LS Rules

Rules... a painful word to some translating into oppression and the theft of freedom. Thousands have died over the ages due to the rules of dictators and tyrants. Yet rules establish order, which is what any group of people who wish to be around each other for any length of time; without poisoning, maiming, or otherwise disagreeing in a grossly negative manner, need. Keeping in mind we are all here to have fun, not argue and verbally bash each other's heads in with 2x4's... out of character anyway; the following rules have been established to promote a relaxed and enjoyable RP environment.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to PM an LS Leader (Currently consisting of Kogenai and Tryn). If we fail to respond in a timely manner, we have three officers available to send minor complaints and reports to (Currently consisting of Tsumi, Caith and Darksamurai). We are all here to help and make sure everyone has an enjoyable RP experience.

-Role Playing Guidelines-

I. IC and OOC
Although OOC (Out of character) chat is allowed over the ls, we encourage that you keep it to a minimum and always clearly differentiate it from IC (In character) talk. Examples of popular markers include ( text here ), < text here >, [ text here ] or simply OOC: text here. Keeping things clearly marked helps preserve the RP mood, and quells possible confusion.

Terms like Hitpoints, Levels, or abbreviations/web speak such as wtf, omg, are not allowed in IC chat. How your character speaks and holds themselves is a huge part of role playing, Knick-Knack the Tarutaru probably wouldn't talk about how "Omg the Kings got pwned."So please use a little thought before saying things you cannot take back over the LS.

II. Emotes
Words alone do not make a character, but actions as well. Role playing would be terribly boring without actions to back your words, but a small issue arises with the nature of a linkshell. A linkshell is an *audio* device, like a phone, making certain actions unacceptable, such as handing someone a cookie, smiling, or bashing their head in with a scythe *ducks.* Sound emotes such as laughing, scoffing or growling are perfectly acceptable and encouraged as it adds more flavor to your character. Characters personality's can sometimes be sexual, but it's best to also realize some members within Gauntlet are under 18... If you think someone has crossed the line with innuendos or moved straight into sexual harassment, please refer to section VI for information on reporting offenders.

III. Language
The world is filled with braggarts, thieves and other down-trodden crude souls, who have a tenancy to speak as such obviously. But as this is a role playing environment that may include young individuals, we do ask that language be watched slightly, So please keep the language to a moderate level. Although this may seem like a restriction, it should be taken as an opportunity to create your characters own swears that fit into the time more. Be creative. (In short, if it's bleeped out on South Park, don't say it.)

IV. In Character Fighting
Now this is where things get tricky. Whenever you gather a diverse group of people, conflicts will arise, that often lead to great spontaneous story lines... or huge arguments. In order to encourage the former and avoid the latter, all in character conflicts must remain *in character*. Anyone caught harassing or bothering someone OOC about things that happened IC will be first warned, then subjected to punishment if it continues. The line between IC and OOC is a hard one to draw at first emotionally, since both first time RPer's and experienced players get attached to their characters, and feel threatened if someone treats their in-character persona illy.

Due to confusion on how to progress with in character battle ( be it ballista or role played out) Rules are currently being drafted about Gauntlet's official battle system, and ought to add another dimension to our online conflicts while discouraging god-moding.

V. OOC Problems
Gauntlet has zero tolerance for making private matters public, it drags the whole LS in conflict, and does considerably more harm then good. If Earl the Elvaan's OOC persona slings some insults at you, it is your responsibility to alert an LS leader via the methods described in the Reporting section of the rules. We are here to make sure everyone has a great experience in our little family, even if that means tough love for Earl. Hopefully, this issue won't rise within Gauntlet, but these rules are in place to preserve your fun, your experience, and your benefit.

VI. Reporting
What if someone breaks the rules/creates a hostile RP environment and a leader isn't around to rectify the situation right away? The first thing is to file an official complaint form via personal message to a LS leader (note that sack holders do not = leaders, although all leaders hold sacks.) using the following form. The leader will then forward the form to the other LS leaders for discussion with each other and the person in question. Publicly posting issues or accusations regarding an LS member will be dealt with harshly, as we are trying to keep the forums clean of negativity.

-Official Complaint Form-

Character Name: (Your name here as peoples characters and forum names are often different)
Offending Character: (Straight forward here :P )
Accomplices: (If anyone else was involved)
Witnesses: (Who all saw it?)
Rule Broken/Nature of Offense: (Keep it short)

Details: (Now this is where your rant/description of what happened/logs go, more details the better in order for the leaders to figure out what happened.... but keep swearing to a minimum.)

Suggested Solution: (What you think needs to be done)

Although it may seem bothersome to fill out an official form, it makes it easier on the leaders to keep things documented without being posted publicly, and helps track multiple offenses without relying on the pitfalls of memory.

VII. Enforcement
Well if we have rules there's gotta be a nasty monster awaiting those who break them right? After the severity of the offense has been gauged by the LS leaders, and has been deemed a punishable offense the course of action will be decided. Note that the following list is simply examples, and the actual verdict will be custom fit to each situation.

- Minor -
Things such as language, immaturity or disruption of RP.
Usually results in a warning on first offense.

- Major -
OOC fighting, Abuse of pearl sacks, etc. Repeat minor offenders will fit in to this category as well, possible punishments include suspension from the pearl or forums.

-Severe-
Sexual harassment, Kicking members, etc. Very few severe situations will arise, but when things get to this point, breaking pearls is often the only way to go.

V. Breaking Pearls
This leader at least will personally cry if we ever get to the point where someone is under discussion to be kicked. In order for a LS member to get the boot, both leaders must agree that it is the best course of action. If a leader is involved in the conflict directly, their vote will be reverted to the LS via a public poll... and will be the only case in which conflicts will be displayed publicly, unless the issue effects *everyone*.

-Last updated by Tryn 2/23/06