If you are carrying a character and that character is struck by an effect from a melee, missile, or packet attack that is not beneficial, you will also take that effect unless you "drop" the character immediately. If you are being carried and someone "drops" you then you role play falling to the ground. If you are being carried, you must role play an effect with a moan or grunt even if you are paralyzed or dead to indicate you have been struck. If you are carrying someone who role plays an effect, and you do not know what the effect was, you must drop them. You may pick up a body after dropping it as soon as that body stops moving.

Roleplaying Effects[]

Whenever you are required to role play an effect you must always do so in a safe manner. If you must adjust your role play or position slightly to make the game safer for you or another player we ask you to do so. You should take care before moving in crowded areas even if you must play out the effect in a slightly different manner. You are encouraged to take the extra step or two when playing out an effect if it removes you from an area that is detrimental to your health such as a puddle or an area with too many other players.

No Alcohol or Drugs[]

You cannot consume alcohol or drugs on the premises of the game unless the drugs are for medical use and approved by the staff. You cannot be under the influence of these while on the premises of the game. Violators will be asked to leave the game.

Restrictions[]

As you play the game and wander around the world, there is a lot you can do to affect the game environment around you. Conversely, there are lots of effects that can change how you play the game, for both good and bad. Other characters may attempt to inflict unpleasant fates upon you, and you might attempt to do the same to them. There are three restrictions on your activities:

Prop Restrictions[]

You are not allowed to bring to an event any prop that resembles or could be mistaken for common or unique game items provided by plot without the express permission of the game staff. You cannot attempt to duplicate or forge game money, item props, tags, or logistical documents such as character or monster cards. Any attempt to use in game means to create fakes of any items must be approved by the plot committee.

You are not allowed to break, destroy, or take apart any prop. If a prop is attached to a wall by a chain, for example, you cannot attempt to break or detach that chain in any way. The Destroy effect does not change the basic structure of a prop; it just makes the item unusable for any game related purpose.

Most props have no in game worth. Costuming, jewelry, weapons, and area props cannot be moved from the area they are placed in except by the owner. These props provide no in game benefit and disallowing their removal ensures these props are not broken or lost. Props may be handled but must be put back where they are found unless they have a sticker.

Small circular stickers indicate special rules about handling an item.

  • If an item has a red circle, it cannot be moved at all. It cannot be picked up or touched. It will not move.
  • If an item has a yellow or green sticker, it seems to be valuable.
  • A small, yellow, circular sticker means the prop may be taken but it must be turned in at checkout.
  • A small green circular sticker means you can take the prop and hold on to it.
  • Special items may also have a red sticker with a rune or number on it. These stickers indicate that characters may not pick up or touch the item unless they have a skill or ability that allows them to manipulate objects marked by that symbol or number.

Items may also be marked by attaching a short green, yellow, or red ribbon to indicate the item's in game status. These ribbons replace the sticker and have the same meaning. A ribbon can be used to mark small items that don't have room for a sticker, such as rings, or on items where plot feels that a ribbon would look better or be more evident to the players. This ribbon may have codes or markings on it in the same manner that stickers can have markings for players with specific skills to recognize.

Some game effects will enhance an object such as a weapon or a piece of armor. When an item has been enhanced by a game effect, an effect sticker will be placed upon it so long as the enhancement is in place. Items with effect stickers are treated as though they were yellow sticker items. If you have an effect sticker upon your weapon, that prop can be stolen from you. You should bring back up props if you want to use item enhancements.

For more information regarding prop construction, see the entry under Prop Construction.

Game Environment[]

Games take place at a site, usually a campground. This site defines the boundaries of the game. During game play, a player may attempt to enter any area within the game boundaries unless the area is marked with a yellow information sign. Areas marked with information signs are either special areas with additional rules described by the sign or they are out of game and impassable.

Combat[]

For the full entry, see the Combat page

Characters[]

Because character creation rules and terminology can vary based on the game setting, please review the generic Character Creation page for more information regarding the creation of Accelerant characters.

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