ROMA Roleplay Rules
ROMA is not a ‘roleplay only’ estate. It is mainly a social and educational space with an ancient Roman theme. Roleplay, however, is supported as long as it conforms to specific guidelines and rules.
The Basics
There are two kinds of experience in ROMA: roleplay and general social.
Weekly Roleplay Events in ROMA
The Theatrum Romanum group will sponsor weekly roleplay events in ROMA. They will occur (for now) on Tuesdays @ 1 PM. Join the Theatrum Romanum group to be kept informed of the events.
The Roleplay Rules (Lex Scaena)
To take part in ROMA roleplay (and to distinguish it from the general social), you MUST do the following:
I. Read and respect the 12 Tables (look under the land covenant window). These continue to be in effect regardless of roleplay status.
II. Join the Theatrum Romanum group: the group is open but you receive only a "guest" tag.
III. Once you are in the group, please fill out a character sheet. (Please ask Peter Woody or Angelia Rees for this form.) You must drop this form onto Peter Woody for approval and he will post it in http://romacitizens.createaforum.com/new-character-stories/ after the "placet" by at least another officer. Please consider, that if you don't take part in the roleplay for a long time and your character has not entered in any meaningful storyline, your character could be deleted.
IV. While roleplaying in ROMA you MUST either display the ‘*ROMA ROLEPLAYER*’ or '*ROMA RP GUEST*' title from the Theatrum Romanum group, and/or a titler that displays ‘*ROMA ROLEPLAYER*’ and your character name. Please note that you are NOT considered to be roleplaying without either displayed. It must be very clear to all that you are roleplaying.
Roleplaying in ROMA is a particular one: we are not strictly bound to the classical rules and people often could exit from roleplay and pass in OOC mode (out of character), that could be considered an "error" in other full roleplay estates. Nevertheless it must be very clear to all that you are roleplaying, at least when the actions or the sentences could become "aggressive". All the possible precautions must be kept to avoid misunderstandings on this matter.
V. When speaking in roleplay mode, you may say something ‘out of character’ by placing it within brackets “[[ ]]” or angle brackets “<< >>”. Keep roleplay conversations and experiences separate from non-roleplay ones.
VI. Enemies in roleplay should harbour no ill feelings outside of roleplay.
VII. Please note that the default experience of ROMA is not roleplay, it is social. Therefore not every ROMA event will be a roleplay event. Those that are roleplay events will be clearly marked and advertised as so. Roleplayers should feel free to ignore regular Citizens who are not roleplaying (or do not have their title/tag on).
VIII. When you take off your Theatrum group title or titler, you have removed your roleplay persona. You are now only engaging with others in a social way.
IX. Within roleplay, no player should have anything done to them without consent (e.g. arrest/trial, being robbed, attacked etc.) No action can happen to another player that they do not agree to beforehand - either by private IM or out of character discussion. Any player trying to force the roleplay in such a way will be in violation of the rules.
X. ROMA is not a historical recreation sim. The Emperor Julian Augustus is not the same person as Julian the Apostate from the fourth century CE. ROMA is not ancient Rome. Instead, ROMA exists outside of the historical framework and exists on the Second Life grid, not ancient Italy. ROMA roleplay is its own community, loosely based on ancient Roman culture of the 2nd century CE. It has its own history and relationships with other roleplay cultures (such as Germanic tribes, Egyptians, Greeks, etc). It can be thought of as an alternate universe. Anachronisms will be tolerated. This is tremendous opportunity to develop a unique experience with ancient Roman culture and history.
XI. After every roleplay encounter in the sim, you are encouraged to ‘blog’ about it and share your blog posts. (You can share your blog URL in your profile.) In this way, everyone will be kept abreast of any roleplay plot developments.
XII. We endeavour to act fairly, but violation of the Lex Scaenae or the 12 Tables may result in a warning, fine, temporary banishment, or permanent banishment.
XIII. Roleplaying gives you no special authority in the estate. Estate managers will not be roleplaying with you.
XIV. The introduction of the "cursus honorum" in the social environment of Roma SPQR gives opportunities to roleplay, but one must always keep in mind that the cursus honorum ranks imply social duties that must be attended and, specially when the proper tag is worn, have the precedence on the roleplay.
XV. Roleplaying in Insula: If you are a Insula plot renter, you have the ability to hold any event at any time on your plot, including roleplay events. You also control access to your plot. You are rex or regina of your plot (bound only by the renters agreement and the 12 Tables). We ask you, however, to uphold the Lex Scaena if your event is a roleplay event.
