In order to make the systems in this book as realistic and free form as possible, a great deal of responsibility is placed on the player’s honor. Games of this nature offer the temptation to cheat and this inevitably invites less than honorable conduct. Luckily, in most cases such conduct is a matter of quick tempers or absentmindedness and not a concerted effort to cheat the system. No amount of rules or Game Masters will ever replace simple integrity and fair play. When cheating occurs, violators are quickly discovered and dealt with. Players who suspect someone of cheating should take their concerns to a Game Master. Players should never confront each other directly, instead let a Game Master decide what action to take. Ignorance is no excuses for cheating and players are expected to learn all the rules of the game and follow them. The following are actions that are viewed as cheating.
Disregard for the rules: Players will often ignore the rules of the game. Hitting for more damage, drinking alcohol on site, or not expending uses of magic objects for example.
Disregard for safety: Safety should be the foremost concern of all players. Swinging with too much force would be an example of disregard for safety. The game will no longer be fun if people are getting hurt.
Disruption of atmosphere: Players who disrupt the atmosphere ruin the game for everyone. Walking around out of costume, driving cars through the game site, or playing radios loudly, are examples of disruption.
Disrespect for authority: Players that refuse to follow or argue the orders of a Game Master or other officials cannot play the game properly and ruin it for others.
Disrespect for players: Players should treat other in a civil manner. Players should not be rude, offensive, or violent towards other players.
Loop-holing: Loop-holing is using gaps or holes in the wording of the rules in order to gain an advantage in play.
Meta-gaming: Use of out-of-game information or abilities for the benefit of a character. For example, as a non-player-character a player watches to see which player gets the treasure on a module. Later, acting as their player character, they kill that character and take the treasure.
New player predators: Experience players who take advantage of new players due to their lack of out-of-game knowledge of the rules. For example, telling a first time player that a gold coin is a copper coin.
Abuse of property: Players who abuse the property of Mid-Land or facilities being used by Mid-Land are cheating. This could include littering, breaking windows, destroying props, and similar acts of vandalism.
These are only example of in game offenses and players are still bound by all state and federal laws of the area the game is held. Players who are accused or caught breaking such laws will be handed over to and dealt with by the appropriate authorities. Players who are discovered violating in-game rules can expect the following disciplinary actions.
In-game penalty: In-game penalties are the quickest form of punishment. Game Masters can enforce an in-game penalty at any time. An in-game penalty affects a player's character and not a player themselves. For example, a character refusing to take hits could be given a torso wound. In-game penalties are best reserved for people who cheated unintentionally, first time offenders, or new players.
Out-of-game penalty: Out-of-game penalties affect a player directly. A Game Master can enforce an out-of-game penalty at any time. Out-of-game penalties could include loss of fighting privileges or being required to sit out of the game for a small amount of time. Out-of-game penalties are best reserved for people intentionally cheating, or repeat offenders.
Suspension: In extreme cases, players can be suspended from the game. While suspended, the player may not attend Mid-Land events. Suspended players may attend public demos, but only as spectators. Suspension can last from one to three full events. Site fees will not be refunded to a player if they are suspended. A panel of three Game Masters must vote unanimously to enforce a suspension. Suspensions are best reserved for habitual offenders.
Expulsion: Expulsion permanently removes a player's privilege to participate at Adventures in Mid-Land. Expulsion cannot be reversed. Expelled players may attend public demos, but only as spectators. Site fees will not be refunded to a player if they are expelled from play. A panel of three Game Masters voting unanimously is required to enforce an expulsion. Expulsion is reserved for players who have become physically violent towards another player or a Game Master, has been suspended multiple times, or committed a real world crime while at Adventures in Mid-Land.
Adventures in Mid-Land has always enjoyed a playing environment relatively free of cheating. While it is necessary to discuss the topic, few of these disciplinary actions have ever been enforced. In twelve years no player has ever been suspended or expelled from the game.
