Difference between revisions of "Rules"

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m (→‎Game Rules: Adding a clarification that yes, 'trap' is a slur, because that came up. I can't believe I have to specify this.)
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The rules - more like guidelines, really - are intended to support an enjoyable experience for all, player and admin alike.  We try to keep limitations on personal playstyle choices as minimal as possible while still allowing for a fair and entertaining game for the players.  They're not intended to gate certain people out of the community, but to keep the community a place people want to be.
| rowspan="2" style="padding:1em; width:64px;" | [[Image:Jobclown.png]]
__TOC__
| style="font-size:200%; line-height:1.1;" |'''Not knowing the rules isn't an excuse for breaking 'em!'''
==Game Rules==
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#'''Don't grief.''' This isn't limited to just killing people: dismembering, stripping, crippling, force-feeding, force-borging, uploading murder laws to the AI, setting up death traps, wrecking or depowering parts of the station, anything that explodes, etc. are all griefy.  As a rule of thumb, if it's bad and takes more than 10 minutes for a normal player to fix, it is covered by this rule. If someone is confirmed (via game mechanics) to be an antagonist, is a cluwne, has agreed to whatever you're planning to do to them, or you've seen them griefing people this round, you can go after them. This means that you shouldn't kill people for annoying you mildly or inconveniencing you, but only if they are actual threats/a cluwne. Feel free to adminhelp for clarification anyways.  Antagonists, emagged cyborgs, mindslaves and thralls may ignore this rule whenever they want to/can in the case of mindslaves and thralls. (Huffnote: mindslaves and thralls whose owners die have long since been allowed to just do whatever they want if they can't revive their owner) Silicons must ignore this rule if their orders/laws require it of them, but aren't allowed to grief otherwise. Note: braindead people still count as people. They might be coming back.  '''A longer discussion of grief and what does and doesn't constitute it is available [[Grief|here]].''' <b style='color:red'>Do not harm anyone in arrivals, antag or not, if they're not existing players.</b>
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#'''Listen to the admins.'''  We will try to treat you with basic respect, please return the favor: If an admin has to grump at you, take the time to talk to them about it and answer their questions HONESTLY.  We have multiple ways of telling if you are lying about stuff, and if we can't trust what you're saying, there's no point to talking so we're probably going to have to reach for the banhammer.  Also, although nobody expects you to take a talking-to with a smile and a nod, please try to keep a civil tone.  We're just people too, folks.
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#'''No metagaming.''' Look, we all know that gamers like talking to other gamers, and doing so while gaming - all we ask is that if you are playing SS13, you do not use any out-of-game means to communicate with another player on the same server.  This effectively gives you more eyes and ears on a round than other players, and that's not fair.  Conversely, acting on any information obtained using solely in-game mechanics (''yes, deadchat counts'') is explicitly NOT metagaming with very few exceptions - going to areas you shouldn't be is the meat of it, check the page for a fuller explanation.  '''There's a more in-depth discussion of this rule at the [[Metagaming]] page.'''
The rules of the Goonstation servers are there to ensure an enjoyable and finely regulated RP experienggpffhfhahhahaha, okay, no. The rules are there so we can just weed out annoying fuckwits and other detriments to the server. The net effect of this is that the servers are more enjoyable for good players!
#'''Bigotry and sexual content is a non-negotiable hard 'no'.'''  If you are unsure what sexual content includes: do not refer to sex acts, genitalia, or anything sexual in nature. Rape 'jokes' are considered sexual content. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to use the word rape in this game. Yes, you can call people dicks and insult them with terms that are used normally, but don't use bigoted language.  Yes, this includes the term 'trap'. '''If an admin tells you to knock something off because it breaks the no bigotry or sexual content rule, that is not an invitation for debate. Knock it off or go elsewhere.'''  Bigoted language (for example, slurs) is also not allowed in your BYOND key, character name, flavor text, or anything else with which you interact with the server, whether as a joke, or masked with misspellings or spoonerisms.
#'''Do not modify your BYOND client (dreamseeker) in any way, shape or form.'''  <u>This is the other automatic 'no' and is not open to discussion or explanation.</u> If you get a message on connect that implies that the server thinks you're using a modified client, and you're really sure you're not, catch us on IRC and we'll talk about what might have gone wrong - but don't try and pull a fast one.  We have ways of knowing if you're telling the truth, and we will not talk about how.
#'''Don't carry grudges from round to round.'''  If someone was a tremendous jerk in one round, and you didn't get to enact your revenge before the round ended, kiss it goodbye.  If you try to get back at them in a later round, that is griefing, and see rule number one.
#'''Don't use multiple accounts in a single round.'''  If you're Jimmy Poo, and you get killed, don't jump right back in as J. Fred Bloggs. You are welcome to use multiple accounts so long as you only connect to a given round with ONE of them and no other.  If you for some reason want to roll up a completely new BYOND account for each and every round you play, we won't stop you, though we may wonder about your sanity.  (''NOTE: If there are other people in your household playing or otherwise sharing an IP address for some reason, it is worth dropping us a line via the adminhelp command to let us know.  All we'll ask is that you not communicate with each other out-of-game about what's happening in the game.'')
#'''Don't outright give secrets away.'''  The majority of the fun of secret stuff is the discovery of it, and the knowledge that you know something that isn't general knowledge.  Please keep it that way, and don't rob other players of the joy of discovery.
#'''Do not impersonate admins under any circumstances.'''  Do not threaten to get other people banned.  This will not end well for you!
#'''This is not an exhaustive list.'''  Rules-lawyering is STRONGLY discouraged.  If an admin asks you to knock something off, 'well it's not in the rules' is not really an argument.  If you feel this rule is being abused, please feel absolutely free to make use of the Admin Complaints forum - we won't punish you for posting a complaint.


