Techniques

 

OFF

OFF is the technique we use to calibrate during play. At this larp, OFF means that we are out of character, and we use it mainly when we want to communicate between players, calibrate play or set a limit to something that does not feel okay. In order to do this, we say the word “OFF” followed by what we want to convey. For example, it could be “OFF, I want you to back off now” or “OFF, what is our mother's name again?” 

 

OFF can also be shown with two different signs. The first is used in a conversation, and can be replaced with the word OFF or can be supplemented with OFF in the examples above. To show the sign, hold one palm against the fingertips of the other hand so that they form a T. If you want to be OFF for a longer time, for example to answer a text message from someone at home or to go and fix something that you cannot fix in character, you raise a clenched fist above your head. From the moment your fist is raised above your head, you become invisible to all characters on the floor and no one will interact with you until you lower your fist again.

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Sex and physical affection

At Hartham we aim for realism as much as possible, however as we want sex to be an opt-in theme we use a form of the "fade to black" technique. If two characters are going to have sex, they move to a secluded area (preferebly bedroom, but a storage closet is also a viable option). The important thing is that it is not in any of the common areas. The players then briefly OFF and check in whether they would like to act out the scene (for example, theatre sex, clothed or with at the very least underwear on) or talk it through, then continue based on what is decided. We want to be clear that there is no nudity in sex scenes, or in general when in play, allowed at the larp.

For physical affection such as kissing we want to stick to realism where possible. In order for your character to kiss another character, you kiss them, though how is up to you (kiss on the lips, on the cheek, on the lips but with a thumb in between). For those with pre-written romantic relationships we recommend you calibrate this beforehand.

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Safety

 

Physical safety

We will have a medical bag (containing a first aid kit as well as other things like painkillers, menstrual products, allergy medicine, ect) that will be available for participants at all times. There will also be medical support people who can help in a medical situation.

 

This is a completely drug- and alcohol-free event. This means that you are not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs to the larp. If you do, you will be removed from the area.

 

Emotional safety

The larp will have designated emotional support people who will be pointed out before the larp. There will not be a designated emotional safety room, but we will provide a method to mark a bedroom as temporarily OFF should you need to step away.

 

Core Values

Hartham Manor is organized by Projekt Heartless. We in the association and the organizing group want everyone to feel safe and treated fairly at our events and other association activities we organize. Therefore, we have created a core value and an equal treatment policy that addresses how we want our activities to work.

 

We want to be an open association for both new and existing members. We want to promote diversity in our association and strive for openness to our differences. By listening to each other, we want to create a safe place where everyone can larp.

The age limit for this larp is 18 years. It is a completely drug- and alcohol-free event.

The following points are some of our core values:

 

• Respect that not everyone has the same opinions on different issues. 

• Respect each other's boundaries. This applies both mentally and physically. A no means a no and anything but a yes is a no. If you are in any doubt - ask and make sure that everything is okay.

• Take responsibility for your actions.

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If you want to read more about our core values and system for handling safety concerns, please go to the association website. At the moment the website is only available in swedish, if you need a translation please let us know and we will provide one for any section you need: https://heartlesslarp.wixsite.com/heartless-larp