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<big>'''To make our rules easier to read, because there's a lot of them, most rules have a short version. At least read that. It'll take like 5 minutes.'''</big>
{{GetStartedHeader}}


These are the rules for the server and ''are subject to change without notice''. For further clarification, also see the guide to [[Not Getting Banned]]. If you did get banned, there's probably a good reason for it, but if you disagree, you can always [http://forum.vore-station.net/viewforum.php?f=37 appeal your ban].
'''It’s highly recommended to read this first!!'''


If you disagree with the rules as they currently stand, talk about it on the forum and maybe we can improve them through some healthy criticism and debate.
For the global rules pertaining Discord, the Forum and all external communication, refer to [https://forum.vore-station.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42 here.]


First and foremost; '''If you see something, SAY SOMETHING.'''
Appeals are handled exclusively on the forums [http://forum.vore-station.net/viewforum.php?f=37 here].  


That means if someone violates these rules or otherwise negatively impacts ''your'' experience as a player, you are obligated as a player to speak to an admin as soon as possible, because we're not going to be able to practically respond to an issue that happened a days ago. We have plenty of active admins who can be contacted through Discord, Byond, our [http://chat.vore-station.net/ chatroom], and the [http://forum.vore-station.net/ forums].
The rules are always subject to change when they no longer serve the purpose of creating a pleasant environment in alignment with the server's mission statement. In this case, revisions will be announced on the in-game server and the Discord.  


'''List of non-rule admin decisions affecting gameplay: [[Admin Rulings]]'''
The rules are written so that the header gives you the general outline. If you click on the header, you will find the detailed description and intent of the rule.


==You must be 18 or older to play==
In case of confusion, contacting staff is explicitly allowed!
'''No exceptions.''' Even normal Space Station 13, you're supposed to be at least 18 to play many servers. No one else really enforces that, but we do.


This extends to underage characters. Do not attempt to play a character who is a child. The game's character minimum age is 18, so saying you're any lower than that will result in an immediate and permanent ban until you prove you're of age.
Here is a list of non-rule admin decisions you can review: [[Admin Rulings]]


==Being into vore is a REQUIREMENT to play here!==
=Rule 0 : You must be 18 or older to play the server=
Just be into SOME kind of vore. Any kind of vore!


At least be ''okay'' with vore. If you're bothered by vore, why the hell are you playing here? [http://ss13polaris.com Go] [https://www.tgstation13.org/ somewhere] [https://baystation12.net/ else.]
There are no exceptions. Mental maturity is not a legal defense, we MUST remove underage users by law.
* Use of real world slurs, chat speak, broken or grammatically wrong English, and other indications of immaturity may be taken as signs that you are underage.
* Knowing another user is underaged but not reporting it is considered grounds for an immediate, permanent ban.
* You also cannot play a character that is underage.
* You may not advertise, seek out or show underage content or characters on any Web page you link on the server. (This only includes the linked page. For example, character listed characters but not played on station are irrelevant for this rule.)


==Obey the global rules.==
=Rule 1 : Be respectful and kind to other players=
'''The global rules are on the forum, because they cover all interaction in the community, even outside of the server.'''


[http://forum.vore-station.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=42 Click here to view them].
This is often called “Don’t be a dick” on other servers and serves the same function.
* Spam, offensive commentary, rudeness, and violent or insulting OOC language are heavily discouraged.
* IC behavior in a similar vein can be permitted due to the nature of roleplay. Be sure it’s not too much for other players, however. If in doubt, use LOOC.
* Slurs and racially charged language are prohibited both OOCly and ICly. Don’t call people ‘niggers’ or similar insults. Belonging to a group that reclaimed the term does not give you permission to use it - we can’t tell and neither can other players. This includes inappropriate ckeys or discord handles.
* Parodies of political figures or other people’s characters are discouraged. In fact, any parody character should be vetted by admins first.


If an admin says "refer to rule" whatever and what you find here doesn't make sense, try checking this link.
=Rule 2 : Speak English=


A quick summary of what is relevant in-game (may not be up to date):
This means you have to have conversational levels of English. If you have troubles with the language, you will have a lot of miscommunication and frustration.
* Characters speaking with broken or heavily accented English are fine, even fragments of other languages.
* Characters that only communicate whole sentences in other languages are not allowed. They must communicate in conversational English most of the time.
* This rule applies to the language written in emotes and speech, not the actual IC reality, as we have multiple IC languages that players can pick and use.


* Do not post anything that is OOCly illegal.
=Rule 3 : Don’t inconvenience AFK players=
* We are here to have fun, so if you are not having fun, please to take a break and tell us admins why you're not having fun.
* Please be respectful of other users OOCly. You can disagree with someone without being a hostile douchebag.
* Abuse of any site function or game mechanic with the goal of disrupting the site or others' access to or enjoyment of will not be tolerated.
* Don't complain about admins/bans in public. If you think our admins screwed up, talk to another admin in private--even if it's the Headmin. Trying to go Viva La Revolution just gets you banned.
* Legible English is required to use this game.


==Basic common sense stuff that shouldn't need to be written==
Under normal circumstances, do not harm, eat, or otherwise inconvenience characters whose player is idle, ghosted, or disconnected entirely. There are some exceptions to this rule, as follows:
<span style="color:#FF0000;"><strong>The most important rule is <em>don't have fun purely at someone else's expense.</em></strong></span> Below are some notable examples that should be obvious.
* If they've been disconnected/idle for more than 30 minutes, you can put them in cryosleep. If you do that, take away all of their belongings except for their jumpsuit, shoes, ID, and PDA, and return everything else to its rightful department.
* Don't grief or troll or abuse memes. You know what this means. Don't play stupid.
* Some players will say in their OOC notes that they're okay with getting devoured while AFK or offline. As long as you don't break these preferences, it's okay to do things to them.
* Don't break into places for no god damn reason / because you're just bored. Have an actual reason. At least be wanting to steal something worth selling. Jeeze.
* Emergencies bypass this rule. If it's an emergency and you need something an idle player has to fix it, you may take it.
* Don't randomly kill people (RDM) for no good reason. Vore is a notable exception obviously.
* If you wish to leave the round for longer than 30 minutes, please use cryo, the tram or public teleporters to free up your slot.
* Don't pressure or force people to RP in vore or sexual scenes they aren't OOCly okay with.
* Don't vore or attack someone without RP unless both parties agree to battle (or at least imply it, like a suspect running from security or resisting arrest).
* Don't powergame (having an unrealistic advantage, or abusing game mechanics to immediately robust someone while they are trying to roleplay normally).
* Don't godmod (pulling advantages out of nowhere, or ignoring disadvantages).
* Don't metagame (using OOCly obtained knowledge ICly, or telling in OOC things that happened IC during that shift).
* Don't metahate (abuse of overblown IC motives to justify picking on the OOC player behind a character).
* Don't do other dumb shit that would make people view you as a toxic player. For example, if you play asshole characters, balance it out with likable characters.
* Don't abuse global OOC with off-topic nonsense. Keep discussion in global OOC both brief and relevant, as no one wants to hide it to avoid nonsense because it's an important communication tool on an ERP server.
* Don't make stupid characters who completely don't belong in our lore (Pokémon, overpowered ex-spetznas, MLP, kitsune with magic powers, etc.)
* Don't let your "friends" use your account. You will be held responsible if they do something retarded.


That sorta thing. Basically, don't be an asshole.
=Rule 4 : Respect ERP preferences=


There's probably more that could be listed, but that's all we can think of for now. If you don't already know what bad behavior looks like, you'll (usually) get a fair warning if you can't find a specific rule covering it, but make a note to remember for the future. The guide to [[Not Getting Banned]] expands on a lot of these but should not be taken as an official rulebook if it contradicts anything here.
"ERP", or Erotic Role Play, is used in this document to refer to any type of erotic role play, including vore, sex, and kink themed roleplay.
Players should have their ERP prefs listed in their “OOC Metainfo” or “OOC Notes” on their characters. You are required to respect these preferences so long as they pertain to ERP. If you are unsure about the meaning of some of their preferences, then use LOOC to discuss it with them. If you accidentally go against someone’s preferences, or someone else goes against yours, work to correct it as quickly as possible, even if that means just deciding in LOOC amongst yourselves that ‘this didn’t happen’ and going your separate ways.  


There will always be things that are too obscure to be written down. That doesn't make them okay. If they disrupt roleplay (breaking character) or make the server not fun for everyone else, then it's probably not okay. Every shootout, every robbery, every murder, every fight, every threat, every conflict should have some interesting quality about it to redeem it from otherwise just being shitty. All server rules and policies are based on this philosophy. If you can't have fun without intentionally making someone else's time shitty, you're not welcome in Vorestation.
'''This server was created by and for people who are voraphiles. Things might be happening around you that you're not into. If you can't accept that you might be exposed to things you don't enjoy, or actively seek to prevent people from engaging in said things, you will be asked to leave.'''