'''Bear in mind that the rules are general guidelines!''' Things that are not on any rules list but are undoubtedly awful will still get you punished. If the admin staff decides you are a problem for other players, you can and will be removed!
==Things to Keep In Mind (Ingame)==
#'''Warnings aren't necessarily required.''' Although in general the admins will do their best to have a discussion about any given conflict before enacting a punishment, there are some cases where communication is either impossible or nonproductive.
#'''Different admins have different styles.'''  Although we all follow the same general directives, some admins are more or less forgiving on certain issues than others.  If you do a thing that gets you a dayban from one admin, and your buddy does the same thing later and gets away with just a talking-to, that is not a thing to complain about.  If you DO feel that an admin's actions were inappropriate, please feel absolutely free to make use of the Admin Complaints forum - we won't punish you for posting a complaint.
#'''There is a difference between grief and jerkery.'''  Being a jerk to people is expected and almost necessary in this game - minor theft, facefarting, etc - basically stuff that either doesn't severely impact someone else's ability to enjoy the game, or is otherwise handleable with in-game resources like the security force.  This is something of a moving target and probably the one where the 'different admins have different styles' bit will be the most relevant for.  If it's a relatively calm round, the HoP hasn't vanished yet, and someone steals your ID, that's not so big a deal.  If all hell is breaking loose, the round has been going on for more than 15 minutes so the HoP has vanished into the ether, and therefore you can't really replace your ID, then ID theft is a MASSIVE dick move and absolutely worth adminhelping for.  Feel free to adminhelp if you really do think something isn't okay, but if we tell you 'this is something that should be handled ingame' then at least give it a try.  Besides, bored sec officers rarely find ways to amuse themselves that the rest of the station would call 'useful'.
#'''If you are a 'special role' like a Captain, a department head, an antagonist, or an AI, and you have to log out, please let us know via adminhelp before you leave.'''  You don't have to stick around to wait for a reply, just let us know so we can replace you if it's necessary.  (POPENOTE: This is a temporary bandaid, the AI role is finally getting some love.  It's still a good idea though.)
#'''Mindslaves''', '''thralls''' and other related roles have a couple of very important rules that '''must''' be followed. You '''must not''' reveal that you have been mindslaved/thralled/whatever unless your master tells you to, and you '''must''' obey every command your master tells you. Of course, if things start getting a little weird or creepy and are clearly in violation of our main rules, please adminhelp right away.
#'''Sploded Clause''' - this should be ALMOST NEVER used, but we reserve the right to dispose of a consistently terrible player on a permanent basis even if the event the ban is in a direct response to would not normally involve a permaban.  If your ban involves the word 'sploded', you should probably wait at least several months before even thinking about appealing it - it means you're really super not fitting in here, and literally the entire server population is better off without you.  These cases are EXTREMELY rare.
#'''When to use adminhelp vs. when to use mentorhelp vs. when to let it go:''' If you have a question about the rules, or are reporting another player who you believe has broken them, or you have discovered a bug/exploit, or you have been spawned as a special role (AI, antagonist) and are unable or unwilling to stick around and fulfill your role (''help, i got AI and have to leave / help, i rolled traitor and really just want to play with botany / help, i rolled chief engineer and haven't got the first clue about how to run the engine'') then use adminhelp.  If your question is about game mechanics (''help, how do i do genetics / help, where's the bar / help, what does a chaplain even do'') then use mentorhelp. If you want to complain about a player who hasn't broken a rule but you think they're annoying, or you want access to an area or an object that you don't have, or you want to talk about some totally sweet music you just heard, or something else that doesn't involve the rules, game engine, or game mechanics, then please just let it go.
#'''Addendum to the above regarding prayer''':  Use this when 97% of the time you want to be ignored, with the remaining 3% divided between being blown to smithereens; having your request answered in the most evil-genie / monkey's-paw way possible; and Oh God Pope Is Drunk, This Has Gotten Out Of Hand, It Started Out Pretty Much What I Asked For But Then He Headbutted That Cop And Now I Think We're Doing Some Sort Of Thelma And Louise Thing Into A Landfill.
#'''Although very few topics are expressly forbidden''', there are several topics (''politics, religion, cartoon horses, several others'') that really, really, REALLY don't result in productive or useful conversation.  Not exactly a rule, but maybe keep your mouth shut about stuff that's gonna start arguments.  Just a thought.
#'''The RP server has a different ruleset''' - that's available [[RP_Rules|here]].
#'''Borgs and the AI''' have a list of things that are and are not considered human for the purposes of their laws.  That list is available [[Human|here]].
#'''If you DO get banned''', and you want to not be banned, please visit [http://forum.ss13.co/forumdisplay.php?fid=4 the ban appeals forum].  Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!
#'''If you feel that an admin has acted inappropriately''', please visit [http://forum.ss13.co/forumdisplay.php?fid=5 the admin complaint forum].  Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!
#'''If you're not sure about any of the terms used here,''' please check out the [[Terminology]] page.


