Rules of Realism
From Tazlure Gaming System Wiki
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The Rules of Realism form the core of the moderating of the Tazlure Game System. They should be seen together as a whole, because each dogma taken alone can be taken too far.
[edit] IC Actions have IC Consequences
One of the core mantra's of the Tazlure Gaming System. IC actions have IC consequences translated notes that In Character, your actions must have In Character consequences. Therefore, a Moderator merely follows the logic of any given scene and will never allow OOC or Out Of Character issues to invade your story, and nor should you allow such things in your own story as player. However you behave OOC, it should never affect your play IC, and vice versa.
Similarly, in-game you must abide by the rule that your actions will have consequences and not complain when things don't necessarily turn out the way you hoped. Rest assured, your Moderator has already checked with other moderators the logic of their decisions to verify that they are being fair and just - that the consequences they dictate are a direct result of your actions as player. In the same way, a Moderator may never simply look at a scene and think to themselves "what might be fun here?" - but rather, apply in-game logic to decide the outcome of the actions. Good writing plays a large part in this - we are a creative-writing site first, and a roleplaying site second.
Does this mean that all IC consequences are negative? No, in fact this rule should ensure that players have the freedom to pursue what ever they want (as long as they accept the consequences) and thus can also have huge success. Big Risks. Big Rewards. Risks of course defined not just as physical risk. It could be to reputation, or wealth, or just one's own personal boundaries. Moderators should not feel tempted to push players a certain way or limit their success just to keep things challenging. This fear of the consequences of success to the game is also an OOC consideration after all.
[edit] Why is it a core rule?
Essentially it is a rule explaining, as simply as possible, how the game operates and how it can be played. Our form of PBP is, first and foremost, a player-driven game. Unlike many rpgs, particularly rpgs of the computer-generated kind, the game does not offer it's players quests and finite goals - there is no winning and losing. It is a game of character development and story, and the primary joy to be found here is in the success of your goals as a player. To some extent, we are a creative writing forum first, and an online rpg second. You, the player, control the outcome of your story and have more say in it that anyone else. So do not sit there hoping something will happen - go and make some actions, ask for the consequences!
That said, initially it might appear that your Moderator has more control over events than you, the player. Certainly, they control all the NPCs, all the background and events, and tell you whether or not you succeed. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of assuming you must follow your Moderator's lead, and the story they set out for you. On the contrary, it is the Moderator's position to react. You, as player, dictate the actions; your Moderator dictates the consequences. If your Moderator dictated both actions and consequences, what would be the point in you playing?
[edit] Uncomfortable consequences
Sometimes, this rule may lead to scenes you are not comfortable with. For example, if you upset a particularly nasty NPC, you may find yourself being tortured; or if you seduce that wanton maiden, you may find yourself in a sex scene. Our form of PBP is a mature game, and we strive for realistic outcomes - using logic to dictate the consequences - at all times. This does not mean you have to participate in adult scenes (either of a violent or sexual nature) if you do not want to, you can simply not escape the consequences if you do participate. That does not mean playing it out and a fade to black is frequently used. Please see our page on Comfortzones if you wish to know more about this.
[edit] Fantasy, not Fairy Tale
Our PBP is a mature game, dictated by realism and logic rather than keep every player character in a warm fuzzy state of happiness. Heroes do exist, they just do not always succeed and face difficult trials. You may have a wonderful pretty girl, but she may face more than just admirers. PBP is by nature a realistic, gritty game that shares many characteristics with the real world, which includes many forms of bigotry. This does not reflect the opinion of the game designers, but only the setting.
Because this is a realistic fantasy, it thus follows that there are always reasons why things are happening, or why science or magic work in a certain way and have a certain effect on each other. It all ties in together, part of the bigger weave of things. Things do not happen once upon a time, but at a certain place and time, and something happened before that. There is a history and culture to what people do. The game designers have used this logic to design the setting, and the moderators are using the very same logic to run their plotlines.
[edit] Romance and Rules of Realism
Depending on your setting you may find that romance (and/or erotica) is a big part of your PBP, a consequence of a more mature audience. in this like in all other elements of the setting remember that to be realistic not everybody can be the most romantic male on the planet. There will be cads, rogues and villains who will break a girls heart. Like wise some wenches are only out for the protection the hero can offer or for his treasure afterwards. Not everybody will be beautiful and those that are beauties may find that there are negative aspects such as jealousy in ladies and an under appreciation of their wit by men.
[edit] Fun before Realism
Our focus on realism does not mean players can never achieve anything because it would be unrealistic. It is not the moderators job to make things impossible. This is still a game of heroes and player fun should be central to the storytelling. While adversity is good player fun, so is gaining accomplishments from time to time. Success is very addictive.
Because playing out all moments in your life where you gain info or items or give an aspect of your life colour, we have the tool of Summary RP available to ensure ambitions remain fun, while also being played out realistically.
[edit] Dice and Rules of Realism
While intended as a semi free form system there is nothing in the Tazlure Game Syste which disallows the use of dice. To add the element of chance, and thus enhance realism, but also freeing moderators from always having to defend their deeper motivation behind every move, for instance in determining the outcome of fights, horse races etc. However the dice will be used behind the screens and not surface in the actual writing of posts.