If you somehow end up being one of those people who continually pisses people off but somehow constantly evades the rules, you'll be given a last warning to knock it off (because at that point we're sure you're either doing it on purpose or incapable of feeling empathy), and then you will be banned if it continues even still.
* Having “No Vore” in your preferences is fine. You will just miss out on a lot of contact and interaction. If you actively seek out to interrupt scenes, it will be seen as a breach of Rule 1.
* You can stop a scene at any moment if you are uncomfortable with it. In case it wasn’t apparent to you that you become uncomfortable with the theme and it’s not in your OOC notes, amend it so it doesn’t happen in the future to you.
* Non-consensual scenes are part of the server. Taking a stance on your willingness to engage in them is recommended to avoid uncomfortable scenarios.
* Kinkshaming and disparaging other users over their preferences is covered by Rule 1. Do not do this, OOC or IC. (Unless it’s part of a scene. IC kinkshaming kinks are valid.)
* Don’t force yourself on others for scenes. This includes unsolicited jumping into food items, bodily fluids used as drinks, bothering other players while they’re scening - you will find further information in Rule 5.
* Teasing someone in OOC communication needs their active consent. If they don’t want you to tease them, please stop. This includes when they’re teased by others and they’re fine with it.


==Roleplay until roleplaying stops being feasible==
Although not really a true rules page, you should read the [[Guide to Vore]].  
'''Short version:''' In most cases, roleplay. If someone is shooting you, stop trying to type and ''shoot back''. <small>Or run away.</small> Otherwise, roleplay normally. Sometimes, it's better to handle things with good old robust mechanics, but usually that isn't the case.


This rule is always difficult to explain but it's pretty obvious when it's being broken. If someone charges into a room with no words, no emotes, and no reason, and starts attacking someone, they are probably breaking this rule. Game mechanics are meant to ''enhance'' roleplay, not overshadow it. Most of the time, interactions can be roleplayed, including combat. However there goes the old saying that "YOU CAN'T DODGE BULLETS!" which is still true, and no one is going to expect you to suddenly hold still and type out a lengthy response while an assistant is actively beating you with a toolbox.
=Rule 5 : Bystander Consent Policy=


Security is the job type most likely to run into this rule often. It's not against the rules to just run away from security, but it's also not against the rules to no-RP-robust their ass when you catch up to them. Otherwise, if you have to use your weapons, use the "aim" mechanic first, or at least roleplay up until the point where you go, "Okay, fuck it," and stun them in the ass with your baton. If your target still tries to flee while you're aiming at them, then you're not breaking the rules by shooting them. Keep in mind they are not disallowed from trying to attack you either in an effort to get away.
The inherent nature of community role-playing in an open environment means Admins will have to mediate cases under this policy on a case-by-case basis.


In the case of antagonists (who are usually played by trusted players or admins on Vorestation), they will usually give a deliberate warning shot and miss, to signal that the engagement should be fought with robust mechanics. At the very least, in the case of melee enemies (like [[Xenomorph]]s), they will roleplay before charging.
When you begin ERP in a '''well traveled place''', you must consider the preferences of any character who can see your posts. If you are engaged in ERP that results in someone asking in LOOC for you and your partner(s) to move the ERP to subtle or another area, it is considered respectful of other users to do so. Similarly, if you happen upon a scene you are uncomfortable with, you can remove yourself from the situation. Both parties should be considerate of others:
* When initiating a scene around other players, you should ensure that people around you have compatible preferences.
* When stumbling upon a scene that makes you uncomfortable, you should consider whether you could leave without significantly hampering your own enjoyment of the game.


As with all IC interactions, the scenario has to be believable and realistic in the first place. Attacking others for no good reason is still covered by other rules.
If the involved parties cannot resolve the conflict, admins will mediate. ''Usage of this rule is protective, not prohibitive - in general admins won't use this rule to shut down scenes proactively.'' Sharing details of your, or someone else's ERP over broad reaching forms of communication, such as the radio, department relays, or OOC, can be a violation of these rules. Do not involve the whole server in ERP they didn't sign up for.
One example of situations that are subject to this policy is engaging in sex in the bar while there are people who are uncomfortable with sex who can still see the posts coming from either partner. Another is somebody working the kitchen serving food containing parts of another person to patrons. On the other hand, players are assumed to be generally okay with vore scenes due to the nature of the server.


==Respect people's OOC preferences related to ERP==
Do note that this applies to any '''public space''' that tends to have a lot of traffic. Maintenance and other areas with less traffic are better places to do such scenes. Dorms are ideal since they’re private spaces designed for scenes.
'''Short version:''' Try to always check someone's OOC notes before starting a scene and do not violate their preferences regarding ERP.


For example, if I want to roleplay with someone, and I see they aren't into anal vore, then I am not allowed to shove them up my ass. If they do not like male predators, then they do not get to play with my male predator.
Any aftermath of a scene also falls under this policy. Leaving body parts or prey remains in public, or in the dorms where third parties are likely to stumble upon them will violate the policy. <u>Please clean up after yourselves when a scene is over.</u> This also applies if you wish to have medical personnel resleeve your scene partner.


Keep in mind, while OOC preferences are nice, they can't cover everything. At any point you are allowed to speak up if the direction an RP is going is making you uncomfortable. Obviously this doesn't protect you if you punch a security officer in the dick and they zap your ass into the floor (see the next rule). However, it ''does'' disallow them from shoving an electrified cattle prod up your rectum if you aren't into that shit. Just say something in LOOC. If they don't listen, call an admin immediately and stop responding to the RP.
The easiest way to comply with this policy is to be considerate of other people and their preferences. When doing scenes in '''public spaces''', ensure that all bystanders are comfortable with what you’re doing.


<small>That being said, restrictive preferences are bad for you, so don't over do it. That isn't a rule, but just good advice. Don't complain you aren't getting any RP when you're one of those people who's "Prey only, must be female pred only, willing vore only, non-digestion only, same-size only, no fat chicks, must shit gold, etc." idiots. You know who you are. You have only yourself to blame.</small>
=Rule 6 : The dorms are protected=


==OOC notes are required==
The dorms are to use for uninterrupted, private scenes. This means most random game events also cannot affect them.
When in the character setup menu, click the OOC notes button to include preferences about whatever you dislike and will never play with that character. We assume everyone in V.O.R.E. has generally open preferences but respect any particular dislikes someone might have.
* Don't abuse dorm protection to evade IC consequences. Criminals shouldn't hide in the dorms, and security shouldn't bust them open. In case of doubts (such as suspecting a criminal of hiding in dorms), please adminhelp for arbitration.
* As the number of dorms is limited, do not go AFK for extended periods or disconnect in a locked dorm even if you aren’t taking a limited job slot.


Filling your flavor text is nice too but not required as badly.
=Rule 7 : Use global OOC sparingly=


If someone you are roleplaying with failed to include OOC preferences in their OOC notes or flavortext, then you can safely assume they are open to anything vore-related. (This doesn't mean ignore them if they speak up in LOOC to say they are not comfortable with the scene, obviously. That breaks other rules.)
It’s not muted by default and can be used for short communications and questions, such as server lag issues or when someone walked out on you while you were typing a response.
* If someone misuses OOC, please alert staff so we can take care of it.
* Banter, memes and general discussion are to be done on the discord server or in-between rounds. You can always ask for detailed assistance in #cadet-academy on the discord or in-game via mentorhelp.


==If your Vore/ERP preferences are violated, say something==
=Rule 8 : Do not abuse bugs or exploits=
'''Short version:''' If you're not into, let's say, gay sex, and someone tries forcing you to participate in gay sex, they're breaking this rule.


ERP stands for Erotic RolePlay. Your preferences are anything you say "do" or more importantly "do not" in regard to ERP. Everyone who plays on this server comes here with the knowledge that it is a predominantly vore themed roleplay environment. While we allow other kinds of play, they aren't the focus of the server. '''If at any point, you do not want to participate in any form of smut, you are obligated to say so in local OOC chat.''' In-character actions or fighting back are not considered valid ways of saying "No" because it's in-character. You must say in OOC, "Stop" or "No" or something along those lines. If you are ignored, they are breaking a rule.
The code isn't perfect and our dev team is small. There's bound to be bugs. Deliberate abuse of bugs or other design flaws in the game's mechanics to gain an advantage not possible under typical circumstances will result in a ban. Report bugs to the server's Github so that they might be fixed.  


Remember this only applies to Vore and other forms of ERP. If you're getting your ass kicked by security for example, this rule doesn't cover that. If they're using unbelievably excessive force, that is covered by other rules.
If you are not a staff member, deliberately trying to trigger bugs in-game is not allowed. If you want to attempt to gather information of the specific bug to fix it, ask staff for permission via adminhelp.


Within the vore mechanic, if your OOC preferences are being broken despite speaking up about it, there is a button called OOC escape. It's your safeword and your lifeline if you end up in a situation you genuinely, OOC, do not enjoy, and your partner is ignoring your OOC complaints to change course or stop. You, as a player, have the ability to get out of any situation within this last-resort mechanic at your fingers. However, it is also your responsibility to make sure that people know where your limits stand. A little heads up before the scene starts can save a lot of headache in the long run. If someone repeatedly, and deliberately violates your preferences, however, don't hesitate to bring this to an admin's attention.
=Rule 9 : Do not Gatekeep=


'''If you aren't into vore at all, find another server.''' Everyone in this server assumes everyone involved is okay with vore. If you're not okay with playing predator or prey, and don't even enjoy watching, then that's not fair to other players who are expecting everyone to be into vore in some manner or another, and you will be asked to leave. If you want to ERP that badly, you can find alternatives. (Also, this doesn't mean players can deliberately eat you because you're "violating" the rules by being non-vore only. That will get them punished through [[Rules#Don't backseat admin|backseat admin]] rules.)
Gatekeeping is when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity. Everyone was a new player once. Showing kindness and patience will always be better than forceful correction.
* Disparaging someone for doing a job because they aren’t as efficient as you is a prime example of this.
* Giving tips is helpful - being inflammatory or pushy, saying your way is the only correct one is not.
* Admins policing who perform command functions is not gatekeeping - newer players should learn the fundamentals first, as command positions also act as mentors and teachers for others.


