In Play vs. Out of Play

Something is "in play" if it exists in the game world. This generally includes buildings, props, and characters. Abstract concepts such as character knowledge are also considered to be in play. Often, the in-play appearance of something may differ from its out-of-play appearance. For example, a participant wearing a monster tabard out of play appears as a monster in play, and an item tag out of play appears as the item it represents in play.

On the other hand, something is "out of play" if it exists in the real world but not the game world. This includes certain buildings (e.g., the plot cabin and bath houses), certain props (e.g., character sheets), personal items (e.g., toiletries and real-world valuables), and characters wearing white headbands. As in play, some abstract concepts, such as participant knowledge, are also considered to be out of play.

Knowing whether or not something is out of play is important. Out-of-play characters and items do not exist as far as game mechanics are concerned. Thus, a participant who is out of play cannot engage in combat, pick up an in-play item, hold an in-play conversation, or learn in-play information.

Reasons to Go Out of Play

Participants are encouraged to remain in play as much as possible during events. In general, it is acceptable to go out of play for the following reasons:

• In an Out-of-Play Building. A participant who is in the bath house or the Dragon's Den is automatically considered to be out of play.
• Dissipation. After your character has died and your dissipation count is up, you must immediately go out of play and locate the fate marshal. See the rules concerning Death for more details.
• Teleporting. The Teleport effect temporarily removes a character from play, allowing him or her to travel a set distance and immediately return to play. As with being out-of-play for any other reason, the character cannot affect or be affected by in-game actions during this time.
• Eating or Sleeping. Although participants are encouraged to remain in play while eating or sleeping, it is permissible to go out of play if you're not comfortable doing these things in play.
• Injury or Illness. If you are feeling unwell, you can go out of play after consulting a game medic. Likewise, the game medic may force you to go out of play if he or she believes you should not continue playing for health reasons. This is for your own safety.
• Emergencies. Life happens, and nobody's going to force you to remain in play during a real life emergency. Remember, the Code of Conduct states, "It's just a game."

On the other hand, it is never acceptable to go out of play to escape an in-play situation. If your character is being attacked or pursued by monsters or other characters, you cannot go out of play to avoid them.

Signaling Out of Play

During an event, all participants are assumed to be in play unless they signal otherwise. Thus, it's important to signal to your fellow participants when you're out of play.

If you're going to be out of play for more than a minute or two, you do so by putting a white headband on your head.

If you're sleeping, place the white headband on the door to your cabin instead so others know not to disturb you.

If you only need to go out of play for a minute or two, such as when your character dissipates or while making a brief aside comment, you can hold a single hand over your head. Be sure not to hold two hands over your head, though, as this indicates that you're in play but concealed.