==When to use adminhelp==
==IRC Channel Rules==
In case there's something you would like to bring to the attention of the server staff, please use the <tt>adminhelp</tt> command. Examples include:
These rules are to set up a framework of basic human decency in the IRC channel and NOT to censor speech. Most of the time, if you cross the line you will simply be told to knock it off, and maybe kicked with a note to stop pushing it if you keep going. Bans will be reserved for only the worst cases.  Furthermore, these rules apply solely to the #goonstation channel on the synIRC network and the Goonstation Discord.  Other channels, Discord servers, or services where ss13 folks hang out are beyond the scope of this ruleset.


* You wish to report another player who may have broken the rules in some way.
#'''NO IC IN OOC.''' Don't talk about the current round in IRC.
* You have questions about a specific rule and require clarifications.
#'''Be respectful of others.''' You will not be banned from the channel for expressing opinions, so long as you are able to express those opinions in a respectful fashion. Don't use slurs, racial or otherwise, even ironically. Don't attack people for their opinions.
* You are playing the [[AI]], which is one of the few important positions, and have to leave.
#'''Be respectful of the admins.''' An exhaustive list of every situation where an IRC channel operator, half-op, owner, founder, etc etc might be grumping at you is impossible and disingenuous, so if an admin is grumping at you and asking you to stop talking in a given fashion or about a given topic, knock it off. Don't pretend to be an admin. These rules are intended to be more of an overview than a complete list of statutes. Also, don't discuss exactly how to exploit game mechanics or get around our security systems - if you have a bug to report, there are [http://forum.ss13.co/forumdisplay.php?fid=9 other venues]. Basically don't teach people to cheat.
* You spawned as an [[Antagonist|antagonist]] (especially a [[Nuclear Operative|nuke ops]]) and have no intention to do anything traitorous.
#'''Be respectful of the channel.''' Some conversation topics (''including but not limited to current politics, racial tensions, religious freedom'') are extremely volatile and controversial by their very nature, so if an admin requests that a conversation not take place in the channel, take it elsewhere. You're always free to make a new channel or carry on the conversation in PM, we are neither interested nor able to police what goes on in PM or in other channels.
* You have discovered an exploit and think it should not be posted in the [http://forum.ss13.co/viewforum.php?f=7 public] section of the forum.
#'''Be respectful of the IRC network.''' Basically don't break [https://www.synirc.net/charter synIRC's rules]. Come on.
 
