ROLES AND GROUPS | NocturneV2 Copy

NARRATOR

Anybody may tell a story for their own particular species group, so long as they are willing to abide by the following rules. The term Narrator is used instead of Story Teller to mark a distinction between those who make rulings and those who are running a story. A Narrator runs stories, a Storyteller can run stories but also makes rule judgements. Narrators do not make rule judgements.

SPECIES: Use your own species antagonists as antagonists. Do not involve other game lines protagonists or antagonists. This just keeps things simple and stops problems that can arise from stepping on other species toes, and also removes meta possibilities. Species which aren't listed as player species are forbidden to be used in these stories. (Demon The Fallen, Kindred Of The East, Mummy The Resurrection, Hunter The Reckoning are all forbidden from being used.)

NO REWARDS: Anything with mechanical benefits can seriously disrupt or unbalance the game people shouldn't join a story because it awards XP or special gear. So this isn't something you are permitted to award.

USE THE SIM: Use the sim environment. Seek permission if you are going to use a business or HQ.

NPCS: If you set up NPC's for a story, pick them up after you go.

SPECIAL AREAS: If you need a special area there is a set of four skyboxes that can be used. Limit your builds to no more than 200 L.I and clean up when you are done. It is recommended you -save- a build by selecting all parts of it, and packing it away after it is used.
SLURL BOX 1
SLURL BOX 2
SLURL BOX 3
SLURL BOX 4

TIME LIMIT: Try to limit each act in your story to a maximum of one week. Sim staff will return objects that are rezzed for longer than a week. Unlike "SIM EVENTS" player led stories should be easier to schedule as its just you and the players on your schedule you need to worry about.

PLAY FAIR: Players need to enjoy the experience as much as possible, don't create things that they can't beat or give them challenges they can't over come.

DAMAGE: Under no circumstances may you damage sim buildings. If you want to blow something up or destroy a building, then use the special areas skyboxes.

SPARE THE ROLLS: As with everything, rolls aren't necessary for everything. Rather than asking characters to roll, just ask for their relevant skill level when it comes to feats, skill levels are rated 0 -5 ... 0 should indicate a fail, 1-2 a roll, 3-4 should pass, 5 would be an automatic pass for even the toughest feat. Example. Tommy with larceny 0 wants to pick a lock.. he fails, Jenny with larceny 3-4 does the same and succeeds. Billy with larceny 5 just passes the test with out breaking a sweat. Contested actions -may- need to be rolled, but again, use common sense, tell the story.

KEEP THE MASQUARADE: You may not make earth shattering revelations, that destroys the masquerade or brings the eyes of the world on New Orleans. This will always be a masquerade sim. Nobody has permission to change that. Nobody has permission to let the world know of the supernatural. You may imply that the antagonists are going to threaten it, in which case the job is simple, to protect the masque, but there will be no mass awakening and generally the masses will continue in ignorance.

DON'T INVOLVE YOUR OWN CHARACTER: You are telling a story for the benefit of others. Don't make your character a part of that. Nobody wants you to tell a story for a group of players where your character is the star of the show and defeats the bad guy and passes all the challenges. Your role of storyteller is to create content and fun for other players. Your character should in no way reap any benefits from a storyline.

RESPECT: Respect the roles of the players of the group, cater your story around those roles. Give them things to do which utilizes their particular skill sets. Also make sure the content is suitable for the tastes of the group. Give people trigger warnings if sexual violence or horrific torture or gore is going to be a feature of the story, and for the love of god, don't even mention children in anyway what so ever.

FOLLOW SIM RULES: This shouldn't need to be said, but hey, follow the sim rules for conduct, if challenged on particular rule, ask a member of staff to give a ruling for the particular incident.

GROUP LEAD A player in a storyteller role should always defer to the species lead in any matters arising. We don't want to stop you telling stories though group leads who are staff members do have a duty of care for the species group they are responsible for. Please work with them and respect any call they make in regards to your story.

ABUSE: A player may have the option locked out of their Hud permanently if this title is abused. Do not wear the title if you are not -being- a storyteller, if you are not delivering a story.

