Rules Update: Core Rules addendums

The following rules have been enforced for some time - some as long as the game has been around - but never actually appeared in the rulebook.  They are now being formally added, to put them "on the books" - literally.

• When interpreting the rules of the game, the base assumption is that you cannot use the rules to accomplish something In-Game, unless a rule specifically states you are able to do so.  For example, the 1st Rank Fire spell "Fire Strike" does not state it can be used to ignite flammable materials - therefore, you cannot use it to do so.  This may be overruled by an OOG marshal that is monitoring an encounter, but only on a case-by-case basis - precedent does not matter in this rule.
• You have 5 seconds to call a defense after taking an effect.
• If you attack using a Melee based periodic skill, and your swing is blocked by the physrep of a shield or weapon (as opposed to a defense that is another skill or effect), you retain the use of your periodic skill.
• You cannot combine Tag Skills under one attack unless it is specified in the skill description that you may do so.
• You cannot stack more than one instance of an effect, or a specific benefit (i.e. - a Strengh bonus, Armor points, etc.) from the same source.  For purposes of this, sources include Arcane effects (Mages, Bards, and Wild Mages), Divine effects, Druidic effects, Psionic effects, Alchemical effects, or a specific skill (i.e. - Battle Cry).

Additionally, the following rule is being introduced:

Attempting actions without the use of a skill

There will come a point in most player's careers where they will want to attempt something that is covered by a skill, either that their character does not possess, or without expending the skill.  In this situation, the following rules apply:

1) If you are attempting to achieve a game mechanical effect, you MUST use the appropriate skill, no exceptions.

2) If you are attempting something that you can do yourself without a skill, that is covered by a skill and does NOT target another player or object, you can do so without producing a game mechanical effect, as long as it does not break safety or personal boundaries.  For example, if you wished to hide in the brush without use of Cloak of the Green, you could do so.  This would not give you the ability to use a yellow headband (a game mechanical effect).  If you wanted to climb into the eves of a building, you could do so without the use of the Climb skill as long as it is safe OOG to do so (i.e. - there is a solid, stable ladder and the space is designed to hold a person's weight - you could not climb into a rotted tree and out on a branch to get the drop on someone).

3) If you are attempting something that you can do yourself without a skill, that is covered by a skill and targets another player or object, you can NOT do this without the consent of the other player, or a Marshal.  For example, if you wished to tie up an NPC brigand, you could not do so without A) The use of a skill like Quickbind, B) The use of an item, like Manacles, C) The consent of the NPC playing the Brigand, who agrees to the RP, or D) The consent of an OOG Marshal that is marshaling the encounter.  Under NO circumstances should any combat action ever be taken without the use of a skill - purposefully OOG tripping, disarming, subduing, breaking of weapons (or limbs), or actually binding someone so they are incapable of free movement is unacceptable behavior, and will result in a Rules Violation at the very least.  Anyone consenting to the RP of such things should do so in a safe and courteous manner, such as being loosely tied (so they can slip out in an OOG emergency), taking a prat fall if thrown or tripped, etc.

Personal safety, the safety of others, and the rules of the game always come first, and take priority over actions performed without the use of a skill.

These have all been worked into the Online Rulebook.  A new page, called "Core Rules," has been added, where basic things like the Hold rule, headbands, and some of these new rules have been added.

1) If you are attempting to achieve a game mechanical effect, you MUST use the appropriate skill, no exceptions.

Does this include o verreach slay?

Yes, unless Roy is calling it.  I think that's in the rulebook somewhere...

I distinctly remember a skill called by a celt called kidney punch.  Why is this not listed in the rulebook, bc that really hurt.

its on the retired solar master list.

Updated the "Blocking an attack with a physrep" rule to be more clear - the IG / OOG phrasing was difficult to interpret in its previous incarnation.