#'''Tread VERY CAREFULLY with trolling or 'devil's advocate' stuff.''' There's a fine line between 'making the conversation interesting or hilarious' and 'being a thundering butthead' and you generally only find out you've tripped over it when people are screaming at you.
Please use [[Mentorhelp|mentorhelp]] for questions regarding game mechanics. In general, the admins trust those guys not to act on IC information. Bad mentors are not tolerated - by all means, do let us know if one of them has caused you trouble.
#'''Don't take things too seriously.''' Don't expect trigger warnings, don't assume every link is going to be safe for work / school / your immortal soul (''though please don't post outright porn, and tagging NWS links is Strongly Encouraged''), and we kick people all the time for shiggles. You can rejoin immediately after.
 
#'''If you DO manage to get banned from IRC,''' [http://forum.ss13.co/forumdisplay.php?fid=35 please visit the IRC ban appeal forum]. Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!
==Don't piss off the admins==
'''Being caught misleading or lying to the admins at any point will be grounds for an immediate permaban. This is especially true for admin complaints and ban appeals.'''
 
Doing anything that will intentionally piss them off is against the rules. This includes arguing with admins that the rules are dumb or wrong, being snarky or irritating, and otherwise getting up in our faces about shit. Begging for stuff in adminhelp is also a good way to accomplish this.
 
Naturally, impersonating server staff in the game is forbidden: sending PDA messages or telepathic messages purporting to be an admin will get you into trouble.
 
==Don't grief==
Injuring or killing crew, bombing the station, uploading AI laws allowing the AI to murder people, and otherwise fucking shit up for other players without a good reason to be doing so is considered griefing. There is a line between griefing and permissible shenanigans, but it is subjective and up to the presiding admin to decide.
 
What constitutes a good reason to injure, kill and destroy? One or more of the following:
* You are an [[Antagonist|enemy]] of the station or one of their [[Rules#Guidelines for mindslaves|mindslaves]].
* The guy you're killing is a [[Rules#Confirmed enemy role|confirmed enemy]] of the station (be sure before you kill!).
* You are the [[AI]] or a [[Cyborg|cyborg]] and none of your laws prevent it. The definition of what and what isn't human is available [[Human|here]].
* An admin has given you permission or told you to do it.
 
Never buddy up with antagonists when you aren't one yourself. It is generally fine to help them within the limits of your job (e.g. providing medical assistance or cloning traitors), but don't act like a brainwashed sidekick, actively attack other crew members for them or explicitly ask to be mindslaved.
 
Chat spamming is a bad idea, don't do it. Arguing like a prick with other players, spouting memes or behaving like an annoying idiot in general will get you removed. This includes being obnoxious about a fandom, in particular anime, furries or MLP.
 
==Don't metagame==
''Main Article: [[Metagaming]]''
 
Don't operate with information you shouldn't have or otherwise cheat the roundtype, for example by:
 
* Talking about IC/in-game events in OOC. Don't even hint at anything!
* Using information gotten outside the game (like through IRC or private messages) inside the game.
 
Please check this page for information on how we would like our players to act regarding the Syndicate shuttle: [[Game Modes#Nuclear Emergency|Nuclear Emergency]]. You should not board the [[Wizard's Den|wizard's den]] either!
 
===No grudging from past rounds===
Using any information gleaned from outside the round itself is forbidden.
 
Example: Let's say Jimmy Poo kills you one round and it turned out he wasn't the traitor - that shouldn't have happened, but perhaps he slipped through the admin's fingers in one way or another. It happens. Next round, you hunt down and kill Jimmy Poo because he killed you last round - this is not okay! Each round is its own round, and nothing from past rounds should factor into it.
 
===Don't multikey===
Using more than one account per round to play is forbidden.
 
If you have siblings or friends who are playing on different computers in the same house/network/IP, please adminhelp it so there's no risk of you being accidentally banned as a multikeyer. Please note that even in these instances, using multiple accounts from the same computer is not allowed.
 
==Don't be a bigot or creep==
Bigotry of any form isn't acceptable on the servers. There is no acceptable excuse for using homophobic, racist or sexist language. We don't care if you are gay, black, Latina/o, etc. in real life. D”on't use bigoted language, period. This also applies to names, including spoonerisms (e.g. "Digger Nick"). Creepiness is also unacceptable. This includes rape jokes, roleplaying sex, sexual harassment/assault or rape. If it involves your genitals, it doesn't belong here.  '''There is absolutely no reason to use the word 'rape' on our servers, in any context, at all, forever.  This is not negotiable or up for debate.'''
 
