Hello Wastelanders! As previously done, we’re bringing you a content warning post, so you’re out-of-game prepared for all of the fast-paced action and horror we’re throwing your way during this March event!
Dystopia Rising is by nature a horror and survival larp, and while we DO love to shock and scare your characters, we’d never want to do any actual mental or physical harm to our playerbase. Please remember it’s always okay to opt out of a scene and walk away, with no penalties or repercussions for you or your character. Player safety is first and foremost. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this blog, let us know!
Below are the elements to expect from this event.
Gore/Violence - Mods may include described gore. These may involve body horror that may disturb players. Please use the eyes down mechanic if you are uncomfortable at any time.
Claustrophobia - There may be scenes where your PC is described to be in a small and/or enclosed space.
Drowning - With this event taking place on a ship, there will be mods in the water. Mods may include threats of drowning or NPCs drowning.
Paranoia - This event is centered around not knowing who you can trust. Therefore, PCs may experience paranoia, or may be questioned by paranoid NPCs.
Fire/Arson - There is an arsonist faction called the Firestarters that will be on board the Candle’s Flame. Mods may include fire or explosions.
Thalassophobia - The setting of Shallow Trust takes place on the Lakeseas. There may be underwater mods that involve deep water, and the ship will be sailing over deep water.
Psychological Horror - You may encounter psychological aspects such as extreme fear, grief, and more. We encourage players to take a moment after intense scenes to decompress so that you can keep enjoying your game without extreme bleed.
Gaslighting/Lying - With themes of distrust occuring on board, you may find NPCs gaslighting or lying to PCs. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, please talk to your ST or eyes down out of the scene.
Please remember you can always OPT OUT of a scene using ‘Eyes Down’ - we just ask you to let your ST know that you need to leave, privately if that makes you more comfortable, and you can bow out, no questions asked.
We encourage all players to use the OK Check-In system, even when not in an intense scene.
As a reminder, the OK Check-In system online works as below:
Player 1 uses the OK emoji (👌), either on their own post or in parentheses to Player 2 (reminder- can be a PC or NPC).
Player 2 has three options:
Thumbs up emoji (👍) - “All is good, I’m having a great time.” Continue with the scene.
Question mark emoji (❓) - “I’m not sure.” Deescalate the scene, offer to find somewhere to decompress/find a ST or staff to help.
Thumbs down emoji (👎) - “I’m not okay/I’m uncomfortable with this scene” - Deescalate the scene, offer to find somewhere to decompress/find a ST or staff to help.
Based on Player 2’s response, Player 1 should do the following
Thumbs up emoji (👍) - Continue with the scene.
Question mark emoji (❓) - Deescalate the scene, offer to find somewhere to decompress/find a guide or staff to help.
Thumbs down emoji (👎) - Deescalate the scene, offer to find somewhere to decompress/find a guide or staff to help.
Remember that no combat CVC is allowed at online games. Period. (Pre-negotiated tussling between friends with no real mechanical consequences doesn’t count. For things like tense arguments, remember we can still use the OK check-in system online.)
Players are not expected to be therapists. We just ask that you show kindness to your fellow player and assist them in finding somewhere safe at the bare minimum. If there is an issue you need assistance with, Kendall is our Player Relations manager.
We will do our best to give content warnings before the modules these warnings pertain to. With all that said, we can’t wait to bring you safe frights and terror this event! See you soon!