Event Guidelines

ECC would not be what it is if not for the special events that become milestones in the game's history and the characters' individual stories. Often, these events have been large-scale, Domain-wide affairs arranged by the Staff to mark a particular special occasion. However, Kindred hold other events, including Clan meetings, private Salons, and other kinds of gatherings. The Staff encourages players to add to the story and flavor of the game by participating in, and organizing, special events either at or outside of regular game sessions. There are two main kinds of Events: At Game (divided into three types) and Off-Campus. Below are the guidelines to follow, in and out of character, if you are interested in hosting/organizing an in-character event.

For ALL events:

A proposal for the Event must be submitted in writing to the STs at beforehand, the bigger the Event, the more time will be required. It should detail when the event is to take place, the theme and purpose of the event, and basic in-character details regarding the hosting, location, and inspiration for the event. It should list anything needed in the way of supplies, props, and assistance required from the Staff. Proposals MUST be approved by the STs BEFORE your character takes any In Character steps toward the Event. Approval will be based on both In and Out of Character considerations including the proposed date and suitability of the idea within the game's current setting. Following the approval of a proposal, the STs will work with you to make it happen.

These are some basic guidelines for structuring a seasonal Emerald City event night. Generally, every event is some sort of themed costume party with a twist. We like to see things that live outside the box, but in the past we've had events like these-

Valentine's Day

Usually the first party of the year, 'Valentine's Day' is an easy way to express a party that usually happens sometime in February. This one is easy- it can be Valentine's themed or not. It can be a big formal event, or it can be a casual... 'tea' party. You choose the theme, you choose how to tie it in, and we'll be there.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade Ball is usually our most formal event. Often held around Memorial Day, the theme generally encompasses masks, identity, and mystery. Glamor and sparkle are also very commonly present, if not in the theme, then in the attendees. Recent examples have been the 'Masks and Mirrors' party, the 'Midsummer Night's Dream' ball, and Mardi Gras.

Halloween

The Halloween party has generally been an excuse to make light of undeath. As it's name suggests, it's usually held around the end of October. The Halloween party is mostly spooky or creepy in theme, including things like The Freaky Frankenstein Festival (a horror and horror movie tribute) and a party in memorial to Edgar Allen Poe.

Winter

The winter party is generally traditionally or seasonally themed. It's usually held around Christmas and the New Year, and past examples include 'Christmas in the Caribbean,' a Yule Ball, and a Ancient Rome-themed Saturnalia festival. Think winter and work from there.

Events to take place at game, during a normal game session (Saturday from 10pm-2am), come in three convenient sizes:

• Large Events: These Events encompass the entire game session, are open to the majority of the city's Kindred population, are hosted by an entire Clan, and signify some major occasion. Examples include the annual Masquerade Ball, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc.These Events require a LOT of planning. Usually props and furniture are arranged for, a larger space in the college garage is used, snacks and drinks are donated by participants, etc. Large Events qualify for a base award of 3xp per participant. Additional XP will be awarded to those who help set-up the event, break-down the event, help with bringing food and drinks, etc. No more than 1 Large Event will be approved in a 2 month period (Halloween and X-mas are the ONLY exception).
• Parallel Events: These Events run alongside the regular game activities. They may take all 4 hours of game time, but they are not the focus of the night, or even all the players. Examples include a Toreador art exhibition, a Brujah Rave, or ANY kind of "private" party. Hosts of these Events may choose to have open invitations or a limited invitation list, but should not expect everyone to show up, or stay the whole time. These Events would occur some distance away from the main game area to separate the activity of the "private party" from the other events taking place in the Elysium proper. They may still include props and furniture, snacks and drinks. Additional XP awards (if any) for Parallel Events will be decided on a case by case basis. No more than one Parallel Event per month will be approved.
• Small Events: These Events should not require an entire game session, and are limited invitation only. Small events might include things like in-character funerals, initiation ceremonies, duels, etc. Small Events only require the submission of a proposal if you wish to have ST assistance for your Event. There may be more than one small event in a month.

The ECC Community does not cease to exist at 2am on Sunday mornings. We are a community of friends and family who, occasionally, don't actually mind seeing each other outside of game. And in many instances, one night a week of roleplay just is not enough for some of us. 

Players have the option to hold an in-character Event outside of regular game sessions, granted that you meet some very specific requirements. Meeting these conditions will ensure that all participants receive an extra point of XP for the Event. Failure to meet these requirements means no XP, and the Event is considered not to have happened within the story of EC.

• Either a member of the ECC Staff, or an approved Player Advocate, MUST be in attendance at the event to verify both the roleplaying, and to verify attendance for XP.
• The event needs to take place in a (literally) public forum. Examples include "Brujah Hockey Night" and "Toreador Museum Night". These events do NOT need to cost money, but they should be social and public activities.
• Invitations to these events may be relatively private (it's your party, after all), but not 'too private'. The intent of these events to help to bolster the ECC Community, so try to include more than just your regular circle of friends.
• A player/group may have only 1 Off-Campus Event per month that qualies for an extra XP.