Rules

1. No Powergaming.
Powergaming prioritizes character actions above all others, forcing outcomes and emoting to automatically win with no room for dispute or fair play, usually by acting outside of the capacity of the character or the limits of the world. It is expected that all players roleplay realistically within the limits of their characters and allow others the opportunity and time to respond to actions taken.

2. No Meta-Gaming.
Meta-Gaming is the use of Out-of-Character(OOC) information to influence In-Character(IC) actions and responses. Examples include using information from a player’s character sheet or application, pursuing quests or information that your character would not have been aware of, or treating characters differently based on Out-of-Character knowledge.

This rule extends to information gained using mods and cheats, from private messages or information gained on another character. Arranging roleplay on an Out-of-Character basis is allowed within reason, such as saying your character is at a public space, but all other information, arrangements, or meetings should be done In-Character.

3. Common sense.
Common sense is meant to ensure that all roleplay done in Saphriel is fair, realistic, and enjoyable above all else. Actions should be done with the consideration of “Can a character actually do what is being attempted?”. If an action is taken that feels like it may go against the server’s nature or rules, either cease the action, re-emote it or contact Staff for clarification. A character’s limits should be understood, and even if a player may possess knowledge or information on a matter Out-of-Character, this does not mean that their character will have the same understanding.

4. Be In-Character at all times.
Wherever a player is mechanically within the world on server is where they are In-Character for that account, with the only exceptions being in the spawn zone or with temporary permission made by Staff. There is no being somewhere Out-of-Character, nor ‘Taking a peek’ at a restricted area without the character being there. Staff can be somewhere Out-of-Character in order to moderate, build, or otherwise run events. Otherwise all actions and emotes are to be taken In-Character.

Out-of-Character comments are allowed and can be made if parenthesis are used around the Out-of-Character text, but should be kept to a minimum or restricted to the Out-of-Character chat(/OOC). Any misclicks, typos, or accidental actions can be corrected, but there is no rolling back character actions without good reason or unless Staff believes a character would know better than to make such an action.

5. Separation.
Separation between what someone does In-Character and the player Out-of-Character is required. These In-Character actions do not speak for the personality of the player in question and should not be treated as such; all actions done In-Character are In-Character. Do not harass a player based on their character’s actions, and similarly avoid lashing out or making negative In-Character actions based on Out-of-Character feelings or opinions if it does not fit the character to do so, dislike of another character should have In-Character justification. These actions will be punished if witnessed as part of a pattern.

If there is any suspicion of a player taking actions done In-Character Out-of-Character or vice versa, inform staff immediately. Any player can approach staff if they feel they are having personal trouble keeping In-Character and Out-of-Character separate due to any reason. Saphriel is above all a community and staff members are always happy to help where they can.

6. No public ERP.
Erotic Roleplay(ERP) must either be taken to a private chat off server, or any explicit scenes are to Fade to Black(FTB). Rape roleplay is strictly not allowed, while there may unfortunately be instances where it does ‘happen’, if circumstances lead to that point it must Fade to Black early with no explicit details at all, and have the agreement of the parties involved for the safety and comfort of all. Harassing someone for Erotic Roleplay is not allowed after the first rejection. Any form of pedophilia or child erotic roleplay is strictly not allowed and will result in an immediate ban with no appeal. This extends to erotic roleplay with a player who is still under the age 18 even if their character is considered of consenting age.

Saphriel holds a zero tolerance policy on any predatory behavior targeting minors or any sexual harassment to members of the community. 

7. Be Courteous to fellow Players and Staff.
Above all, Saphriel is a community and as a community it is expected that all members treat one another with courtesy and respect. Any disrespect or aggression of any kind Out-of-Character will not be tolerated, such behavior has no place here. This includes rude remarks, blatant insults, racism and discriminatory comments, etc. If asked to stop making remarks that bother a player or otherwise break this rule, the offending player is expected to stop. Failure to do so will result in an appropriate punishment, up to and including being banned depending on the severity of the offense.

8. Escalations.
Should a player wish to report another player for violation of any of the above rules, have a general complaint or otherwise has a need for a private question to staff they should first reach out to any available moderators, if the problem continues, is not handled accordingly or has taken too long to be resolved, they may then approach a game master, and if it continues then they may finally approach an admin. 

If the complaint is above a specific staff member for any reason, such as how an encounter was handled or there is concern about their behavior then the problem should first attempt to be resolved with that specific staff member in question. If the matter is not properly handled then the issue should be directed to the next highest staff member.

1. Combat Rolls
Combat in Saphriel is to be done through roleplay interactions between parties, excluding where all involved agree to rolls to determine an outcome should an agreement not be made, or should staff ask for a roll to be made. When a roll is made and used, a tied roll will usually result in success for the defender, but modifiers may apply when it comes to specific circumstances which are to be handled on a case by case basis.

2. Equipping Gear
Any equipment or items that a character possesses must be within their inventory or backpack in order to be used. Armor should be equipped prior to combat in order to be considered wearing it, it can not suddenly be worn in a single turn under normal circumstances. Trinkets in particular should always be kept in the inventory if a character is using one, even if they can be stowed away into a bag or are an item that can be worn.

