Safety

In Odyssey, you can expect to engage in combat whenever you enter the arena and travel on a quest. Combat outside the arena is also possible, so all players should be familiar with the concepts.

This section covers the rules of combat and how to fight safely. Being safe is of paramount importance. If you are new to live roleplaying then please speak to a member of our GOD crew and they will arrange a suitable demonstration for you so that you can be confident that you are safely following the rules.

Weapon and armour checking

• All your weapons and shields must be checked at every event by a weapon checker
• You may only use spears and javelins with collapsible tips
• Any armour that you use at an event must not have sharp protruding edges
• You can carry prop items such as a wooden staff but they must never be used in combat

You must have every weapon and shield you bring to an Odyssey event checked by an official weapon checker to see if they are safe for use in combat. You do not need to have your armour checked but it must still meet minimum safety standards.

The full guidelines they use for weapon safety and checking criteria are available from our website.

Fighting Safely

• You must pull all of your attacks so that they land with virtually no force
• You must not thrust with any weapon other than a spear or javelin with a collapsible tip
• You must avoid aiming for the groin, breasts, neck or face where possible
• Please use common sense in all cases.

You may put your hand in the air to indicate that you do not wish any player to make physical contact or hit you with a weapon. If you wish to harm a character who has their hand in the air then you must say, “OOC - I am incapacitating your character” while you are within arm’s reach.

Further guidance for fighting safely is available from our website REF.

Grappling and body contact

• You must not grapple, trip or make bodily contact with another player while fighting
• You must not grab an opponent’s weapon or shield

Prior to a small fight you and your opponent might agree to allow grappling or other techniques. You must personally have explicit permission from your opponent beforehand.

Man down

• You should call MAN DOWN if you see anyone suffer a real injury

This call alerts all players to the fact that someone is potentially hurt. You should alert the nearest member of crew if necessary.