Hold and Time Out

The Hold Rule

This is the single most important rule in this entire book.

A “Hold” is used in Alliance to stop all in game activities. Anyone who sees an unsafe situation happening or about to happen can call a Hold; this can be due to an injury or someone fighting in an unsafe fashion. “Hold!” should be yelled so that everyone nearby can hear it. When a Hold is called, stay exactly where you are and drop to one knee. Unless instructed by chapter staff, do not move, look around, or talk until a Lay On is called.

You can use this time to update your tags or Battle Board and mark off any abilities you have used. You can pick up packets within arm’s reach or from your pouch but may not move from where you are when the Hold was called.

A Hold is only to be used for emergency safety and medical purposes.

If you see a crowd of people kneeling down, they are probably in a Hold. Do not approach the group until the Hold is over.

 

Time Out

Similar to a Hold, a Time Out will also stop all game activities. Time Out is used for non-emergency situations, such as if you are unsure about a rule that has an immediate effect on the battle. “Time Out!” should be yelled loudly enough so that everyone nearby can hear it. When a Time Out is called, you should stand in place until directed otherwise or a Lay On is called.

Staff members may call a Time Out to resolve traps, provide narrative plot descriptions, or to collect tags and give players the opportunity to update Battle Boards. You may not move around while in a Time Out unless the marshal for the encounter gives permission.

A Time Out should not be used if you suspect a person of cheating or playing their abilities incorrectly. If you have concerns about how another player is engaging with the game, please notify a member of staff so that they can investigate and determine how to proceed.

 

Lay On

Once the concern that prompted the Hold or Time Out has been resolved, either the party which called the game stop or a marshal on the field will call a Lay On. First they will ask if there is any reason for the Hold or Time Out to continue. Once all issues are resolved and everyone on the field is ready to resume play, they will state “3, 2, 1… Lay On!” Game will now resume from where it left off.