==No Kinkshaming==
=Rule 10 : Do not Metacommunicate, Metagame, or Multikey=
'''Short version:''' Out-of-character kink-shaming of any kind will be punished.


If you don't like a scene that you're not involved with, then leave them alone. If it's not possible to leave them alone because they're in a public area like the bar or a hallway, you may call security to kick them out. Otherwise, leave them alone.
* Metacomms: Using third-party programs such as Discord, IRC, Skype, or even the BYOND pager, to discuss and share information of the ongoing round. This excludes other players, can contribute to toxicity among the playerbase, and is often a tactic used by griefers and thus is a no-go.
* Metagaming: Using information obtained from elsewhere to influence IC decisions and actions. Your opinions or knowledge of other players or characters obtained via OOC methods should not direct your IC actions. If you have an OOC grudge against someone, you may not try to antagonize them IC, for example.  
** Similarly, you should not use alt characters like a network for yourself - in general your characters should not know what the others know or try to share resources across multiple jobs.
** Asking Medical to resleeve you in LOOC is okay. They might be too busy to do it right now, however, so don’t be pushy. (See Rule 9 and Rule 1)
* Multi-keying: Logging in with multiple BYOND accounts on our game server. There is never any legitimate reason for you to do this and thus it is not allowed.


That said, don't kinkshame-bait either. If you come on acting like you're into pedophilia and shit, then whine about kink shaming, expect to just be banned. Even we have our limits. You're smart. I think you can figure out what they might be. Despite how much the headmin JerTheAce loves his guns, for example, his gun fetish isn't protected by this rule, so he can't just shoot people then go "MUH FETISH" when they complain.
=Rule 11 : Roleplay in an immersive and server-appropriate manner=


==Do not log out in locked dorms==
As a heavy roleplaying server, we attempt to stay in character as our characters and interact with each other on the basis of our lore. Breaking immersion is very jarring and should be avoided.
'''Short version:''' This is self explanatory. Those rooms are for smut. They are not your personal AFK box. Don't be a dick.
* If you cannot comply with the server rules without breaking character, then the character is inappropriate and should be modified. “It's what my character would do" is no excuse.
* It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of our [[Vital Lore|Lore]]. Flagrant breaks from it are discouraged. OCs you wish to adapt should be believable within the universe.
* Your character is an employee or contractor and probably does not want to land in jail or a loony bin. Avoid excessive violence and criminal behaviour.
* Thorough professionalism is not required, however. You can be silly, goofy and do laser tag tournaments. Virgo is conceived as a sleepy frontier station - a place where hiring standards are rather lax due to a sparsity of people willing to work in the literal boonies.
* Characters are expected to try and avoid pain and death. While death is not permanent due to resleeving, the process is disorienting and makes one terribly ill. This expectation is relaxed around vore, naturally.
* If your character is suspended, permanently killed off, or otherwise removed from the station as a consequence for something horrible they did in-character, you are expected to not play that character anymore. See the guide about [[Permanent Death]] for details.
*There is no magic in the setting. If something isn’t replicable with mechanics or in-game conceits, it should not be done in public. In private ERP, this is relaxed, but you have to explain it away reasonably when it goes public.  


Three strikes of repeated abuse will result in a day ban. Three more strikes will be three days. Three more days (total of nine) will be a week ban so we can be absolutely sure you get the message. Admins will keep track of offenses with playernotes and will attempt to contact you when it happens, but since you logged out, there's no guarantee we'll remember to poke you when you're next online.
=Rule 12 : Create server-appropriate characters=


If you get banned for this, it's really easy to [http://forum.vore-station.net/viewforum.php?f=37 appeal]. We only want to make sure you actually read this damn rule so you know to obey it.
As extension of Rule 11, try to create or adapt a character that fits within the lore and the rules of the server. This facilitates roleplay and doesn’t ruin the suspension of disbelief.
* OOC Notes and Flavor Text are required. Your OOC notes must detail your ERP preferences, and your flavor text should not include non-physical attributes and use neutral language.
* Give them a non-immersion breaking first name (and often, a last name too), do not play obvious reference characters, or characters from published works without a special character application approved for that character.
* Maximum height for characters is 20 feet. Minimum height is 3 inches. Anything above and below is only allowed during strictly private scenes.
* Whitelisted species are required to follow their lore more stridently than other, non-whitelisted species.
* Criminal, military and other “high action” backgrounds need to be vetted by admins with a [[Whitelist|special character application]]. In general, antagonists like on other SS13 servers are rare in the Virgo universe.


==Stay in your own department==
=Rule 13 : Do not create IC conflict without good reason=
'''Short version:''' If you didn't log in as a certain job, and you aren't reassigned, don't do someone else's fucking job unless it's an emergency.


It's viewed as powergaming if you're doing jobs that you weren't asked to do, and godmodding if you shouldn't know how to do them at all. This applies to career assistants especially. If you knew how to do surgery or start the supermatter or build robots, you wouldn't be an assistant all the time. At least have the [[Head of Personnel]] change your job first.
In our setting, major violence and crime is not commonplace.. Have a believable reason for any conflict and antagonistic behavior you may exhibit and moderate yourself to keep it not at a level where admins need to intervene.
* End of the Round Deathmatches don’t exist. Even when the round ends, we expect you to fully stay in character.
* If you wish to perform a crime to entertain Security or get eaten, it’s wise to check first if they’re even up for it. LOOC, PDA messages and the character-directory can guide you.
* Boredom is not a good reason. It’s entirely fine to leave the round and do something else if the station is too slow for you right now.
* NPCs are included in this. Don’t randomly kill wildlife or other people. Just because they’re not fellow players doesn’t mean they’re not ICly people.
* Suicide or self-mutilation is not allowed. Contact an admin if you want to have a character commit suicide. Themes of suicide and self-harm are very serious and shouldn’t be used as an attention grab. Not getting permission beforehand usually leads to a permanent ban.
* This rule is not limited to physical altercations, if you're being unnecessarily hostile in a way that makes the game unenjoyable for others, you may be reprimanded. For instance, accusing another character of being a rapist so nobody else is willing to associate with them is definitely a hostile act that ruins their game, without being a violent one.
* Excessive responses in self-defense are also not allowed - killing someone should be a last resort. However, if you put someone in Medbay and they come back with friends to beat you up… Try not provoking people next time.


Also don't go rushing to do someone else's job if the department in question has active staff. It's not fair to them if you deprive them of the job they signed up to do, even if you ''do'' have access and you ''do'' know how to do it. (E.g. [[Station Administrator]] chasing down criminals despite a perfectly capable security staff.)
=Rule 14 : Do not powergame=


This rule is more loosely enforced during emergencies or when powering the station at round start, but still don't get involved if engineering has people--even if they fail to do their job properly. Just complain to their superiors in-character, or alert an admin out-of-character. Sometimes there's a perfectly good IC reason why the station is having a blackout.
Also known as “Playing to Win”. This includes things such as a doctor stealing supplies from engineering 'just in case' or a security officer fanatically pursuing an arrest at all costs.
* Loophole abuse for Vore scenes is allowed.
* Identifying lore-uncommon objects or creatures because you are mechanically aware of how they operate also is not allowed. Your character should not be implicitly familiar with the horrors of the Universe unless they actually encountered them in-game in a consistent manner.
* Abusing game mechanics such as the tram or access changes to work multiple departments is also not allowed. If you joined as a job by mistake, you can of course fix it.
* Having a wide skillset is getting close to this rule. You should keep your knowledge of other department skills at a minimum. Engineers shouldn’t do surgery and officers shouldn’t wire the engine. It’s suggested to make a character per department.


==At least ''try'' to do your job!==
=Rule 15 : Do not Godmode=
'''Short version:''' If you're not in a vore scene, keep yourself busy by doing your normal job. You'll find more RP that way.


Vore isn't the only thing that happens on the server. If you habitually join as jobs beside assistant and don't perform your job's most basic functions, you'll get job banned because it hogs the slot from people who actually want to do the job. For example: An Engineer who doesn't start the engine or set up solars and instead runs straight to the bar for scene hunting is probably breaking this rule. On the other hand, if you got ambushed and ate ''before'' finishing your job, then that's just life on VORE and everyone will have to live without power for a bit. Just be prepared to answer admin inquiries.
Creating abilities out of nowhere, RPing how other characters react, think, feel or act or doing impossible things is not allowed. If you cannot replicate it with mechanics, it’s not allowed in public.
* This includes being immune to pain or death. Pain is mechanically enforced and should be played out. Even pain-immune species are still suffering from negative effects of their injuries.
* Accidental injuries are still in-character injuries unless an admin heals you. Admin heals are generally out of character to void the injury.
* Admins who are caught abusing admin powers to godmode will be severely punished.
** Spawning things for scenes is fine. In doubt, adminhelp to ask.


