There has been a bit of confusion around the following rule:

"You can pause the timer if the game is loading or if you disconnect (character won't move)"

Generally from what I've seen over the past few months is most players interpret this as being able to pause "anytime character control is lost", but more recently some players have brought up some issues with pausing during cinematics. From my perspective I think this comes down to some imprecise English being used for this phrase. As such I'd like to propose a few different options and see what you guys think before making a change. (Feel free to suggest alternatives, but to me these seem like the easiest/fairest options as far as work on the site goes).

1. Update the rule language across the game to be "You can pause the timer if the game is loading, if you disconnect from the server (lag or crash to desktop), or if the game removes character control (minimap shows the eye of sauron)."

2. Update the rule language across the game to be "You can pause the timer if the game is loading or if you disconnect from the server (lag or crash to desktop)."

3. Update only the Intro% category to have a more specific rule of "You can pause the timer if the game is loading, if you disconnect from the server (lag or crash to desktop), or if the game removes character control (minimap shows the eye of sauron)." [Intro% tends to be the category most affected]

I'll check back in a week or two and see if we have any feedback before making any adjustments. If there are complaints on the wording for other rules that we could improve clarity on, please make a separate forum post.

or if the game removes character control (minimap shows the eye of sauron)."

Disagree - the game is effectively playing - not loading or otherwise interfering, timer should still be running - cutscenes do not fly for pauses in 99% of games. Loss of character control should only apply to a stopped timer if its the end of the run (whereby losing control of the character signifies the end of the run - not being able to play the game after cutscene/loss of control ends)

I think #2 is the only rule we should have, regardless of category. If I can open my settings to tweak them, shift bars, edit UI, chat, etc. I am playing the game. Loading screens and disconnects/game crashes should be the only time any kind of pausing takes place. It's fairly obvious when a loading screen takes place as well, tho I admit it can be annoying to pause every time you go through a door. However, it is also the only thing that can have varying lengths depending on the server or ones internet/hardware.

This is definitely something seen a lot in Intro%, but this rule can affect any potential run that relates to the epic-line, some side quests throughout the game, and a lot of instances.

I think #2 makes the most sense out of all of them.