IC and OOC

Definitions

IC is a commonly used abbreviation for In Character, while OOC is a commonly used abbreviation for Out Of Character. Actions and text that are "in character" are part of the game itself, as opposed to "out of character" actions and text which are not part of the game.

In AoI there are IC and OOC boards, and we attempt to keep the two separate as far as possible. If OOC text must be included in an IC post, we prefer it to be clearly marked. In general the policy is to keep OOC and IC completely separate. If you get on with a player well OOC, for example (you may have met in RL or in the chatrooms), it should not affect your characters' reactions to each other if they meet IC, nor vice versa. This is a game of intrigue. You will have PC and NPC enemies, or where else is the fun, but that doesn't mean you are being disliked as a player.

A commonly held dogma is that IC actions have IC consequences. This is part of the Rules of Realism.

Sample IC post with OOC text

Pete entered the taproom cautiously, with one hand on his sword. Danger could be lurking around any corner, even in this quiet, out-of-the-way little inn.

(OOC: Sorry for taking so long to reply.)

So as not to interrupt the flow of the post you can use the OOC BB code: [OOC=YOUR TEXT HERE]OOC[/OOC]. The text will be revealed on hover.