In the event of something serious going on that directly pertains to your job and '''no one''' else can currently respond to it, like you're the Chief Medical Officer, and someone is bleeding to death in the lobby while you're banging the only nurse on staff that shift, you should probably zip up your pants and go help the poor bastard who's bleeding to death. You can always go back to your scene. As a rule of thumb; the higher up in command you are, the more responsibilities you have. Be prepared for them.
=Rule 16 : Perform the duties of your chosen job=


That being said, ''please don't join as an assistant all the time to avoid all responsibilities''. The whole station becomes stagnant and boring when no one is doing jobs. What makes VORE Station more attractive of an option for RP than a chatroom is because there's so much to do besides vore and smut. Work together and do something interesting. Your job shouldn't make it impossible to do vore, but if you're not eating/being eaten, don't sit in the bar doing nothing all day. You're hogging job slots which is unfair and not realistic.
When your character joins the round, you are accepting the responsibilities that the job you have chosen brings with it. Remember: if you are playing in a slot, you are likely preventing other players from performing that role. It is important that you fulfill the tasks that you have signed up for!
* Security should protect the station from danger, Engineering should ensure that power is up and that people can breathe, Medical should treat injuries, Supply should bring in needed cargo on request, Science should do... science stuff, and Service should provide food. Command's job is to make sure at least these basics are being fulfilled, and to react accordingly in an emergency.
* Characters should be capable of performing their duties mentally and physically. Blind surgeons are an impossibility and so are hardcore anarchist security officers.
* If you are repeatedly unable to perform the minimal duties of your chosen job, you may restricted from playing said job or asked to revise the character.
* Do not hijack other people's jobs. For example, if you're a chemist but someone needs surgery, and there's already a surgeon who isn't currently busy, give them an opportunity to perform the surgery before doing it yourself. Similar examples exist in every department, so use your judgment. If you are getting in the way of someone’s chosen job, you should not do it. Similarly, just because you have access doesn’t mean you have to do the job. You should not do jobs outside of your department except in an emergency where you have already faxed for relevant personnel, waited, and received no response.
* If something happens when you're unable to respond, in the middle of something (or someone) else or otherwise indisposed, then that is alright. You shouldn’t ignore an emergency for your department if you are free, however. You can always go off-duty.


==Don't complain in OOC when your actions IC get you in trouble==
=Rule 17 : Follow reasonable orders=
'''Short version:''' In-character actions have in-character consequences, and going out of your way to get a reaction from other crew or security means ''you will get a reaction out of them.''


So if your own shenanigans gets you in trouble, that's your fault. For non-vore crimes, if you think you have been excessively or unfairly punished or retaliated against, use adminhelp, or preferably play it off ICly and contact a lawyer, other security, the Colony Director, or CentCom. If your complaints reach the admins and they don't think you were treated unfairly, then you probably weren't treated unfairly, so stop complaining. Or just don't complain in the first place and enjoy the ups and downs of roleplaying in a '''fictional''' world.
Your department head is your boss. You should listen to them when they give orders that are expected and reasonable. Similarly, the Site Manager/Captain is your bosses’ boss. Not following reasonable orders consistently will lead to an admin investigation.
* You can disobey orders you think are harmful, immoral, or violating [[Corporate Regulations]]. Use your judgment and consider whether or not disobeying the order could get you in trouble or get someone else horribly killed.
* If you are given an order or AI law that may break another server rule, please alert the admins for a second opinion before continuing.
* Obnoxious, unreasonable and plain unfun commands can be adminhelped for a second opinion. This includes abusing the AI to open doors unreasonably or telling a silicon to switch modules.
* If you consistently give out unreasonable orders, you may be banned from positions with the authority to issue such orders.


'''Naturally, vore-related crimes are excluded from this rule''' - you should be granted OOC leniency if you get brigged for a vore crime. In-character, you'll still be punished as normal, but out-of-character you are entitled to a ''time-skip'' (E.g. Space Law says 60 minutes in the brig, but you really spend only 5 while everyone RPs like it was the full 60 minutes). Also we won't '''ever''' permanently fire or execute a character for eating someone, and someone trying to enforce the death penalty on you--or permabrig you--for doing vore, and you're not okay with that, then that someone will be punished by the admins for breaking [[Rules#Basic common sense stuff that shouldn't need to be written|common sense rules]].
=Rule 18 : Don't cause problems for scenes you agreed to=


==Don't call for help if you don't want it / Don't deliberately interrupt ERP scenes ==
You are always allowed to decide what content you participate in as per Rule 4. You do not have to do non-con scenes. However, if you do, it’s to be expected you don’t cause trouble for your partners for giving you what you wanted. Try to forget things ICly and if you want to act out calling for help, do so in a way it doesn’t involve bystanders, as per Rule 5.
'''Short version:''' If the victim isn't calling for help, and it's not in a public area, then don't be a white knight by getting involved. If you find a scene by accident, give the scene a fair chance to finish, and then you can interrupt if you want.
* [[Non-Contiguous Memory Disorder]] (or Non-Con Disorder for short) is the in-character explanation for your character losing memories of recent events leading up to their death. You should not remember how you died, or who killed you if it was unwilling.
* Similarly, bringing up previous non-con encounters from rounds before is a faux pas and usually leads to admins intervening IC and OOC.
* If someone breaks this rule, adminhelp for a second opinion of an admin. Usually, you can just disregard it, though.


Security is allowed to force scenes to move out of a public area and into a dorm, or at least someplace out of the public, but until someone calls for help security may ''not'' stop a scene entirely. Unless security can prove a crime is happening, they aren't allowed to interfere, and this is already true for all laws under code green. Not just vore. If you walk in on a scene anywhere beside the dorms, security and other staff have every right to ask questions without needing to seek OOC consent from the predator's player. The predator should have taken better effort to hide. It's security who actively go looking for scenes to wreck who are breaking this rule.
=Rule 19 : The intent of the rules is more important than the letter=


It's not very realistic for all crew to be expected to turn a blind eye to someone else's suffering, so here's some advice to avoid awkward situations like that:
The purpose of the rules is to preserve a fun and enjoyable environment for all players. If everyone is enjoying themselves even while the ‘letter’ of a rule is not being followed, it’s likely that no staff intervention will be required. On the other hand, just because something isn't in the rules doesn't mean it's okay or allowed if it's upsetting a large number of players.
*If you are predator, try to steal your victim's means of communication (headset, PDA, making them wear a gag, tying them up so they can't struggle) so they can't summon help, and don't brag about your catch if you don't want to get caught.
* Plenty of rules are left vague enough to cover as much as possible without being too oppressing. Attempting to rules-lawyer saying that "this rule doesn't specifically say I can't do X", even if what you are doing is disrupting the server, will generally be ignored. We generally expect our players to be able to recognize what a server-appropriate character would and wouldn't do within this fictional setting.
*If you are prey, ask your predator OOCly if you have the ''capability'' to call for help. If your predator was smart enough to take your gear away, this should only apply if someone accidentally stumbles on your scene.
* If you are prey, don't pull some hidden weapon out of your backpack and start stabbing the shit out of them from inside. If you have a weapon, or you choose to try to resist being eaten in that way, roleplay each attack until your predator gives up or you succumb.
*Don't whine if your bragging (as pred) gets you in trouble, or calling for rescue (as prey) makes someone actually try to come rescue.
*Try to actually be clever and stay hidden as predator. It's really awkward when someone stumbles on a scene by chance, so at least have a good convincing lie prepared, or use a room like a fire closet or abandoned room or other low-traffic area. If the scene is supposed to be a quick grab and gulp, you can ask anyone catching you to give you some time to progress the scene (since typing is slower than game mechanics) but avoid making them let you get away with it entirely. You still got caught after all and it's no fun for them if they're forced to turn a blind eye when it breaks character.
*If you see an unwilling scene with xray vision or thermals, you're already violating NT's privacy laws, so just keep your mouth shut because you'd rather not lose your job over it. CentCom doesn't care if you were saving someone's life because CentCom is run by cold and unfeeling bureaucratic assholes.
*If you're the [[AI]], unless you see blood, you have no reason to assume anyone is being harmed. Follow your laws normally. If it still annoys you, you can nag the predator if the prey hasn't been scanned and call it accident prevention.


This ''should'' be painfully obvious, but just in case it isn't, '''if you are ''OOCly'' not enjoying the scene, and it involves ERP, then you should say something in LOOC and ask it to stop. If that fails, call an admin. This is a situation where OOC rules have been broken and admins should be alerted--''not'' have some security officer play backseat admin for you.'''
=Rule 20 : The staff is here to arbitrate, enforce and interpret the Rules=


As a recap: Security is '''absolutely allowed''' to intervene in unwilling scenes. '''If the victim is calling for help, no matter where in the station it's happening, ''including private dorms'', Security can interfere'''. If the prey ''isn't'' asking for help, ''don't fuck with the scene.'' It's that simple.
The staff is here to maintain the community using the rules.
* It is within admin staff's discretion to decide that certain actions violate one or more rules, even if the specific action is not listed as part of the rule. You can appeal decisions to other admins if you believe one has a bias against you.
* One admin's word is usually as good as any other. For example, just because the Server Host says it's okay to do something one moment doesn't mean you can still do it when a Trial Admin later tells you to stop.  
* If you have received previous instructions of an admin over a thing you are being admin-pmd for, please inform them of such. No admin supersedes another in authority, however, so if they insist you stop what you’re doing, then stop.
* If you have a question over something unclear or questionable, never be afraid to adminhelp. The staff on hand should discuss it among themselves and give you a ruling.
* Modmails on Discord can also be used if you wish to broach a topic and another admin ruling with the whole team.
* Head Admins are to arbitrate conflict between admins or if you think an admin has a severe bias or is negatively contributing to the community.
* '''The staff should also NEVER ban you purely for a complaint against them. If you receive punitive actions or negative bias from a staff member over a complaint or worry, please inform head staff immediately. Even if said staff is a head admin themselves.'''
* Do not try to weaponize the admins. Trying to encourage others to break the rules by deliberately antagonizing them and then calling an admin will lead to you getting into trouble.


