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Spotlight: StageCypher 

Player Rules

 1. General Conduct

All players are expected to behave respectfully toward teammates, opponents, judges, spectators, and staff. This is a collaborative roleplay event, and any disruptive or abusive behavior will result in removal from the round or event.

No harassment, discrimination, or antagonistic behavior will be tolerated, in-character or out-of-character.

 2. Local Chat Etiquette

Once players are teleported into the arena, local chat is reserved exclusively for in-character posts.

Players may not:

  • OOC chat in local

  • Interrupt performances

  • Make comments or emotes unrelated to the scene

Any OOC communication must happen in private IM only.

Spectators must remain silent in local unless instructed by staff.

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3. The Build Phase (20 Minutes)

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Players have 20 minutes to prepare their character. 

 

During this time, you may:

  • Dress your avatar

  • Add props, HUDs, animations, and effects

  • Discuss character concepts with your partner via private IM

  • Finalize personality, motives, and backstory

 

You may not:

  • Leave the build area

  • Begin posting early

  • Speak in local chat

  • Interfere with other teams’ preparation

 

When the timer ends, all players must be ready to begin.

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4. Posting Order & Advantages

Posting order is determined by a dice roll once the build phase ends. Order goes from highest to lowest roll.

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4-A. High Roller Advantage: World Builder

The highest roll receives the right to set the opening scene with a brief establishing post. They may describe atmosphere, tone, and immediate environmental details within reason.

4-B. Low Roller Advantage

The lowest roll receives a special mechanic to balance the World Builder advantage.
(Current version: Twist Caller — the low roller may introduce one narrative twist during the round.)

Details of the twist must remain reasonable and genre-consistent.

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5. Posting Rules

To ensure fairness and pacing:

  • Each player receives a set number of posts during the Cypher (final number determined before event).

  • All posts must remain in-character.

  • Avoid godmodding (controlling another player’s actions or outcomes).

  • Avoid metagaming (using OOC knowledge IC).

  • Avoid powerplaying (forcing hits, actions, or unavoidable effects on others).

  • Stay consistent with the world built by the High Roller unless using your designated twist mechanic.

  • Respect post order at all times.

Posts that violate immersion, rules, or consent may be invalidated by judges.

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6. Roleplay Expectations

Spotlight: StageCypher values:

  • Character cohesion

  • Creativity

  • Scene integration

  • Emotional presence

  • Collaboration

  • Theatrical energy

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Your character should fit the world, adapt to twists, and interact meaningfully with both teammates and opponents.

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 7. Scoring & Judging

Judges evaluate based on:

  • Character Execution & Style

  • Flow & Roleplay Delivery

  • Scene Integration

  • Team Interaction

  • Stage Presence & Impact

  • Overall Impression

Judges are selected at random from the applicant pool. Their decisions are final.

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8. Disqualification & Rule Enforcement

Players may be disqualified for:

  • Repeated OOC interruptions

  • Harassment or disrespect

  • Breaking immersion intentionally

  • Ignoring posting order

  • Attempting to influence judges

  • Griefing, trolling, or disruptive behavior

  • Using items that intentionally obstruct the arena

Event staff reserve the right to remove anyone who disrupts the experience.

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9. Spectator Rules

Spectators may attend as long as they:

  • Keep local chat clear

  • Avoid interacting with participants mid-scene

  • Follow sim and event rules

  • Refrain from disruptive animations or particles

Breaking spectator rules may result in being asked to leave.

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10. Final Notes

Spotlight: StageCypher is meant to be fun, fair, inclusive, and creatively challenging. Every player brings something unique to the stage, and we encourage collaboration, spectacle, and a welcoming atmosphere.

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By participating, you agree to follow all event rules and staff instructions.

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