Don't import drama. What people do on the internet outside of SS13 is not the concern of any of us. We don't know, we don't care, we don't WANT to know. Harassing someone in-game, on the forums, or in IRC about things they do or say outside of it is terrible. If it didn't happen here, then it didn't happen as far as we're concerned.
 
==Punishments==
What will happen if you break the rules? One or more of the following:
 
'''Warning:''' Simply being told to quit what you're doing in-game, either by direct PM or a "voice in your head". Ignoring this will lead straight to a harsher punishment.
 
'''Muting:''' Prevents you from talking on ALL channels.
 
'''Prison:''' Your character will be sent to a prison zone, where an admin should contact you shortly to interrogate you. This is just a holding area and not a punishment in and of itself - if you can satisfy the admin that you weren't being shit, you'll be returned to the station. If you ever get sent here and an explanation or interrogation doesn't occur after a few minutes, adminhelp it.
 
'''Death and/or humiliation:''' Self-explanatory. Usually reserved for minor offenses. Bemoaning your fate will only make things worse.
 
'''Job ban:''' This will prevent you from playing as that job until your ban is lifted. You can also be job-banned from antagonist roles. If you hate playing as certain jobs, you can request a job ban. Voluntary bans are not punitive measures, so don't worry about them becoming a black mark against you.
 
'''Server ban:''' Ban lengths can range up to permanent. You can appeal bans at the forums if you think it was in error or if you're going to acknowledge what you did wrong. A ban from any goonstation server will prevent you from playing on '''ALL''' goonstation servers.
 
==Things to know==
Finally, just some general pointers and advice on the rules and adminnery in general.
 
====Warnings aren't required====
Don't complain that you didn't get a warning before being hit with punishment. You should know the rules - ignorance is no excuse!
 
====Different admins have different styles====
Some admins enforce some rules more harshly than others. None of the admin crew really has much of a problem with this for the most part, unless permabans are being handed out like it's banmas and Banta Claus is in town. You should never break any of the rules of course, but if you do, then don't whine that you were on the receiving end of a less lenient admin's wrath when you did.
 
====Punishments are case by case====
How much someone else got punished for the same offense is of no relevance to your own punishment, unless there's a flagrant difference between the two. Example: Jimmy Poo got 30 minutes for hitting someone with an extinguisher, and you got a permaban.
 
====Sploded clause====
''If you have been a consistently terrible player for a long time, the admins can ban you purely based your history alone.''
 
The enforcement of this rule generally requires several admins to be in agreement that you are utter shit and a hopeless detriment to the server to take effect. This is not something to be proud of.
 
==Clarifications==
===Confirmed enemy role===
A confirmed enemy role is someone who:
* is caught with their own unlocked [[Traitor|traitor]] or [[Spy|spy]] PDA.
* is obviously a [[Nuclear Operative|Syndicate]] with a name like GibTech Operative #2 or similar.
* is obviously a [[Wizard|wizard]], wearing robes and casting spells.
* is a [[Changeling|changeling]], [[Vampire|vampire]] or [[Werewolf|other]] non-human creature and has been seen using one of their unique abilities.
* has [[Syndicate Items|traitor gear]] with their fingerprints on it (or no fingerprints at all if they're wearing gloves) and no believable story as to how they got it.
 
===Guidelines for mindslaves===
Mindslaves are considered antagonists and thus free to cause mischief, but there are a few things to know:
 
* Firstly and most importantly, you are required to follow your master's every order.
* You should never harm or actively hamper the efforts of your master, unless they themselves specifically ask you to.
 
However, mindslaves are exempt from the first restriction if doing so would either violate the rules or established admin consensus. Examples:
 
* You can't be forced to use bigoted language, participate in ERP, torture or some other creepy stuff. Should you receive an order to that effect, make sure to let us know in adminhelp.
* You are not required to hand out [[Chemistry#SECRET CHEMS|secret chemistry recipes]]. An order to mix e.g. initropidril for your master is an acceptable demand, but nobody is going to be grumpy if you refuse to tell them the recipe.
 
Secondly, the loyalty is bound to the implant. Generally speaking, you cease to be an antagonist if you somehow end up losing it:
 
* Your [[Syndicate Items#Mindslave Implant|regular implant]] runs out. The version used by [[Spy#Multi-use Implanter|spies]] doesn't have a timer, so this does not apply.
* Your implant has been removed by [[Doctoring#Bullets and foreign objects|surgery]].
* You have been cloned, i.e. your new body doesn't have the implant.
 
Likewise, the enslavement of [[Vampire|vampire thralls]] ends with their death and does not carry over to clones.
 
