===== PK RULES =====
 
PK (player killing) encompasses any player vs player (PvP) scenario. Read the below carefully before engaging in PK.

Refer to [[post_pk_rules|post PK rules]] for how to proceed after a PK and check out our handy list of pk commands.
 
==== Rule 1: Engaging in PK is optional ====

New characters have a NOPK flag that protects them from aggressive characters. To opt into PK, turn the flag off with the [[set]] command. Note that:

  * Some [[races]], known as PK races, have their flag turned off by default and should be chosen with care.
  * The Grace flag from recent login functions as a NOPK flag for its duration.
  * An avatar may require that you turn your NOPK flag off if you wish to participate in their plot.

See [[nopk|NOPK]] for rules on how to roleplay with a nopk flag. 

====Rule 2: Keep it IC====

Do your best to keep PK in character (IC) and off the channels and resolve any IC conflict in an IC manner.

  * Ensure that your character has an IC reason for engaging in the PK. Roleplay hostility and conflict before resorting to violence.
  * Race alone is only considered a valid reason if the intended opponent belongs to a PK race or is in a dangerous shapeshifted form.
  * Do not act on information gained via OOC channels.
 
====Rule 3: Show OOC consideration====

Everyone is here to have fun. Show OOC consideration towards your fellow players and do your best to make it memorable for everyone involved.

  * Do not leave your opponent bound and unconscious for longer than necessary.
  * Do not take gear that you do not need or offer the gear/money of your opponent.
  * Do not engage with a NOPK character during a PK.
  * High level characters should not take antagonistic actions towards low level characters without provocation and are expected to show an additional level of OOC consideration towards easy targets.
 
====Rule 4: Stay online and active====

Do not quit, go inactive, or idle out without permission from the participating players. You are expected to stay online for 30 minutes after the last attack happened. In case of emergencies, state your emergency on the OOC line.
 
====Rule 5: Torture is allowed, but====

Sundering Shadows allows torture, dismemberment, and other forms of punishment/abuse, but nobody should ever be forced or coerced into playing out a scene of this nature. Therefore any player may, at any time:

  * Call for a [[fade_to_black|fade to black]] to end the scene.
  * Call for less descriptive emotes.
  * Ask to be killed rather than to roleplay the consequences of torture, loss of limbs, etc., or simply to end the scene.
  * Any scene sexual in nature MUST have the OOC [[consent]] of all players involved before the scene starts.
	
**If someone fails to respect a fade to black or withdrawal of consent, log off and contact staff via Discord or [[lawmail]]. First time offenders will be jailed, second time offenders will be banned.**

====Rule 6: Respect all Fade to Black requests immediately====

If you find yourself in a situation that may be traumatic or triggering for you, you may call for a [[fade away]] or a [[fade to black]]. A fade away means that your character removes itself from the situation without further RP. Fade to black immediately ends the scene and the players discuss in OOC terms how it was resolved.
 
====Rule 7: No repeat killings or harassment====

Repeatedly assaulting or killing the same character is considered harassment and will not be tolerated. Likewise, killing a person because they killed you (aka revenge killing), either personally or by proxy, is not allowed. Note that characters who repeatedly engage in robberies and/or murder, or target lower-level characters, will find the world reacting accordingly: IC actions have IC consequences.
 
==== Rule 8: Always PKmail====

You are required to write a [[pkmail]] in the following circumstances:
 
  * When you are involved in, or witness, a player vs player event, regardless of the outcome.
  * When you commit, or are involved in, an action that makes you wanted in a city, even if that action was unintentional.
  * When you place or claim a bounty on someone.
	
This applies even if you have a NOPK flag or choose to invoke the [[fade_away|fade away]] rule.

The PK mail should include:

  * Who engaged? When, where and why did it happen?    
  * Were there any witnesses, casualties and/or property damage?
  * What was the result of your encounter?
  * What, if any, precautions did you take to conceal or cover up the PK?

====Rule 9: Death in PK====

After a PK has been resolved, please refer to [[post_pk_rules|post pk]] for rules on how to proceed.

Below is the short version:

If you are killed in a PK, you will lose some experience and gain a NOPK flag. The NOPK period following a death will last for 14 days, but you may choose to take a voluntary absence of 7 days instead. During the NOPK period, you may not contact, scry or otherwise attempt to learn anything about your killers. You must avoid them, as well as anyone attempting to avenge your death and any popular public places. At the killer's request, you may be temporarily removed from plots or positions.

If you kill someone in a PK, you must notify staff of any plots you wish the victim temporarily removed from. During the victim's NOPK period, you may not contact, scry or otherwise attempt to learn anything about them. You are, however, allowed to seek out any witnesses or other involved parties.

If you witness or learn of a death, that character is dead until they choose to contact you. If you were directly involved in their death,  you should avoid the victim while you are pursuing, or being pursued by, their killer(s).

**Failure to comply with the rules will result in punishment and repeat offenders may be banned and/or rid. If these rules are unclear, contact our staff for clarification.**