XVI. Roleplayers are allowed to choose any of the following for their roleplay persona:
A civic profession (for example: Merchant, Blacksmith, Baker, Veteran, etc)
Any family role inside a Family Group (Domina, Paterfamilias, Cousin, etc).
The following are forbidden unless approved by the Theatrum officers and allowed by the Consul:
A roleplay job or identity that could reflect a sim ownership, government, or management role (for example: Ambassador, Consul, etc)
Any Imperial family connection (cousin to the emperor, etc)
An existing Group role without membership in that group (Senate, Praetorian, etc)
You may want to observe roleplay before diving in yourself, to see how it is handled in ROMA.
At this time we have no desire to join with any other existing roleplay communities or other Roman themed lands around SL. ROMA roleplay is self contained within the ROMA estate. Actions done in other sims will have no effect on ROMA roleplay.
We may amend or annotate the Lex Scaena at any time.
A Special Word About Sex and Slavery in ROMA Roleplay:
Remember, no sexual activity is allowed outside except inside private rented property in Insula. This includes any form of D/s or BDSM and slave capture. ROMA is not Gor.
To roleplay a slave in ROMA, one's actions must be limited to a servant capacity. So one could, say, scrub floors, but not be naked while scrubbing a floor. No roleplay slave can be forced to obey directives if they do not choose to. Bullying or harassing them to "stay in character" is not acceptable. That said, anyone is welcome to roleplay a slave role as written above.
The Theatrum Romanum Group and Roleplay Council (Comitia Tributa)
The default group for all roleplay matters in ROMA is the Theatrum Romanum.
The officers of the group (PATER [pl. Patres] FAMILIAS) manage weekly roleplay events and assist in the smooth running of roleplay in ROMA. Officers are the owners of a gens, plus the consul.
They also manage a Roleplay Council (Comitia Tributa). This is an OOC (out of character / non-roleplay) space for the discussion of and organization of weekly roleplay events in ROMA. Any interested Theatrum member can sit on the council. This is the place to be if you are interested in helping out with roleplay matters in ROMA.
The comitia are convoked by the president (COM. TRIB. PRAESES) by his own initiative or on request of a member of it. He or she makes effective the decisions of the COMITIA, manages the roles, the lists, the personal histories of the members, and represents the group in the Comitia Curiata. The Praeses can be dismissed for his own renounce, or with a motion of no-confidence of the comitia (with the majority of the patres). At the present time, that is Peter Woody, aka Petrus Cornelius Silvanus.
Family Groups ("GENTES")
Only those families listed on the Tabularium list have a license to operate in ROMA as a roleplay entity. The name board contains information about how to join each family. (It is not necessary to join a family to roleplay in ROMA).
To start a family group, you must have at least three people who make up the family and all must have been regular participants in the ROMA community for at least three months. BEFORE you found the group, you must apply for recognition to the Consul. She will ask the members to read and agree to a code of conduct, appoint the family head to the Comitia Scaena, and add the name to the role of families in the Tabularium. Do not spend the founding money until you get your license back from the Consul. ROMA's Consul is Angelia Rees.
All family groups will now be placed under the management of the Theatrum. This does not mean that the family will lose the ability to design their familial character, organize members, or run things within the family structure. Instead, their behavior will be monitored by the Praetores Scaenae and the Comitia Scaena (to make sure they do not violate their code of conduct agreement, the Lex Scaena, or the 12 Tables). The Praetores Scaenae have the authority to punish infractions (warnings, fine, temporary banishment, permanent banishment, and removal of the family from the roster of families in the Tabularium).
Each family should have at least one ranking member sit on the Roleplay Council and assist in the management of weekly roleplay events. If no one from that family group is willing to be active and help direct the roleplay, then there is no need for that family group.
Citizen-Run Groups
Citizen-run groups are not only about roleplay, but many have a roleplay component. If they wish to participate in ROMA roleplay, they should have someone willing to sit on the Council and assist in organizing and running roleplay in ROMA. Citizen-run groups can also help in the weekly events.
Disputes and Misbehaviour
All group officers should endeavour to have both a chat log and a snapshot showing group titles when reporting misbehaviour. Roleplay issues should be reported to the group officers. It is our hope that families, group officers, and the Comitia Tributa can resolve most matters.
Heads of families should endeavour to keep the Praeses informed of any discipline taken within the family.
The Basics
There are two kinds of experience in ROMA: roleplay and general social.