==What to do about admin bullshit==
[http://forum.ss13.co/index.php The Appeal Forum] exists so that we can detect any badmin activity going on and put a stop to it before we start losing good players. If you think you were banned or otherwise punished with shitty reasoning (or if you think someone else's treatment was bullshit), then go to the [http://forum.ss13.co/viewforum.php?f=2 Unban Appeals] section for requesting your ban be overturned, or the [http://forum.ss13.co/viewforum.php?f=3 Admin Complaints] section for calling out any other bullshit.
 
Bear in mind that your definition of bullshit may vary wildly from that of others - your circumstances will be called as what they are! Also '''read the forum rules''' or you'll be subjected to a viciously ego-shattering drubbing. More specifically, use the [http://forum.ss13.co/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3 Ban Appeals template] for ban appeals, and [http://forum.ss13.co/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5 How to complain about an admin] for the admin complaints template. Failure to use either of these templates in your threads may get you ostracized, or make your pleas of innocence fall on deaf ears. Also when arguing your case, try to be reasonable and if you did break a rule, don't try to weasel out of it by saying dumb things like "I didn't mean [harsh word against minorities] that way", or by denying everything. Admins have logs and they will call you out on your actions if necessary.
<br><br>{{Rules}}
<br><br>{{Rules}}


[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Tutorial]]
[[Category:Tutorial]]

Revision as of 01:21, 18 July 2018

ClownNew64.png Not knowing the rules isn't an excuse for breaking 'em! HeadOfSecurityHatless-64x64.png

The rules - more like guidelines, really - are intended to support an enjoyable experience for all, player and admin alike. We try to keep limitations on personal playstyle choices as minimal as possible while still allowing for a fair and entertaining game for the players. They're not intended to gate certain people out of the community, but to keep the community a place people want to be.

Game Rules

  1. Don't grief. This isn't limited to just killing people: dismembering, stripping, crippling, force-feeding, force-borging, uploading murder laws to the AI, setting up death traps, wrecking or depowering parts of the station, anything that explodes, etc. are all griefy. As a rule of thumb, if it's bad and takes more than 10 minutes for a normal player to fix, it is covered by this rule. If someone is confirmed (via game mechanics) to be an antagonist, is a cluwne, has agreed to whatever you're planning to do to them, or you've seen them griefing people this round, you can go after them. This means that you shouldn't kill people for annoying you mildly or inconveniencing you, but only if they are actual threats/a cluwne. Feel free to adminhelp for clarification anyways. Antagonists, emagged cyborgs, mindslaves and thralls may ignore this rule whenever they want to/can in the case of mindslaves and thralls. (Huffnote: mindslaves and thralls whose owners die have long since been allowed to just do whatever they want if they can't revive their owner) Silicons must ignore this rule if their orders/laws require it of them, but aren't allowed to grief otherwise. Note: braindead people still count as people. They might be coming back. A longer discussion of grief and what does and doesn't constitute it is available here. Do not harm anyone in arrivals, antag or not, if they're not existing players.
  2. Listen to the admins. We will try to treat you with basic respect, please return the favor: If an admin has to grump at you, take the time to talk to them about it and answer their questions HONESTLY. We have multiple ways of telling if you are lying about stuff, and if we can't trust what you're saying, there's no point to talking so we're probably going to have to reach for the banhammer. Also, although nobody expects you to take a talking-to with a smile and a nod, please try to keep a civil tone. We're just people too, folks.
  3. No metagaming. Look, we all know that gamers like talking to other gamers, and doing so while gaming - all we ask is that if you are playing SS13, you do not use any out-of-game means to communicate with another player on the same server. This effectively gives you more eyes and ears on a round than other players, and that's not fair. Conversely, acting on any information obtained using solely in-game mechanics (yes, deadchat counts) is explicitly NOT metagaming with very few exceptions - going to areas you shouldn't be is the meat of it, check the page for a fuller explanation. There's a more in-depth discussion of this rule at the Metagaming page.
  4. Bigotry and sexual content is a non-negotiable hard 'no'. If you are unsure what sexual content includes: do not refer to sex acts, genitalia, or anything sexual in nature. Rape 'jokes' are considered sexual content. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to use the word rape in this game. Yes, you can call people dicks and insult them with terms that are used normally, but don't use bigoted language. Yes, this includes the term 'trap'. If an admin tells you to knock something off because it breaks the no bigotry or sexual content rule, that is not an invitation for debate. Knock it off or go elsewhere. Bigoted language (for example, slurs) is also not allowed in your BYOND key, character name, flavor text, or anything else with which you interact with the server, whether as a joke, or masked with misspellings or spoonerisms.
  5. Do not modify your BYOND client (dreamseeker) in any way, shape or form. This is the other automatic 'no' and is not open to discussion or explanation. If you get a message on connect that implies that the server thinks you're using a modified client, and you're really sure you're not, catch us on IRC and we'll talk about what might have gone wrong - but don't try and pull a fast one. We have ways of knowing if you're telling the truth, and we will not talk about how.
  6. Don't carry grudges from round to round. If someone was a tremendous jerk in one round, and you didn't get to enact your revenge before the round ended, kiss it goodbye. If you try to get back at them in a later round, that is griefing, and see rule number one.
  7. Don't use multiple accounts in a single round. If you're Jimmy Poo, and you get killed, don't jump right back in as J. Fred Bloggs. You are welcome to use multiple accounts so long as you only connect to a given round with ONE of them and no other. If you for some reason want to roll up a completely new BYOND account for each and every round you play, we won't stop you, though we may wonder about your sanity. (NOTE: If there are other people in your household playing or otherwise sharing an IP address for some reason, it is worth dropping us a line via the adminhelp command to let us know. All we'll ask is that you not communicate with each other out-of-game about what's happening in the game.)
  8. Don't outright give secrets away. The majority of the fun of secret stuff is the discovery of it, and the knowledge that you know something that isn't general knowledge. Please keep it that way, and don't rob other players of the joy of discovery.
  9. Do not impersonate admins under any circumstances. Do not threaten to get other people banned. This will not end well for you!
  10. This is not an exhaustive list. Rules-lawyering is STRONGLY discouraged. If an admin asks you to knock something off, 'well it's not in the rules' is not really an argument. If you feel this rule is being abused, please feel absolutely free to make use of the Admin Complaints forum - we won't punish you for posting a complaint.

