Information for under 7s
Overview
The rules for under-7s are based around the assumptions that a young child cannot engage significantly with the roleplaying and that they need constant supervision by their parents. The goal of these rules is to ensure that parents are clear about what they need to do to ensure that their young children do not damage the event for others.
Some of these rules will only apply to the IC area. There is obviously no requirement or restrictions for costume or toys in the OOC camping field.
No charge but must book in advance
We do not expect a young child to play a significant role in the game, so there is no charge for them to attend. However they must be booked in advance of the game, in the company of a booked adult who is their parent or carer. This is to ensure that we have an accurate list of young children attending the event.
A character but no skills
The intention for Empire is to create a world in which children play children as realistically and credibly as possible. We intend to try to make the experience of being a child in the world of Empire as epic as possible, but children are not great heroes risking their lives to save the Empire, they merely have the chance to become one as they grow up in the game.
Because of this, young children are encouraged to create a character on our system once the character generation system is released, however children cannot have skills or resources until their character passes test of citizenship, somewhere between the ages of 11 and 16. We intend to deliver a game aimed at our young players that is based around their characters and what they want to learn and do and is not contingent on skills or resources.
As under 7s have no skills, they may utilize the Apprentice Ability.
Must have suitable costume
A baby should be swaddled or dressed in blankets or costume which are appropriate to the setting. Young children should have suitable costume. Footwear is always difficult in LRP, particularly for children who are still growing quickly, so neutral coloured footwear (plain shoes, trainers or wellies) is acceptable.
Must have suitable toys
A young child will want to play with toys. The perfect toys are ones that are passable in the setting, such as wooden farm animals. You must not bring bright coloured obviously plastic toys or any toys that are battery operated into the IC area.
24/7 supervision required
Any under-7 must be supervised at all times by a parent or nominated carer. This can be onerous, parents should consider whether it is worth attending an event with an under-7 if they do not have two or more adults to share the responsibility. Parents of young children must be aware that they can easily disrupt the game for other players. You must remove your child from an area where other players are roleplaying if they become disruptive. Young children are prone to wandering off, so parents must take care to ensure that they remain close at all times.
The requirement for supervision applies even when your child is asleep. You cannot leave a young child sleeping without their parent or carer present.
Non-combatant at all times
There are no circumstances under which it is acceptable for an under-7 to be involved in combat. Since a parent or carer must be supervising the child at all times, this means that that individual cannot be involved in combat either. It should not be difficult to avoid combat at Empire, however if combat does occur near you or your child, then you must gather up your child and immediately leave the area by the most effective route. It is exceptionally unlikely that another character would want to attack you while you are doing this, but if that does appear to happen then you must put a hand in the air and follow the rules for being non-contact.
IC activities
Older children in this age group may participate in children's activities organised by PD and other aspects of the game if they are able to roleplay appropriately. They must be accompanied by a parent/carer at all times and should be removed from the area if they cease to roleplay.
Toddler tent provided
We will have a single tent in the OOC area which is designated for use by parents with young children. The tent will have heating, so that parents can take their children there if the weather turns cold. There will be nappy changing facilities and a microwave to allow parents to sterilize bottles. In addition there will be a small supply of baby food which is intended for emergency use only. There will be an honesty jar provided for players to pay for any food used.