Table of Contents
Environmental Effects & Hazards
This page outlines how environmental hazards—both in-play and out-of-play—are handled at Volaire events. Situational awareness and safety are always top priority, both for characters and players.
🔥 In-Play Environmental Effects
In-play environmental effects are hazards that characters may encounter as part of the world. These may be created by spells, rituals, or specific terrain features used by Plot.
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Magical Fire | Causes Fire damage or status effects. May require retreat or specialized gear to cross safely. |
| Tainted Ground | Areas corrupted by shadow, undeath, or otherworldly energy. May inflict statuses such as Agony or Fear. |
| Ritual Fields | Active zones of arcane power. Entering one may trigger latent effects, disrupt spells, or initiate roleplay effects. |
| Ice or Slick Terrain | Characters may be forced to move slowly or risk falling (roleplay only; no actual slipping enforced). |
| Corruptive Storms | High-magic storms or breaches in the weave. May deal damage or interfere with magical abilities. |
| Fog or Darkness | Reduces visibility. May limit targeting or affect ranged combat. Staff will indicate specific effects. |
All in-play hazards will be clearly communicated via:
- Colored flags or props
- Marshal announcements
- IG descriptions from Plot NPCs
⚠️ Real-World Hazards (Rockhill Castle Grounds)
While Volaire takes place in a high-fantasy world, we play in a real outdoor environment. The Rockhill Castle property in Barnesville, GA, includes fields, forests, ruins, and rough terrain.
All players should be aware of the following potential real-world hazards:
| Hazard | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uneven Terrain | Watch for holes, dips, roots, or sharp elevation changes. Night navigation requires caution. |
| Loose Stone / Rubble | Ruins and stone paths may shift or crumble. Walk carefully in rocky or worn-down areas. |
| Wildlife | Be alert for snakes, wasps, fire ants, and spiders. Do not disturb nests or dens. Report sightings to Staff. |
| Allergens | Seasonal pollen is common. Bring any allergy medications you may need. |
| Heat & Humidity | Georgia summers can be intense. Hydrate often, wear light breathable garb, and rest as needed. |
| Cold Weather | Cold snaps can occur in spring/fall. Pack layers, especially if you’ll be in armor or wet areas. |
| Poison Ivy & Thorns | Present along tree lines and old structures. Learn to identify and avoid them. |
| Darkness / Low Light | Always carry a light source at night. Avoid running in unlit areas. Stick to marked paths when possible. |
These hazards are considered out-of-play, and should never be used for mechanical advantage or ambush.
🛑 Out-of-Play Zones
Some areas of the site are designated OOP (Out-of-Play) for safety or logistics. These may include:
- Behind-the-scenes staff cabins
- Setup/storage tents
- Clearly marked OOP sections of ruins
- Any medical or emergency tents
If a Marshal or Staff Member declares an area OOP due to a hazard (such as a downed tree, unsafe trail, or wasp nest), it is not to be entered under any circumstances, regardless of in-play context.
🧠 Safety First, Story Second
- You must stop roleplay immediately to report real-world danger or injury.
- Players are expected to act responsibly when navigating terrain.
- In severe weather (lightning, tornado, hail), Plot will call a Hard Hold and move players to shelter.
Volaire is a world of ruins, magic, and risk—but your safety always comes first. Walk wisely, fight fiercely, and stay aware.
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