If you stumble on an unwilling scene by accident, even if it's in public, it's fair to assume that usually the scene would be brief before the victim is inside of the predator. If you bump into such a scene by accident right in the middle of someone being swallowed, and ICly want to interfere, then at least state your intentions in local OOC, and give the predator and prey a reasonable amount of time to finish this part of the scene before you interfere. This can usually be done in a few posts of roleplaying the action of swallowing. The moment the predator finishes their meal, you're green light to interfere and call for backup maybe. Continue roleplaying as normal. The predator is not allowed to demand you ignore the scene entirely unless it's happening in dorms. Predators have to accept the fact that sometimes they will get caught, and will be protected less by the rules proportionate to how public their scene is. Predators who want complete immunity to any consequences when eating people should just roleplay in a chat room instead of a game. Time dilation is difficult to moderate in the context of a game, and it's better for all parties if time dilation is just disregarded. If you get caught in a public scene, and it can't be wrapped up in 10-20 posts each, then you're probably taking too long, and are more likely to get caught. Predators are more interesting to play with when they take steps to prevent unwilling prey from being noticed.
=Rule 21 : Do not backseat admin=


Remember, if you OOCly don't want the scene at all, you should say something in local OOC. That is covered by [[Rules#Basic common sense stuff that shouldn't need to be written|common sense rules]].
If you are not an admin, it's not up to you to enforce the rules. Do not threaten users with calling an admin, and do not try to punish players for breaking these server rules. If you think somebody is breaking the rules, call a staff member. Telling somebody that something is against the rules is fine. Harassing them in OOC or actively trying to enforce that rule is not allowed.


This is all further elaborated upon in the [[Guide to Vore]].


==Don't mess with disconnected or AFK players==
[[Category:Guides]]
'''Short version:''' If they're offline, don't dick around with them until they log back in unless it's too urgent to wait. Exceptions can be made if their OOC notes say it's fine to do certain stuff to them while AFK.
[[Category:Rules]]
 
Under normal circumstances, do not harm, vore, or otherwise inconvenience a character whose player is AFK or disconnected entirely. There are some exceptions to this rule and here's what they are. If you cannot find your exception here, don't mess with them.
 
*If they've disconnected more than 10 minutes, you can put them in cryosleep. If you do that, take away all of their belongings except for their jumpsuit, shoes, ID, and PDA, and return everything else to its rightful department (or don't, and risk trouble with security).
*If they committed a crime, jail them as you normally would and conduct their sentence even if they aren't connected. 20 minutes in the brig is still 20 minutes in the brig.
*Some players like to put notes in their flavortext to indicate that they're okay with getting devoured while AFK or offline. As long as you don't break these preferences, it's okay to do things to them.
*Emergencies will bypass this rule, such as taking the Colony Director's ID to call the shuttle because the supermatter exploded while the Colony Director was offline.
*When it comes to vore, this also applies to the dead or abandoned bodies of player characters. If the person you're eating is or ''was'' someone's character, OOC consent is required to eat them.
 
==Experience is required for any head positions==
'''Short version:''' Don't take a head job if you don't know how to do it. Unwillingness to teach subordinates is also considered breaking this rule.
 
If you demonstrate you lack at least a reasonable amount of experience, such as a Chief Engineer unable to start the engine, or a CMO unable to do surgery, you will be job banned from the position until you gain that experience.
 
The higher up the chain of command, the more scrutiny you will get. Therefore, [[Station Administrator]] is the easiest to get job banned from. So do your job well, or play another job. Don't take a job just for the access it grants. Furthermore, new players expect you to be able to be able to teach them how to use the game. If you just yell at them "CHECK THE WIKI" or worse, act hostile toward them, you will be banned from the job and possibly the whole server for at least a few days.
 
==Non-believable characters and fan characters are not allowed without approval from admins==
'''Short version:''' No fan characters, no psychos, no dumb criminals, no pranksters who start shit literally ''every round'', no magic powers, no elite military training, etc. Don't make obnoxious snowflake Mary Sue characters. Also don't murder the assistant who threw a banana peel at you or do other excessively violent retaliations.
 
This is to prevent any time your character / the actions of your character make absolutely no sense in the context of the current situation. This can range from having magic powers to fearlessly charging into a battle you didn't need to fight armed with a kitchen knife when everyone else brought mechs. '''This rule includes 'fan characters'.''' Do not play characters from other published fiction that you yourself did not create. Only play characters you own, or created.
 
In a related matter, the phrase "It's what my character would do!" isn't a viable excuse to avoid punishment if you're constantly getting into trouble with security or otherwise being a constant twat. Maybe it's what your character would do, but you know what CentCom will do? Fire you. Eventually CentCom is going to decide you're a liability. That means you will get barred from using the character, and even banned from the server if you ignore this rule with multiple characters. Avoid characters who are suicidal, violent, the not-funny kind of incredibly stupid, or criminals who keep getting caught (meaning everyone knows you did it, not necessarily that you got jailed for it). CentCom wouldn't allow these kinds of people aboard the station. Avoid doing things that would get you very quickly fired, because if you don't have a good reason for your actions ICly, it's liable to get you banned. Even if you do have a good reason, then you have to avoid getting caught.
 
If you're smart/clever enough to make a character who can do naughty things without getting caught, then this rule doesn't really apply to you. Just don't break the station. Or the people on the station. The rules don't say you can't be a troublemaker. Crimes on the workplace are very believable and common in real life; especially stealing. If you get caught though, you're going to get in trouble. So don't get caught! Or at least put good effort into not getting caught.
 
"But people [[Vore|eat other people]] on this station! How is that believable?!" Because it's normal on this station. How is [[Bluespace]] believable? Because suspension of disbelief, smartass.
 
Powergaming also falls under this rule. Nanobots, super strength, special powers, magic, having no fear of injury or death (unless it's willing vore obviously), none of this is allowed. Admins sometimes make exceptions for events, but that's about it. As a general rule of thumb; if you can't reasonably emulate what you're trying to do with the game's mechanics, you probably aren't allowed to do it as a character.
 
Lunatic characters are also covered by this rule. If you're going to play a nutjob, at least don't play a violently psychotic nutjob. Threatening to murder crew or harm other characters, or damage the station for no good reason other than "lol I'm crazy" all fall under this rule. You're not going to stab someone's eyeballs out over spilling your drink unless there was a lot of crazy buildup to it.
 
Bizarre names are also not allowed unless they have some backstory to go with them. Pun names are fine depending on the gimmick of your character, but a name like 'Cyber Sun' or 'Napalm Burns' or 'Dark Shadow' are really not good names and an admin might ask you to change them. If it sounds more like an edgy screen name than something you'd name your child, it's probably a shitty name.
 
For more information check out [[Character Creation]].
 
==Don't hog job slots (suicide / AFK forever)!==
'''Short version:''' Don't commit suicide. People fucking hate that. Also don't drop SSD for the entire round as anything beside an assistant.
 
Players who suicide for stupid reasons, abuse the ghost function for stupid reasons, or disconnect/AFK and never come back, are breaking this rule. If job slots fill up, and we find multiple people AFK while others want to use that job, we're going to hand out job bans. Any player found offline or idle for more than 120 minutes when slots are full may be job banned as a result. Suicidal players are usually server banned, because no one wants to fucking hear how depressed your character is while being an attention whore. A lot of us got enough problems in real life, and some of us have actually had real world experiences with loved ones and suicide, or sometimes our own selves. Someone making a mockery of it is just a dick move to these people.
 
If you're getting off and don't plan on coming back at least put yourself into a cryopod, the residential elevator, or the teleporter to leave the station. If you have to leave urgently and cannot make it to a cryopod, at least say so in global OOC asking someone to stuff you in cryo, and try to PM an admin. That way if you do get job banned anyway, you can at least prove you made the effort to prevent this rule from being broken and the matter was not in your control. Shit happens, and that's ok.
 
If you stumble on a player who has been disconnected longer than 30 minutes, try to help them out by shoving them into cryo.
 
Note that [[Assistants]] who AFK forever are exempt from this rule because they have no limit to job slots. Suicidal assistants still get punished.
 
==Don't backseat admin==
'''Short version:''' If you think they're doing something worth calling an admin over, then call an admin. Don't beat around the bush by trying to use it as leverage against them. That does nothing but stir up unnecessary bullshit and drama. Trying to control players with threats of calling the admins is also punished harshly, even when you are right about it.
 
