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No Way Out uses a 2d6 dice-based system for any dice-based scenarios that occur during roleplay. While dice are not required for all interactions that occur in the server, it is unlikely that one will be able to explore the HRZ or engage with a Server Event without encountering some form of Dice Roll or Dice Combat.

Dice Stats are reflective of a character's various skills, traits, and attributes, ensuring that the unique image of a character is accurately represented in both mechanical gameplay and dice scenarios.

Main RulesRoleplay RulesSilicon PolicySecurity Policy

It is essential to remember that we are not our characters. Behavior that occurs in-game is expected to be handled in-game and vice versa; behavior out of game is expected to be handled out of game.

0.0 The Golden Rules: The Three L’s

Play to Lift

Strive to write in ways that give others hooks, spotlight, and chances to shine. Don't just serve yourself.

Play to Logic

Keep your character’s actions consistent with the setting, the character's knowledge, and cause-and-effect. Don't break plausibility.

Play to Lose

Accept setbacks, defeats, and mistakes. Let tension exist by accepting that you won’t always win or even choosing to lose.

Maintaining immersion and a high standard of quality in our roleplay is an important value that we hold within NWO. As such, we have several rules in place to help us maintain these values. The actions listed below are non-exhaustive examples of behaviors that we consider problematic and antithetical to what we would like to see from our player base on NWO.

Staff reserves the right to issue warnings or other punitive measures for behaviors that are not explicitly listed below but fit within the following definitions.

1.0 Powergaming

We define Powergaming as:

Engaging in roleplay or behaviors that negate the agency of other players.

Some examples of Powergaming include:

• Imposing injuries, conditions, reactions, or death onto other players with no reasonable opportunity for counterplay. (ex. “I put my gun to his head and shoot him, killing him instantly.” or “I grab your arm and twist it, making you scream and yield to me.")
• Describing your character as engaging in feats that are unlikely or even physically impossible for a human to attempt reasonably. (ex. A self-described petite librarian character lifts a washing machine on their own.)
• Failure to respond to RP when prompted in scenarios that would call for it, such as being directly addressed, held at gunpoint, or threatened
  • Even if this is “what your character would do,” this is both Powergaming and FailRP due to reasons listed below (see: FailRP)

2.0 Metagaming

We define Metagaming as:

Utilizing information obtained out of character (OOC) to one’s advantage in character (IC).

Some examples of Metagaming include:

• PMing a friend or messaging a group OOCly for assistance during a situation they would not reasonably be aware of or have a reason to enter in-character
• Using pictures or videos that another player has posted to locate their base or assess their loot for raid potential
• Learning of an incoming raid OOCly and building defenses or relocating when you did not already have plans to do so
• Sharing information OOCly to the server during actively ongoing situations, including in our #media channels
  • Screenshots are cool! For this scenario, however, we ask that players wait until conflicts or events are “resolved” before talking about them or sharing screenies

3.0 RPQM/FailRP

We take our Roleplay Quality Management (RPQM) very seriously. As such, individuals may be cited as violating RPQM or engaging in what is called FailRP.

We define FailRP as:

Intentionally engaging in roleplay that is not realistic or grounded and is disruptive to the immersion of others.

Some examples of this include:

• Failure to respond to RP when prompted in scenarios that would call for it, such as being directly addressed, held at gunpoint, or threatened
• Improperly or neglecting to emote certain mechanical actions, such as looting and combat
• Referring to events, memes, or other cultural phenomena that would not have occurred in canon (ex., referring to the K-pop group BTS in the 1990s, describing someone as your “oomfie” in 2001)
• Using slang, abbreviations, or other writing quirks that would take someone out of immersion. Some examples of this include:
  • Emoticons such as “:3”
  • Abbreviations such as “LOL” or “LMAO”, “because” to “bc”, or “what do you mean” to “wym”
  • Improper grammar, such as shortening “though” to “tho” or various grammatical mistakes (you’re vs your, there vs their), for non-stylistic reasons
  • Slang such as “hoes” to “huzz”
• Using OOC chat for IC interactions or IC chat for OOC interactions
• Trope-y, stereotypical, or overly insensitive portrayal of a character’s race, ethnicity, sexuality, or other characteristics

We acknowledge that many of these may occur in one-off instances for even the best roleplayers. Genuine mistakes happen. That’s okay! Repeated RPQM violations can become concerning and warrant ticketing.

4.0 Bugs & Bad Faith

Project Zomboid is a flawless game without any bugs, issues, or cheese.