Things to Keep In Mind (Ingame)

  1. Warnings aren't necessarily required. Although in general the admins will do their best to have a discussion about any given conflict before enacting a punishment, there are some cases where communication is either impossible or nonproductive.
  2. Different admins have different styles. Although we all follow the same general directives, some admins are more or less forgiving on certain issues than others. If you do a thing that gets you a dayban from one admin, and your buddy does the same thing later and gets away with just a talking-to, that is not a thing to complain about. If you DO feel that an admin's actions were inappropriate, please feel absolutely free to make use of the Admin Complaints forum - we won't punish you for posting a complaint.
  3. There is a difference between grief and jerkery. Being a jerk to people is expected and almost necessary in this game - minor theft, facefarting, etc - basically stuff that either doesn't severely impact someone else's ability to enjoy the game, or is otherwise handleable with in-game resources like the security force. This is something of a moving target and probably the one where the 'different admins have different styles' bit will be the most relevant for. If it's a relatively calm round, the HoP hasn't vanished yet, and someone steals your ID, that's not so big a deal. If all hell is breaking loose, the round has been going on for more than 15 minutes so the HoP has vanished into the ether, and therefore you can't really replace your ID, then ID theft is a MASSIVE dick move and absolutely worth adminhelping for. Feel free to adminhelp if you really do think something isn't okay, but if we tell you 'this is something that should be handled ingame' then at least give it a try. Besides, bored sec officers rarely find ways to amuse themselves that the rest of the station would call 'useful'.
  4. If you are a 'special role' like a Captain, a department head, an antagonist, or an AI, and you have to log out, please let us know via adminhelp before you leave. You don't have to stick around to wait for a reply, just let us know so we can replace you if it's necessary. (POPENOTE: This is a temporary bandaid, the AI role is finally getting some love. It's still a good idea though.)
  5. Mindslaves, thralls and other related roles have a couple of very important rules that must be followed. You must not reveal that you have been mindslaved/thralled/whatever unless your master tells you to, and you must obey every command your master tells you. Of course, if things start getting a little weird or creepy and are clearly in violation of our main rules, please adminhelp right away.
  6. Sploded Clause - this should be ALMOST NEVER used, but we reserve the right to dispose of a consistently terrible player on a permanent basis even if the event the ban is in a direct response to would not normally involve a permaban. If your ban involves the word 'sploded', you should probably wait at least several months before even thinking about appealing it - it means you're really super not fitting in here, and literally the entire server population is better off without you. These cases are EXTREMELY rare.
  7. When to use adminhelp vs. when to use mentorhelp vs. when to let it go: If you have a question about the rules, or are reporting another player who you believe has broken them, or you have discovered a bug/exploit, or you have been spawned as a special role (AI, antagonist) and are unable or unwilling to stick around and fulfill your role (help, i got AI and have to leave / help, i rolled traitor and really just want to play with botany / help, i rolled chief engineer and haven't got the first clue about how to run the engine) then use adminhelp. If your question is about game mechanics (help, how do i do genetics / help, where's the bar / help, what does a chaplain even do) then use mentorhelp. If you want to complain about a player who hasn't broken a rule but you think they're annoying, or you want access to an area or an object that you don't have, or you want to talk about some totally sweet music you just heard, or something else that doesn't involve the rules, game engine, or game mechanics, then please just let it go.
  8. Addendum to the above regarding prayer: Use this when 97% of the time you want to be ignored, with the remaining 3% divided between being blown to smithereens; having your request answered in the most evil-genie / monkey's-paw way possible; and Oh God Pope Is Drunk, This Has Gotten Out Of Hand, It Started Out Pretty Much What I Asked For But Then He Headbutted That Cop And Now I Think We're Doing Some Sort Of Thelma And Louise Thing Into A Landfill.
  9. Although very few topics are expressly forbidden, there are several topics (politics, religion, cartoon horses, several others) that really, really, REALLY don't result in productive or useful conversation. Not exactly a rule, but maybe keep your mouth shut about stuff that's gonna start arguments. Just a thought.
  10. The RP server has a different ruleset - that's available here.
  11. Borgs and the AI have a list of things that are and are not considered human for the purposes of their laws. That list is available here.
  12. If you DO get banned, and you want to not be banned, please visit the ban appeals forum. Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!
  13. If you feel that an admin has acted inappropriately, please visit the admin complaint forum. Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!
  14. If you're not sure about any of the terms used here, please check out the Terminology page.

