Upon talking to several of the players and head of plot, it seems one of main player complaints about the game is the lack of distinction between when a person is in character and out of character. It was noted, as Scott mentioned in his Plot Minute Post, that there is a desire by several players to create a more immersive environment. However, there isn't much plot can do about this, it is more of a player driven game element. So, I wanted to start this post to see who was interested in having more in-character time, and how we should go about it? For example, saying you are in character just because you don't have a white head band on, but sitting around and casually talking about video games isn't exactly immersive. I know several players had mentioned they wished to have more in-character moments outside of the mods and adventures, where players could casually chat in character. Gaius had mentioned perhaps doing small events in character that weren't adventures. I'll leave him to talk about that more.
Now, I know this is Orn. This isn't the kind of larp where people will stare at you funny if you say something out of play. We are of a more casual variety than what I like to call the serious face larps, where you show up in-character and stay in character, and you love and hate each other's guts in character, and you don't even know if these people actually hate you until the end of the season. That isn't orn. Making a funny comment or two in the middle of the mod for the sake of humor is what we do. And if we are all sitting around taking a water break, sure it's pretty much understood that the story is on hold. However, I did want to open this discussion up for other peoples opinions. I know I would love to have a more immersive environment, and more opportunities to talk to other characters in play. But immersion is player driven, not plot regulated, so I wanted to see what you lot had to say. Thoughts? Ideas?
I think that the headband system works well for both above comments, we as players should just be more mindful about it. Granted in the water break example above, players should realize that it is probably going to be standard operating procedure that players will be out of character. Patience from those who want to be in character more, and consideration from those who are out of play will probably be the answer to this in the long run.
I would have to say I agree. I just think it will take a bit better of an effort on the part of the players to clearly define when they are in or out of character. More frequent use of white headbands I think would greatly add to this. Just thought I would mention it because I know a lot of players had mentioned something about it. Maybe we could also get it re-emphasized at the opening ceremonies so that everyone is on the same page? That way we can make sure people who aren't forum sharks know that it is a desire from a lot of players to create a more immersive environment too. :)
If you sleep in play (whether you're a neutral character who has to or a good character who elects to), you are in play at your cabin. This isn't so much a roleplaying mandate. I don't care if you wear a white headband to talk with your cabinmates out of play, but you're in play during a cabin raid one way or another.
I'd add emphasis on the second paragraph. It's always been part of our game culture to care about fun first and other things second. Immersion is only important in as much as it contributes to peoples' fun; forcing a strict divide on folks who don't want it will only make them have less fun, so breaking character has never been against the rules, and probably never will be.
Granted, some people have more fun with everyone in play all the time (or at least more of the time), and that's okay, too. It's just a matter of personal taste. It's much like the alignment system: Some people prefer casual, cooperative play, while others prefer things realistic and hardcore.
Ideally, we should find a way, similar to the alignment system, where the two play styles can coexist. I'm open to suggestions to that effect, just so long as we all understand that it won't be a mandate the everyone be in play all the time. ;)