WAGES OF SIN

There are natural consequences for actions.
However sometimes a situation will occur where a very powerful character absolutely cannot be stopped and has stopped caring for the secrecy which protects all supernatural.
In such cases something has to be done to maintain the integrity of the setting and mood of the sim.
Sometimes a big problem, needs a big solution.
Groups will be given every opportunity to solve the problem themselves, but when they can't , when the integrity of the setting is threatened. The Solution is The Celestial Intervention Agency.

THE CIA: CELESTIAL INTERVENTION AGENCY

There is, among the supernatural of Nocturne, talk of a group, a group of beings that are gods among men, a group of powerful beings that destroy those who flaunt the veil of secrecy on supernatural behaviour, yet also a group that seems to care not for the suffering of prizes, a group that cares not for turf wars or the interactions of the cities citizens, nor the machinations and plans of supernatural beings and groups..

Some whisper as to the nature of these beings... Some believe them hunters, while mages who have had their most powerful vaporized by unknown powers speak of a power older than them, older than the fae , older than the vampire race.

Perhaps this is just a rumour, Perhaps this is a tale fabricated by the Camarilla or the Hierarchy or the Garou Nation or Fae Nobles or the Technocracy.

Perhaps the disappearances of powerful individuals without regard for secrecy are attributed to this C.I.A in order to wash the blood from the hands of the true killers.

For some reason this group has a vested interest in keeping the supernatural activity of New Orleans a secret..

Perhaps they fear The Second Inquisition, Perhaps they fear the Technocracy, Perhaps they fear others like them finding the city and setting up roots there. It should be mentioned, the Celestial Intervention Agency have taken prizes for their own reasons, the prizes never to be seen again.

Generally the name Celestial Intervention Agency is more of a nickname bestowed on these beings, it certainty isn't their actual name.

Most supernatural groups will deal with those who flaunt the rules of secrecy .
The C.I.A will not interfere if the supernatural keep their own houses in order and deal with breeches.
Only if an offender repeatedly flaunts the veil of secrecy and seem to be -getting away with it- will the C.I.A get involved.
They will determine causation, they will find offenders, they will find those who enable offense...
They will protect the secrecy of the supernatural if groups seem incapable of moderating it themselves.

OOC: The C.I.A are a prestige race, we'll leave it for characters to discuss what they may be, or even if they exist at all. After all they rarely leave evidence of their intervention, what their infernal plans are... nobody is sure.

Generally, this shouldn't be something most regular players should concern themselves with. Treat it as rumour at best. It should only become a concern if your character has threatened sim integrity with numerous blatant masquerade breeches and have made themselves -untouchable-
Admin will give you a heads up if your character has become problematic.
Admin will give you a chance for your character to pay for their crimes in house (their species group fixing the problem)
If these measures fail, Admin will put your character on notice. "The C.I.A has noticed your character, expect a visit soon"
There does seem to be one safe haven. St Louis Cathedral. However one would have to spend every waking moment there.

CHANGING ROLE:

Ideally, over time a character may change roles, in real life this would require a story arc and justification.
Prizes who are harshly treated may evolve into Defenders to protect others from similar fates, or they may fall down a rabbit hole and become aggressors themselves.
Aggressors could enter a redemption arc storyline and become defenders. Defenders could also switch to the dark side.. All these changes are possible, Arcs should take place over -several- sessions.
BUT: We understand people have fleeting wants and desires, some days you want to be the prize, used and abused, other days you want to be the defender or the aggressor. THIS IS FINE.
The only caveat with switching roles is that you do so between log in sessions. You may not switch roles during a scene which involves use of the roles! We want to avoid "False Flag" lures. People will gravitate to what they are looking for, luring people to scene with a false flag to then give them what they do not want is plainly an abuse of the role system.
You may switch to a Utility Role at any time you please.

THIS IS WORLD OF DARKNESS:

Aggressors make bad things happen.
Defenders try to stop these bad things happening.
Prizes tend to have the bad things happen to them.
Socialites take greater roles within their supernatural groups, focusing on "The Big Picture", rather than the affairs of individuals.

