The Wasteland and CvC

Updated: 4/27/23

Out in the Wastes Character versus Character (CvC) conflict is often a part of life. Our goal is to build story out of conflict; while making sure everyone is having fun together. Before engaging in any CvC, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of CvC and the Wasteland as written in the Dystopia Rising Evolved Rulebook (Page 162).

These policies below are intended to supplement, not replace, the standard rules of CvC and Wasteland protocols.

Wasteland

All outdoor spaces at DRMA are considered Wasteland.
When in The Wasteland players are not required to check in before initiating CvC. A Guide is not required to be present for CvC in The Wasteland, but we strongly recommend it— especially if death and/or infection loss is a possibility.

At any time, players can use our Safety/Checkin Mechanics to deescalate or end scenes of conflict; including when in The Wasteland. In game conflict can always be negotiated or mediated later on; players’ safety and comfort should always take priority.

The following spaces are NOT Wasteland at DRMA:

- Bathrooms (all bathrooms are completely Out of Game)
- The Post Office (anyone inside of the Post Office, or waiting in line is considered “safe” from CvC)
- Medical Sleep (To ensure we are meeting the needs of everyone staying here, Medical sleep is off limits for all CvC)
- Cabins (by default all cabins are not Wasteland, however individual cabins can opt in by unanimous decision.)
- Tents (All tents are considered private residences. Players can opt the area around their set up into Wasteland. But no one may enter a personal tent without expressed permission by the owner.)

Safety & Checkin Mechanics

The Okay Checkin System is a set of hand gestures individuals can use to silently communicate with each other about comfort levels during scenes.

At any time a player can hold up their hand in front of their chest, palm facing outwards, with thumb and pointer fingers touching— in an “ok” hand symbol. This is a silent ‘are you ok?’ check in, to the scene partner(s) or whoever the symbol is directed towards. In response a player can give a “thumbs up,” “middle,” or “thumbs down” response back.

”Thumbs Up” is given by making a thumbs up symbol with one hand held in front of your chest. A “thumbs up” is used to silently communicate that you as the player are happy and comfortable with what is going on; and no deescalation or RP change is required. This can be given in response to an “ok” checkin, or preemptively to let those around you know that you’re ok with what is happening— this can be helpful in high emotion RP scenes.

“Middle” is given by holding your hand flat, palm facing the ground, in front of your chest; and lightly tilting it back and forth. This symbol is used to silently communicate that you as the player are so-so with the situation at happening— not quite uncomfortable to the point where the scene needs to end, but maybe its time to deescalate a bit and pull back the intensity.

“Thumbs Down” is given by making a fist in front of your chest, with your thumb out and pointed down towards the ground (a reverse thumbs up). A “thumbs down” is used to silently communicate that you as a player are not comfortable with what is going on and the scene should end. When a thumbs down is given all CvC, RP, and other forms of gameplay should stop.

The “Look Down” symbol can be done by placing your hand, palm facing down, above your eyebrows— as if to shield your eyes from the sun. This symbol is a way to silently communicate to others around you that you need to exit the scene for OOG reasons. With your hand on your forehead you can then tilt your head as if to look down at the ground, and quietly exit while the scene continues around you. This can be particularly useful in situations where the overall interaction going on doesn’t need to stop, but you personally no longer feel comfortable participating and don’t have an In Game way to excuse yourself— for example a scene/mod unexpectedly involving a real life phobia. While the scene may continue, nothing/no one should prevent the player from exiting when using the Look Down symbol.