Avalon's gaming system is based on character progression through conflict and role-play, where your decisions shape the land through periods of warfare, unrest, and rising heroism, and times of prosperity.
Avalon is not simply a game - it has evolved to a level beyond a mere 'game', and success at Avalon is not a matter of clever button pushing, or isolated linear progress. You will need all the talents which lead to success in real-life; communication, quick-thinking, insight, perseverance, passion and ability. The 'game' is founded on conflict and co-operation, its aim to be a forum for emotional clashes between bitter enemies, and alliances between beloved friends. A land of heroism and villainy, not a sugary safe environment for easy progress and emotionless character building.
Conflict to the point of it being unconscious - REALplay not ROLEplay; extremes that don't break...
There is no distinction in Avalon between role, and real. You will find the Gods especially are not interested in the neat distinction between in-character and out-of-character. There is no difference. Within Avalon, all is one - you choose to step into this world, and while you do so, you live by its laws. Outside of Avalon should be entirely separate and crossover is against the guidelines of character roleplay. In other words: let your Avalon character be a reflection of yourself in a real sense but keep "in Avalon" and "out of Avalon" poles apart.
The most fundamental rule of Avalon is that all is fair and just, unless the Gods declare otherwise. You cannot simply step outside your character when things become difficult. You cannot shout unfair and expect restitution. Sometimes the land is violent and bloody, when the vicious blood-thirsty are pre-eminent, sometimes it is peaceful and safe, when the pacifists are more prevalent. The ebb and flow of Avalon is not a matter of design, but of evolution. No other gameworld can offer such freedom. Freedom to succeed and be great, but also freedom to be hurt and persecuted.
See HELP ROLE for the fundamental guidelines to character role and the separation of In Avalon and Out of Avalon.