Submitted by Thad on Mon, 2011-04-25 11:39
Even during a good game, there are always a few speed bumps. Last game we ran into two that will require some new site rules to address.
First, spectators (i.e., people who are at the event but have not signed a waiver, have not gone through orientation, and are not playing) will no longer be allowed to participate in boffer combat on site, not even playful sparring. One spectator was seriously injured last event; another was abusing Dragon's Den weapons and engaging in combat without being in play. Unfortunately, this applies to children on site, as well. It's a serious liability for the game to have people doing this without signing a waiver or going through safety training, and it's a blow to immersion when unstatted spectators try to be part of the action, so it'll have to stop.
Second, out-of-play goods may no longer be stored in the tavern. It produces clutter that kills immersion and creates extra work during clean-up on Sunday. Only in-play goods (e.g., armor, weapons, treasure, drinks, etc.) can be stored in the tavern from now on; anything else must be stored in your cabin during play. Unfortunately, this also means that players will no longer be permitted to bunk in the tavern.
Just so everyone knows, we're not fond of cracking down on things like this. We'd rather everyone come and have fun without having to worry about it. Based on the feedback we've received, though, you guys want more immersion, and these were the biggest complaints surrounding it. Hopefully these new rules will do the trick. If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the comments below.