NATURAL CONSEQUENCES OF ACTIONS:

All characters have the right to life and mobility.
Death and Dismemberment requires full consent of characters. However Aggressors, Defenders, Prizes that become too big a problem, they might need to have a discussion with an admin. One can only be -so- blatant before things become problematic for the roleplay environment.
For example, Raping someone in the middle of the street, is probably going to get you killed.
Breaking the supernatural rules in public will absolutely get you killed if it becomes problematic , and there is a very special fate for those draw undue attention to the city of New Orleans. (See Wages Of Sin)
There are things that -should- get you killed, however we don't want to -end- players experiences, Death is only petitioned for in the case of characters who consistently destabilize the sim setting and integrity with actions that would bring attention to the city of New Orleans.
Being an aggressor alone isn't a case worthy of execution. We want to encourage dark roleplay, and encourage conflict in this world of darkness. A lot of people are welcoming of such scenarios. Those who aren't can always take the SOCIALITE role.

NEGATING CONSEQUENCE:

You need to be smart in character.
Disguise yourself if you are going to commit an action that may have repercussions.
Drug, mind wipe, threaten, intimidate victims so they won't blab and get you into trouble.
Uphold the masquerade.
Surround yourself with brothers or sisters in arms.
Get yourself a good alibi.. make sure no witnesses can place you at the scene of your crime.
When confronted deal with it IC, act innocent IC, make the character who wants to beat on you for abusing his girlfriend doubt you had anything to do with it, give reasons why you couldn't have committed the heinous act. "I was in a board meeting at that time, ask Larry, your girlfriend must be mistaken!"
Not all the above will work, some people will push through, you might want to roll some social feats or enact some social supernatural powers to de-escalate the situation, if all else fails though, make sure you can defend yourself in character.

BUT PLEASE DEAL WITH IT IN CHARACTER

If you suspect meta, fine , but ask yourself if you have done every thing in character to cover your tracks. You may request 3rd party adjudication if you suspect meta, politely request a staff member.
Calmly state your case to them. They will speak with you and the other party in turn. While you may suspect meta, remember this is world of darkness, some supernatural power may have been used which allowed someone to identify the truth, respect the ruling of the staff member, even if it does not go in your favour, sometimes it will, sometimes it won't.
Do not try to OOC argue with the other party.
OOC arguments with other parties is the cause for most drama that occurs on roleplay sims. Be adults, be aware you do not have all of the information, seek 3rd party to assess the situation from a neutral standpoint. (Neutral meaning one who does not have beef or loyalties with either party) If no such 3rd is available at the time, simply request to delay the scene until such a time as it can be adjudicated.

CONSENT

Every character consents to natural consequences that arise because of their actions.
We believe strongly that "limits" must be respected. We also believe strongly that limits should be -communicated- before scenes.
We believe Prizes should have relatively few limits but what limits they do have should be respected. Right to life should be afforded to everyone. Anyone may consent to death if they please. If any character is -deserving death- that is an admin decision. (See Wages Of Sin)
Communications & Respect will solve a lot of issues. ROLE TYPES exist to FLAG those seeking a particular type of roleplay.
Respect is a must. Something may not be to your liking and that's ok. Do not kink shame, or be derisive. Just politely inform others of limits.

Respect other roles. Socialites can not be forced into combat situations.
Do not ICLY disrespect or threaten other characters when you are in a socialite role if you are not willing to face the consequences.
Socialites may try to deescalate aggressor situations with subtle means of mind control (if they can) or by respectful negotiation.
Threats of violence to aggressors are as likely to provoke violence from an aggressor and really only defenders or other aggressors should be threatening or dealing with aggressors in such ways.
Socialite works only so long as you don't provoke other role types. Thought emotes are included in this. (see OOC rules)

FADE TO BLACK:

Everyone has the right to fade to black scenes that make them uncomfortable. However there is no reason that FTB scenes deserve roleplayed consequences. A player is well within their rights not to roleplay the consequences arising from a faded scene and fade to black themselves on any scenes arising from a scene that itself was faded.
We do know some people have fade to black listed in their profiles, but we are also aware not everyone reads profiles. Clearly indicate to people that you are going to fade to black before any capture scene begins, and we are also aware that sometimes, people with fade to black in their profiles change their minds ;) So again, communicate if you are going to fade to black.

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S CHOICES

We have a mixed variety of player types. Some seeking deep species play others seeking more dark personal storylines, others seeking fun. All is valid and should be respected.

The Roles specifically allow individuals to flag themselves as receptive to certain roleplays. Respect the choices of others OOCLY. Jeremy Renner isn't a cannibal in real life, but he has played Jeffery Dahmer in a movie..., He also played Hawkeye in the Avengers movies. Don't judge players by their character choices. Don't seek to kink shame or criticize other players, that's generally toxic behaviour and could cause us to reprimand you. Try not being judgemental and toxic. You have your likes, they have theirs. Love and let live.