IRC Channel Rules

These rules are to set up a framework of basic human decency in the IRC channel and NOT to censor speech. Most of the time, if you cross the line you will simply be told to knock it off, and maybe kicked with a note to stop pushing it if you keep going. Bans will be reserved for only the worst cases. Furthermore, these rules apply solely to the #goonstation channel on the synIRC network and the Goonstation Discord. Other channels, Discord servers, or services where ss13 folks hang out are beyond the scope of this ruleset.

  1. NO IC IN OOC. Don't talk about the current round in IRC.
  2. Be respectful of others. You will not be banned from the channel for expressing opinions, so long as you are able to express those opinions in a respectful fashion. Don't use slurs, racial or otherwise, even ironically. Don't attack people for their opinions.
  3. Be respectful of the admins. An exhaustive list of every situation where an IRC channel operator, half-op, owner, founder, etc etc might be grumping at you is impossible and disingenuous, so if an admin is grumping at you and asking you to stop talking in a given fashion or about a given topic, knock it off. Don't pretend to be an admin. These rules are intended to be more of an overview than a complete list of statutes. Also, don't discuss exactly how to exploit game mechanics or get around our security systems - if you have a bug to report, there are other venues. Basically don't teach people to cheat.
  4. Be respectful of the channel. Some conversation topics (including but not limited to current politics, racial tensions, religious freedom) are extremely volatile and controversial by their very nature, so if an admin requests that a conversation not take place in the channel, take it elsewhere. You're always free to make a new channel or carry on the conversation in PM, we are neither interested nor able to police what goes on in PM or in other channels.
  5. Be respectful of the IRC network. Basically don't break synIRC's rules. Come on.
  6. Tread VERY CAREFULLY with trolling or 'devil's advocate' stuff. There's a fine line between 'making the conversation interesting or hilarious' and 'being a thundering butthead' and you generally only find out you've tripped over it when people are screaming at you.
  7. Don't take things too seriously. Don't expect trigger warnings, don't assume every link is going to be safe for work / school / your immortal soul (though please don't post outright porn, and tagging NWS links is Strongly Encouraged), and we kick people all the time for shiggles. You can rejoin immediately after.
  8. If you DO manage to get banned from IRC, please visit the IRC ban appeal forum. Please read ALL the sticky threads before posting your appeal - they contain important information you will absolutely need!



Server Rules
Basic Rules · Roleplaying Rules · Admin Guidelines · Mentor Guidelines · HoS Guidelines · Metagaming · Grief · Mindhack Rules · Who is and isn't human (AI laws) · Ghostdrone Laws