Preface

Fulda Gap is a region serving two synergistic roles. One role is to be an aesthetically appealing area in which people can improvise and role-play in scenarios that appeal to them. The other is as a live test bed for the Omega Combat System, as the system will evolve based on the observations and inclinations of the participants, administrators, and game managers.

In most cases, this document would be called "The Rules," and players would be expected to follow them, as a sort of tribute to those who put their time, effort and money into making such a region for them to use. We feel that's a bit totalitarian and counter to what is really needed to make Fulda Gap a successful RP area. And by "successful" we do not mean "popular."

Anyone familiar with The Omega Concern is aware that we focus on quality of products and quality of service after the sale. Our standard is to insist that something is as good as it can be made at the time it is released. This policy often results in delayed releases but increased quality as new and better methods may be found to perform a particular function, a feature not thought of in initial planning has become clearly needed, or the Linden Script Language itself has given us a new command that would make our product work better.

What a successful RP region requires most of all is a participating, enthusiastic and involved community. Persons who feel an "ownership" there, even if not the people running behind the scenes, a feeling that they are investing time and effort and making choices to enhance the experience there for themselves and others. Through such actions a community is built.

We call this a "Cooperation Agreement" because there is a common goal in a successful Fulda Gap, one which inflexible rules and an "Us versus Them" mentality can only hinder. This document is to allow us all to understand what is expected from one another.

The 'Fulda Gap' Group

Participants may use Fulda Gap group channel for calling other players to the region or other play-related messages.  However, flaming, trolling and foul language will not be tolerated.

The Fulda Gap group needs to be your active tag in Fulda Gap, or your items will not work properly in Fulda Gap. You must attach your attachments such as OCS HUD and weapons after setting your group tag to Fulda Gap, or the attachments will not be given the correct tag and will not be able to rez objects. Items already attached will need to be detached and reattached.

Participant Behavior

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner toward other players.

The use of the main map, 'radar HUDs' or similar to gain an unrealistic and/or unfair advantage in play is prohibited.  Players clearly exhibiting supernatural powers of observation and detection will be issued only one warning by a GM, and further displays of such behaviour will result in temporary or permanent banishment from Fulda Gap.

The Use of the OCS HUD is Compulsory

Participants are expected to keep their OCS HUD on at all times while in Fulda Gap, and to detach "Radar HUDs" and similar. There are devices in Fulda Gap that poll those in the region to be sure their HUD is attached and active. Failure to comply with requests these devices make to attach and activate one's HUD will result in the player being teleported home. Detaching one's HUD while in Fulda Gap will result in immediate teleportation home.

The OCS Viewer for Second Life is not mandatory at this time.

In the interest of keeping the sim running smoothly, any unnecessary attachments should be removed.

Use of non-OCS gear to harass or otherwise interfere with the game play of other players or the operation of the sim will result in ejection from the Fulda Gap group and permanent banishment from the estate.

Items Must be OCS Certified

Except for as use as props, any weapons, vehicles or other items which may affect game play in Fulda Gap shall be compatible with the Omega Combat System. This is to say that having swords, pistols or other weapons attached to your avatar for aesthetic reasons is acceptable, but using a weapon which is not in an OCS mode is not. Participants agree to not use shields or other non-OCS armor. Please respect the no-fly setting and do not attempt to fly around the sim unless you are in an OCS compatible aircraft. Similarly, vehicles which are not OCS-compatible should not be used in Fulda Gap. Please do not leave objects behind to get in the way of or be cleaned up by others.

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

If another participant is interfering with you in a way you feel is not consistent with the scenario, IM that player and politely ask that they cease. Also, if asked to stop doing something by another player who feels that you are degrading their play experience, do respect the request and stop.

Insults and accusations of cheating are not conducive to the resolution of inter-player issues. Players are expected to treat one another with respect and politeness.  Harassment of other players will not be tolerated.

As it has been an issue for some, this is as clearly as it can be stated:  Do not "spawn camp" other players, period.

If two participants have an issue they can not work out for themselves, they should bring it to the attention of a game manager, who will have the tag "Fulda Gap GM."

The current roster of Game Managers is:

Jessica Lindsay
Caete Chevalier
RopeMasterDom Skjellerup
April Heaney (Administrator)

If asked by a game manager to stop doing something, simply stop. The game manager is not the person with whom to argue. If you disagree with a decision made by a game manager, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and include your SL name, the name of the game manager involved, the names of any others involved in the situation and a brief synopsis of what happened. Be aware that the decision reached through this method is final and not subject to debate.

Game Manager Behavior

Game managers (GMs), when not performing in the capacity of GM, are expected to behave as any other participant, and are expected to be treated as such. A GM shall not use their position to gain advantage over or favor with other participants. GMs are expected to be unbiased when required to intervene in an official capacity. A GM shall make his or her decision based only upon the goal of facilitating role playing in Fulda Gap.

Administrator Behavior

Administrators are expected to behave as any other participant and shall, within their power, maintain the systems and services which facilitate game play. This includes maintaining the data systems and resources required to deliver a compelling gaming experience. Administrators will also review and decide on resolutions between players which can not be resolved by a GM.

Summary

In short, Fulda Gap is meant to be a combat-oriented role playing region where participants, even though they may be in competition, cooperate to build a community all participants can play in and enjoy.