Forming an angry mob to kill suspected griefers also counts as this. Obviously if you just watched a dude kill Ian, that's IC justification to go lynch them, but don't go murder some assistant because you ''think'' he is part of a raid attempt, or don't jail a player because you think he's ban evading, etc. Even when you decide to go punch an unconscious character because you know the player just got banned, don't be surprised if an admin mistakes you for being part of their troublemaking and ends up banning you too. All the admins see are more attack logs and you beating up a player who isn't logged in anymore, which breaks at least a couple of rules.
 
Saying "I don't know if that is allowed" or "I think that is against the rules" doesn't count toward breaking this rule. That's just you trying to be informative. This rule is only for ''abusing'' the rules to manipulate players, or to try enforcing rules by telling everyone to bully them or killing them or ranting in OOC "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9OgY9f9Rmg YOU BROKE THE RULES!]"
 
Forcing unsolicited opinion into player-admin discussions where you're not involved is also considered backseat admining. If a player is being warned/punished for rulebreaking, we don't want you jumping in to try to defend them. Unless you were directly involved, you likely don't have enough of the full story. Doing this usually just makes the problem worse because all parties involved get confused. Just don't do it. We're sorry your buddy got banned, but there was probably a reason. If you disagree, encourage your buddy to appeal. The admins may have fucked up. It's rare, but it happens.
 
==Don't abuse the 'Vote' function==
Players are allowed to call votes for shift end or server restart under the following circumstances:
* The station was griefed/glitched badly enough that the server can't be played, and no admins can be called online to fix it. (Try calling us first via Discord please so we can investigate suspected griefing.)
* It's the middle of the shift (1 hour after start/before ending) and there's less than 10 players online. This usually means the server is in or at the end of its lowest population time between the hours of 2AM and 9AM EST.
 
Otherwise, please do not abuse the vote function. Players are often unprepared for a restart vote in the middle of the shift, which can create unfair results. Admins may cancel votes at their discretion.
 
==Don't abuse the 'Ghost' function==
Don't ghost out of your body without already being dead or being in cryosleep.
 
If you're in the process of dying but want to get it over with, type 'succumb' into the chat box. If you're actually dying, it'll finish you off. Abuse of the ghost function will result in job bans.
 
==Don't abuse the OOC channel==
'''Short version:''' The global OOC channel is not for idle off topic banter. If a conversation goes on longer than 10 lines, move it somewhere else, like Discord, or local OOC.
 
Global OOC is for things like...
* "Hey, I was typing and so-and-so ran off. Can so-and-so come back?"
* "Be right back." / "I'm back."
* "Is this machine supposed to do this? This seems like a bug to me."
* "Anyone interested in doing a foodplay [[Guide to Vore|scene]] with a hungry Unathi? ;)"
 
For idle banter and joking and memes, use the chatroom or LOOC and not global OOC. For serious discussions that you want input on, ask the forums. For anything that seems broken or could use improvement, use Github. For any problems you have with other players, use adminhelp or contact an admin through the forum PM system.
 
Telling someone to mute their OOC is not a valid excuse and you will more likely be punished for being inconsiderate if you tell people to mute OOC so you can spam the OOC chat with memes.
 
==Don't abuse the Respawn function==
'''Short version:''' If you die, or want to change jobs, don't use respawn unless there's absolutely ''no other way'' (without calling an admin) that you could come back.
 
It is okay* to use respawn if you've been dead for a decently long time and you're not likely to get cloned on-station because you're body is in fuck-knows-where space, or you had no scan, or the cloning department exploded, etc. The understanding is that ICly you were cloned off-station. It's recommended that you have a fluff reason (such as a Kitsuhana Life Crystal) to inform central that you require a clone if you're going to be doing this a lot. It is also okay to hit cryo and respawn if you hit the wrong job button when you join - feel free to inform the other players OOCly that they should just disregard the arrival announcement.
 
However,
* It is NOT okay to just ghost out and respawn in a different job without cryoing. Ever. That already breaks the rule about abusing the 'Ghost' function.
* It is NOT okay to use cryo/respawn as a ghetto job change an hour into the shift because you suddenly want a job change and can't be bothered asking the HoP/Director, even though we have one.
* It is NOT okay to change jobs because the Colony Director just cryo'd and you want to outrank your former boss to get back at them.
 
That sort of thing. It should be common sense.
 
<small><nowiki>*</nowiki>If you do die on-station and you want to respawn instead of being cloned, it's ''preferred'' you play another character for the rest of the shift, but this is not ''required'' as part of this rule. You can play as the same character if you want if you've been dead at least 10 minutes and no one has noticed. Remember that if you do have a clonescan, but no one noticed yet, you ''are'' allowed to metagame with a doctor just to ask in LOOC if they can clone you while you are a ghost.</small>
 
'''If you do respawn as the same character, come back as an assistant. That ''is'' covered by the rule regarding not hogging job slots.'''
 
==Admins should avoid OOCly handling issues they are ICly involved in==
'''Short version:''' Read the long version you lazy admin shits. :U
 
In the case of a disagreement with another player over OOC wrongdoing over an IC incident they were involved in, unless the admin is the only one currently in-game on the server, the admin should immediately contact another admin to come oversee the situation, so that it can be discussed without bias. The new admin should treat the other admin and the player as if they were normal players. Any rulebreaking should be dealt with as usual, up to and including punishing the admin if necessary. In such cases where rulebreaking is found on behalf of the admin, a superior admin should be contacted immediately for handing down punishment, as equal rank admins cannot ban one-another due to serious problems that might cause. The head admin should also be informed of the situation and its outcome any time an admin has broken rules.
 
Here's an example of this scenario: ''An admin is playing John Doe. John Doe is beaten into crit by a rogue security officer Marty Stu, whom the admin believes to be randomly attacking people for no reason. However, the player behind Marty Stu believes he has good reason to attack John Doe. John Doe's player, who is an admin, disagrees. For whatever reason, the admin player of John Doe believes that Marty Stu's player should be punished for his/her actions.''
 
If another admin is not in-game at the moment, then this rule can be ignored. You're not expected to wait until another admin logs in if there just isn't a second one already on.
 
==Admins may act based on their judgement, even if it's not explicitly in the rules==
'''Short version:''' Just because something isn't written down doesn't mean "it's allowed" or "it's okay" if it ends up disrupting RP for other people on the station. Admins can, and will, act on their judgement, even when it would normally ignore or even break some rules. However they should do so '''extremely sparingly''', and only in the most dire situations.
 
This list of above rules is just all the stuff we could think of. We'd never be able to list every rule and exception to the rule, so we rely on the players to use some common sense. If you don't like an admin's orders, comply for the time being and contact another admin as soon as possible for a second opinion. Admins are also at liberty to judge what is an "overpowered" character. If it results in a ban, you can always appeal.
 
It's not impossible that the admin was being unfair. If you ever feel you have been punished excessively or incorrectly, do not hesitate to leave an appeal.
 
==If you feel like ''anyone'' is being abusive, please speak up privately so the community can be a better place==
Try telling the offending individual first, or tell (other) admins if you don't feel comfortable telling the offending individual directly. In both cases, do it '''privately'''. Yelling over global OOC will probably get you banned and then further embarrassed when you find out you didn't know the full story behind the other party's actions.
 
For example, if it's Ace you have a problem with, and you're not comfortable speaking to him directly about what you're upset about, you can contact another administrator like Joan or Ultimated or whoever else to get your point across. Just because he's in charge doesn't mean he's deaf to the good advice of his subordinates.
 
[http://forum.vore-station.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=147 For everyone else, follow the directions in this forum post.]
 
Although you can't get banned for not speaking up at all, you're only hurting yourself and the community by not speaking up when you feel you have been wronged. The worst thing that can happen is your opponent disagrees. Otherwise, people generally aren't assholes for no reason. Be respectful of each other, and criticize each other when valid. The only way Vorestation will die as a community is when people stop doing this.

Latest revision as of 09:20, 24 September 2024

Getting Started on Vorestation
The Basics General Help
Commands Server Rules
A Crash Course in Roleplaying
Character Creation Guide to Vore
Terminology More Guides

It’s highly recommended to read this first!!

For the global rules pertaining Discord, the Forum and all external communication, refer to here.

Appeals are handled exclusively on the forums here.

The rules are always subject to change when they no longer serve the purpose of creating a pleasant environment in alignment with the server's mission statement. In this case, revisions will be announced on the in-game server and the Discord.

The rules are written so that the header gives you the general outline. If you click on the header, you will find the detailed description and intent of the rule.

In case of confusion, contacting staff is explicitly allowed!

Here is a list of non-rule admin decisions you can review: Admin Rulings

Rule 0 : You must be 18 or older to play the server

There are no exceptions. Mental maturity is not a legal defense, we MUST remove underage users by law.

  • Use of real world slurs, chat speak, broken or grammatically wrong English, and other indications of immaturity may be taken as signs that you are underage.
  • Knowing another user is underaged but not reporting it is considered grounds for an immediate, permanent ban.
  • You also cannot play a character that is underage.
  • You may not advertise, seek out or show underage content or characters on any Web page you link on the server. (This only includes the linked page. For example, character listed characters but not played on station are irrelevant for this rule.)

Rule 1 : Be respectful and kind to other players

This is often called “Don’t be a dick” on other servers and serves the same function.