Note: If a player skins the armor of their character, they are not required to mechanically wear the armor, but it still must be either in their inventory or backpack.

3. Equipment Capabilities
Items and equipment will possess lore, detailed paragraphs describing their appearance and design alongside their general capabilities. Players are expected to roleplay these items appropriately, and within their capabilities, see the ‘Common Sense’ rule. Should an effect, function or use of an item come into question players should be ready to present the item to staff, or explain the mechanics to an opposing player if needed.

4. Thieving
All theft, stealing, or break-ins must be moderated by a member of staff for any location, locked or unlocked. Areas may be trapped, have Non-Player-Character’s(NPC) in them, or have other defenses or encounters associated with the location. The ‘Common Sense’ rule applies to theft and stealing, players should be realistic in what a character is capable of taking off with and what they can carry. It is entirely unrealistic for a single person to run off with the entire stock of a smithy in their pocket, or to leave inconspicuously with a whole cow in tow, let alone the whole herd.

5. Loot Items
Loot from events, encounters or any similar instances must be roleplayed as being taken. For the enjoyment of the players, Saphriel’s community encourages that loot is evenly distributed by all participating parties and that no one individual excessively takes more than their fair share unless discussed In-Character. Loot should also be seen by all parties unless a character explicitly is attempting to take an item or items stealthily and without others notice, at which point a staff member must be present, see the ‘Thieving’ rules above.

1. Characters without Build Experience
Saphriel is an open world where characters can build, break or otherwise influence the landscape to their hearts content. However, there may be consequences depending on In-Character laws or other potential circumstances. Above all a character should only be able to build, collect or destroy within their ability. A simple hut, hovel or otherwise small structure can be built by most characters freely without any issues, but massive manors, estates or fancy and highly decorated houses should only be possible by those with architectural or construction experience.

2. Characters with Build Experience
Those players with characters that do possess the proper experience should keep in mind the tools and abilities they may possess just like any other action. Punching logs down for wood is highly frowned upon, or even with construction and carpentry experience building a house in a single night is considered unrealistic, in these instances players are encouraged to have their character seek out the proper equipment or hire additional help if working on larger projects that is desired to be completed quickly.

3. Building Time
Buildings take time, and especially large buildings with harder materials like rock and stone will take significantly more time. While a simple cabin can be built in a matter of In-Character days or weeks with enough dedication, larger builds can take weeks or even months In-Character. It is encouraged that players pace themselves and work on builds with their characters over time, and to enjoy roleplay in between.

4. Gathering Resources
The gathering of resources should be approached realistically and within a character’s limits. If a character is not a miner, they may struggle or be unable to acquire adequate stone or ore. If they are not a woodsman, they may lack the skills to procure and process quality lumber. Even if a character is a mason, they may not know how to collect the stone they work with. All of these skills can be learned over time however, either through self practice or via a teacher.

Note: The mechanical collection of resources should be done with semi-realistic time and effort in mind. Mines dug out should be properly supported and trees cut should not leave any floating blocks, and all activities should be paced. A character will be unable to cut down a whole forest all on their own. 

5. Do not Grief!
The senseless destruction of builds, terrain, items and resources of any sort without a viable In-Character reason or capability is not allowed. Placing blocks to reach restricted areas is also not allowed unless it is done within reason In-Character. Accessing blocked containers, getting around locked or warded off areas to avoid challenges via Out-Of-Character manipulations is also not allowed.

1. Backpack Plugin
The backpack (accessed via /backpack command) is to only be used for storing worn items and equipment such as armor, clothing, accessories, or similar items. It is NOT to be used for general storage of items, or as an extension of someone’s inventory to hold non-wearable things. Even if a trinket is a piece of clothing, or armor, or otherwise wearable, it must be kept in a character’s main inventory.

Those found using the backpack outside of its intended purpose will first receive a warning, and further abuse will result in the loss of permission to use the feature.

2. Courier Plugin
The use of the Courier plugin is meant exclusively for In-Character letters between characters on the server. It is not to be used for Out-Of-Character messages, to bother other players or to send In-Character information instantly. An example is if a character is in a combat situation or an area where couriers could not realistically be found, then a letter should not be replied to if sent, they would not have yet received it.

It should be kept in mind that characters actively travel, talk, and visit other places. It is not realistic to send a letter to a character and not receive an instant reply, assuming they are missing, dead, or otherwise immediately following the letter being sent. Letters take time to travel through the courier’s In-Character, and people aren’t always easily found even in the middle of town, or haven’t checked where their letters would normally be delivered such as their home. If a character is suspected of being missing, one In-Character week (one Out-Of-Character day) should be given at minimum before seeking the individual out in most circumstances. 

3. Lock Plugin
Players are not to use the lock plugin to lock doors, containers, or blocks that they do not own or do not have regular access to. A character does not have access to a lock made by another character unless they are added onto the lock permissions itself by the respective player or those who also have access(In-Character given a key). Most locks In-Character are typical old fashioned locks with a keyhole, and require the key to unlock it from both sides in most instances.

