Category:Rules

Rules:

Welcome to Neo Dragon Ball Z

These are the basic rules of the game and are mandatory. If you fail to read these, then that's your fault.

1) You may only have a single character.

Some rare cases are an exception, but they are mentioned in the PHB itself. In all normal cases, you will only make a single character and keep it until he or she dies or you decide to retire them in favor of a new one.

If a character dies and is later restored to life and you have already made a replacement character, you must choose between going back to your old character and discarding the new one or to reject your old character and keep the new one.

2) Creating.

When you make a character, a GM or a Roll Watcher must be present to witness the creation. This is called Rollwatching or RW'ing.

This can be inconvenient or even annoying to all parties involved at times, but in the past there have been extreme cases of cheating so this is required. Having your character planned out before looking for a GM/Rollwatcher helps keep it quick.

If it's extremely difficult to find people who can watch your rolls, please tell us so we can look at appointing dedicated RW'ers.

You must be on the roster, so this step is mandatory to play - there are no exceptions.

3) Time is Different.

On a global level, time flows seven times as fast in the game as in real life. When the rules refer to a period in 'Neo weeks', they actually mean real life days for the players. During this time, the characters will experience a full week's time. On a smaller scale, seven minutes in real life are one hour in the world of Neo Dragon Ball Z. This smaller unit of time is sometimes referred to as 'Neo hours'.

Also, a single round of combat is about one minute of game time. Though, it will often take much longer for the players. This rarely comes into effect, but it might be necessary to know how much longer it will take for reinforcements to arrive. If you're due to arrive, it's at the end of the round. However, already being there is slightly different.

Time, also, flows differently when people are roleplaying. If it takes seven minutes for a few sentences to be spoken, an hour of game time didn't pass during that roleplay.

4) Role-playing is primary.

We do not force anybody to live up to a certain, subjective standard. But, we encourage everybody to roleplay as well as they can and be reasonably realistic or empathic.

For example if someone cuts off your arm, react to it. Don't just talk... Actually act as if your arm had been cut off!

5) Make sure your character is on the roster.

After rolling your character, make sure that whoever watched your rolls added your character's name, uniques, stats, race, and date created to the roster before you begin playing. Simply put, if your character isn't on the roster; they don't exist. This is especially important if the GM you roll to in whispers does not have red name. Ensure they update your info!

6) There will be no passworded or moderated rooms on the Neo server without a GM's permission. However, PLEASE, put admin passes on your rooms!

An admin pass is the password used to control things such as room moderation, player status, and booting disruptive people. If your room doesn't have an admin pass, anyone can use those functions. There have been cases of obnoxious people going into a room and booting everyone from it because the admin pass wasn't set.

A passworded room is one that cannot be entered without a password. A moderated room is one in which only certain people can speak. There are very few normal situations where either of these would be needed on the Neo Dragon Ball Z server, so if you believe you need either of them be sure to ask for a GM's permission first.

7) The logs on the character sheets *must* be filled out and accurate.

GMs will often sheet pull players to ensure everybody is playing by the rules, especially during a DM or mass fight in which stakes are high. If your character sheet is asked for and these logs are not filled out or are filled improperly/cheating, you will lose experience, money, or schools depending on the severity of the case. You must use the logs provided in Chapter 8, Section 5. There are no exceptions. None! None at all, never, no exceptions, absolutely none, none, none! If you do not do this repeatedly, you may even see your character deemed illegal and deleted from the roster!

However, this does not mean that a single minor miscalculation with your addition will get you declared illegal. If it's obviously an honest mistake and hasn't had any severe effect, you'll probably receive a small penalty or none at all, providing that it's fixed immediately. On the other hand, gross negligence or incomprehensible logs are no better than not filling the logs out at all.

8) Do not go into the character creation room unless you are creating a character.

Some people don't want everyone else to know what the details of their character are - this isn't paranoia. It's understandable and helps prevent metagaming. If somebody wants you to know information about their build or they rolled a Dragon Ball, they'll tell you.

9) In a fight, you must roleplay your action. Then, you need to state in (parenthesis) to explain what the action means.

Using an attack. For example, I used Punch with Combat Teleport (or CT) and Bulk-Up (or Bulk). Your opponent knows exactly what to expect when they plan their defense. Sure, it's a little easy for the defender when you declare such things, but it means that nobody is cheating when they declare an offense.

Any add-ons, such as Focused from the Focus Unique and so on, must be declared. Basically if it alters your strike, damage, or defense in any way; you must declare it. For obvious reasons, Autocrit, Double Autocit, or Triple Autocrit Invents or Powers must be declared.

Things you don't need to declare are after-effects such as Bleed, Flaming, Stun, and so on.

When you are using shields/auras to defend, you must show the damage reduction when calculating it. Usually, you also list the ki cost associated, but that's not a requirement.