- Think of roleplay as putting on a theatre mask. You put on a character, and must display either the Theatrum Romanum group title or a flip title clearly showing you are in roleplay mode. Roleplay is governed by the ROMA roleplay rules (the Lex Scaena- see below) and generally managed by the Theatrum Romanum group.
- General social experiences are the everyday actions of visitors and Citizens- chatting in the plaza, shopping in the Market, relaxing in the tavern, trying one’s hand at swordplay in the arena, etc. These social experiences are governed by the tenants of the ROMA 12 Tables. Anyone without a roleplay 'mask' on is just being social.
Weekly Roleplay Events in ROMA
The Theatrum Romanum group will sponsor weekly roleplay events in ROMA. They will occur (for now) on Tuesdays @ 1 PM. Join the Theatrum Romanum group to be kept informed of the events.
The Roleplay Rules (Lex Scaena)
To take part in ROMA roleplay (and to distinguish it from the general social), you MUST do the following:
I. Read and respect the 12 Tables (look under the land covenant window). These continue to be in effect regardless of roleplay status.
II. Join the Theatrum Romanum group: the group is open but you receive only a "guest" tag.
III. Once you are in the group, please fill out a character sheet. (Please ask Peter Woody or Angelia Rees for this form.) You must drop this form onto Peter Woody for approval and he will post it in http://romacitizens.createaforum.com/new-character-stories/ after the "placet" by at least another officer. Please consider, that if you don't take part in the roleplay for a long time and your character has not entered in any meaningful storyline, your character could be deleted.
IV. While roleplaying in ROMA you MUST either display the ‘*ROMA ROLEPLAYER*’ or '*ROMA RP GUEST*' title from the Theatrum Romanum group, and/or a titler that displays ‘*ROMA ROLEPLAYER*’ and your character name. Please note that you are NOT considered to be roleplaying without either displayed. It must be very clear to all that you are roleplaying.
Roleplaying in ROMA is a particular one: we are not strictly bound to the classical rules and people often could exit from roleplay and pass in OOC mode (out of character), that could be considered an "error" in other full roleplay estates. Nevertheless it must be very clear to all that you are roleplaying, at least when the actions or the sentences could become "aggressive". All the possible precautions must be kept to avoid misunderstandings on this matter.
V. When speaking in roleplay mode, you may say something ‘out of character’ by placing it within brackets “[[ ]]” or angle brackets “<< >>”. Keep roleplay conversations and experiences separate from non-roleplay ones.
VI. Enemies in roleplay should harbour no ill feelings outside of roleplay.
VII. Please note that the default experience of ROMA is not roleplay, it is social. Therefore not every ROMA event will be a roleplay event. Those that are roleplay events will be clearly marked and advertised as so. Roleplayers should feel free to ignore regular Citizens who are not roleplaying (or do not have their title/tag on).
VIII. When you take off your Theatrum group title or titler, you have removed your roleplay persona. You are now only engaging with others in a social way.
IX. Within roleplay, no player should have anything done to them without consent (e.g. arrest/trial, being robbed, attacked etc.) No action can happen to another player that they do not agree to beforehand - either by private IM or out of character discussion. Any player trying to force the roleplay in such a way will be in violation of the rules.
X. ROMA is not a historical recreation sim. The Emperor Julian Augustus is not the same person as Julian the Apostate from the fourth century CE. ROMA is not ancient Rome. Instead, ROMA exists outside of the historical framework and exists on the Second Life grid, not ancient Italy. ROMA roleplay is its own community, loosely based on ancient Roman culture of the 2nd century CE. It has its own history and relationships with other roleplay cultures (such as Germanic tribes, Egyptians, Greeks, etc). It can be thought of as an alternate universe. Anachronisms will be tolerated. This is tremendous opportunity to develop a unique experience with ancient Roman culture and history.
XI. After every roleplay encounter in the sim, you are encouraged to ‘blog’ about it and share your blog posts. (You can share your blog URL in your profile.) In this way, everyone will be kept abreast of any roleplay plot developments.
XII. We endeavour to act fairly, but violation of the Lex Scaenae or the 12 Tables may result in a warning, fine, temporary banishment, or permanent banishment.
XIII. Roleplaying gives you no special authority in the estate. Estate managers will not be roleplaying with you.
XIV. The introduction of the "cursus honorum" in the social environment of Roma SPQR gives opportunities to roleplay, but one must always keep in mind that the cursus honorum ranks imply social duties that must be attended and, specially when the proper tag is worn, have the precedence on the roleplay.
