====== Uptimes and Sessions ======

//APERIS// will have 9 sessions in total---a joint character creation session with [[https://contagion.oxfordrpg.com|Contagion]], 7 main gameplay sessions ('Uptimes'), and a debrief session at the end. These 7 gameplay sessions will take place in-character in the living module of [[APERIS]]. More details on times and locations are on the [[When and Where]] page.

===== Character Creation =====

Before the game, we will have a joint character creation session with participants of //Contagion//, the other in-person Society Game for Michaelmas and Hilary term. This is completely optional and is usually a more casual, unstructured session than the Uptimes. This character creation session will take place //before// the ballot, meaning it may also help you decide which game(s) you want to play in.

Things you might do at character creation include:
  * Ask the GMs any questions about the games.
  * Talk to other prospective Players about their characters.
  * Discuss ideas for backstory links between your and other Players' characters.
  * Or just sit in the corner on your laptop working on your character or browsing the wiki.

As your place in the game will not be confirmed until after the session, there is no expectation you will have a completed character by the end of it. You'll have plenty of time after your place is confirmed to do this.

Please note the room we have booked for this session at St Hugh's College will be wheelchair accessible and has easy bathroom access.
===== Uptimes =====

During Uptimes you will be live-action roleplaying your character in real time. What this means is that, for the most part, everything that you act out is something that your character is actually doing---that could be chatting, dancing, plotting in a corner or making a proposal.

The flavour of roleplaying used in Society Games is non-physical---it includes virtually no combat (unlike some other forms of live-action roleplaying, see [[Glossary#PVE and PVP|PvP]]). Other forms of physical contact (such as holding hands) may occur, but you must ask for OC consent before doing so.

Props and costume are completely optional, though we encourage you to dress up if you want. (This is sometimes referred to as '[[glossary#Physrep|physrep]]'.)

If you know that you're likely to miss a session, please let the GMs know in advance so that we can plan around your absence and let other Players know that you won't be there. You'll still be able to write a turnsheet and participate in emailing (see [[downtimes_emails_and_turnsheets|downtimes emails and turnsheets]]) if you miss an Uptime.

GMs will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have for them during Uptime, but please be aware that we may be busy with other Players or even need to consult our notes/the other GMs before we can give you an answer.

==== Out-of-Character Calls ====

Calls are when you say a word or make a small gesture action that has some kind of effect on the game. You may have played games where calls have a mechanical effect---this is not the case in //APERIS//, though we will be using some OC calls to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Here is a list of these calls:

=== Time In ===
This is used by GMs to announce the beginning of the session, or resuming after a time freeze, to announce that it is time to switch into character.

=== Time Freeze ===
This is used by GMs to interrupt roleplaying during session, so we can describe something going on that we wouldn't be able to adequately act out.

=== Time Out ===
This is used by the GMs to announce the end of the session and that it is time to drop out of character.

==== The OC Gesture ====
Pointing upwards with the index and middle fingers, this is used by Players and GMs to show that they are temporarily dropping out of character. This may be to ask a question OC, to pass through the playing space unimpeded, or even for GMs to listen in on secret conversations (this last one is off-limits for Players). When someone is doing this, it may indicate that their character is not there.

==== Safety Calls ====

Additionally, there are a number of calls that can be used by Players at any point to act as formalised ways to remove yourself from situations involving uncomfortable topics.

You needn't use these if you prefer to simply talk any issues out using the OC gesture, but these provide an agreed upon system to help navigate the sensitive topics that can arise during RP. These calls should be followed no questions asked.

Here is a list of these safety calls:

=== Down ===
This call is used when you are okay with the current interaction continuing but need the intensity of the situation to be decreased.

=== Out ===
This call can be used to simply remove yourself from a conversation if you are uncomfortable. Your character is simply no longer there and you can remove yourself while the conversation continues.

=== Stop ===
This call is used when a conversation that your character is in makes you uncomfortable OC and you want it to stop completely. When this call is made, the current topic of the conversation will be dropped and moved on from.

===== Debrief =====

After the game has concluded, a casual debrief session will be held where GMs, Crew, and Players talk through the events of the game, explain all their secrets, and generally tie up loose ends. Each Player and Crew gives a 3--4 minute presentation about their character(s)---you can talk about their backstory, what they did in the game, your inspirations in creating them, or anything else you like. You'll be able to take questions as well. 

Each GM will also give a presentation where they talk about their NPCs, as well as the plot of the game in general. Again, you'll get the opportunity to ask us anything you like about the game.

Each Player, Crew, and GM will also get their own debrief channel on the game's Discord server, to allow for more discussion after the debrief session, as well as the sharing of artwork and writing.