1. Murder
Players should not have their characters killing or attempting to kill other characters, both player characters and non-player characters, without a valid In-Character reason. If there is reason to believe that a player is harming or murdering another character due to Out-of-Character reasons, then that player may receive a warning or a ban after investigation by staff.

2. Actions have Consequences
Excluding in very rare and specific circumstances, all actions done by a character will be set in stone and are considered as having happened regardless of the outcome or consequences of those actions. It is important to realize and accept this as fact, but if a player feels the outcome was unfair or otherwise biased, they may bring up the concern to the appropriate staff member within reason, please remember our ‘Separation’ and ‘Courteous’ rules above.

No characters have plot armor, this includes both Player Characters(PCs) and Non-Player Characters, but staff does realize that sometimes combat or circumstances of high stress can lead to Out-Of-Character mistakes, and if something would happen that a character might realize as being a bad idea, staff will often times message the player of that character to inform them and ask if that is absolutely what they wish to do moving forward before the action is resolved. 

3. After Character Death
Unfortunately, characters can and will die within the Realm of Saphriel, and staff understands that people can oftentimes be attached to their characters, however, that does not give a player the right to cause trouble. Players are expected to not heavily complain about a character’s death Out-of-Character, they are not to guilt, harass, or pressure other players or staff members regarding a character’s death.

It is understandable to want to vent frustrations and be upset and that is fine, but accusing and claiming a character’s death as ‘unfair’ or there was ‘abuse’ of systems or rules by another player or staff is not acceptable. If there is ever a formal complaint or concern to be had please direct questions to the appropriate staff member as per our ‘Escalation’ rules, or make a public on the ‘Suggestions & Complaints‘ section of the forums.

4. Server Activity
Should a player fail to log into the server without informing staff over the period of a month, all major items in their inventory, bank, containers or otherwise may be removed and recirculated to other players via event loot or other methods in a friendly In-Character way. This can include any substantial silver a character may possess, their properties, or other similar items of significance and importance. More mundane, simple, or personal items to a character will often be kept with the character, but this is not always the case.

This rule also comes into effect when a player states their departure from the server permanently, a player receives a ban without the chance for appeal, or should a player attempt to circumvent this rule by logging in rarely but not roleplaying. Staff may attempt to contact a player first before any action is taken, and will often give a longer grace period in most circumstances. If a player knows they will be absent, they are encouraged to post in the appropriate forum to avoid their inventory from being circulated. This rule is to help keep important and powerful items, sought after locations, and a consistent economy within the active player-base of Saphriel.

5. Dropping Characters
Dropping a character is something that staff never encourage, but understand it can be a necessity at times should the character become uncomfortable to play, a player no longer have interest in playing, or other outstanding circumstances that makes playing the character difficult. Staff may ask that a player at least try to play the character that they may be interested in dropping before fully committing to the act.

A dropped character will usually not be allowed to be picked up again excluding rare instances and after great discussion with staff to ensure they are not abandoned a second time. A dropped character will often become a Non-Player-Character that staff determines the fate of. This often takes the form of the character fading into the world, or the consequences of their actions catching up to them which can include up to death depending on circumstances.

6. Shelving Characters
Shelving a character is different from dropping a character in that a player eventually intends to return and play them again more fully. This can often happen if a character becomes unplayable for a time or permanently due to things such as a coma, being kidnapped, being imprisoned for an extended periods of time, or other similar circumstances. This does NOT free up a character slot for a player to create a new character, and the shelved character will not be considered active when it comes to personal or public progression and relationships.

Shelving a character who has an active bounty for them or is otherwise actively being sought out is not allowed as it can be considered a way to avoid character consequences. There may be other circumstances where a player is not allowed to shelve a character, which will be discussed with a member of staff on shelving of the character. 

8. Retiring Characters
Retiring of a character is done when all of the character’s major goals are achieved, or a player is satisfied with the character’s current state in their story. A character can not be retired if they still have some major task that needs to be completed, or they have other circumstances and activities that they will be needed to participate actively in. Staff will ultimately decide if a character is being retired, or if a player is instead dropping the character because they no longer desire to play that character out.

Any characters retired will often keep items of equivalent capability or power, while unique or significant items and equipment of importance will be put back into circulation. Staff may ask a player to play a retired character at times, usually restricted to very rare and limited instances which will be handled on a case by case basis. Players may request to temporarily play a retired character also should a situation call for it, although again this should be done rarely and will require permission from staff.

9. Character Handling
In all of the above rules regarding characters, players are expected to communicate fully with staff before making any decisions. A returning player who wishes to play an old character that has gone through some kind of change or events, dropping a long term character, or retiring a character all need to be discussed. Any questions, concerns or comments a player may have in regards to these rules and the handling of their character/s should be directed at staff for clarification. Each instances of retiring, dropping or other handling of characters and their possessions will be reviewed by staff on a case by case basis, with all circumstances taken into consideration.