Tournament Ratings

The tournament organisers have generally provided ratings from 0 (Unnecessary) to 5 (Critical) for the following categories: Seriousness, Rules Knowledge, Adult Content and Characterisation. N/A is used where the category is not applicable to the game. Together with the blurb, these ratings are intended to help you select which tournaments you wish to play.

The Characterisation rating generally indicates the extent, degree of complexity and subtlety of characterisation required.

Rules Knowledge indicates the required familiarity with the rules system used and the background world or setting of the game. Some roleplaying tournaments are listed as Systemless. A Systemless game does not use any form of published rules system or mechanics. Emphasis is placed more on cooperative storytelling. Freeforms, of course, are usually Systemless. Rules Knowledge is sometimes replaced with Genre Knowledge, indicating a required familiarity with the particular background world or setting, movie or style and atmosphere.

Adult Content indicates that the module contains adult concepts (incorporating controversial, philosophical or emotional issues) which may be inappropriate for younger players. (Older players may also find a particular concept discomforting; if in doubt, speak to the tournament organisers). The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to certain tournaments on the grounds of maturity. Some tournament writers have used television/movie rating categories, eg PG, M, to indicate Adult Content.

Less Serious modules tend to welcome gratuitous giggles, laughs, puns etc, and which are (probably) an integral part of the scenario anyway. (Sometimes referred to as 'light & fluffy' or 'beer & pretzels' games.) More Serious modules can require more effort on the part of the players. It is generally expected that the atmosphere, intent, believability and integrity of the scenario will be maintained and enhanced by the players.