Rules

Rules are subject to change as deemed necessary.  Keep an eye out for notices of changes and read them when they are released.

PRIVATELY OWNED SIM: 

All Linden Lab TOS and Community Standards apply, however, the rest of the rules are ours and must be abided by.  Remember, that this is a PRIVATELY OWNED sim, paid for by a single PRIVATE OWNER.  While the sim is open to the public, we reserve the right to deny entry to anyone at any time we deem necessary.  It’s the same concept as visiting a friend's house -  you follow their rules.  Don’t expect anything different here.

BE COOL!  

Roleplay, have fun, and don’t be an asshat.  The rest of the rules are to make sure that we can all roleplay following common lore and have fun.  Management has the final say on decisions.  Don’t argue.  In our experience, it's the people who try to bend the rules, find loopholes, push the limits, and try to get away with stuff that ruins the fun for others and cause sims to have too many rules and want so much control.  It’s childish, don’t do it. If you do, expect to be denied entry.

FOLLOW LORE:  

When you accept the invite to the RP Group in-world you agree to follow these rules and the sim lore.  Private RPs are your own, but when roleplaying with the rest of the community you must follow the Lore.

LIMIT TO TWO (2) CHARACTERS PER SL ACCOUNT:   

We welcome all your "alts," and you don't need to disclose them. However, you may only play two (2) characters per SL account. 

Please keep in mind the following guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest and metagaming:

1. Distinct Storylines and Information: Each character must have their own unique storyline and information. Do not share information between your characters that could be considered metagaming.

2. Avoid Metagaming: For example, and this is only an example of possible situations: You cannot play both the victim and the perpetrator of the same crime, or be the police officer investigating your other character's crime. Each character’s story must remain separate and individual.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines, or conflicts arising from running multiple characters could result in the loss of your ability to play multiple characters.

ADULT HUMAN AVATARS/CHARACTERS/PLAYERS ONLY: 

No Child Avies or underage players, no ageplay or kiddie porn or anything of the like (immediate ban, no questions asked!).  All avatars must be realistic, even for other races - no “furries”, anthro/anthromorph, cartoony colors, or anime avatars.  Any out-of-the-norm features on humans will be seen as that - body modification, but please keep them realistic. Pregnancy, prim babies (non-player), and child NPCs (invisible) are okay.  If your character’s age comes into question because of appearance, you will be contacted and possibly asked to change it or leave.  No arguments, please.

Keep in mind that this is an adult sim with adult situations.  Though we do not allow actual underage characters, they may be NPC'd as described above.   Despite these characters being NPCs at no time and under no circumstance is any roleplay allowed that involves age play or harm to the child characters, this includes feeding off of or “turning” a child.  In the case of pregnancy, do not RP harm or abrupt/spontaneous termination when it involves other characters without clear and explicit agreement on the outcome or IC consequences for all those involved in the story/scene.  For example, do not roleplay that another character’s actions caused a miscarriage without OOC discussions and agreement on the possible consequences

NO DISRUPTIVE GESTURES/ATTACHMENTS:

Gestures, attachments, or objects that create excessive or disruptive sound, or that might spam chat--this includes objects in your rental unit, vehicle, or body are prohibited.   Be mindful of your script count. Excessive scripts do cause lag, if you are seen using excessive scripts you will be asked to remove them.  

KEEP IT IC 

RP is meant to be fun, whether your character is an asshole or not, don’t be one OOC.  We are all supposed to be adults here, so before you do something drastic to another player’s character seek consent and respect their wishes and limits or your RP might be voided.  Remember that IC animosity and conflict do not equal OOC animosity and conflict.  

BE RESPECTFUL:   

Be OOC respectful to other players when discussing things, this includes disrupting RP scenes to air out your grievance with a scene or player.  While we understand that certain scenarios, characters, stereotypes, and personality types are completely plausible and happen in real life (the world is full of assholes, as you know) and that RP is FICTIONAL, just like any book or movie (and those are full of realistic assholes too), we ask our players to refrain from roleplaying sensitive real-life issues that might offend other PLAYERS OOC’ly.  For example - being an asshole that blows up the hospital - okay.  Playing a character that claims to be an ISIS operative and blows up the hospital--not okay.  Playing a character that hurls racist insults at vampires and werewolves (think True Blood “fanger”, “fang-banger”)--okay.  Playing a character that is bigoted and hateful towards the LGBTQIA+ community or other human races--not okay.  You can argue it's "realistic" and "just RP" all day long.  We don't care.

EXPECT BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN IC 

Consider your environment. Murder, theft, rape, prostitution, human trafficking, bombings, kidnapping, drugs, and other unsavory situations are all admissible in RP.  If any of these situations (or similar) are a problem for you, it is YOUR responsibility to avoid them, and please take steps to do so.  Be clear about your limits and respect other people’s limits and we should all be fine.

IC ACTIONS = IC CONSEQUENCES

Unnatural is a consent-based sim (SEE CONSENT), however, players may not hide behind their “right-to-life" or other limits to get out of reasonable consequences for their actions, nor should they expect other players to compromise their characters to accommodate those limits.  For example, by remaining in a situation where your character may be injured you are consenting to possible injury.  If you do not wish your character to die, do not put them in a situation where they could die.  So if you are walking on the train tracks and hear that train coming, get off the tracks.  Do not expect the train to stop or derail for you.

