======Sessions======

Sessions are in-person 3-hour-long roleplay sessions on Wednesday evenings. For more info, see [[When and Where.]]

Players will roleplay their characters attending a ball as described on [[the balls|this page]]. The start of session coincides with the start of the ball IC, although the ball continues beyond the end of the 3-hour roleplay session - further conversations at the ball can be conducted over [[Turnsheets and Emails|email]].

Between the GM calling TIME IN and TIME OUT, the room is continuously an in character roleplay area. Players will be talking and acting as their characters.

=====Start of Session=====

At the beginning of session, the GM will give a short OC briefing. Every session, this will include an introduction segment where you'll have a chance to introduce both yourself and your character to everyone (including your and your character's name, pronouns, and your character's appearance).

=====GM and Crew=====

The GM and crew will alternate between playing different NPCs and being out of character. If you have a question during the session, please come and find the GM or a crew member to ask OC. We will be playing a variety of NPCs in session, but if you want to speak to a particular NPC feel free to ask and we'll accommodate it where we can (though this may not happen for various OC or IC reasons).

=====OC Gestures & Calls=====

Hand held up with two fingers in the air: represents that somebody is not currently playing their character. They are speaking OC and this may represent that nobody is there IC e.g. the GM answering a question. Anybody may use this at any time.
  * **STOP THE GAME** or **arms crossed over chest, hands on shoulders**: Use this to immediately stop all roleplay. This is to be used for OC reasons e.g. a medical issue or if a player becomes too uncomfortable to continue. This is likely temporary and IC time will be resumed by the call of **TIME IN** by the GM.
  * **TIME IN**: The roleplay session has started. Players are by default assumed to be IC unless they hold two fingers in the air.
  * **TIME FREEZE**: Roleplay should stop. This is something happening that is likely to affect everyone, and we are unable to physrep it (e.g. the lights have all suddenly gone out). Roleplay will recommence when **TIME IN** is called. Due to the disruptive nature of this, the GM will keep this call to a minimum.
  * **TIME OUT**: It's the end of session. Cease roleplay for the evening.

=====Fighting and Physical Contact=====

Physical contact IC should always be negotiated OC first (e.g. “Is it alright if I hold your hand?”).

There will not be fighting during sessions – a slap or punch at a ball would be scandalous and is the maximum that is permitted in Uptimes. If you wish to initiate any physical conflict with another character, you must obtain OC consent from the player and inform the GM beforehand – such behaviour will have consequences for your character, although the GM will inform you if it would make them unplayable.

Although fighting is not tolerated during sessions, characters may participate in a duel in Downtimes, either through emails or Turnsheets. OC permission should be sought before challenging another Player Character to a duel, and due to the dangerous nature of duels, this could result in character death (only with the player’s OC permission). More details about duelling can be found towards the end of [[style and tone|this page]].

In-character dancing is another situation where players may wish to (but are by no means expected to) make OC physical contact, and more guidance on this is provided [[dancing|here.]]

=====Costuming and Physrep=====

Costuming is entirely optional and we have no costume requirements, but some people enjoy making a costume for their character (known as 'physrep'). Ideas for costumes can be found online by researching Regency ball attire, but there is no need for your outfit to be historically accurate.

=====After Session=====

After a session, some of us will adjourn to a nearby [[when and where|ice-cream parlour]]. The option to roleplay via emails will be available until **21:00 on the Tuesday** after session, with the Turnsheet submission deadline at **23:59 that same evening**. This is to give players a reasonable time in the evening to finalise their Turnsheet after IC interactions have been concluded. More information about emails and Turnsheets can be found [[turnsheets and emails|here]].