Welcome to the fourth game in the Banner of Stars series. In this game we are taking a dive into the war fought in the shadows of the decadent and corrupt Scorpion ecumenopolis known as World of Dreams. While the meta-mechanics offer a competitive element, this play-by-post game is an endeavor of cooperative storytelling, key word being cooperative. If you plan to derive game satisfaction primarily through antagonistic PvP, this game is not for you. As the game involves diplomacy and courtly affairs, roll-offs may be necessary to resolve certain situations. However, as with duels, players should discuss their intentions, and the potential outcomes of such a roll-off should be clear to both players before the (virtual) dice hit the table. We recommend you use the board’s PM function to sort out potential conflict and its outcomes before counting your dice pools. In case the players cannot agree on possible outcomes, the matter will be arbitrated by Tassu.

Notably, no player character is allowed to carry out an assassination of another player character without explicit consent and GM involvement. If your character, for whatever reasonable reason, wants to risk their lives to assassinate an NPC, talk to the GM’s and we might be able to set up something.

Meta-mechanics are impossible to design in such a way that they would be 100% fair regardless of player numbers, character capabilities, and people having to step out of the game. Thus, the meta-mechanics set up for this game are not entirely fair. Any faction with a large number of players is likely to perform well, though outcomes will not be as simple as ‘most players = winning. Thus, if your enjoyment hinges upon your faction winning the metagame, you are playing the wrong game, as no amount of effort by a single player can guarantee victory.

As only three factions are counted ‘winners’, it is reasonably likely that your faction will not ‘win’ the game (though it should be noted that those other factions are hardly doomed). This means that players who derive motivation and enjoyment from factors beyond the metagame are likely to have a better experience overall.

As a community, we value both integrity and consent. While many players enjoy roleplaying flirtation and romance, physical in-character actions involving another player require that player’s consent. This means that your character should not accidentally grope/kiss/touch another character unless you have clear-cut, out-of-character, permission to push the scene in that direction. More importantly, we want people to be able to browse the forum when their kids/family are around and thus all posts on the forum should adhere to PG-13 restrictions.

Also, please take time to read through the FAQ and established rulings.