…Says nobody ever.

If you have spent any amount of time with Project Zomboid, be it 1 hour or 1000 hours, it does not take long to be reminded that this game is very much a work-in-progress at the best of times and downright broken at the worst. We are completely empathetic and understanding of the fact that bugs, destructive and beneficial, not only can but will happen.

That being said, we will not tolerate any of the following behaviors, as they break immersion and offer unique and unfair mechanical, roleplay, or other advantages.

4.1 Exploiting

We define exploiting as:

Using bugs or game limitations to gain an advantage, be it mechanical, meta, or for any other purpose.

Examples include:

• Duplicating items
• Building into or breaking your way into areas that you are not supposed to access

Again—We acknowledge that Project Zomboid is a very special game with…interesting quirks. If these happen on one-off, accidental occasions, that’s fine! Please open a ticket so we can rectify things.

If you are found to be taking advantage of an exploit, or if you are repeatedly caught doing so, punitive measures, up to and including a ban, may be issued.

4.2 Griefing

We define griefing as:

Harming other players, their belongings, or the server experience without proper planning, reasoning, or justification.

Examples include:

• Duplicating items.
• Destroying bases or vehicles outside of raid tickets.
• Unauthorized raiding or other bad-faith actions.

Furthermore, to keep the server running smoothly and the world furnished, the following will also be considered griefing:

• Dismantling structures, containers, or furniture to level up skills
• Dismantling vehicles with engine quality above 20%
• Excessive litter (this includes leaving behind car parts, logs, pipes, etc.)

See In-Game Rules 2.3: Dismantling for more information.

5.0 Character Portrayal & Immersion

All characters must be 18 or older and portrayed in a realistic, immersive way appropriate to a post-apocalyptic setting. This includes:

• Clothing: Outfits should make sense for survival conditions, not mimic modern fashion trends or meme aesthetics. Staff won’t strictly police clothing, but anything excessively out of place may be addressed to preserve immersion.

• Names & References: Characters must have realistic names typical of the era they were born in. Avoid symbols, numbers, modern pop-culture references, or names directly taken from existing media franchises.

• Behavior & Speech: Characters should fit the tone and social norms of the setting. Avoid modern slang, unrealistic backstories, or behavior that breaks world immersion.

• Depth & Personality: A character’s personality shouldn’t center solely on a single trait or aspect of their identity.

• Intent & Development: Characters should be fully realized individuals; not self-inserts or personas created only for ERP, romance, or wish-fulfillment. Relationships can form naturally, but every character should have believable motivations, flaws, and goals beyond seeking intimacy or attention.

6.0 Sensitive & Explicit Roleplay Topics

NWO is strictly an 18+ server due to the mature and potentially distressing themes present in a post-apocalyptic setting. Players may encounter violence, trauma, death, and other dark themes. This section outlines sensitive topics and is required reading for all members.

While we aim for an immersive experience, the following roleplay may only occur in secluded & private settings with the permission of all involved:

• Torture
• Graphic or excessively gruesome depictions of injuries

Explicit sexual roleplay or erotic roleplay (ERP) is strictly forbidden in publicly accessible chats on our server under any conditions. Any use of a public chat to engage in this style of RP is subject to punitive action up to and including a ban from the server.

We largely hold no responsibility for interactions that occur in direct messages or on non-NWO-affiliated servers. Any engagement with players through means of communication outside of our officially moderated chats is a decision to be undertaken with the consent of each participant, and not subject to our typical moderation guidelines in most cases.

If an individual is attempting to coerce, pressure, threaten, or otherwise manipulate you into participating in ERP or any other roleplay-related activities, you should report this individual to Discord, block them, and open a concern ticket with us. They are in direct violation of Discord’s ToS and NWO Discord Rules 0.0 and 1.0, and can be banned or even face legal action.

The following topics are strictly prohibited in all forms, including active participation, explicit or detailed reference, or accusations within roleplay: Rape

• Pedophilia
• Beastiality
• Necrophilia

6.1 IC Prejudice and Bigotry

Characters may portray bigoted attitudes as part of their roleplay, but:

• The use of slurs in-character is strictly forbidden.
• Prejudice should be expressed through nuanced roleplay, not offensive language.
• Bigotry must be one aspect of a character, not their defining trait. Prejudice cannot be used to target or harass other characters beyond reasonable in-character conflict.