FACTIONS

One does not have to be a member of a faction but it does help to have brothers and sisters in arms who understand your desires and can help you fulfil them. Faction groups are not "Species" centric. (Except for the watch)

One will always have a species group, but Factions move beyond the lines of supernatural groups, there maybe any type of species within role groups. (Except for the watch, and wraith can't really join NOPD)

Factions will be created by admin and leaders assigned to these Factions, but generally they will be open invite
Faction leader will be granted the ability to remove and ban characters from joining the group again if the need arises.
NOTE: There is no humanity system in Nocturne. Characters of any species may join the consortium without necessarily being branded Nephaldi, Marauder, Shadow Court, Black Spiral, Sabbat, Outlaw to their native splats. So long as they are not conspiring against species groups and threatening their species laws, then it is fine. (Uphold the masque, etc) We don't want to put characters in a position where they are forced into social niceties for the sake of survival, there is desire for dark roleplay, and we want characters to be free to explore this. Of course consequences are a thing, but they are a thing for interfering busy bodies too. We request that consortium members adopt the aggressor role, we don't need a group of reactionary roles in a criminal faction. Dolls of course are the exception. We don't expect people to sit around in a faction base chatting , we expect action. If you are in the Consortium, do stuff to get noticed, this is like the real world, wallflowers don't get noticed. There are a number of people seeking exactly the kind of experience the consortium thrives on.

Other factions may end up listed here in the future as official nocturne factions if the theme is deemed appropriate and if the group passes a trial period, after the trial period one of nocturnes admin will need to be assigned owner of any new Factions.

Trail periods last up to two months, before we pass of deny official faction hood. Be careful with naming conventions. The Syndicate for example is technocratic convention in world of darkness, so naming a group the syndicate would be confusing.

SAFETY IN NUMBERS:

Don't forget the special bonus for ganging up on individual opponents, found under the combat rules. While hunters generally aren't capable of taking the more powerful supernatural by themselves, a large group of them who corner one, will do better. Use this tactic to your advantage.

SPECIES, ROLES & FACTIONS

Nocturne provides many opportunity for stories. Stories don't just happen though, they need help to grow and develop, below are the ways to get the most out of your roleplay experience.

You have two big choices in nocturne

YOUR SPECIES: This is generally for group play. You will be involved in the working of an individual species, unless you play a human, then your story options are going to be defined by your role only. Species roleplay is generally -delivered- to you by the leads of those species, they will provide exciting storyteller led events for your character to get involved in. However due to these being tailored stories rather than spontaneous roleplay, the most meat is going to be provided by your ROLE.

YOUR ROLE: Your role is defined as either "Generalist" "Aggressor" "Defender" "Prize" or "Socialite". Your role serves as a signal to other players of what kind of roleplay experience you desire, "Aggressors" need to be proactive, people aren't just going to walk up to you and scream "take me", however if you see a "Prize" you can be sure they are seeking similar roleplay to yourself. None of the roles are mutually exclusive, but they serve the function of generating organic roleplay, giving people the heads up they need to be confident in delivering their brand of roleplay. You will be asked to select a role when you first put on the HUD.

SUPERNATURAL SPECIES

SPECIES

Nocturne is a world filled with supernatural, each supernatural species has a group associated with it. Through these groups you will find storylines and plots to occupy your character. These types of roleplays can be political or they can be big events which require overcoming obstacles, these types of storylines are led by sim admin or by group leads, however that's only top down led roleplay. Day to day you are more likely to be involved in personal story lines. These storylines may impact on your group story lines and this is perfectly ok. We can't expect everything to be sunshine and rainbows. In character drama and conflict is -good- for roleplay.

NOTE: Humans generally can get involved in supernatural stories, but not necessarily know about the supernatural. Humans have the option of joining a species by becoming one of the species later in their story , however one can start as any species they desire. There are special groups that may lead to choices different from those presented below, but rp is required for those.

All supernatural groups have Hierarchies that can help with group stories. Don't worry if your particular subset (Clan/Tribe/Tradition) is in the minority, all ranking species positions have a duty of care when it comes to their own species regardless of what sub group they play.

