[Scaryfatmaniffer]

I would rather not do this as a simple question and answer/ vote for this sort of poll as I would like some discussion on the matter but I am wondering about making the field a permanent in character area on Wolf Nights.

I am frankly sick of having to call Time In and people mantling about in and out of character because it is only 7.25 or I need to see someone or...

My proposal is this:

I fence the field off except for a small gate - you sort yourself out - pay at the gate go in and then you are in character. If this is half an hour early so be it - sit in the corner, drink a beer, write a poem, carve some wood or whatever. No plot will kick off before the start time but there are plenty of jobs that can be done in character if you want to. Those characters that want action rather than ambience turn up at the appropriate times and all will be well.

Those people that want plot can come up with little things that can be tied in later (or not as the case may be) - I found a dead sheep on the way with strange bite marks - I found this plant it looks a bit like Goat's Rue - Someone pickpocketed my pouch etc. If I don't want to include them in the main plot it doesn't matter - it's still something to talk about. What about planning those attacks and take downs? - preparing rituals - finding spell somponents - the list is endless.
I heard someone say a couple of events ago "there is nothing to talk about in character" - that reflects your ability to roleplay and the depth to which you have designed your character - not my running of plot. If you are only reacting to plot you can do that as yourself without any need for a character.

[alec42]

I think a totally IC field is an excellent idea. It is a little awkward having to drop out of character to tell someone to stay in character. Also, for the record: if I turn up late (which I'm likely to do since I'm often travelling from Sheffield) and fail to respond to OC pleasantries I'm not being rude, I'm staying in character. I often worry about this a bit, but I'm sure you all understand.

[The Darklord]

Yeah make the field in character from the get go, its easier, it means people actually walk to the pub and if you are there 1st you just might run into a bit of plot you otherwise could have missed out on.

[raisedwilde]

cant agree more. I have nearly blown my lid, when spoken to in my out of character name!

Hence that why I used old fashioned terms - they are in character, for example "I'm off to the water closet" not "nick, wheres the s****r?"

Hope to be around in the not too distant future.

[Artemisia]

Certainly simplifies things with a boundary beyond which everyone is in character. As long as still acceptable for quick quiet OC chats to clarify issues arising in the role play (or subtle OC chat away from the action?). But to be too pedantic could be as off-putting as disrupting the believability of the role-play through thoughtless OC talk.

[The Darklord]

Artemisa raises some reasonanble points.  I don't pretend to speak for everyone but I feel oc discussions about rules issues are very difficult to eliminate completley.  But that isnt to say they shouldnt be limited as much as is practical.  For example "strike to injure"
"oh does that mean I am down?" says the newbie - fine no problem with that.  However spending 10 mins or even any time at all discussing "when I get another 20 xp I can buy strike to injure or I might just go for more hit points" is breaking character and atmosphere badly and should be reserved for down the pub discussions to make us all look like nerds. 

I wouldnt blow my stack at anyone who used my oc name during time in as a rant could destroy the atmosphere more thoroughly than the actual slip up but I do agree people should make an effort to stay in.  As for quiet out of character chats between two people - sometimes they happen - at the last halloween event I ended up talking to nige out of character for a bit when there was no one else around to be distracted so I am as guilty as anyone else.  But it can and does get to a point when you wonder why someone is in the hobby at all when they make almost no attempt to get into character let alone stay in.

[Artemisia]

One of the most impressive things about the Wolf nights is the believable atmosphere which is sustained through players being in character. This is precious and allows players to fully inhabit their characters, against which plot can run. Like in an engaging novel, relationships between characters, their motives and needs, give richness to the experience ...and, in role play, an opportunity to be another person. The players who are confident and adept at this ... thank you!