  • Spam, offensive commentary, rudeness, and violent or insulting OOC language are heavily discouraged.
  • IC behavior in a similar vein can be permitted due to the nature of roleplay. Be sure it’s not too much for other players, however. If in doubt, use LOOC.
  • Slurs and racially charged language are prohibited both OOCly and ICly. Don’t call people ‘niggers’ or similar insults. Belonging to a group that reclaimed the term does not give you permission to use it - we can’t tell and neither can other players. This includes inappropriate ckeys or discord handles.
  • Parodies of political figures or other people’s characters are discouraged. In fact, any parody character should be vetted by admins first.

Rule 2 : Speak English

This means you have to have conversational levels of English. If you have troubles with the language, you will have a lot of miscommunication and frustration.

  • Characters speaking with broken or heavily accented English are fine, even fragments of other languages.
  • Characters that only communicate whole sentences in other languages are not allowed. They must communicate in conversational English most of the time.
  • This rule applies to the language written in emotes and speech, not the actual IC reality, as we have multiple IC languages that players can pick and use.

Rule 3 : Don’t inconvenience AFK players

Under normal circumstances, do not harm, eat, or otherwise inconvenience characters whose player is idle, ghosted, or disconnected entirely. There are some exceptions to this rule, as follows:

  • If they've been disconnected/idle for more than 30 minutes, you can put them in cryosleep. If you do that, take away all of their belongings except for their jumpsuit, shoes, ID, and PDA, and return everything else to its rightful department.
  • Some players will say in their OOC notes that they're okay with getting devoured while AFK or offline. As long as you don't break these preferences, it's okay to do things to them.
  • Emergencies bypass this rule. If it's an emergency and you need something an idle player has to fix it, you may take it.
  • If you wish to leave the round for longer than 30 minutes, please use cryo, the tram or public teleporters to free up your slot.

Rule 4 : Respect ERP preferences

"ERP", or Erotic Role Play, is used in this document to refer to any type of erotic role play, including vore, sex, and kink themed roleplay. Players should have their ERP prefs listed in their “OOC Metainfo” or “OOC Notes” on their characters. You are required to respect these preferences so long as they pertain to ERP. If you are unsure about the meaning of some of their preferences, then use LOOC to discuss it with them. If you accidentally go against someone’s preferences, or someone else goes against yours, work to correct it as quickly as possible, even if that means just deciding in LOOC amongst yourselves that ‘this didn’t happen’ and going your separate ways.

This server was created by and for people who are voraphiles. Things might be happening around you that you're not into. If you can't accept that you might be exposed to things you don't enjoy, or actively seek to prevent people from engaging in said things, you will be asked to leave.

  • Having “No Vore” in your preferences is fine. You will just miss out on a lot of contact and interaction. If you actively seek out to interrupt scenes, it will be seen as a breach of Rule 1.
  • You can stop a scene at any moment if you are uncomfortable with it. In case it wasn’t apparent to you that you become uncomfortable with the theme and it’s not in your OOC notes, amend it so it doesn’t happen in the future to you.
  • Non-consensual scenes are part of the server. Taking a stance on your willingness to engage in them is recommended to avoid uncomfortable scenarios.
  • Kinkshaming and disparaging other users over their preferences is covered by Rule 1. Do not do this, OOC or IC. (Unless it’s part of a scene. IC kinkshaming kinks are valid.)
  • Don’t force yourself on others for scenes. This includes unsolicited jumping into food items, bodily fluids used as drinks, bothering other players while they’re scening - you will find further information in Rule 5.
  • Teasing someone in OOC communication needs their active consent. If they don’t want you to tease them, please stop. This includes when they’re teased by others and they’re fine with it.

Although not really a true rules page, you should read the Guide to Vore.

Rule 5 : Bystander Consent Policy

The inherent nature of community role-playing in an open environment means Admins will have to mediate cases under this policy on a case-by-case basis.

When you begin ERP in a well traveled place, you must consider the preferences of any character who can see your posts. If you are engaged in ERP that results in someone asking in LOOC for you and your partner(s) to move the ERP to subtle or another area, it is considered respectful of other users to do so. Similarly, if you happen upon a scene you are uncomfortable with, you can remove yourself from the situation. Both parties should be considerate of others:

  • When initiating a scene around other players, you should ensure that people around you have compatible preferences.
  • When stumbling upon a scene that makes you uncomfortable, you should consider whether you could leave without significantly hampering your own enjoyment of the game.

If the involved parties cannot resolve the conflict, admins will mediate. Usage of this rule is protective, not prohibitive - in general admins won't use this rule to shut down scenes proactively. Sharing details of your, or someone else's ERP over broad reaching forms of communication, such as the radio, department relays, or OOC, can be a violation of these rules. Do not involve the whole server in ERP they didn't sign up for. One example of situations that are subject to this policy is engaging in sex in the bar while there are people who are uncomfortable with sex who can still see the posts coming from either partner. Another is somebody working the kitchen serving food containing parts of another person to patrons. On the other hand, players are assumed to be generally okay with vore scenes due to the nature of the server.

Do note that this applies to any public space that tends to have a lot of traffic. Maintenance and other areas with less traffic are better places to do such scenes. Dorms are ideal since they’re private spaces designed for scenes.

Any aftermath of a scene also falls under this policy. Leaving body parts or prey remains in public, or in the dorms where third parties are likely to stumble upon them will violate the policy. Please clean up after yourselves when a scene is over. This also applies if you wish to have medical personnel resleeve your scene partner.

The easiest way to comply with this policy is to be considerate of other people and their preferences. When doing scenes in public spaces, ensure that all bystanders are comfortable with what you’re doing.

Rule 6 : The dorms are protected

The dorms are to use for uninterrupted, private scenes. This means most random game events also cannot affect them.

  • Don't abuse dorm protection to evade IC consequences. Criminals shouldn't hide in the dorms, and security shouldn't bust them open. In case of doubts (such as suspecting a criminal of hiding in dorms), please adminhelp for arbitration.
  • As the number of dorms is limited, do not go AFK for extended periods or disconnect in a locked dorm even if you aren’t taking a limited job slot.

Rule 7 : Use global OOC sparingly

It’s not muted by default and can be used for short communications and questions, such as server lag issues or when someone walked out on you while you were typing a response.

  • If someone misuses OOC, please alert staff so we can take care of it.
  • Banter, memes and general discussion are to be done on the discord server or in-between rounds. You can always ask for detailed assistance in #cadet-academy on the discord or in-game via mentorhelp.

Rule 8 : Do not abuse bugs or exploits

The code isn't perfect and our dev team is small. There's bound to be bugs. Deliberate abuse of bugs or other design flaws in the game's mechanics to gain an advantage not possible under typical circumstances will result in a ban. Report bugs to the server's Github so that they might be fixed.

If you are not a staff member, deliberately trying to trigger bugs in-game is not allowed. If you want to attempt to gather information of the specific bug to fix it, ask staff for permission via adminhelp.

Rule 9 : Do not Gatekeep

Gatekeeping is when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity. Everyone was a new player once. Showing kindness and patience will always be better than forceful correction.

  • Disparaging someone for doing a job because they aren’t as efficient as you is a prime example of this.
  • Giving tips is helpful - being inflammatory or pushy, saying your way is the only correct one is not.
  • Admins policing who perform command functions is not gatekeeping - newer players should learn the fundamentals first, as command positions also act as mentors and teachers for others.

Rule 10 : Do not Metacommunicate, Metagame, or Multikey

  • Metacomms: Using third-party programs such as Discord, IRC, Skype, or even the BYOND pager, to discuss and share information of the ongoing round. This excludes other players, can contribute to toxicity among the playerbase, and is often a tactic used by griefers and thus is a no-go.
  • Metagaming: Using information obtained from elsewhere to influence IC decisions and actions. Your opinions or knowledge of other players or characters obtained via OOC methods should not direct your IC actions. If you have an OOC grudge against someone, you may not try to antagonize them IC, for example.
    • Similarly, you should not use alt characters like a network for yourself - in general your characters should not know what the others know or try to share resources across multiple jobs.
    • Asking Medical to resleeve you in LOOC is okay. They might be too busy to do it right now, however, so don’t be pushy. (See Rule 9 and Rule 1)
  • Multi-keying: Logging in with multiple BYOND accounts on our game server. There is never any legitimate reason for you to do this and thus it is not allowed.

Rule 11 : Roleplay in an immersive and server-appropriate manner

As a heavy roleplaying server, we attempt to stay in character as our characters and interact with each other on the basis of our lore. Breaking immersion is very jarring and should be avoided.

  • If you cannot comply with the server rules without breaking character, then the character is inappropriate and should be modified. “It's what my character would do" is no excuse.
  • It’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of our Lore. Flagrant breaks from it are discouraged. OCs you wish to adapt should be believable within the universe.
  • Your character is an employee or contractor and probably does not want to land in jail or a loony bin. Avoid excessive violence and criminal behaviour.
  • Thorough professionalism is not required, however. You can be silly, goofy and do laser tag tournaments. Virgo is conceived as a sleepy frontier station - a place where hiring standards are rather lax due to a sparsity of people willing to work in the literal boonies.
  • Characters are expected to try and avoid pain and death. While death is not permanent due to resleeving, the process is disorienting and makes one terribly ill. This expectation is relaxed around vore, naturally.
  • If your character is suspended, permanently killed off, or otherwise removed from the station as a consequence for something horrible they did in-character, you are expected to not play that character anymore. See the guide about Permanent Death for details.
  • There is no magic in the setting. If something isn’t replicable with mechanics or in-game conceits, it should not be done in public. In private ERP, this is relaxed, but you have to explain it away reasonably when it goes public.

