In any LARP game, there is always the chance that something will happen that compromises a person's personal feeling of safety or wellbeing. This can be in a physical or psychological sense and, in both cases, we respect the fact that these instances mean it is essential for a person to drop out of character and remove themselves from the scenario that is causing them problems.

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At The Flamel Academy, we have two methods of doing this. One is verbal, and one is non-verbal. You are welcome to use whichever method feels most comfortable and suitable to you at the time.

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Please note that these mechanics are purely for OC safety and comfort, and should not be used as a way to avoid IC repercussions of your conversations or actions.

 

Verbal OOC Status

To take yourself OOC verbally, you simply need to reference "Professor Ohsee"... helpfully pronounced as "Professor OC"! This name is used as an indicator that you need to leave the game area for an OC reason. 

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• Breaking roleplay verbally, but not needing further assistance

  • If you have an OC reason for wanting to withdraw from an interaction with another character but do not need any further assistance, you may make a statement such as "I need to find Professor Ohsee" or "Oh, I forgot I have a meeting right now with Professor Ohsee", and may back away from an interaction without negative repercussion. You can then either just take a moment to reset yourself, go to another game area, or hide away somewhere private where you can relax (such as your bedroom or tent, where applicable).
    
     

• Breaking roleplay verbally, and needing further assistance

  • If you need help or need to be take to a place away from the in-game area, you should find a ref, NPC or member of crew and tell them "Do you know where Professor Ohsee is?". This is an IC way of letting that crew member know "I need somewhere to get away from the game, and may need other assistance". The crew member will find you a suitable off-game space to rest, and will fetch one of the Player Support individuals. If you have a preference on whether you are supported by a male or female Player Support person, or there is a very specific person you wish to have with you, please let them know so they can do their best to arrange this for you.​

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Non-Verbal OOC Status

We understand that there are times where it is difficult to vocalise that you are having difficulties and need to escape an interaction or scenario. As such, we have a non-verbal way of indicating this, referred to as Tapping Out

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1. The person wishing to Tap Out should tap their fingertips on their forehead with clear, exaggerated motions

2. The Tap Outer should then look down and shield their eyes with their hands

3. Anyone interacting with someone to Taps Out should cease their interaction, and move aside to allow the person to leave the area if they wish

4. The person Tapping Out should keep their eyes shielded until they are in an area where they feel comfortable. People should avoid interacting with someone shielding their eyes unless they are asking the question "Out of Character: Do you need anything?" and assisting them if requested. 

5. If required, find or request a referee for further assistance.

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Returning to the IC area

Ultimately, we trust our players to use their judgement on how they should return to the IC area. If you were involved in an interaction where you were unlikely to have taken damage or be put under a spell or effect, you are likely best suited just re-inserting yourself into the player party in whatever way feels right at the time. If you went OC at a time where your character may have been somehow harmed, affected by calls or any other situation where their status or wellbeing would be affected, then you are probably best suited speaking to a referee before timing back in.

You are, of course, welcome to consult a referee regardless after dropping OC if you are unsure on how to time back in!

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How to handle someone who is declaring their OOC Status

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If a person uses either the Professor Ohsee or Tap Out methods, everyone should be mindful that the person may be upset, tired, stressed or scared, and may act negatively towards being interacted with. We ask that everyone be patient in such scenarios and leave the person alone if they request it. Everyone deals with these situations differently, and we all have a responsibility to be kind and courteous to those who are struggling so as not to add to their negative experience.

In any situation where you find yourself worried about the wellbeing of another attendee, whether they are a player or member of crew, we would ask that you find one of our Player Support people who will do what they can to investigate and help alleviate the situation where they are able to do so.

 

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Advanced Notice of Potential Issues
If you suffer from any physical or psychological issues that you feel may be impacted by the game, you are welcome to bring these matters up with us in advance, along with any advice that you feel we may need to help manage any instances of dropping OOC that you may experience during the game. This can be relating to physical health issues, mental health issues, or anything else you feel might be relevant to your experience and enjoyment.

In the case of problems that require medication or other medical aid, we strongly recommend you speak to the head First Aider of the event as early into the event as you can to inform them of what needs to be done to help you if required.

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Please note that you are in no way obliged to disclose any physical or mental health issues that you have to us. We encourage it as it provides us with as much information as possible as to how to help you in an emergency, but you are ultimately free to maintain your privacy on such matters as much as you wish.

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