GET CONSENT  

All actions that may affect other characters or their property (including their NPCs, rental property, or place of business) require consent.  

NO OOC IN RP AREAS:  

If you have to, please keep it to a minimum, use brackets ((OOC)), or take it to the proper group.  If you have an issue with a scene you cannot resolve on your own in IMs, call a Community Lead for help. SEE BE RESPECTFUL

COMMON RP ETIQUETTE IS EXPECTED AND REQUIRED: 

This Sim is geared towards PARA-rp and semi-para-rp.  No metagaming, no godmodding, no powergaming, and be mindful of post order.  Play out your injuries and illnesses realistically in a roleplay sense.

Para-RP/Semi-Para RP - Posts should be in paragraph form, including narrative (descriptions of actions, facial expressions, etc), and/or dialogue that other players can react upon.

Metagaming - Using information gained out of character in your RP

Godmoding - Playing "god" or controlling other player’s characters or property (including NPCs) by imposing actions, reactions, feelings, etc.

Powergaming - Creating overpowered characters or RPing situations that put your character at an unfair advantage over others.  This includes not "taking hits" 

Follow Post Order - Each player takes a turn posting, and players wait their turn to post.

Thought Posts - Use with discretion.  Negative thought posts with no actions, expressions, or dialogue to accompany the thoughts are highly discouraged and frowned upon, and almost always cause issues.

RENTALS:  

Residential and Business rentals are private property.   Do not enter without consent/rp. You can't rob, destroy, vandalize, b&e, etc a rented property without the owner’s consent OOCly.  For more information on rentals, see RENTAL RULES

COMBAT

No bloodlines or combat HUDs.  No meters or metered combat will be used. Dice HUDs are optional.  All combat must be RP’d - no actual shooting of weapons.  3 posts MINIMUM for firearms, 2 posts MINIMUM for melee. Handguns, hunting rifles, shotguns, and reasonable melee weapons ONLY. High-powered weapons, assault rifles, etc, may make an appearance on the sim during EVENTS and may be acquired through roleplay at a future date.  Tactical vests are permitted (2 hits max)  SEE: Combat Rules below.

GROUPS, PACKS, COVENS, ETC

Players can create their own groups if they wish, for their gang, clan, pack, place of business, etc.  However, the use of the word “unnatural” or any symbols associated with the sim that may make it seem as an official sim group are prohibited.

NPCs 

Use sparingly.  We understand that NPCs are a regular part of roleplay, and players may create family members, attendants at shops, and general population.  Attempting to control an NPC created by someone else is considered Godmoding.  Players may not have NPCs that create an unfair advantage for their character, multiple guards, for example, and all use of NPCs must be plausible for the scene.   The Unnatural Administration reserves the right to create and utilize NPCs as needed or to approve or deny the use of personal NPCs. 

COMBAT GUIDE

Most combat in Unnatural is freeform, with the option to use dice, except for certain Storyteller-led scenes.  In player-led scenes, players are reminded to be fair and reasonable. Several factors can influence the outcome of a combat scene, like abilities, weaknesses, and a character’s state of mind. Use good judgment when determining the fairness of your character's fighting abilities.

Here are some simple things to remember when engaging in combat:

TWO actions per post, including defenses and attacks. Always list things as attempts, no matter what you’re emoting (even supernatural abilities).

Example:

- Mary Ann attempts to whack Allen on the head with the blunt end of her pistol.

- Allen ducked, barely missing the narrow attack from Mary Ann. He could feel the breeze of air as the pistol swung by his face. Quickly, he reacted, reaching for her wrist in an attempt to pin her back against the wall.

When approaching a scene, wait for at least one full post-round before engaging in the roleplay.

If you need a mod or admin to oversee your scene, please reach out in the “Support” Discord or refer to “Staff” in the Landing Zone.

Storyteller-led scenes

In Storyteller-led scenes the Storyteller takes control to guide the narrative and ensure a balanced and engaging experience. Here are the rules for when a Storyteller mods a scene:

• The Storyteller has the final say on the outcome of actions and events in the scene. Their decisions are meant to maintain the flow and fairness of the story.

• Players still describe their characters' actions, but the Storyteller will determine the results. Players should be clear about their intentions and be prepared for unexpected outcomes.

• If dice rolls are used, the Storyteller will call for them and interpret the results. They may use dice to resolve actions, conflicts, or random events.

•  Players should wait for the Storyteller's cues before taking significant actions. This helps maintain the scene’s pacing and ensures everyone is on the same page.

• If players have questions or concerns about the scene, they should communicate directly with the Storyteller. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the scene running smoothly.

• The Storyteller will strive to be fair and impartial, but players are also expected to play fairly and respect the Storyteller’s guidance.

• Similar to player-led scenes, wait for at least one full post-round before engaging in significant actions. This allows the Storyteller to set the scene and react to player inputs effectively.