7.0 Radio Rules and Use

Character Creation

Characters on NWO are supposed to feel like **real people** (https://discord.com/channels/1345174084128079923/1383424344687906889/1384183682083983390), and each character build will first need to be approved before the character can Spawn. Using this guide, at the end of a Character Application thread, post what kind of Occupation and Traits the character should have. Every Trait will need to be justified properly in the Background. Both Negatives, and Positives.

1. 📔 Backgrounds

On NWO there are only four Occupations, that don't work like the basegame ones. Each occupation is better defined as a "Background", the backbones of what your character is, without limiting their skills. Each of these Backgrounds will give an amount of Trait Points, levels of Fitness and Strength, and two Thematic Traits with no connection to skills, but that give Mechanical and Dice effects **and are unique to them**.

1. 1. 🗺️ Scavenger

• Brave and resourceful, Scavengers are used to the dangers of the world outside the QZ.*
  • Trait Points: 8**
  • Strength and Fitness Levels: 2 (Starting Levels and Cap: 8)**
  • Background Traits:**

- 🍃 Outdoorsman: Unaffected by Weather Conditions - 👂 Keen Hearing: Wider hearing Radius. +2 Perception Rolls

1. 1. 💡 Thinker

• Quick-witted and versatile, Thinkers can adapt to learn more easily new essential skills.*
  • Trait Points: 10**
  • Strength and Fitness Levels: 2 (Starting Levels and Cap: 8)**
  • Background Traits:**

- 🫳 Dextrous: Faster Item transference speed - 🧠 Fast Learner: 125% XP Gain

1. 1. 🛡️ Stalwart

• Bulwarks of resilience, Stalwarts are tough and enduring survivors, hardened by the dangers of this new world*
  • Trait Points: 8**
  • Strength and Fitness Levels: 3 (Starting Levels and Cap: 10)**
  • Background Traits:**

- 🩸 Fast Coagulation: Slower mechanical bleeding speed. - 🦏 Thick Skinned: Less chance of mechanical Injury. +2 Robustness Rolls

1. 1. ⚒️ Labourer

• Robust pillars of their community, Labourers are strong workers especially capable in resource management.*
  • Trait Points: 8**
  • Strength and Fitness Levels: 2 (Starting Levels and Cap: 8)**
  • Background Traits:**

- 🚜 Heavy Lifter: Higher Carrying Capacity. +1 Robustness Rolls - 🗄️ Organized: More storage space inside of containers.

1. ⚙️ Skill Caps and Traits

On NWO, **every** skill has a max cap level. Caps are influenced by the starting level in character creation, and will be 4, 6, 8 and 10, **but a skill that starts with at least one level will already be at its maximum possible level.**

• • Examples:**

- A Character starts in Creation with 0 Levels in a Skill. They will spawn with 0 Levels on that same Skill, and will be able to reach level 4. - A Character starts in Creation with 1 Level in a Skill. They will spawn with 6 Levels on that same Skill, and will not be able to go past that. - A Character starts in Creation with 2 Levels in a Skill. They will spawn with 8 Levels on that same Skill, and will not be able to go past that. - A Character starts in Creation with 3 Levels in a Skill. They will spawn with 10 Levels on that same Skill.

• • Gaining Levels and XP:**

If a character starts with 0 levels in a skill, they will be able to level it up to Level 4. Leveling these skills happens through normal PZ Mechanical Leveling up. For the purpose of making learning new skills more impactful, we have removed Skill Books.

🏅 **Skill Traits** Since Backgrounds will not give any starting level in Crafting, Agility, Survival and Combat skills, a character build will mostly come from the selection of traits. Our custom Skill Traits are organized in three different tiers that have different costs and Starting levels:

- 🥉 ***Amateur Skill Trait Tier:*** 1 Starting Level in Creation (Max lvl 6). Amateur Traits cost 1 Point in creation. - 🥈 ***Experienced Skill Trait Tier:*** 2 Starting Levels in Creation (Max lvl 8). Experienced Traits cost 2 Points in creation. Max 2 Experienced Traits per Character - 🥇 ***Expert Skill Trait Tier:*** 3 Starting Levels in Creation (Max lvl 10). Expert Traits cost 3 Points in creation. Max 1 Expert Trait per Character

• • A Character can't also have same Skill Traits of different Tiers. (For example: Both Amateur Carpenter *and* Experienced Carpenter).**