Rule 12 : Create server-appropriate characters

As extension of Rule 11, try to create or adapt a character that fits within the lore and the rules of the server. This facilitates roleplay and doesn’t ruin the suspension of disbelief.

  • OOC Notes and Flavor Text are required. Your OOC notes must detail your ERP preferences, and your flavor text should not include non-physical attributes and use neutral language.
  • Give them a non-immersion breaking first name (and often, a last name too), do not play obvious reference characters, or characters from published works without a special character application approved for that character.
  • Maximum height for characters is 20 feet. Minimum height is 3 inches. Anything above and below is only allowed during strictly private scenes.
  • Whitelisted species are required to follow their lore more stridently than other, non-whitelisted species.
  • Criminal, military and other “high action” backgrounds need to be vetted by admins with a special character application. In general, antagonists like on other SS13 servers are rare in the Virgo universe.

Rule 13 : Do not create IC conflict without good reason

In our setting, major violence and crime is not commonplace.. Have a believable reason for any conflict and antagonistic behavior you may exhibit and moderate yourself to keep it not at a level where admins need to intervene.

  • End of the Round Deathmatches don’t exist. Even when the round ends, we expect you to fully stay in character.
  • If you wish to perform a crime to entertain Security or get eaten, it’s wise to check first if they’re even up for it. LOOC, PDA messages and the character-directory can guide you.
  • Boredom is not a good reason. It’s entirely fine to leave the round and do something else if the station is too slow for you right now.
  • NPCs are included in this. Don’t randomly kill wildlife or other people. Just because they’re not fellow players doesn’t mean they’re not ICly people.
  • Suicide or self-mutilation is not allowed. Contact an admin if you want to have a character commit suicide. Themes of suicide and self-harm are very serious and shouldn’t be used as an attention grab. Not getting permission beforehand usually leads to a permanent ban.
  • This rule is not limited to physical altercations, if you're being unnecessarily hostile in a way that makes the game unenjoyable for others, you may be reprimanded. For instance, accusing another character of being a rapist so nobody else is willing to associate with them is definitely a hostile act that ruins their game, without being a violent one.
  • Excessive responses in self-defense are also not allowed - killing someone should be a last resort. However, if you put someone in Medbay and they come back with friends to beat you up… Try not provoking people next time.

Rule 14 : Do not powergame

Also known as “Playing to Win”. This includes things such as a doctor stealing supplies from engineering 'just in case' or a security officer fanatically pursuing an arrest at all costs.

  • Loophole abuse for Vore scenes is allowed.
  • Identifying lore-uncommon objects or creatures because you are mechanically aware of how they operate also is not allowed. Your character should not be implicitly familiar with the horrors of the Universe unless they actually encountered them in-game in a consistent manner.
  • Abusing game mechanics such as the tram or access changes to work multiple departments is also not allowed. If you joined as a job by mistake, you can of course fix it.
  • Having a wide skillset is getting close to this rule. You should keep your knowledge of other department skills at a minimum. Engineers shouldn’t do surgery and officers shouldn’t wire the engine. It’s suggested to make a character per department.

Rule 15 : Do not Godmode

Creating abilities out of nowhere, RPing how other characters react, think, feel or act or doing impossible things is not allowed. If you cannot replicate it with mechanics, it’s not allowed in public.

  • This includes being immune to pain or death. Pain is mechanically enforced and should be played out. Even pain-immune species are still suffering from negative effects of their injuries.
  • Accidental injuries are still in-character injuries unless an admin heals you. Admin heals are generally out of character to void the injury.
  • Admins who are caught abusing admin powers to godmode will be severely punished.
    • Spawning things for scenes is fine. In doubt, adminhelp to ask.

Rule 16 : Perform the duties of your chosen job

When your character joins the round, you are accepting the responsibilities that the job you have chosen brings with it. Remember: if you are playing in a slot, you are likely preventing other players from performing that role. It is important that you fulfill the tasks that you have signed up for!

  • Security should protect the station from danger, Engineering should ensure that power is up and that people can breathe, Medical should treat injuries, Supply should bring in needed cargo on request, Science should do... science stuff, and Service should provide food. Command's job is to make sure at least these basics are being fulfilled, and to react accordingly in an emergency.
  • Characters should be capable of performing their duties mentally and physically. Blind surgeons are an impossibility and so are hardcore anarchist security officers.
  • If you are repeatedly unable to perform the minimal duties of your chosen job, you may restricted from playing said job or asked to revise the character.
  • Do not hijack other people's jobs. For example, if you're a chemist but someone needs surgery, and there's already a surgeon who isn't currently busy, give them an opportunity to perform the surgery before doing it yourself. Similar examples exist in every department, so use your judgment. If you are getting in the way of someone’s chosen job, you should not do it. Similarly, just because you have access doesn’t mean you have to do the job. You should not do jobs outside of your department except in an emergency where you have already faxed for relevant personnel, waited, and received no response.
  • If something happens when you're unable to respond, in the middle of something (or someone) else or otherwise indisposed, then that is alright. You shouldn’t ignore an emergency for your department if you are free, however. You can always go off-duty.

Rule 17 : Follow reasonable orders

Your department head is your boss. You should listen to them when they give orders that are expected and reasonable. Similarly, the Site Manager/Captain is your bosses’ boss. Not following reasonable orders consistently will lead to an admin investigation.

  • You can disobey orders you think are harmful, immoral, or violating Corporate Regulations. Use your judgment and consider whether or not disobeying the order could get you in trouble or get someone else horribly killed.
  • If you are given an order or AI law that may break another server rule, please alert the admins for a second opinion before continuing.
  • Obnoxious, unreasonable and plain unfun commands can be adminhelped for a second opinion. This includes abusing the AI to open doors unreasonably or telling a silicon to switch modules.
  • If you consistently give out unreasonable orders, you may be banned from positions with the authority to issue such orders.

Rule 18 : Don't cause problems for scenes you agreed to

You are always allowed to decide what content you participate in as per Rule 4. You do not have to do non-con scenes. However, if you do, it’s to be expected you don’t cause trouble for your partners for giving you what you wanted. Try to forget things ICly and if you want to act out calling for help, do so in a way it doesn’t involve bystanders, as per Rule 5.

  • Non-Contiguous Memory Disorder (or Non-Con Disorder for short) is the in-character explanation for your character losing memories of recent events leading up to their death. You should not remember how you died, or who killed you if it was unwilling.
  • Similarly, bringing up previous non-con encounters from rounds before is a faux pas and usually leads to admins intervening IC and OOC.
  • If someone breaks this rule, adminhelp for a second opinion of an admin. Usually, you can just disregard it, though.

Rule 19 : The intent of the rules is more important than the letter

The purpose of the rules is to preserve a fun and enjoyable environment for all players. If everyone is enjoying themselves even while the ‘letter’ of a rule is not being followed, it’s likely that no staff intervention will be required. On the other hand, just because something isn't in the rules doesn't mean it's okay or allowed if it's upsetting a large number of players.

  • Plenty of rules are left vague enough to cover as much as possible without being too oppressing. Attempting to rules-lawyer saying that "this rule doesn't specifically say I can't do X", even if what you are doing is disrupting the server, will generally be ignored. We generally expect our players to be able to recognize what a server-appropriate character would and wouldn't do within this fictional setting.

Rule 20 : The staff is here to arbitrate, enforce and interpret the Rules

The staff is here to maintain the community using the rules.

  • It is within admin staff's discretion to decide that certain actions violate one or more rules, even if the specific action is not listed as part of the rule. You can appeal decisions to other admins if you believe one has a bias against you.
  • One admin's word is usually as good as any other. For example, just because the Server Host says it's okay to do something one moment doesn't mean you can still do it when a Trial Admin later tells you to stop.
  • If you have received previous instructions of an admin over a thing you are being admin-pmd for, please inform them of such. No admin supersedes another in authority, however, so if they insist you stop what you’re doing, then stop.
  • If you have a question over something unclear or questionable, never be afraid to adminhelp. The staff on hand should discuss it among themselves and give you a ruling.
  • Modmails on Discord can also be used if you wish to broach a topic and another admin ruling with the whole team.
  • Head Admins are to arbitrate conflict between admins or if you think an admin has a severe bias or is negatively contributing to the community.
  • The staff should also NEVER ban you purely for a complaint against them. If you receive punitive actions or negative bias from a staff member over a complaint or worry, please inform head staff immediately. Even if said staff is a head admin themselves.
  • Do not try to weaponize the admins. Trying to encourage others to break the rules by deliberately antagonizing them and then calling an admin will lead to you getting into trouble.

Rule 21 : Do not backseat admin

If you are not an admin, it's not up to you to enforce the rules. Do not threaten users with calling an admin, and do not try to punish players for breaking these server rules. If you think somebody is breaking the rules, call a staff member. Telling somebody that something is against the rules is fine. Harassing them in OOC or actively trying to enforce that rule is not allowed.

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