XV. Roleplaying in Insula: If you are a Insula plot renter, you have the ability to hold any event at any time on your plot, including roleplay events. You also control access to your plot. You are rex or regina of your plot (bound only by the renters agreement and the 12 Tables). We ask you, however, to uphold the Lex Scaena if your event is a roleplay event.
XVI. Roleplayers are allowed to choose any of the following for their roleplay persona:
A civic profession (for example: Merchant, Blacksmith, Baker, Veteran, etc)
Any family role inside a Family Group (Domina, Paterfamilias, Cousin, etc).
The following are forbidden unless approved by the Theatrum officers and allowed by the Consul:
A roleplay job or identity that could reflect a sim ownership, government, or management role (for example: Ambassador, Consul, etc)
Any Imperial family connection (cousin to the emperor, etc)
An existing Group role without membership in that group (Senate, Praetorian, etc)
You may want to observe roleplay before diving in yourself, to see how it is handled in ROMA.
At this time we have no desire to join with any other existing roleplay communities or other Roman themed lands around SL. ROMA roleplay is self contained within the ROMA estate. Actions done in other sims will have no effect on ROMA roleplay.
We may amend or annotate the Lex Scaena at any time.
A Special Word About Sex and Slavery in ROMA Roleplay:
Remember, no sexual activity is allowed outside except inside private rented property in Insula. This includes any form of D/s or BDSM and slave capture. ROMA is not Gor.
To roleplay a slave in ROMA, one's actions must be limited to a servant capacity. So one could, say, scrub floors, but not be naked while scrubbing a floor. No roleplay slave can be forced to obey directives if they do not choose to. Bullying or harassing them to "stay in character" is not acceptable. That said, anyone is welcome to roleplay a slave role as written above.
The Theatrum Romanum Group and Roleplay Council (Comitia Tributa)
The default group for all roleplay matters in ROMA is the Theatrum Romanum.
The officers of the group (PATER [pl. Patres] FAMILIAS) manage weekly roleplay events and assist in the smooth running of roleplay in ROMA. Officers are the owners of a gens, plus the consul.
They also manage a Roleplay Council (Comitia Tributa). This is an OOC (out of character / non-roleplay) space for the discussion of and organization of weekly roleplay events in ROMA. Any interested Theatrum member can sit on the council. This is the place to be if you are interested in helping out with roleplay matters in ROMA.
The comitia are convoked by the president (COM. TRIB. PRAESES) by his own initiative or on request of a member of it. He or she makes effective the decisions of the COMITIA, manages the roles, the lists, the personal histories of the members, and represents the group in the Comitia Curiata. The Praeses can be dismissed for his own renounce, or with a motion of no-confidence of the comitia (with the majority of the patres). At the present time, that is Peter Woody, aka Petrus Cornelius Silvanus.
Family Groups ("GENTES")
Only those families listed on the Tabularium list have a license to operate in ROMA as a roleplay entity. The name board contains information about how to join each family. (It is not necessary to join a family to roleplay in ROMA).
To start a family group, you must have at least three people who make up the family and all must have been regular participants in the ROMA community for at least three months. BEFORE you found the group, you must apply for recognition to the Consul. She will ask the members to read and agree to a code of conduct, appoint the family head to the Comitia Scaena, and add the name to the role of families in the Tabularium. Do not spend the founding money until you get your license back from the Consul. ROMA's Consul is Angelia Rees.
All family groups will now be placed under the management of the Theatrum. This does not mean that the family will lose the ability to design their familial character, organize members, or run things within the family structure. Instead, their behavior will be monitored by the Praetores Scaenae and the Comitia Scaena (to make sure they do not violate their code of conduct agreement, the Lex Scaena, or the 12 Tables). The Praetores Scaenae have the authority to punish infractions (warnings, fine, temporary banishment, permanent banishment, and removal of the family from the roster of families in the Tabularium).
Each family should have at least one ranking member sit on the Roleplay Council and assist in the management of weekly roleplay events. If no one from that family group is willing to be active and help direct the roleplay, then there is no need for that family group.
Citizen-Run Groups
Citizen-run groups are not only about roleplay, but many have a roleplay component. If they wish to participate in ROMA roleplay, they should have someone willing to sit on the Council and assist in organizing and running roleplay in ROMA. Citizen-run groups can also help in the weekly events.
Disputes and Misbehaviour
All group officers should endeavour to have both a chat log and a snapshot showing group titles when reporting misbehaviour. Roleplay issues should be reported to the group officers. It is our hope that families, group officers, and the Comitia Tributa can resolve most matters.
Heads of families should endeavour to keep the Praeses informed of any discipline taken within the family.