For example: Zorpheus runs in with his blade held back against his arm. Casually, he begins to spin around his opponent while his muscles explode outwards and grip the blade viciously. A spark of energy runs up the end of his blade and explodes upon his opponent when it nears him. During the explosion, Zorpheus disappears to come from behind and slice inwards with his wicked blade! (Sword Invent, MBulk, ACT. AC)

As you see. First, there is a roleplay of what the character does and a description of the attack, followed by an explanation of what it is in mechanical terms enclosed in parenthesis.

To continue the example: Khisanth covers his body in fright, squealing like a little girl. Suddenly, a shield erupts around him to try and stop the awesome might of the attack! (Power Block)

Again, there is first a roleplay of the action, though less detailed this time. Then in parenthesis, there is a statement of exactly what it is in mechanical terms.

Zorpheus would now roll damage. Let's say that he gets a 1000. Due to being Autocrit, it's UP so it'd be difficult to shield. But, Khisanth is a Human and has access to a UP shield. Khisanth now calculates how much of that damage he can (or wants to) stop and shows his calculations in the chat room. This makes it so Zorpheus can see he's not cheating and also allows for other people to correct any math errors he makes.

The calculation might look something like this:

[(1000-900)/2-50] = 0 Damage, 900 Ki cost.

At this point, Khisanth would have to state what shield he's using. In this case, it was Martial Artist Supreme Shield.

In addition to the above, if you are using a persistent defense such as an Armor, Ki Shield, Solid Aura or anything else that has a set amount of HP; you must not only state what shield you're using but must also show the reduction in its HP and how much it has left. This is done as [Defense's HP prior to the attack - Damage]. Or, if the damage is higher, you reverse the order and thats how much HP damage you take.

10) Obvious metagaming or exploits are considered cheating.

Metagaming means using out-of-character knowledge in-character. An example of the kind of metagaming described above would be knowing what two people are planning to do when you only saw them dsicussing it when your character was not there, but you were idling in the room OOC and then spreading that information with your character. Or as another example, knowing that if you kill a Buu or Cell; all the people they absorbed will be spit back up. This kind of metagaming can be punished with an xp penalty or worse.

Typical metagaming, things like distrusting somebody who you only know dislikes you OOCly, is also not acceptable. But, this is very hard to prove. Because of this, in normal situations; nobody will be declared illegal for it. If it becomes a serious problem with one person, a player can decide to opt out of interaction with that person. However, they can still sense them down and force combat if they desire.

Even obvious, extreme metagaming does not necessarily mean that a person will be declared illegal immediately. However, it IS cheating. If the GMs believe that the best solution is do make the character illegal, they will do so.

Also falling under the category of obvious metagaming is asking people OOCly for IC benefits, things like Champion, Majin, IT and techniques or schools that can be taught. If your character even knows that they can be taught and wants them, they have to request and earn them IC.

11) Attacks should be described within reason.

This rule isn't made to restrict people's creativity. If you want your ki blasts to be fireballs, that's fine. If you want them to be beams of pure energy or lasers or spontaneous explosions, that's okay as well. However, a ki attack should not be a punch any more than a hand-to-hand attack should be shooting somebody with eye lasers.

Be sensible with its appearance, but go nuts with its description.

12) Break down your rollers if requested.

It's very easy to mistakenly add something that doesn't apply, such as a superspeed that you accidentally forgot to remove or whatever. If this is the case, do your best to rectify the problem openly in chat, even by omitting (undoing) what happened or reducing/increasing damage done to your opponent, providing this is okay. In the case of strike modifiers, simply state it is +x or -x on top of whatever you rolled, preferably before defense or damage is rolled.

Should you forget to use something but paid for it. Instead of forcing damage upon someone, simply refund the cost and state this in chat.

13) Rolls are rounded DOWN.

Unless otherwise stated on a specific move or power, all rolls with a decimal point are considered to be rounded down. If your strike roll is 78.8769 and their dodge is 78, they dodged, even if you did have a micro amount higher.

The exception to this rule is suppression ki costs. If they have a decimal, they are considered to be rounded up.

14) If in doubt; ask.

If you're not sure if X applies or if you're doing something right, just ask a more experienced player or a GM. The PHB is heavily under work and sometimes can be contradictory or difficult to read. If you find something like this, tell a GM so they can work to amend it and make a final ruling.

15) WiP

The PHB is largely a work of many different people, spanning many years. There are many parts that are out of date, contradictory, or just plain wrong. That's not to say the PHB doesn't have accurate information. We're working on it. So if you find something that seems out of place or contradicting to another part of the PHB, let us know so we can work to correct that.

15) Skimming a little off the top.

Let's just make this clear. Giving yourself a little extra endurance, or ki, or hp, or anything is not acceptable behaviour ever. It's your responsibility to keep your sheet accurate at all times. No playing by memory. Track everything. Otherwise, you may see yourself losing XP, or if it's severe enough; declared illegal.