1. 📚 Traits List and Costs

1. 1. 📖 Vanilla Positive Traits

- 🏎️ **Speed Demon:** 1 Pt. - 🥤 **Low Thirst:** 1 Pt. - 🍽️ **Low Hunger:** 1 Pt. - 🌿 **Herbalist:** 1 Pt. - 🦷 **Iron Gut:** 1 Pt. +1 Robustness - 🐈‍⬛ **Cat's Eyes:** 2 Pts. +2 Perception - 🚀 **Adrenaline Junkie:** 2 Pts. +2 Initiative - 💃 **Graceful:** 2 Pts. +2 Stealth - 🦁 **Brave:** 2 Pts. +2 Resolve - 🕵️ **Inconspicuous:** 2 Pts. +2 Stealth - 🩹 **Fast Healer:** 2 Pts. +1 Robustness - ⛓️ **Resilient:** 2 Pts. +1 Robustness - 🫁 **Fit:** 3 Pts. - 💪 **Strong:** 3 Pts. - 🦅 **Eagle Eyed:** 3 Pts. +1 Ranged Attack, +2 Perception - 😐 **Desensitized:** 4 Pts. +4 Resolve

1. 1. 📖 Vanilla Negative Traits

- 🦠 **Prone to Illness:** +1 Pt. -1 Robustness - 🚬 **Smoker:** +1 Pt. -1 Robustness - 🚙 **Slow Driver:** +1 Pt - ❤️‍🩹 **Slow Healer:** +1 Pt. -1 Robustness - ⏳ **Slow Learner:** +1 Pt. - 🥣 **Weak Stomach:** +1 Pt. -1 Robustness - 💉 **Fear of Blood:** +2 Pts. -2 Resolve - 🏟️ **Agoraphobic:** +2 Pts. -2 Resolve - 👐 **All Thumbs:** +2 Pts - 🏚️ **Claustrophobic:** +2 Pts. -2 Resolve - 🐰 **Cowardly:** +2 Pts. -2 Resolve - 🕊️ **Pacifist:** +2 Pts. -2 Initiative - 👓 **Short Sighted:** +2 Pts. -1 Ranged Attack. -1 Perception. - 🩸 **Thin Skinned** +2 Pts. -2 Robustness - 🧢 **Conspicuous:** +2 Pts. -2 Stealth - 👣 **Clumsy:** +2 Pts. -2 Stealth - 🦻 **Hard of Hearing:** +2 Pts. -2 Perception - 💼 **Disorganized:** +3 Pts. - 🦴 **Weak:** +3 Pts. - 🛋️ **Unfit:** +3 Pts. - 📓 **Illiterate:** +4 Pts - 🧏 **Deaf:** +4 Pts. -4 Perception - ☠️ **Very Weak:** +5 Pts - 🛏️ **Very Unfit:** +5 Pts

1. 1. 🥉 Amateur Skill Traits

Cost: 1 Point each. **No amount Limit.** - 🔨 **Amateur Carpenter:** +1 Carpentry - 🌾 **Amateur Farmer:** +1 Farming - 🩺 **Amateur Doctor:** +1 First Aid - 🧰 **Amateur Engineer:** +1 Mechanics, +1 Electronics - 🔩 **Amateur Metalworker:** +1 Metalworking - 🏠 **Amateur Housekeeper:** +1 Cooking, +1 Tailoring - 🪖 **Amateur Shooter:** +1 Aiming, +1 Reloading - 🏕️ **Amateur Outdoorsman:** +1 Fishing, +1 Foraging, +1 Trapping - 🫀 **Amateur Athlete:** +1 Nimble, +1 Sprinting - 🥷 **Amateur Rogue:** +1 Sneaking, +1 Lightfooted - 🪓 **Amateur Fighter (Survival):** +1 Axe, +1 Spear, +1 Maintenance - 🏏 **Amateur Fighter (Blunt):** +1 Long Blunt, +1 Short Blunt, +1 Maintenance - ⚔️ **Amateur Fighter (Blade):** +1 Long Blade, +1 Short Blade, +1 Maintenance

1. 1. 🥈 Experienced Skill Traits

Cost: 2 Points each. **Max 2.** - 🔨 **Experienced Carpenter:** +2 Carpentry - 🌾 **Experienced Farmer:** +2 Farming - 🩺 **Experienced Doctor:** +2 First Aid - 🧰 **Experienced Engineer:** +2 Mechanics, +2 Electronics - 🔩 **Experienced Metalworker:** +2 Metalworking - 🏠 **Experienced Housekeeper:** +2 Cooking, +2 Tailoring - 🪖 **Experienced Shooter:** +2 Aiming, +2 Reloading - 🏕️ **Experienced Outdoorsman:** +2 Fishing, +2 Foraging, +2 Trapping - 🫀 **Experienced Athlete:** +2 Nimble, +2 Sprinting - 🥷 **Experienced Rogue:** +2 Sneaking, +2 Lightfooted - 🪓 **Experienced Fighter (Survival):** +2 Axe, +2 Spear, +2 Maintenance - 🏏 **Experienced Fighter (Blunt):** +2 Long Blunt, +2 Short Blunt, +2 Maintenance - ⚔️ **Experienced Fighter (Blade):** +2 Long Blade, +2 Short Blade, +2 Maintenance