If you have any issues or need clarification during a storyteller-led scene, don’t hesitate to reach out in the “Support” Discord or contact “Staff” in the Landing Zone.

Non-player Combat

Players are permitted to utilize NPCs for combat situations within certain limitations, but should always maintain control and agency over their own characters' actions and decisions. 

Players should also obtain consent from other players before introducing NPCs into combat scenarios involving their characters. This ensures that all parties involved are comfortable with the direction of the storyline and the potential outcomes. 

There is a two (2) action maximum (per post) requirement when utilizing NPC’s in combat. 

When using an NPC it's important to note the following restrictions:

Non- player characters should:

• take hits just as often as the player-character. 

• serve to enhance the overall role-playing experience rather than detract from it. 

• be used sparingly and purposefully, contributing to the story in meaningful ways.

Non-player characters should not: 

• overshadow player characters in terms of importance or impact on the narrative. be used as a substitute for player interaction or engagement. 

• be more powerful than a player-character (including familiars). 

Firearm Combat

In their roleplay community, firearms are encouraged as a last resort when resolving conflicts. Characters should anticipate realistic consequences if they're seen with or using a gun. Law enforcement may question them or even confiscate the weapon if it lacks proper permits, which can be obtained at the Gun Shop.

• When characters fire a gun, it's important to specify where they're aiming and the caliber of the ammunition being used. 

• There's a two-post requirement for firearm use: one post for attempting to draw the weapon and another for firing. Each post can include up to two shots. 

• Reloading requires two posts. 

• Ensure your character has a valid reason for possessing weapons. The gun store and gangs that traffic weapons are available options for obtaining them.

Weapons

To legally own any of these weapons, characters must obtain a firearm permit from the gun shop (we'll keep a record). Anything else needs approval through the Roleplay Connection form here: https://forms.gle/quAmk6f9ye55pip56

The following weapons are permitted:

• Pistols

• Revolvers

• Shotguns

• Assault Rifles 

• Sniper/Hunting Rifles 

• Knives

• Machetes

• Katana

• Tear Gas 

• Molotov Cocktails

• Knives 

• Kunai 

• Pepper Spray 

• Body Armor 

• Body armor that is not a part of your racial ability, must be purchased from the gun store or another character. All armor (innate or otherwise), regardless of circumstance, becomes ineffective after taking two hits.

• Keep in ,mind that any extra appendages on supernaturals (talons, tails, stingers, etc) are considered WEAPONS and follow the same guidelines as similar weapons.

The following weapons are not permitted: 

• Grenade Launchers

• Full Automatic Rifles

• RPGs

• (More to be added if needed)

For information on Silver weapons, please see below.

Supernaturals

Supernaturals have unique abilities or appendages that can be useful in combat. It's important to note that supernaturals are naturally resistant to many supernatural powers, making it more challenging to affect them. 

Additionally, there is a veil in place that must be maintained when using these abilities. 

If you're unsure about how a supernatural's abilities or appendages work in a scene, don't hesitate to check the race page for that specific supernatural. You can also reach out to a LoreKeeper or Community Lead for guidance. We're here to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Silver

In the Unnatural world, silver is the rarest and most coveted commodity. Its scarcity and immense value stem from its unique properties and the demand it commands among supernaturals. As a non-renewable resource, obtaining silver is exceptionally challenging and expensive, akin to the cost of gold or diamonds in our current world.

It is well-documented that silver is poisonous to certain supernaturals and has an inherent ability to suppress their healing capabilities. While its immediate effect may cause burns (similar to acid), skin irritations, and delayed wound healing, significant poisoning requires prolonged contact or entry into the bloodstream.   Most deaths from silver-inflicted wounds result not directly from the silver itself but from the inability of the supernatural to heal, leading to succumbing to the wounds due to the poisoning of organs or infection at the wound site. We have not put a timeline on how long a silver poisoning may take before the character succumbs, and leave that up to the character to decide, however, all silver wounds and poisoning must be healed by a Phral. 

Humans unaware of the supernatural have little reason to seek silver weapons or ammunition. Growing up, they would have always known silver to be rare and valuable. They wouldn't think twice about its scarcity because it's been like that for as long as they can remember. The rarity of silver has just been a part of life, a condition that has persisted since the discovery of the silver affliction. This lack of knowledge keeps them blissfully unaware of its true significance in combating supernatural threats.

Silver weapons, including knives and ammunition, are both expensive and rare. They can only be acquired through role-play interactions with specific entities like the Gun Shop or certain factions. Characters might also obtain them through in-character actions such as robbing another character, but this requires prior consent and approval.

Key points for silver weaponry include:

- Full Silver Bullets: Available through the APD, Horizon, and the Gun Shop.

- Silver-Tipped Bullets: Available through factions, subject to approval*. 

Additionally, any poisons, elixirs, drugs, gasses, or other items infused with silver that are not on the approved list are prohibited and require administrative approval* before use.

This structured approach ensures the controlled distribution and use of silver in the Unnatural world, maintaining its status as a rare and precious resource.

* Approval must be obtained from the Roleplay Connection form here: https://forms.gle/quAmk6f9ye55pip56