GMs do track your expenditures and damage. Believe it or not, some players do too. If they have a reasonable suspicion that you could be cheating, a GM may be asked to check.

Senior Players are people that have been playing a lot longer than most or have a solid understanding of the PHB.

Storytellers or (STs) are players that have been provided the ability to run events for other players. They're the primary source of events in the restart.

The Game Masters (GMs) witness your rolls when creating a character (though, this duty may be shared by the Roll Watchers (RW)) and expect you to read the PHB, even if you don't fully understand the rules. If you do not understand them, senior players or GMs can help you out with that. They will keep an eye out for cheaters and try to improve the PHB.

The Head GM is basically the leader of the Staff. He or she has the final authority on PHB changes, set out an over-arching storyline or setting as well as rule in situations in which the GMs are uncertain of how to proceed or unable to work something out between themselves.

If you ever catch a cheater or even just somebody who abuses a loophole/exploit in the rules, please log it and report it to a GM. This is a game and as such should be fun for all parties involved. Bending or breaking the rules to give oneself an unfair advantage spoils the game for others. It's the job of the GMs to make sure that this doesn't happen, punish offenders, and close loopholes.

OOC nagging/trolling will not be tolerated. OOC in general should be kept to a minimum especially while players are IC. Neo should be fun and not stressful. In events, this is especially true where OOC can often slow down or drown out IC. There will be a three strike rule:

1) Warning from a GM

2) EXP dock not to exceed 200 EXP

3) Booting

The HGM will closely monitor all of these actions. GMs will no longer boot in jest or for light offenses. Abuse of this power is to be discussed directly with the HGM, do not argue with the GM who inflicted the punishments.

For example, if you think your opponent forgot something in his strike roller, politely discuss it with him in whispers.

This is not an official DBZ game. There is one made by R. Talsorian. Neo is in no way related to this game. Dragon Ball Z is copyright 1999 BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA and TOEI ANIMATION. Dragon Ball Z and all related elements are trademarks of TOEI ANIMATION and are used for informational purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended or should be inferred.

Game Staff: ---

The Game Staff are the people that pour elbow grease into the game and make it run smoothly. For all the time put into the PHB and rules, it's really these people that make the game good and, when working with the players, great. The staff are split into two main parts, with a supplemental body of trusted players to support them.

Game Masters (GMs) are the administrative and supervisory arm of the staff, and the go-to authority outside the context of events. Their role includes helping new players get into the game and learn the rules, arbitrating out-of-character disputes, and, when necessary, providing a neutral third party during PvP interactions. If a question about the rules comes up and cannot be resolved, they can also provide a temporary ruling that will be treated as official until the issue can be clarified.

In the event that there is a dispute between the Game Masters and one or more players, the Head Game Master (HGM) arbitrates that dispute. Please note that the HGM only exists to moderate such disputes and to serve as an organizer for the staff.

Storytellers (STs) take their function from more traditional pen and paper roots. They handle the Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and storyline through "Events" that function like traditional game sessions. They help new players get plugged into a story, run events, and handle requested scenes that require interaction with NPCs. Note that the traditional golden rule of roleplaying applies. While STs are encouraged to follow the rules as closely as is reasonable, they may feel free to break and bend them for purposes of a good story.

Storytellers are always whom you should go to regarding any questions or issues regarding stories. Storytellers do not handle anything related to the game outside of their plotlines. Game Masters do not handle anything related to story. The Head ST handles the overarching metaplot. While, most STs are assigned specific plot threads to pursue.

Game Hosts (GHs) are the assistants to the Game Masters and Storytellers. They are trusted players at varying levels of commitment that have agreed to take on some of the workload and keep the game running from day to day. Principally, Game Hosts cater to new players, helping them roll characters and get involved with the game. Otherwise, they complete tasks assigned to them by Game Masters and Storytellers. While running an event, a Game Host has all the powers and privledges of a Storyteller. If no Game Master is available, a Game Host may make rulings and handle disputes as though they were one.

Game Hosts are usually available for questions and helping players. It is always okay to go to an available Game Host, and often the best place to start. If nothing else, they will make sure your requests, comments, and inqueries get to the proper person.

Beyond the staff that keep the game running, there are a few behind-the-scenes staff you should be aware of. They have no authority during the course of the actual game, but supply essential services that make the game playable.

The Editor, or Editors, is the person or people primarily responsible for updating and curating the PHB as necessary. Although, this generally means that they'll be in the best position to know how the rules are supposed to work, not every editor will have necessarily worked on every part of the rules. If you have questions, you should take them to the GMs first, who will if necessary in turn consult with the editors.

They do not interpret or enforce the rules of the PHB unless they later become Game Masters. Once it's written down, it's out of their hands. Game Masters do frequently consult with Editors to determine the intent behind the rules.