1. 1. 🥇 Expert Skill Traits

Cost: 3 Points each. **Max 1.** - 🔨 **Expert Carpenter:** +3 Carpentry - 🌾 **Expert Farmer:** +3 Farming - 🩺 **Expert Doctor:** +3 First Aid - 🧰 **Expert Engineer:** +3 Mechanics, +3 Electronics - 🔩 **Expert Metalworker:** +3 Metalworking - 🏠 **Expert Housekeeper:** +3 Cooking, +3 Tailoring - 🪖 **Expert Shooter:** +3 Aiming, +3 Reloading - 🏕️ **Expert Outdoorsman:** +3 Fishing, +3 Foraging, +3 Trapping - 🫀 **Expert Athlete:** +3 Nimble, +3 Sprinting - 🥷 **Expert Rogue:** +3 Sneaking, +3 Lightfooted - 🪓 **Expert Fighter (Survival):** +3 Axe, +3 Spear, +3 Maintenance - 🏏 **Expert Fighter (Blunt):** +3 Long Blunt, +3 Short Blunt, +3 Maintenance - ⚔️ **Expert Fighter (Blade):** +3 Long Blade, +3 Short Blade, +3 Maintenance

Accessing the Dice Panel

The dice panel is accessible via the Skills tab in the Health menu.

Navigating the Dice Panel

Skill Rolls

All skill rolls are based on the skills available within Project Zomboid, as well as any other modded skills that may be present. For more information on skills, see the Project Zomboid wiki page on Skills.

Almost every Mechanical Skill is tied to a roll, automatically giving modifiers to it. Modifiers given by Skills are equal to Skill Level/2. So a Level 6 Skill will give a modifier of +3 to the relative roll.

General Rolls

Skill Name	Level 4	Level 6	Level 8	Level 10
Fitness	3 HP	4 HP	5 HP	6 HP
Strength	-1 to Melee Attack & Def	-	+1 Melee Attack & Def	+2 Melee Attack & Def
Nimble	+2 Nimble & Unarmed	+3 Nimble & Unarmed	+4 Nimble & Unarmed	+5 Nimble & Unarmed
Sneaking	+2 Hiding	+3 Hiding	+4 Hiding	+5 Hiding
Crafting Skills	+2 Crafting Skill	+3 Crafting Skill	+4 Crafting Skill	+5 Crafting Skill
Combat Skills	+2 Weapon Skill	+3 Weapon Skill	+4 Weapon Skill	+5 Weapon Skill
Aiming	+2 Ranged Attack	+3 Ranged Attack	+4 Ranged Attack	+5 Ranged Attack
Reloading	+2 Reloading	+3 Reloading	+4 Reloading	+5 Reloading

Weapon Rolls

Ranged Weapons

Weapon Type	Damage	Crit Requirement	Crit Dmg
Assault Weapons	4	Double 5 or Double 6	6
Rifles & Shotguns	4	Double 6	6
Pistols	3	Double 6	4
Flamethrowers	4	Double 5 or Double 6	8
Crossbows	4	Double 6	5

Melee Weapons

Weapon Type	Damage	Crit Requirement	Crit Dmg
Two Handed	3	Double 5 or Double 6	4
One Handed	2	Double 6	4
Spears	2	Double 6	3
Bare Hands, Improvised, Weapon Stocks	1	-	-

Dodging & Armor

Weapons Information

Armor Type	Bonus HP	Modifiers
Assault Weapons	4	Double 5 or Double 6	6
Rifles & Shotguns	4	Double 6	6
Pistols	3	Double 6	4
Flamethrowers	4	Double 5 or Double 6	8
Crossbows	4	Double 6	5

Injuries

Injury Type	Modifiers
Healthy	No Modifiers
Lightly Injured	-1 Modifier to All Rolls
Injured	-2 Modifier to All Rolls
Heavily Injured	-3 Modifier to All Rolls