Overall, the game is supposed to be fun. If your having problems, please talk to us (the Storytellers) about it and we'll try to work something out. Overall, no matter what anyone else may say, we are very receptive to making the game as enjoyable as possible for the players. After all, without players there can not be a game. The same goes with questions, don't hesitate to ask... the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. I'd like to solve any problems before they get out of hand, but I need the players help... if I don't know it's broken, how can I fix it?

Below are various rules and issues that I want everyone to be aware of.

It's just a game, don't take it so personally:

I can't emphasize this point enough. Eventually one (or possibly more) of the following will happen to your character;

(1) Betrayed by someone you thought was your friend or ally.

(2) Confronted, hindered or manipulated by another character in a way that you find is uncomfortable and/or embarrassing.

(3) Forced into a course of action you don't like.

(4) Make a mistake that costs your character dearly.

(5) Have a plan you've put a lot of energy into fail.

(6) Get killed.

Please take it in stride and above all, don't take it personally (even though your character more than likely would). Here's where I'll use a lot of catchy phrases that correspond to the above items which I feel are appropriate;

(1) Trust no one.

(2) Be patient and bide your time since revenge is a dish best served cold.

(3) Be flexible and keep your options open.

(4) Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

(5) No plan survives contact with the enemy.

(6) You didn't like that character anyway so now you can make up a better one.

At the very least you should use bad things that happen to your character as a learning experience, those whom ignore the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them in the future. How you handle these sorts of situations out of character can have a large impact on how the other players treat you. Throwing a temper tantrum or brooding about it tends to just isolate you from the other players, making the game less enjoyable. If you stay composed and a good sport about it, you'll find it easier to get back into the game and the other players will respect you more for it.

Areas of play and the Michigan Student Union Staff:

Typically we will be playing in the conference room on the 4th floor of the Union, when the weather gets nicer I'd like to play outside around the "Cube" (like in past games). Please be respectful to those whom you may encounter who are not involved in the game (when in doubt, consider those you run across not to be players). Remember, your average person usually doesn't understand that what we are playing is a game and if they overhear "in character" conversations about drinking blood, killing, and performing blood magic they tend to get a little frightened (lets face it, most of us don't look like your average law abiding citizens either... the author included). This can and has caused all sorts of problems with the Union Staff in the past. Previous games have almost lost having access to rooms in the Union due to these sorts of misunderstandings, please keep this in mind.

Storyteller and Narrator Duties:

The storytellers are primarily responsible for the overall running of the game. We will develop and run storylines, play NPCs, answer rules questions... basically all the behind the scenes stuff. A storyteller should always be consulted and present in resolving the following;

(1) Combat

(2) Hunting/Replenishing Blood Pool

(3) Influence use

Narrators, on the other hand, are player characters (Phil, Aaron and Spooky) who will assist the storytellers when needed (and if available). They will not be privy to any more information than the other players. If a storyteller is not available they will be able to oversee non-combat related challenges and answering rules questions.

You should always try to find a storyteller first before you go to a narrator, since the narrators are players also and may be involved in something "in character".

Problems With Storyteller Rulings:

Sometimes things don't go your characters way or something happens that just doesn't seem to fit into the rules. Most players then begin to wonder if the storytellers are being fair or not. The vast majority of the time their is a valid "in game" reason why something happened the way it did and it usually involves some aspect of one storyline or another. Occassionally, it's an unintentional mistake on our part. If you find a ruling or situation questionable, please don't argue or get confrontational with the storytellers... all you have to do is ask us for clarification. Of course, if the explaination would reveal information that would disrupt a storyline... we can't really give too many details to you for obvious reasons (you'll just have to trust us). But if it's not, we will try to fix the situation so as not to repeat it again.

Problems with Other Players:

Don't let personal differences from outside the game effect your in game interactions. There are a few ways to deal with this (1) minimize contact between your characters, (2) grin and bear it, or (3) leave the game. If personal grudges start to disrupt the game, the offending player will be talked to and dealt with by the storytellers. If you become aware of something like this, please let the storytellers know immediately.

Cheating:

The main purpose of the game is to have fun. Cheating is counter-productive to this purpose. Don't do it, you have nothing to gain from it and if your caught... you'll be permanently banned from playing.

Using Out of Character Knowledge In Character (or Meta-Gaming):

Meta-Gaming severly disrupts the enjoyment of all who are playing in the game. If you have knowledge of information your character doesn't know in character, you must not (to the best of your ability) allow it to guide your characters actions. If you are not sure the information you actually have is what your character would know then play it safe, don't use it.

No Touching:

This rule is in every Mind's Eye Theater Book, if you don't follow it... you aren't welcome in this game.

Unwanted Touching, Sexual Advances or Fighting:

Find a storyteller IMMEDIATELY and this will be dealt with. At the very least, the offending person will be removed and permanently banned from playing . Not to mention, face possible criminal charges.

Verbal Abuse and/or Threatening:

Tempers do flare occasionally. If you find yourself getting angry, take a break and leave the game area till you calm down. Remember, it's just a game... so their is no reason to rip someone a new one or threaten to beat the snot out of them.

Rough-Housing, Horse-Play and Running:

These forms of behavior will not be tolerated and the storytellers will deal with each on a case by case basis. The storytellers will also not be held responsible for injury or property damage that occurs from these forms of behavior.