NOTE: Basic Themes are the absolutely stripped down to one tiny paragraph themes, Of course the species have far , far, far more going on.

PERSONAL STORIES :ROLES

SELF DETERMINED ORGANIC ROLEPLAY

PERSONAL STORIES

Outside of your species groups you will naturally get into stories with other characters, while your supernatural group may well facilitate some of these stories, others are going to be determined BY YOU and the ROLE you chose.

WHAT IS SELF DETERMINED ORGANIC ROLEPLAY?

This is simply taking charge of your characters interactions by publicly flagging yourself as receptive to certain types of roleplay. We want to remove uncertainty from the equation. A role flag is simply a match making service. We want to offer players a chance to find players who will induct them into the "World Of Darkness", players can sometimes find themselves disconnected or even forget that the World Of Darkness is not a nice place. The aim with ROLES is to give players the chance to experience the darkness, either as the monster, the fighter of monsters or as the prize of the monster. While we will always provide story content, it is not feasible to deliver storylines for each individual player. Players have to do that themselves, they have to find people who are willing to collaborate, for that they need to identify who is likely to offer them the things they want to explore.

NOTE: We understand character vs character and dark and mature roleplay is not to everyone's personal tastes.

All you have to do is select -switch role- on the hud and choose SOCIALITE. This way you are free to enjoy the roleplay you enjoy in peace.

We swear we would never drop a roleplay style on those who do not wish to play it. "Socialite", exists for this very reason. It's your opt out of character v character interaction, so long of course that you don't give people a reason to want to smash your face in. Socialite does not prevent you from being smacked if you insult people by way of thoughts or actions. (see thought emotes in RP etiquette on the OOC rule page )

However on the other side of the coin, we do wish to clearly indicate players to one another who are willing to engage in certain aspects of roleplay. This should be encouraged, very few people wish to engage in lengthy ooc conversations with others before initiating roleplay. If we allow people to flag themselves at a glance, it makes roleplay fluid and easy to get off the ground, rather than have people spend time they could be roleplaying to feel out another character.

DO: Respect other players choices of roleplay style.
DO: Respect limits
DO: Communicate limits (your profile isn't communication) though you may communicate that an individual should check your "Limits" pick if your limits still apply.
DO: Post lures in group chat describing what you are doing and where. (make sure the lures aren't graphically lewd, no mention of genitalia, or female breasts or bodily secretions or excretions, you can titillate, but don't be lewd, save that for rp. )
DON'T: Send explicit or sexual content to people's Instant Messages without first receiving permission from them.
DON'T : Judge a player by the choices of roleplay they choose to engage in. If its not to your taste, it's not to your taste. We are all adults.
DON'T: Ignore the masquerade, one should seek to employ the handicap in public areas. (See combat rules)
DON'T: Be a dick, if you're going to attack someone, make sure its someone who can present a reasonable challenge to your character if there isn't an individual who can present a reasonable challenge, then you need to challenge groups. (Groups will always have an advantage over individuals because a group has more attacks per turn and a larger health pool and benefit from the team work bonus on combat page.)

THIS IS WORLD OF DARKNESS

Nocturne is a world awash with horror and heroism. There are many species and organizations within nocturne, there are however only four ROLES for characters in Nocturne.

NOTE: It is important to note that roles do not denote if a person wins an interaction or not. An Aggressor may well -bring- the conflict ,but it does not automatically mean he wins the -prize- (unless the prize is exceptionally eager) the roles just denote what type of roleplay characters look for.

NOTE II: We don't use terms like PVP we think that is the wrong mindset. We do not seek to pit players against one another in a contest . Players should be on the same page and respectful of one another OOC. We use the term CVC for character vs character, because characters are not players and while characters can harm each other, players should not be seeking to undermine, hurt ,disregard other players.

NOTE III: We don't use terms like "Victim", We use the term "Prize" because prizes have value to all characters, and victim implies the prize isn't putting up a fight.

NOTE IV: We do not condone violence or any of the abusive actions that may occur in roleplay in real life. Exploring the darker side of roleplay does not imply anything about anybody's real life character. We understand there are those who can't even bare such things in fictional settings, however they can opt out of it by choosing SOCIALITE role and avoiding NSFW channels on Discord.

Story Telling